MTSS (Behavior): Bullying Prevention and Science Professional Development Opportunities

We are excited to announce professional development opportunities for educators and principals focused on the MTSS framework and science instruction. This summer, we will provide training on utilizing data to improve instruction and on identifying, navigating, and preventing bullying and cyberbullying in schools.

MTSS Framework Overview

The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Multi-Tiered System of Supports - Integrated (MTSS-I) Pilot Framework, launched in October 2023, aims to address students' unique needs holistically. It emphasizes responsiveness to students' social identity, culture, and language, with core principles of fairness and equity. These principles ensure access to opportunities and support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of every student across the state.

For more information, visit the NYSED MTSS-I Pilot Framework.

Workshop Details

As part of the Stronger Connections Grant Program, the Catholic Schools Department will offer “How to identify, navigate and prevent bullying and cyberbullying in Schools,” to school administrators and a team of 5 teachers per school. There are 3 locations for elementary and middle school teachers to choose from, and the school team must attend the same session together. Costs are covered by the grant. No additional costs to schools to attend.

Administrator Workshop:

• Date: Friday, August 16

• Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Location: Ss. Peter & Paul School, 68 East Main Street, Hamburg, NY

Teachers Workshop Locations:

• Monday, August 12: St. Joseph University (Parish Community Room), 3269 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

• Tuesday, August 20: Our Lady of Victory School (School Cafeteria), 2760 South Park Avenue, Lackawanna, NY

• Thursday, August 22: St. John the Baptist School (School Cafeteria), 1085 Englewood Avenue, NY 14223

• Monday, August 26: High Schools Only - Mt. St. Mary Academy, 3756 Delaware Avenue, Kenmore, NY

Daily Schedule:

• 8:30 - 11:45: Morning session (with a 15-minute break)

• 11:45 - 12:45: Lunch (please bring your own)

• 12:45 - 3:00: Afternoon session (with a 15-minute break)

Link to register for Bullying Workshop

Registration: Please register by Friday, August 9. For questions, contact Nancy DiBerardino at 716-847-5504 or via email at ndiberardino@buffalodiocese.org.

Science Professional Development

Summer Session: Exploring the Shifts in Pedagogy and Content of Science

• Date: August 23

• Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Location: Catholic Center, 795 Main Street

• Participants: All Catholic High School and Elementary Principals and PK-12 Science Teachers

Additional Information:

• Dress Code: Business Casual

• Lunch: Provided

Description: Join us for an in-depth exploration of the three dimensions of the NYSSLS and the shifts in science pedagogy and content. This session will help participants understand the impact of an aligned curriculum and inquiry-based instruction. We will review current science maps and resources for alignment. Please bring a computer to the session.

Registration: Please register by Friday, August 9.

Link to Register for 8/23/24 Science PD

Virtues of the Month Program

We are excited to launch our newly revised character education program, the Virtues of the Month Program, aimed at strengthening Catholic identity in our schools. By teaching the Virtue of the Month and character traits, students will learn to live out their faith daily.

A virtue is a good quality or habit that encourages gratitude, honesty, and doing the right thing. Virtues help individuals become better people and improve their relationships with others. Character traits are the individual qualities or attributes that make up a person's overall character. This year will be a transitional period, integrating the teaching of virtues and connecting them with previously studied character traits.

Through this program, we aim to foster a nurturing environment where students can grow in their faith and character, becoming positive role models in their communities. We look forward to working together to make this program a success.

7.18.24 Virtues of the Month Program

TBD NYSED Elementary School AIS Claims Due

8/15/24 Verify NYS Testing Data found at L2RPT

8/20/24 Last Day to Register for Free UB Fall Graduate Classes

8/26/24 2024-25 Government Programs Checklist: Click here for End of Year List

8/30/24 Sign “Written Affirmation” forms for each District after Consultation

8/30/24 PDF/Copy of each Signed “Written Affirmation” form sent to C. Riso

8/30/24 Deadline to Certify End of Year (EOY) NYSED Testing Data

Parent Income (Poverty) Survey: Forms Available if Interested (Not Required): Although we do not require schools to report data from the Parent Income (Poverty) Survey, some schools still use it for their own purposes (generating poverty counts for eRate and/or Title I). For that reason, I have updated the survey found here with the 2024-2025 Federal income levels for Free/Reduced lunch.

