Leading with Faith
April 30th, 2024
Karen Monaco, St. Amelia School in Tonawanda
by Julie Gajewski
As we honor teachers throughout this month, the Diocese of Buffalo Department of Catholic Schools is thrilled to announce the recipients of this year's prestigious Golden Apple Award. This award celebrates educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and exhibit an exceptional dedication to enhancing the lives of their students. This year's distinguished winners are as follows:
East Region: Karen Genovese from St. Mary School, Swormville
North Region: Karen Monaco from St. Amelia School, Tonawanda
South Region: Michael Kerwin from Nativity of Our Lord, Orchard Park
Genovese, Monaco, and Kerwin shine brightly for their steadfast dedication to nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of their students. By infusing faith into the fabric of their classrooms, these exemplary educators cultivate an atmosphere where moral values, ethical principles, and personal development are seamlessly integrated into the academic curriculum.
In addition to their unwavering commitment to faith-based education, these award recipients are recognized for their continuous pursuit of professional growth. Through on-going learning and refinement of their teaching methods, they ensure that each student receives a top-tier education. Their relentless dedication has yielded remarkable academic achievements among their students, showcasing the tangible impact of their efforts.
An outstanding attribute of each Golden Apple recipient is their remarkable ability to engage students in the learning process. Through innovative teaching techniques and genuine enthusiasm for their subjects, they ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning in every student. Whether through stimulating discussions, hands-on activities, or imaginative projects, these educators create an educational journey that is both enriching and unforgettable.
Moreover, each winner embodies the spirit of collaboration, actively involving themselves in the broader school community to foster an environment of inclusivity and support. Whether through collaboration with fellow educators, partnership with parents, or involvement in extracurricular activities, the Golden Apple recipients consistently go above and beyond to ensure the success and well-being of every student.
by Chris Riso
May 14th, 2024
5/17/24 Order Hardware, Software, and Library Materials from District to Use Up Funds
5/17/24 Erie 1 BOCES Title IIa Consortium Leadership Meeting from 1-2:30pm
5/20/24 Last Day to Register for Free UB Summer Graduate Classes
6/1/24 Last day for Parents to Request Special Education Services from Districts
6/14/24 Complete 2024-25 Professional Development Plan (Recommended)
6/16/24 Complete 12 Required Drills; Four must be Lockdown Drills
6/27/24 NYSED Nonpublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) Claims Due
7/1/24 First day 2024-2025 Textbook Orders are allowed
TBD NYSED Elementary School AIS Claims Due
8/1/24 NYSED MST/STEM Grant Submission Deadline
Title IIa Funds – Complete a Written 2024-2025 PD Plan by 6/14/2024: I just wanted to remind you that you will need to make a decision in the next few months as to how you would like the public school district to spend Title IIa funds for your Professional Development needs. In order to make this decision, you really should take the time now to work with your staff and complete a written Professional Development Plan. Now is the time you should be finalizing your written Professional Development plan for the 2024-2025 school year. Make sure you decide on your school’s PD focus and ensure your budget of both Title IIa funds and school-based funds allows you to successfully implement your plan. For those interested, I have prepared an updated PD Plan template recommended by our Department, one that asks you to identify the biggest concerns in your school, decide on the PD you would like to attempt as a way to remediate that concern, and establish a way to measure whether your PD has led to any improvements in the classroom related to that concern. Please continue your consultation with the public school district in which you are located regarding your Title IIa dollars and make a decision as to where those funds will “reside” for the 2024-2025 school year so you can complete and sign the “2024-2025 Written Affirmation of LEA Consultation with Private School Officials” form by the end of August. Call me if you wish to discuss your Title IIa options once you have established your PD plan.
by Laurie Wojtaszczyk
Catholic Charities has created a fundraising contest for our schools - The Catholic Charities Cup! The top elementary and top high school to raise the most money before May 31 will be presented with a trophy and an ice cream party. See this flyer for more information. A letter will be emailed shortly with more details.
Many of our elementary and high schools have programs running throughout the summer. Check them all out here.
Our Diocesan Grade Advancement date is July 17th this year. Please make sure all records are up to date as this will happen automatically through eSchool Data.
Principals- please remember to send your MSA information to Laurie before May 23rd.
by Nancy DiBerardino
Tomorrow is the last day to RSVP for the Character Award and Golden Apple Ceremony at St. Amelia's on May 28th beginning with 6pm Mass.
The May 22nd Principal Meeting will be held at the UB Newman Center. Here is the RSVP link as well as the agenda. Pastors were invited through a separate letter and need to RSVP by May 12.
The Character Virtue for May is Optimism. Please submit your names here by June 7th.
Our calendar for the 2024-2025 year is ready, but is subject to change as the year progresses.
URGENT: If you have not ordered your school supplies for the end of the year, please use this link to notify Nancy of your needs.
by Rachel Zeller
- Cardboard Arcade
- 1st Place: St. Mary's, Lancaster
- 2nd & 3rd: St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville
- Fashionably Yours
- Level 2 1st Place SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg
- Level 3 1st Place St. Mary's, Lancaster
- Kitchen Chemistry
- 1st Place: Christ the King, Snyder
- 2nd Place: SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg
- 3rd Place: St. John the Baptist, Alden
- 4th Place: St. Stephen's, Grand Island
- VEX IQ Full Volume Robotics Challenge
- 1st Place: St. Andrew's Country Day School, Kenmore - Mr. Robot
- 2nd Place: DeSales, Lockport - TED
Additional students participated in our Science Fair, which included some terrific exhibits (we're told Bishop Mike was especially fascinated by the Fast Food exhibit!) We appreciate all of the participating schools!
All schools representing the Diocese include:
Christ the King, Snyder
DeSales Catholic School, Niagara Falls
Our Lady of Victory, Lackawanna
St. Andrew's Country Day School, Kenmore
St. Christopher's, Tonawanda
SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg
SS. Peter & Paul, Williamsville
St. Amelia's, Tonawanda
St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville
St. John the Baptist, Alden
St. Mary’s, Lancaster
St. Mary School, Swormville
St. Peter's, Lewiston
St. Stephen's, Grand Island
5/13-15 - Diocesan Art Show, St. Mary Swormville, 6-8pm
5/20-21 - Diocesan Track Meet, St. Francis
5/22 - Principal's Meeting, UB Newman Center
5/28 - Character Awards Celebration, St. Amelia's, 6pm Mass