A virtual open house, a readathon and a community service project were just some of the activities that took place at Pope John Paul II (PJP II) Regional Catholic Elementary School in West Brandywine during Catholic Schools Week. The theme of this year's event, which ran from Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, was "Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service."

The celebration began on Jan. 31, when student ambassadors spoke about Catholic schools at local churches during Sunday services. PJP II students were also encouraged to wear their PJP II gear to Sunday Mass.

Student Council sponsored a school-wide drive to collect baby items for Birthright in Coatesville, a nonprofit organization that assists women facing unplanned pregnancies. Items collected by the students included baby wipes, diapers and baby shampoo.

In honor of Dr. Seuss, "Green Eggs and Eagles" was celebrated on Feb. 2, when students were invited to wear Eagles green. Students also took part in the inaugural Dr. Seuss-themed readathon, which ran from Feb. 1 through midnight on Feb. 5.

According to Maria Samson, development director, students got credit for minutes read in their classrooms and at home. Younger students could record the number of minutes that books were read to them. The readathon was also a fundraiser; students were invited to ask friends and family members for financial support during the week.

With assistance from their parents, students recorded their progress on a secure web platform. "It was neat that students had their own profile pages with a photo, and, if they raised $200 or more, they got a shout out on (the PJP II) Facebook (page) as a 'Superstar,'" Samson explained.

For every $25 they raised, students received a ticket to be entered into a random drawing. Prizes included a computer tablet. One student won the honor of being "Administrator for the Day."

"In total they read over 58,000 minutes, and raised more than $30,000," Samson reported.

On Feb. 3, students in grades five through eight competed in a "Super Bowling" tournament where teams had a chance to compete for a trophy. In honor of Dr. Seuss, students dressed up on Wacky Tacky Wednesday, wearing crazy hats and silly socks.

In lieu of its traditional open house, the school held a virtual open house on Feb. 4. Students also attended a virtual assembly with the Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick, pastor of St. Peter Church in Coatesville, who answered student questions about religious vocations.

Catholic Schools Week concluded with a school-wide recitation of the Rosary, and teachers were honored with special snacks provided by the Home and School Association.

PJP II, located at 2875 Manor Road (Route 82), West Brandywine, is open to students in preschool through eighth grade. It is also home to Little Saints Academy, which serves infants and toddlers ages 6 weeks to 36 months. The school's partner parishes are St. Peter, Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Joseph in Coatesville and Our Lady of Consolation in Parkesburg.

For more information about the school, readers may contact Samson at 610-384-5961, ext. 5408, or visit http://www.popejohnpaul2sch.org or http://www.facebook.com/PJPIISchoolWestBrandywine.