Leading with Faith

3/14/25 Last Day to Submit Erie 1 BOCES Textbook Requisitions

3/17/25 Save Mandated Services Claim online for C. Riso Review

3/31/25 NYSED Nonpublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) Claims Due (Date may change)

3/31/25 NYSED Elementary School AIS Claims Due (Date may change)

4/1/25 Online 2023-24 Mandated Services Claim Due to NYSED

4/1/25 Updated Mandated Reporter Training Due for All Required Staff

4/1/25 Parent Requests for 2025-26 Transportation Due to Public School Districts

NYSED Mandated Services Update: Remember, there are only 13 school days until the 4/1/25 Mandated Services claim submission deadline (and 4 Days from my 3/17/25 recommended claim entry deadline), so if you have not yet opened and entered your 2024 claim online yet, please do so today. See my 3/4/25 post for more information. If you ask, I can look your claim over once it has been entered online on the NYSED Business Portal (but NOT submitted!) by 3/17/25. Any reviews left until after that date may result in insufficient time to correct any areas of concern prior to the submission deadline.

Mandated Services Benefits - “Who’s Where” Retirement Account Reports: Jennifer Hoffman from our HR Department shared the instructions for creating a “Who’s Where” 403b Employer Contribution report to add to your 2023-24 Mandated Services Benefits amounts. See How to run an Invoiced Plans Detailed Report.docx

Mandated Services – Forward any NYSED “Post Review” or “Hold” emails: As your Mandated Services claims are submitted, some schools labeled as “Post Review” or “Hold” will get an email from NYSED at some point. Please forward to me any emails you get from the state that request follow-up on your end to resolve a claim. I highly recommend you allow me to assist you during this review process. Be especially careful with anything you say to NYSED representatives on the phone – I recommend you get their requests in writing and make your responses in writing.

Print a Copy of your Submitted 2023-2024 Mandated Services Claim: Once you complete and submit your 2023-2024 Mandated Services Claim, I recommend that you print a copy of your claim and put it in your Mandated Services folder. Since NYSED only retains claims from the past three years, it would make sense for you to have a hard copy of your claim for your records. To print your claim, first click on “Summary of Expenditures” and then expand all Mandates that you are receiving reimbursement for. Then right click and select “print”. Once you are on the print/preview screen, you will probably need to change the layout to “Landscape” in order to ensure that all of the information prints (check the preview).

Updated (Once in a Lifetime) Mandated Reporter Training Requirements Due 4/1/25: All Principals, Teachers, Nurses, Counselors, and Bus Drivers must complete the updated Mandated Reporter Training (“Identification & Reporting of Child Abuse & Maltreatment Training”) by April 1st. A free 2-hour online training is available at https://www.nysmandatedreporter.org/TrainingCourses.aspx. Each staff member should complete this individually and then print out a certificate of completion for their personnel file. Staff in the NYSED TEACH system should have that information ready so the completed training will show up there. “Progress is saved at the end of each section, so you can complete it at your own pace.” Although Erie 1 BOCES sent a letter informing you that they have that training available at a cost of $30 per person, you do not need to use their service for this training.

There has also been recent debate about whether Before and After School Program staff need to complete this training because these staff are considered to provide “School Aged Child Care” and therefore would be required to take it. My contact at the Catholic Conference and our legal advisor both recommend that you ask these employees to complete this training, even if it's not an official state requirement; your legal counsel might need to be contacted before making this training a requirement.

Yearly “Child Abuse in an Educational Setting Training” Now Available for Purchase: Go to the NYSED Child Abuse Prevention Training website for info on the annual “Child Abuse in an Educational Setting Training” requirements. The training deadline is one year after the last time your school gave this training to your staff – not April 1! Erie 1 BOCES just finished updating their training and is making it available to purchase. The training is again a PowerPoint presentation with narration that you can play for your staff as a group or for new staff as they are hired. E1B will sell the updated “Child Abuse in an Educational Setting” training at a discounted one-time fee of $250 per NEW interested school affiliated with the Buffalo Diocese. Existing schools who previously purchased the training can purchase the updated training (recommended) for $100. This expense is reimbursable under the NPSE program. If you are ready to purchase the training, contact Ashley Sweeney at 716-821-7115 or asweeney@e1b.org.

Academic Excellence: Streamlining Science Investigation Tracking for Grades 5 & 8

Introduction

As we prepare for the upcoming Computer-Based Testing (CBT), ensuring organizational efficiency with science investigations for grades 5 and 8 is essential. Proper tracking, record-keeping, and data transfer are critical components of this process. To streamline these procedures and maintain compliance, schools must adhere to specific guidelines for recording and managing student investigation data.

