Leading with Faith
April 16th, 2024
Welcome to the revamped edition of our weekly newsletter (formerly Catholic School Matters) now delivered with a fresh new appearance! We're excited to present our redesigned newsletter, packed with engaging content and valuable information.
During this transitional phase, we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the values of strength, faithfulness, and dedication to our vision for Catholic schools. The Education Department remains resolute in its mission to support school leadership, fostering the growth and sustainability of our school community. Together, we will navigate this period of change with resilience and unwavering devotion to our shared purpose.
by Chris Riso
4/23/24 Begin Title I Consultation with All Districts for 2024-25 School Year
4/23/24 Request New 2024-2025 Health Services from District of Location
4/30/24 NYSED Nonpublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) Year 10 Purchasing Deadline
5/20/24 Last Day to Register for Free UB Summer Graduate Classes
5/31/24 NYSED Nonpublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) Claims Due
6/1/24 Last day for Parents to Request Special Education Services from Districts
TBD NYSED Elementary School AIS Claims Due
Mandated Services – Forward any NYSED “Post Review” or “Hold” emails: Now that your Mandated Services claims are submitted, some schools labeled as “HOLD” or “Post Review Pending” 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.
NYSED NonPublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) Reimbursement Deadline Delayed: It sounds like the NPSE forms and allocations will be released by NYSED/ORISS by the end of this week (or early next week at the latest). Once the allocations are released, I will send you an updated NPSE email that explains the funding available to you and the new deadlines for completion of projects and submission of your claim.
Hardware, Software, & Library Materials – Order through School District of Location: If you have not already done so for this school year, please make arrangements to order hardware, software, and library materials through the Public School District in which your school is located using the state funds available for such items to be loaned to you. For the 2024-2025 school year, the ORISS "Dates to Remember” document recommends that Catholic school administrators “assemble and submit requests to the public school district in the spring before the year in which the programs will be used” - please consider sharing your anticipated 2024-2025 Hardware, Software, and Library loan requests with the school districts before June 1.
Erie 1 BOCES Title IIa Consortium: Although it is a bit early for you to make a decision about your Title IIa funds for 2024-2025, I wanted to let you know that Erie 1 BOCES will again offer a Title IIa Consortium for Nonpublic schools next year at the cost of $2,700 per school. Participating schools will receive:
(1) One in-district day of professional development. If schedules permit, they will also consider two half-days. The training can be discipline-specific (i.e.: math, ELA, reading, science, social studies) or more “methods”- oriented (engagement strategies, social-emotional learning, etc.). They also have technology trainers who can offer support in Google Classroom or other vendor-based apps.
(2) Access to MOST of their workshops, trainings, consortia, etc. (Some of the vendor-based workshops (eg: Orton-Gillingham) are not covered through the Consortium)
(3) Access to their “Desire to Learn asynchronous PD courses, which provide licenses and access to their catalog. Courses on technology and other popular book studies are included.
(4) Two Principal / Leadership trainings on best practices for leaders, NYSED updates, etc.
(5) Occasional special events… depends on the year & what becomes available.
If the available Title IIa dollar amount you have available is significantly lower than $2,700, the participating school can access all of the above except for the in-district training opportunity (1). When you are ready to commit to this consortium, use the attached the 2024-25 “desire to join” letter.
Free University at Buffalo Summer 2024 courses: As an eligible nonpublic school teacher or leader, you can take select online courses at no cost to you. Click here for UB’s registration and information page or visit the NYSED website for more information on available Professional Development.
• The summer course deadline for registration is 5/20/24 - classes begin 5/28/24
• The fall course deadline for registration is 8/20/24 - classes begin 8/26/24
Information on the SUNY Empire courses can be found here - application deadline is 4/26/24 for summer classes.
by Julie Gajewski
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Now that our students' progress and growth in early literacy and reading skills have been evaluated through the STAR assessments, schools are actively crafting strategies and initiatives to meet the literacy needs of their entire community. One such school has embarked on a comprehensive school-wide initiative, forging partnerships with the local community and families, to promote the significance of nurturing lifelong readers and writers.
Guest Spotlight from Saints Peter and Paul School in Williamsville, Michelle Glynn:
HEROES TO KICK OFF PARP EVENTS AT SSPP SCHOOL WILLIAMSVILLE
Learning to read is the cornerstone of a child’s education. Research consistently highlights the crucial role of reading at home in preparing children for academic success. Additionally, fostering familiarity with first responders within a community is vital for instilling a sense of security in children during emergencies.
