The Diocese of Brooklyn is committed to Catholic education. Here are some of the many annual events hosted by the diocese for students and teachers in Catholic schools.
Diocesan Math Bee
Each year, the diocese, with the support of Sadlier Publishers, hosts two annual Math Bee competitions: upper grades (6-8) and middle grades (3-5). During the Math Bee, students are challenged to think under pressure, solving difficult math problems within a time limit. The competition is aligned to the common core and contestants advance to the Diocesan Math Bee from their Regional Bee. They advance to the Regional Bee from their respective school-wide competition
Oratorical Contest
The annual diocesan oratorical contest provides a wonderful forum for the development of a child’s oratorical skills. This is a great opportunity to foster the development of poise and confidence in students and provide a medium to enhance the essential life skill of public speaking. Winners from each participating school gather annually to deliver famous speeches of their choosing.
Aquinas Expo
Each year, members of each school’s Aquinas Honors Society, under the direction of a teacher-advisor, select an issue to research and create a collaborative project with written, visual and technological aspects. During this exciting event, students gather to display and present their research projects.
Early Childhood Extravaganza
This annual event consists of an entire morning jam packed with a keynote address, breakout sessions, vendors and a multitude of useful information for those principals, teachers and coordinators responsible for the education of early childhood students. All teachers in grades Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 are invited to attend to develop their skills. Developmentally appropriate practices within the early childhood classroom are discussed, as well as new educational tools and methods to reach young minds.
Celebration of Catholic Education
The annual Celebration of Catholic Education is a full day of professional development for Catholic educators, attracting over 700 elementary education teachers. Professional development workshops and presentations typically include information about technology, Common Core Standards, Catholic identity, aligning instructions and assessment with Common Core Standards, state assessment changes, science, and more.
Tech Expo
The annual Tech Expo is a professional day for educators within the diocese devoted to developing their skills in technology. The aim for the event is to educate teachers on how to better utilize the tools of the 21st century in the teaching and learning process. Equipped with new knowledge, teachers are then able to educate the students in their classrooms with new tools and insight.
Catholic Schools Night at Citi Field
This semi-annual event is a collaboration between the Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services, Catholic academies and schools, and the Mets. Catholic school students and their families and friends are able to purchase discounted tickets through the schools to go to a Mets game. With the national anthem sung by children and freebies for those attending, it is a great way for all academies and schools to build community, raise funds, and strengthen team spirit! The Mets even offer incentives for the students and schools who sell the most tickets, and do you want to know the best part? All tickets purchased for the game also raise money for the academy or school through which they were purchased.