Completion Requirements and Tracking

All four mandated investigations must be completed before students take the CBT in 5th or 8th grade, necessitating careful monitoring of individual student progress and timely make-up sessions for incomplete investigations. Completed investigation records should be retained for six months post-graduation from 5th or 8th grade, after which they can be securely destroyed.

Student Transfers

When a student transfers schools, a checklist of completed investigations should be forwarded to the new institution, eliminating the need to send physical student packets.

Recording in eSchool

For recording science investigations within eSchool, navigate to Academic > Assessments, locate the required investigations by searching "Investigations," and input completion scores either directly through teacher gradebooks (if the assessment is linked to the science course) or via mass upload using a spreadsheet containing assessment name, student ID, score, and completion date.

Benefits of eSchool Tracking

Utilizing eSchool's assessment feature facilitates tracking across years and schools within the diocese, enabling seamless transfer of student records.

State Reporting and Record Keeping

While scores on elementary and middle school science investigations are not reported to the state, maintaining accurate records is crucial. If a student transfers, these records must be transferred to the new school.

Additional Resources

For further guidance, consult the New York State Education Department's Frequently Asked Questions document, specifically questions 17-20 regarding Scoring and Record Keeping, available at: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

eSchoolData Support

Additionally, eSchoolData users should contact the eSchoolData support team at eSchoolDataTeam@e1b.org to explore specific recording options within the system.

Weekly Virtual Principal Meetings

Meeting Details:

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

• Platform: Microsoft Teams (link sent by Laurie)

ONE WEEK LEFT TO REGISTER for the Science Fair Exhibition - St. Joseph’s Collegiate institute, March 29, 2025

Participant Set-Up: 8:30-10am in the Art Room

Discussion Session & photos of projects with students: 10am-12pm

• Life Science 10-10:30am
• Physical Science 10:30-11:30am
• Engineering 11:30am-12pm

Students will need to be with their projects until I have had a chance to come and discuss their project with them. They are welcome to walk around the X-STREAM Games or participate in other events as well. If the student is needed in another X-STREAM event area during the assigned discussion time, I am happy to set a separate time with them to discuss their project.

Art Show - Notre Dame Academy, May 13-15, 2025

The 35th Annual Diocesan Art Exhibition will be held at Notre Dame Academy, 260 Okell St, Buffalo. All schools are welcome to attend. You can find more information and sign up through this link or scan the QR code on the attached information sheet. Your school must register by April 18th, however early registration is highly encouraged.

DIFFERENTIATION IN THE CLASSROOM AND RELATED TEACHER ACTIVITIES

Here are some differentiated instructional strategies for elementary students, along with related activities for teachers:

1. Tiered Instruction:

• Description: This strategy involves planning lessons with activities at varying levels of complexity, based on students' readiness, interest, or learning profile. The core concept remains the same, but the level of support, complexity, or required product differs.

• Example: A lesson on plant life cycles.

• Tier 1 (Support Needed): Students create a simple diagram of the plant life cycle using pre-cut pictures and labels. They verbally explain each stage with teacher guidance.

• Tier 2 (On-Level): Students create their own diagram of the plant life cycle, labeling each stage and writing a short sentence describing what happens at each stage.

• Tier 3 (Advanced): Students research and create a presentation or mini-book about the life cycle of a specific plant, including details about its adaptations and environmental needs.

• Teacher Activity: Lesson planning with intentional differentiation. Create a matrix or table that outlines the different tiers, the learning activities for each tier, and the assessment method for each. This helps visualize the differentiated instruction.

2. Flexible Grouping:

• Description: Students are grouped based on their needs, which can change frequently. Groups can be based on readiness, interest, or learning profile. Grouping is fluid and changes as students progress.

• Example: During a reading unit, students might be grouped for guided reading based on their reading level. Later, they might be grouped by interest for a literature circle.

• Teacher Activity: Observe student performance and use formative assessments (e.g., exit tickets, quick checks) to determine student needs. Create a system for easily regrouping students, such as using index cards with student names or a digital spreadsheet.

3. Choice Boards:

• Description: Students are given a choice of activities to demonstrate their understanding of a concept. This caters to different learning styles and interests.

• Example: After a lesson on fractions, students could choose to:

• Create a fraction pizza.

• Draw fraction pictures.

• Solve fraction word problems.

• Build fraction models with blocks.

• Teacher Activity: Design a choice board with 3-5 different activity options. Ensure each option aligns with the learning objective and assesses the same skills. Provide clear instructions and rubrics for each choice.