Graduate Courses available for Free through University at Buffalo (UB) and SUNY Empire: As an eligible nonpublic school teacher or leader, you can take select online courses through these colleges’ Graduate programs.

• University at Buffalo Professional Development for Religious and Independent School Teachers

• Available online courses for Fall 2024 - University at Buffalo

• Online application deadline for University at Buffalo Fall 2024 courses is August 20, 2024 (classes begin 8/26/2024).

• University at Buffalo Academic Calendars

• University at Buffalo Winter 2024 and Spring 2024 Academic Calendars

• Questions? Contact the Office of Graduate Admission at gse-apply@buffalo.edu or 716-645-2110.

• SUNY Empire Graduate School for Religious and Independent School Teachers

• Available online courses for Fall 2024 - SUNY Empire

• Complete the SUNY Empire application – Deadline to apply is 8/16/24 for classes beginning 9/3/24.

• Additional information and application instructions - SUNY Empire

• If you have questions, please contact Graduate Student Services at 518-587-2100, ext. 2429, or Grad.Services@sunyempire.edu

Reminder: Review and Verify NYSED Level 1 & 2 Data on L2RPT by 8/15/24

Eureka Math Textbooks Available: St. Peter’s School in Lewiston has a number of Eureka Math student and teacher books available they no longer have use for. They have Teacher Editions for Grades 2–8 and Student Editions available by Grade (with number of copies in parentheses) as follows:

Grade 2: Mods 1-3 (20), Mod 4 (20), Mods 5&6 (21), Mods 7&8 (24)

Grade 3: Mods 1&2 (5), Mod 3 (8), Mods 4&5 (5), Mods 6&7 (37)

Grade 4: Mods 1&2 (4), Mods 3&4 (1), Mod 5 (4), Mods 6&7 (81)

Grade 5: Mods 3&4 (5), Mod 5&6 (12)

If you are interested, please email Christopher Ciatti at cciatti@stpeterrc.org. As for pricing, a small donation to the school would be appreciated but you can discuss that with Chris.

Please make sure to check your SIRS reports before Aug. 12. If you make any changes to 2023-2024 student records you must notify me so I can ask eSchool to manually run level 0 updates. This is in regards to any changes that have been made in eSchool since July 17th, the date of the roll-up to the new year for students. This is the final window to make any changes to the information for the 2023-2024 school year - and MUST be notified to me and eSchool.

During this time of year many new students are being added to or transferred out of your eSchool data base. Please make sure of the following:

• PK students should all be marked to be excluded from state reporting and excluded from state attendance.

• Home districts are added for all students - for the “from district” date please use one day before the registration date at your school, or the date they entered the district.

• All transfer students need the code 170 for “out of district school”. There are no exceptions to this.

Our calendar for the 2024-2025 year is ready, but is subject to change as the year progresses.

The first Principal's Meeting of the 2024-2025 school year will take place on Wednesday, August 21st. The meeting will be held at Southtowns Catholic School (Parish Community Center) 2052 Lakeview Road, Lakeview, NY, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Light morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. It is important for all principals to register here by Friday, August 16th

With the new school year approaching, it’s time for us to get new information for various people in the schools. Please fill out this form so we will be able to contact the correct person in a very timely manner for our various needs during the school year. We ask that this form be filled out no later than September 1. This is being requested of Diocesan Elementary Schools, Private Elementary Schools and High Schools. If you do not have a person in one of the roles please mark as N/A.

Registration links:

Bullying Workshop

Science PD

Principal's Meeting