ND’s Big Blue ACE RV Celebrates Hope in Tampa Catholic Schools

Last updated on: March 12, 2015 at 4:47 pm by Lisa M. Hendey

ND’s Big Blue ACE RV Celebrates Hope in Tampa Catholic Schools 2015-03-12T16:47:33-07:00 Lisa M. Hendey

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

As an alumna of the University of Notre Dame, I always love following the good fruit being born by various programs of the University. One of these is the amazing Alliance for Catholic Education program which continues to find new and dynamic ways of supporting and promoting Catholic education.

I loved reading this week’s story about one of ACE’s tour stops on the 50-city campaign it is making around the country:

Nearly two decades ago, Sacred Heart Catholic School in Pinellas Park, Fla. was on the “death watch list,’’ said Bishop Robert Lynch of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Families struggled to afford private school tuition, enrollment dwindled and tough decisions loomed for school leaders.

But instead of closing the school, Lynch forged a partnership with the University of Notre Dame and the Alliance for Catholic Education, a graduate program that trains future Catholic teachers and leaders.

Nearly 17 years later, Sacred Heart has more than 200 students and, like other Tampa Bay area Catholic schools, is expecting more growth in the years to come. It’s a success story that owes a lot to ACE.

“It saved these … schools,’’ Lynch told redefinED Wednesday, during a celebration that brought a giant blue RV emblazoned with the University of Notre Dame and ACE logos onto the grounds of Sacred Heart.

The stop was part of a national 50-city tour called Fighting for Our Children’s Future. It’s designed to raise awareness about the value of Catholic education and the profound impact it can have on children’s lives. It also stresses the need to keep Catholic schools relevant, active – and open. More than 1,300 U.S. Catholic schools have closed in the past 20 years. Read more…

Presentation of a University of Notre Dame Sorin Award for Service to Catholic Schools to the Most Rev. Robert Lynch, bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Three excellent points underscored for me by William Schmitt of ACE and highlighted by the full article show local Tampa results that are being mirrored around the country:

Increased enrollment: It’s noteworthy that enrollment in the two Notre Dame ACE Academies in the area has increased strongly since 2012—by 25% at Sacred Heart and 27% at St. Joseph.
Closing the gap: Considering the goal of closing the “achievement gap” that burdens so many minority students trapped in failing schools, one can look at the 8th grade Math class at St. Joseph. The 26 students in this 8th grade class began the year at grade level. After 5 months, the class is scoring at the 12th grade equivalency. The Academies remind their students every day that their dual goals are “college and heaven.”
Corporate and Community Support: Senior Vice President of sales Sean O’Grady presented the $40,000 check. A new play structure will be installed, and local General Mills volunteers got right to work at both Sacred Heart and St. Joseph, shoveling mulch to help make the students’ play area safer and more accessible. The hydroponic learning gardens, a major addition to the schools’ nutrition and wellness programs, received special care from a local company, Hydro Harvest Farms.

Stay tuned as that big blue ACE RV motors its way around the country this Spring. I hope to share a personal encounter with the ACE team soon and will be keeping our readers posted on this season-long celebration of Catholic education.

Good Measures

@Aceatnd

Alliance for Catholic Education

Catholic Education

Catholic Schools

Notre Dame

Previous Post

February 25, 2014

What Do You Want from Your Parish? Sacramental Preparation

Next Post

February 26, 2014 What Do You Want from Your Parish? Religious Education

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category @Pontifex Books Catholic Geek Stuff Catholic Moments Family Life Good Measures Liturgical Calendar New Evangelization News Reviews Rwanda Saints Speaking Tanzania Journal Top Catholic Tweets Travel Uncategorized Vocations Yes

Select a Month August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What miracle did Elisha perform for a widow?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Made fire fall Raised her son Multiplied oil Fed 5,000