4. Learning Stations:

• Description: Students rotate through different stations, each focusing on a specific skill or aspect of the topic. Stations can be differentiated by complexity or learning style.

• Example: A math lesson on addition:

• Station 1: Hands-on addition with manipulatives.

• Station 2: Solving addition word problems.

• Station 3: Playing an addition game.

• Station 4: Completing an addition worksheet.

• Teacher Activity: Plan and set up the learning stations. Provide clear instructions and necessary materials at each station. Consider using a timer or signal to help students manage their time at each station.

5. Curriculum Compacting:

• Description: For students who have already mastered certain content, curriculum compacting allows them to skip those parts and work on more challenging or enriching activities.

• Example: A student who already understands multiplication facts could work on solving multi-step word problems or exploring related concepts like exponents.

• Teacher Activity: Pre-assess students to identify areas of mastery. Develop alternative activities or projects for students who have compacted out of certain parts of the curriculum. This requires careful planning to ensure these students continue to be challenged and engaged.

6. Visual Supports:

• Description: Using visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, graphic organizers, and realia, can help make learning more accessible for all students, especially English Language Learners and visual learners.

• Example: Using a number line to teach addition and subtraction, or using pictures to illustrate vocabulary words.

• Teacher Activity: Create and gather a variety of visual supports related to the content being taught. Explicitly teach students how to use these visuals to enhance their understanding.

7. Technology Integration:

• Description: Technology can be used to differentiate instruction by providing access to a wide range of resources and tools.

• Example: Using online learning platforms that provide individualized instruction, or allowing students to create digital presentations or videos to demonstrate their learning.

• Teacher Activity: Explore and evaluate different educational apps, websites, and software. Provide students with opportunities to use technology in meaningful ways to support their learning. Be mindful of equitable access to technology for all students.

By implementing these differentiated instructional strategies, teachers can create a more engaging and effective learning environment that meets the diverse needs of all elementary students. Remember to always assess student progress and adjust instruction as needed.

Have a blessed and safe week!

Bowling: Just a few reminders no new students are allowed to be added to your bowling roster. Make sure there are chaperones with your students each week at the allies. Please remind your parents that no food or beverages should be brought into the allies with them.

Boys Scout of America: The Boy Scouts of America National Religious Relationships Committee is inviting Scouts & youth across the world to join Scouting to again read sacred tests of their own faith on May 1, the U.S. National Day of Prayer, or anytime that week it is convenient. Scouting held this event in 2024, but this year is inviting all youth to participate. More information can be found HERE.

Mark your calendars! The Annual Elementary Track Meet will take place this spring on Monday, May 12, 2025 and Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at St. Francis High School in Hamburg. More information will be forthcoming out on March.18, 2025

Virtue/Diocesan Character Trait - Awards will be handed out at the March Principals Mtg.

Month of February - Reverence/Inclusion - Deadline March 14, 2025

Definition – Showing your deepest respect for things of God & making sure everyone feels value and part of the group. https://forms.gle/vC7dEccHKjvGrTYe8

Important Upcoming STREAM Dates - Mark your calendar!

Tuesday, March 18, 2:45-3:45pm - X-STREAM Games Volunteer Meeting - LINK

Friday, March 28, 3-5pm - X-STREAM Games Set-Up at St. Joe’s Collegiate

Saturday, March 29, 10am-2pm - X-STREAM Games!

Monday, April 7, 2:45-3:45pm - X-STREAM Games Debrief Meeting (open to all) - LINK

Get Ready for the 2025 X-STREAM Games!

The excitement is building as we count down to this year’s X-STREAM Games on Saturday, March 29th at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute! Students from across our Diocese will showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork in a variety of hands-on, high-energy challenges. From innovative science fair projects and thrilling robotics competitions to the fast-paced Science Scrimmage and thought-provoking public speaking competition, this event is packed with opportunities to shine.

New this year: the Makerspace will be open to all in the afternoon, inviting students to explore, tinker, and create. Plus, the Chapel will be open all day for reflection and prayer, celebrating the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year—a time of renewal, hope, and gratitude.

As we gear up for the big day, I’ve been visiting schools and have been truly inspired by the STREAM integration, collaboration, and celebrations of learning happening in our classrooms. It’s incredible to see students working together, thinking critically, and bringing their STREAM projects to life. The momentum doesn’t stop at the Games—I’ll be scheduling more school visits in the weeks that follow and can’t wait to continue these conversations, celebrate your successes, and explore new ways to grow STREAM education together!