Leading with Faith

ASAP NCEA Updates/Corrections Due to our Office via Google Sheet

ASAP Elementary Schools: Sept. Income Statements due to N. DiBerardino

10/31/24 Deadline to Register for Albany RISE Conference to get Free Hotel Room

11/1/24 Title I Letters Sent to Each Public School District w/Poverty Students

11/15/24 BEDS Report Due to NYSED via Business Portal IRS-Data Exchange

Update on New Menstrual Products Availability Law: On 1/30/24 I notified schools about a change in public health law that requires nonpublic schools serving students in grades 6 to 12 to provide menstrual (feminine hygiene) products at no cost to students in school restrooms as of 7/1/24. More information and a Q and A can be found here. There is no funding or reimbursement to support this new mandate - schools are responsible for the cost of products, which must be provided at no cost to the students. A 10/25/24 email to the Nonpublic Schools Listserv included the information below:

• The New York State Education Department would like to inform schools of an amendment to Public Health Law §267 that went into effect July 1, 2024.

• It requires all elementary and secondary public and non-public schools serving students in any grade from six through twelve to provide menstrual products at no cost to students in school restrooms. This revised law replaces the term feminine hygiene products with menstrual products. Feminine hygiene products and menstrual products mean the same personal care products, including but not limited to menstrual pads and tampons.

• Schools should determine the types of products to have available to students in consultation with a school nurse, director of school health services (a.k.a. medical director), or other health care professional.

• Products are required to be available in a manner to ensure the privacy of any student seeking them, including within gender-neutral restrooms.

• Additionally, the law permits only a non-public school to be granted an exemption by the Commissioner of Education if it is demonstrated that the school does not serve students who need such products, and the school has menstrual products in any gender-neutral restroom and other locations in the school in a manner that ensures the privacy of a student needing such product. A non-public school interested in the exemption option must complete an e-mail attestation available on the Office of Religious and Independent School Support’s (ORISS) website. Non-public schools will be notified after the form is reviewed and approved.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this new requirement.

Building a Safe and Faith-Filled Community: A Commitment to Protecting God's Children: Student Enrichment

As a community dedicated to faith and education, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. To ensure a safe and nurturing environment, we have implemented a comprehensive child protection program called VIRTUS®.

VIRTUS® is a three-pronged approach designed to safeguard our children:

Empowering God's Children® Classes and Lessons: This year, our lessons will focus on Safe Friendships: promoting healthy relationships and recognizing warning signs. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, children will learn to:

• Identify qualities of a good friend.

• Recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships.

• Understand how to respond to peer pressure.

• Know how to seek help if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Empowering God's Children Lesson 5

Deadline: November 15th

To ensure the safety of our children, please complete Lesson 5 of the Empowering God's Children program by November 15th.

Here's how to complete the lesson and submit your information:

1. Log into VIRTUS Online:

• Your school's Principal or Safe Environment Coordinator should log in.

2. Access Educator's Tab:

• Click on the "Educator's Tab" to access the lessons and videos.

3. Complete Lesson 5:

• Review the materials and complete the required activities.

4. Record Training:

• Click on "Step 5: Record Training" on the Educator's Tab.

• Add a new training record.

• Record the lesson as “Lesson 5 – Being a Safe Friend”

• Fill in the required information and follow the on-screen instructions.

• Parish/School Type should be either:

1. Catholic School – Elementary

2. Catholic School – High School

3. A single record should be entered for each grade group: k-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12
   If training was held at separate times for the same grade group, we suggest consolidating into one record per grade group. Explanations can be made in the “Notes” for each record. Individuals entering data will need to respond to the two instances of the prompt to “Record Training” before the data is actually saved.

• If corrections may need to be made, contact Local Safe Environment Coordinators and should be able to edit/change Empowering God’s Children Training Records.

VIRTUS® Training for Adults: All adults working with children undergo mandatory training to learn how to recognize and respond to child abuse, and to create safe environments.

Background Checks: Regular background checks are conducted for all adults who work with children to ensure their suitability.

VIRTUS Online

A Focus on Safety

In addition to the VIRTUS® program, we have implemented several initiatives to promote safety and well-being:

• Emergency Drills: Regular practice of emergency procedures to prepare students for potential emergencies.NYS Educational Law requires emergency evacuation drills to include the following:

• The statute requires twelve drills be conducted each school year, four of which must be lock-down drills, the remaining eight are required to be evacuation drills.

• Eight of the required twelve drills must be completed before December 31st.

• Red Ribbon Week: A national campaign promoting drug-free lifestyles and healthy choices.

• Red Ribbon Week takes place each year from October 23 through 31st.

• Red Ribbon Week

• Bullying Prevention Programs: Initiatives to address bullying and promote a positive school climate.

• PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center

• Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention - University at Buffalo

Weekly Virtual Principal Meetings

Meeting Details:

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

• Platform: Microsoft Teams (link sent by Laurie)

Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

The Power of Team Meetings: Collaboration and Growth

Feeling too stressed and bogged down with a lengthy “to do” list? Don’t underestimate the importance of taking the time to gather with your colleagues. Team meetings serve as more than just a gathering of individuals; they are essential platforms for collaboration, professional growth, and overall organizational success. By consistently attending and actively participating in team meetings, individuals can foster a sense of unity, share knowledge, and develop crucial skills.

Key Benefits of Attending Team Meetings

1. Enhanced Collaboration:

1. Shared Vision: Meetings provide a space to align team members around common goals and objectives, ensuring everyone is working towards the same purpose.

2. Idea Exchange: Open discussions encourage the exchange of ideas and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and improved decision-making.

3. Problem-Solving: By collectively addressing challenges, team members can leverage their diverse strengths and find effective solutions.

2. Professional Growth:

1. Learning Opportunities: Exposure to different viewpoints and experiences can broaden individual knowledge and skills.

2. Skill Development: Active participation in meetings can enhance communication, presentation, and critical thinking abilities.

3. Networking: Building relationships with colleagues can foster a supportive work environment and open doors to future opportunities.

3. Organizational Success:

1. Improved Efficiency: Effective communication and collaboration streamline workflows, leading to increased productivity.

2. Enhanced Morale: A sense of belonging and shared purpose can boost employee morale and job satisfaction.

3. Better Decision-Making: Collective input and diverse perspectives contribute to more informed and well-rounded decisions.

Tips for Effective Team Meetings

• Be Prepared: Review meeting agendas in advance and come prepared with relevant information.

• Active Participation: Share your thoughts, ask questions, and contribute to discussions.

• Respectful Communication: Listen attentively to others and avoid interrupting.

• Follow Up: Implement agreed-upon actions and provide updates at subsequent meetings.

By valuing the importance of team meetings and actively participating in them, individuals can contribute significantly to their own professional development and the overall success of their schools.