Leading with Faith

November 19th, 2024

12/1/24 Fire Safety Inspection Must be Completed; Report Due 12/16/2024

12/15/24 NYSDOH Annual School Immunization Survey Due 12/15

12/16/24 Fire Safety Inspection Report Due 12/16/2024

12/20/24 Complete Eight of the 12 Required Evacuation or Lockdown Drills

Year 6 MST Grant Payments: I spoke with NYSED/ORISS representatives at the RISE conference last week about the MST grant payments. They told me they hoped that Year 6 payments, for approved applications submitted by 8/1/2023, will hopefully be sent out by Thanksgiving.

Fire Drills; Fire Safety Report: As December approaches, remember to finish your first eight required safety drills by the December 31st deadline. Hopefully you were able to complete the six recommended evacuation (fire) drills so you have December to complete two of your four required lockdown drills. Click here for a sample fire drill tracking form.

If your Fire Safety Inspection has not yet been completed, you must arrange to complete one prior to December 1st and, for most schools, the inspection report must be filed with the Commissioner via the Business Portal prior to December 16th. As I mentioned previously, the Fire Safety Reports for all schools that are located outside of the city of Buffalo with more than 25 students must be submitted via the NYSED Business Portal. Information on the process and the required Non-Public forms can be found on this webpage. Several schools had trouble locating the online report so here is the best way to get to your report (from Directions on Accessing the Nonpublic School Annual Fire Safety Report (nysed.gov):

1. Log into the NYSED Business Portal at https://portal.nysed.gov/

2. Under “My Applications”, choose “Facilities Planning-Fire Safety”.

3. Once you select “SEDREF Buildings” your school will appear.

4. Select “Enter Report” to input the data from your completed Fire Safety inspection.

Reviewing and Enhancing Social Studies Curriculum: Academic Excellence

NYS Requirements and Resources

Introduction

As we begin reviewing the curriculum across all content areas, it's an ideal time to examine the requirements for social studies and identify excellent resources for effective instruction. During our strategic planning process, self-study for Middle States Accreditation, and preparation for substantial equivalency, this is a perfect opportunity to assess your curricular needs in each content area.

Social Studies promotes civic competence through the integrated study of social sciences and humanities. It draws from disciplines such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, political science, psychology, and sociology. The goal is to help students make informed decisions for the public good as citizens of a diverse, democratic society.

Framework

The Social Studies Framework focuses on:

• Developing understanding through inquiry and analysis of primary and secondary sources.

• Assessing students on key ideas and Social Studies practices.

• Instructing students using cohesive themes and concepts across K-12.

• Empowering districts and teachers to decide how to teach key ideas and concepts.

Overview

The New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework is based on the Common Core Standards for Literacy and Writing and the NYS Learning Standards for Social Studies. These standards ensure consistent expectations for student learning and readiness for college or careers.

Patriotism and Citizenship

• Understanding the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and New York State Constitution.

• Learning about New York State history and civics.

• Providing instruction in patriotism and citizenship for students over eight years old.

• Including civility, citizenship, and character education in the K-12 curriculum.

Grade-Specific Requirements

• Grades 1-4: Focus on geography and U.S. history to meet elementary learning standards.

• Grades 5-8: Two units of study in Social Studies, with at least 180 minutes of instruction per week.

NYS Social Studies Learning Standards

• Detailed standards for each grade level.

• NYS Social Studies Learning Standards

Resources for Western New York Catholic Schools

In Western New York Catholic Schools, Catholic identity is integrated throughout the Social Studies curriculum. Useful resources include:

• Social Studies Curriculum Page

• myWorld Interactive – Elementary Social Studies Curriculum by Savvas.

• Integrated Social Studies/ELA Curriculum.

• Let's Find Out.

• McGraw Hill 6-12 Social Studies.

• Inquiries Archive - C3 Teachers.

This information is based on guidelines from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) source. Social Studies | New York State Education Department

Weekly Virtual Principal Meetings: Academic Excellence

Meeting Details:

• Day and Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

• Platform: Microsoft Teams (link sent by Laurie)

Math Competition

Our competition is this Friday. Good luck to all of our participants.

Students are asked to wear their school uniform or spirit wear. They may bring a water bottle with them.

Schools are asked to bring calculators and pencils with them for each student. The Diocese does not have calculators available for use.

For the 3-5th graders, please arrive by 9am with the Competition starting promptly at 9:30am.

For the 6-8th graders, please arrive by 11am with the Competition starting promptly at 11:30am.

If your students are staying all day, please have them bring a lunch and drink with them. There are no vending machines available.

Spelling Bee

Lesson planning communicates to learners what they will learn and how their goals will be assessed, and it helps instructors organize content, materials, time, instructional strategies, and assistance during the lesson.Effective lesson planning is crucial for engaging and informative instruction. While there is no specific NYSED guideline dedicated solely to teachers' lesson plans or plan books, we have identified some best practices for elementary school lesson planning, and included some resources for generating lesson plans and lesson plan templates. Best practices include:

1. Creating Clear Learning Objectives

• Specificity: Clearly define what students should know and be able to do after the lesson.

• Measurability: Use action verbs (e.g., identify, analyze, create) to make objectives measurable.

• Alignment: Ensure objectives align with broader learning goals and standards.

2. Including Engaging Activities

• Variety: Incorporate a mix of activities to cater to different learning styles.

• Relevance: Connect activities to real-world situations to make learning meaningful.

• Active Participation: Encourage student involvement through discussions, group work, and hands-on experiences.

3. Incorporating Effective Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Use quizzes, exit slips, or questioning to monitor student progress during the lesson.

• Summative Assessment: Design assessments (e.g., tests, projects) to evaluate overall learning.

• Feedback: Provide timely and specific feedback to help students improve.

4. Being Ready to Differentiate

• Multiple Pathways: Offer various ways for students to access and demonstrate their learning.

• Flexible Grouping: Group students based on their needs and abilities.

• Tiered Assignments: Assign tasks at different levels of complexity.

5. Integrating Technology

• Purposeful Use: Use technology to enhance learning, not just for the sake of it.

• Student Engagement: Select tools that are engaging and interactive.

• Digital Literacy: Teach students how to use technology responsibly and effectively.

6. Assuring Positive Classroom Management

• Positive Environment: Create a supportive and respectful learning atmosphere.

• Clear Expectations: Establish clear rules and procedures.

• Time Management: Use effective time management strategies to maximize instructional time.

7. Including Reflection and Adaptation

• Self-Assessment: Reflect on your teaching practices to identify areas for improvement.

• Student Feedback: Consider student feedback to refine your lessons.

• Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your plans as needed based on student needs and unexpected circumstances.

An excellent AI lesson plan generator that details individual plans linked to standards may be found at Magic School AI: MagicSchool AI . Give it a try!

Autoclassmate is another AI tool that helps generate plans and activities associated with a lesson of your choice:

Activation and Engagement Activity Generator | Auto Classmate

Other templates (non-AI generated) may be found at:

Planbook

Lesson plan templates you can customize for free | Canva

Marzano Lesson Plan Template | Study.com

Hope this can be of help!

Have a blessed and safe week!

Virtue/Character Awards

November is all about Service. Virtue/Character Award Nominations can be made using the link.

Years of Service Certificates

Certificates are awarded to any administrator, teacher, and staff member who will reach a milestone during the 2024-25 school year.

Click on the Years of Service link https://forms.gle/pyAEpF7bN34i69YP7 to submit the names of the employees you wish to have honored. Deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025

Save the Date

The next Principals Meeting will be on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at St. Gregory the Great (Parish Center). The registration form will be in Leading with Faith the week after Thanksgiving.