Pope John Paul II Catholic School will join Catholic educators across the country Jan. 30 through Feb. 5 in the celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2011.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the value of a Catholic education and to celebrate the students, teachers, parents, churches and community members who support our efforts all year long," says Dr. Rick Kruska, Pope John Paul II (PJPII) principal.

PJPII will begin the week with a special open house from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30. During the event, prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to participate in tours of the school and meet faculty members.

"Our open house will serve to answer any questions that parents may have as they consider the educational options for their children," Kruska said.

The week also kicks off registration for the 2011-2012 school year. Based on inquiries and current enrollment, PJPII anticipates classes will fill up quickly, so parents are encouraged to register early, a news release said.

Additional events in celebration of National Catholic Schools Week will focus on the students. Each day, the school will offer special enrichment programs through a fine arts day, math day and religion day. A science day will include a student science fair.

The theme for the week is "Catholic Schools: A+ for America." It celebrates the value of a Catholic education. The traditionally high academic standards, exceptional graduation rates and value-based curriculum found in Catholic schools enable graduates to make a positive contribution to American society, the school said in a news release.

At PJPII Catholic School, outstanding academics, grounded in the spirit and values of the Catholic Church, prepare students for life through faith, service and leadership, according to Kruska.

"To be successful in life, our young people need a broad spectrum of academic experiences ranging from language and history to mathematics, science and computer technology," Kruska said. "At Pope John Paul II, we provide that and more."

The core curriculum at PJPII parallels the North Carolina course of study and is augmented by the Diocese of Raleigh.

PJPII is fully accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. All of its teachers are certified by the state of North Carolina. All students receive foreign language, religious instruction and physical education. Advanced Smart Boards are in every classroom, and a one-to-one computing program is available for middle school students. Extra-curricular offerings include choir, drama and Lego Robotics. >

Anyone needing more information about the school can visit www.jp2catholicschool.org or call (910) 692-6241.