Leading with Faith
November 26, 2024
The Catholic Schools Department weekly newsletter
Department News
by Chris Riso
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
by Julie Gajewski
New STREAM Consultant for the 2024-2025 School Year: Academic Excellence
We are excited to announce that Stephanie Genco has accepted the position of STREAM Consultant for the 2024-2025 school year. This is a one-year grant-funded position made possible by the generous support of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.
In her new position, Stephanie will:
Assist in representing our schools at the Catholic Education Dinner in February
Coordinate and facilitate the X-STREAM games in March
Continue to enhance and expand the STREAM initiative, a framework for interdisciplinary and project-based learning
Work with STREAM Coordinators to meet the needs at their schools
Assist with professional development needs
About Stephanie Genco Gasiecki
Stephanie Genco Gasiecki, a resident of Alden, NY, brings a unique blend of experiences as an educator, wellness coach, and performer. With a BFA in Theatre Performance, a Master's in Education from the University at Buffalo, and professional certifications in Birth-6 General Education and Students with Disabilities, she is well-equipped to support teachers in leading with energy, empathy, and purpose.
After a decade of teaching elementary students, including four years at St. John the Baptist in Alden, Stephanie transitioned into roles as an educational speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant. Her passion for STREAM education, coupled with her experience in professional development, theatrical productions, and community gardening, makes her an ideal fit for this position.
As the new STREAM consultant, Stephanie will champion an interdisciplinary approach that makes learning relevant, collaborative, and real-world focused. Through hands-on projects, technology integration, and community partnerships, she aims to equip students with 21st-century skills and foster strong school-community relationships.
Stephanie is also dedicated to teacher well-being. By merging her background in theater and wellness, she will help educators improve their health and self-care habits, empowering them to lead classrooms with energy and compassion. Her mission is to create nurturing, collaborative classroom cultures where every student feels valued and supported.
Please join us in welcoming Stephanie Genco to our team! As our new STREAM Consultant, she will partner with our schools to teach, serve, and evangelize as we proclaim the glory of God. Stephanie will begin her work with us next week.
Weekly Virtual Principal Meetings: Canceled due to Thanksgiving holiday
by Laurie Wojtaszczyk
Math Competition
We held our Annual Diocesan Math Competition on Friday, November 22. We had 200 students from 14 schools participating.
Grades 3-5 Individual Winners:
1st - Christianna W., St. Gregory the Great
2nd - Eric K., Queen of Heaven
3rd - Gianna F., St. Gregory the Great
Grades 3-5 Team Winners:
1st - St. Gregory the Great, Team 1
2nd - Queen of Heaven, Tigers
3rd - DeSales, The Numerators
Grades 6-8 Individual Winners:
1st - Eva S., SS. Peter & Paul Hamburg
2nd - Amelia C., Queen of Heaven
3rd - Dominic F., Queen of Heaven
Grades 6-8 Team Winners:
1st - St. Gregory the Great, Team 2
2nd - Queen of Heaven, Eagles
3rd - Nativity of Our Lord, Team 2
Grades 6-8 Countdown Winner:
Lily B., St. Mary Swormville
A photo album has been created on Amazon Photos for you to view.
I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. 🦃 I hope you enjoy time relaxing with family and friends.
by Mary Jo Aiken
This past week we’ve been focusing upon lesson plans and plan books. There are some great online tools (see last week’s links) for planning and mapping which provide access for review and comment by school administrators. The frequency of collecting and reviewing lesson plans or plan books by administrators can vary depending on various factors, including:
School policies and procedures: Some schools may have specific guidelines regarding the frequency of lesson plan/plan book collection and review.
Teacher experience level: Newer teachers may benefit from more frequent reviews, while experienced teachers might require less oversight.
School goals and priorities: If the school is focusing on a particular area of instruction, administrators may want to review lesson plans more frequently to ensure alignment with those goals.
Individual teacher needs: Some teachers may need more support than others, necessitating more frequent reviews.
That being said, here are some general guidelines for collecting and reviewing lesson plans:
New teachers: Administrators may want to review lesson plans more frequently, perhaps weekly or bi-weekly, to provide feedback and support.
Experienced teachers: Less frequent reviews, such as monthly or quarterly, may be sufficient for experienced teachers.
Targeted reviews: Administrators may choose to focus on specific areas of instruction or particular teachers who may need additional support.
Ultimately, the goal of collecting and reviewing lesson plans is to improve instruction and student learning. Administrators should strike a balance between providing support and feedback while avoiding micromanagement.
Have a blessed week, and a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃
by Nancy DiBerardino
2024-25 Elementary School Diploma Order Form
https://forms.gle/sshX9doGj6dRPt6r6
Virtue/Diocesan Character Trait
Month of December Generosity/Appreciation – Deadline to submit – January 10th.
Definition – Being thankful and showing gratitude for what others do for us.
https://forms.gle/vC7dEccHKjvGrTYe8
Catholic Schools at the BPO – Tuesday, February 11, 2025
There still is time to register for this wonderful event.
BPO Registration FormNativity of Our Lord has a few extra copies of Blest Are We for various grade levels. If you would like these copies you can reach the school at 716-649-7030.
by Lisa Benzer
Thanksgiving Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your mighty creation!
The harvest that supplies us food cultivated from the toil and labor of the land. Help us to be grateful for the many ways you supply for our needs.
Thank you for the warmth of family and friends who bring unconditional love, laughter and joy to our lives. Help us to pray in thanksgiving for the many ways these relationships cultivate deeper union with Christ.
Thank you for the warmth and shelter that you provide for us, for our property and our homes. May we always welcome the stranger and demonstrate God’s love to everyone we encounter.
We pray especially for our suffering brothers and sisters, that we may share the love of Christ and His Church through prayer and consolation.
Heavenly Father, may we praise and thank you in all things! Amen.
Links for Registrations or Forms
Important Dates
Important Dates
Jan. 6-24 - STAR Testing Window
Jan. 9 - Principal's Meeting, St. Gregory the Great meeting room
Jan. 29 - Spelling Bee, Mt. St. Mary's Academy, 3756 Kenmore Ave., Tonawanda
Feb. 1 - Chess Tournament, Cardinal O'Hara, 39 O'Hara Rd., Tonawanda
Feb. 5 - Catholic Ed Dinner
Feb. 11 - BPO Concert at Kleinhan's Music Hall
BPO Registration by 1/8
Diploma Order by 1/17
Years of Service by 1/17
Spelling Bee Registration by 1/17
Virtue/Character Award Nominations (due monthly)