Saints Peter & Paul School in Williamsville is intertwining these fundamental aspects of childhood development with this year’s PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) initiative. Originating in 1978, PARP is a statewide literacy program that encourages a reading partnership between a child and a designated partner (parent, grandparent, sibling, etc.) for 15 minutes each day. This program not only nurtures a love for reading but also strengthens the bond between home and school.
The excitement kicked off with a PARP Pep Rally last Friday in their school gym. Featured guests at the rally included Deputy Gerald Keicher and a K-9 Officer from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, who read "Officer Buckle and Gloria," along with Detective Samantha Kozlowski and Officer David Balduf from the Amherst Police Department. Marc Bandelian, Volunteer Firefighter representing Harris Hill Fire Company and SSPP School principal participated in the event.
Saints Peter & Paul School is proud to implement PARP for the second consecutive year, aiming to cultivate a lifelong passion for reading among its students. This year’s theme, "Every Hero Has a Story," will span a week in April, featuring various activities such as craft corners and a book fair provided by the Monkey See Monkey Do online bookstore. The week will also include school-wide DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) sessions, reading incentives, and will conclude with a book event featuring a local author and illustrator of Buffalo Bills themed books.
Exciting reading prizes, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Barnes & Noble gift cards, as well as tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat tour in Niagara Falls, NY, will be awarded to lucky participants on the final day of PARP.
ASSESSMENT
NYS TESTING
What: Engage in NYS 3-8 Data review meetings with Julie:
Have you analyzed your NYS test scores from 2022-2023?
Have you assessed your school's performance relative to your district of location and New York State?
Who: Elementary School Principals
Purpose: Utilize multiple assessment data points to drive continuous school improvement efforts.
Why: Be able to demonstrate and communicate the academic excellence of your school in comparison to local public schools and those across New York State.
When: 15 minute virtual meetings will be available on Tuesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 25. Please sign up for a meeting using the link below. Slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis!
Book time with Gajewski, Julie: NYS 22-23 Test Data Review Meeting
NYS TEST SCORING
We've received inquiries about assistance with coordinating Regents scoring. To better support you, please take a moment to complete this brief survey regarding your NYS testing program.
STAR ASSESSMENTS
STAR Champion Meeting 4/24/24 see Office updates for more details.
MIDDLE STATES ACCREDITATION
Timeline
Student Survey Summary to MSA Captains by March 27.
Adult Survey Summary to MSA Captains by April 19. Principal Guidance for Surveys
MSA Planning Committee Meeting 4/26/24
SSPP PARP Night
by Laurie Wojtaszczyk
Julie and Laurie will be holding a PD afternoon for the STAR Champions for each school at the Catholic Center on April 24th from 12-2:30pm. Please RSVP here by Fri. 4/19 - attending in person, virtually, or unable to attend. Thank you.
The 2024 Youth Conference is being held on April 23rd at Niagara University and is free for 6-12th graders who want to be leaders in their schools. Here is the student application form, an invitation letter for the schools with an agenda, and a list of the awards to be won that day.
It’s time to notify our office of your summer camp programs. Please email Laurie with any details so our website can be updated for you.
The Northtown 6/7/8 grade Spring Dance will be held at St. Gregory’s on Friday, May 3rd. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online through TicketSource through April 27th. Here is a flyer for advertising at your schools. Please use this Signup Genius to let us know how your school will help.
The Southtown Spring Fling will be held at Queen of Heaven on Friday, May 3rd. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased online here
by Nancy DiBerardino
A survey went out regarding the Track Meet at St. Francis High School on May 20th and 21st. Please contact Nancy with any questions.
The Character Virtue for April is Problem Solving. Please submit your names here by May 3rd.
Please let us know who you will be sending from your school for the Bowling Championships on April 27th at 10am at Classic Lanes.
by Rachel Zeller
STREAM Coordinator meeting regarding X-STREAM Games take place at 3:30 on Wednesday, April 17. Please use this link for the Google Meet: meet.google.com/otj-fodd-qfw
Registration will close on April 19th. We will need a minimum of 10 registrants in each category.
X-STREAM Games is on May 4th at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute.
