Purpose and Vision for Catholic School Education

Transcription

1 Purpose and Vision for Catholic School Education Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford welcome students of all faiths, ethnic groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. The fundamental purpose of Catholic schools is to: Provide a safe, nurturing and secure environment in which students encounter the living God who, in Jesus Christ, reveals His transforming love and truth; Partner with parents to support students in their learning and in their search for knowledge, meaning, and truth; Create a Catholic climate that contributes to the formation of students as active participants in the parish community; Foster a culture of educational excellence through critical thinking skills, innovative and rigorous curriculum standards, a global perspective, and an emphasis on moral education, community, and service; Promote life-long learning that advances the development of the whole person - mind, body, and soul; and Graduate students prepared to become productive, virtuous citizens and church leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. Easter Greets Newness These days of Lent, Holy Week, Triduum, and Easter are all part of the great celebrations of early spring. Easter, the central feast of our faith, is certainly a pivotal holy day, and most significant and festive occasion. It is at the Easter Vigil when darkness turns to light; when Sacred Scriptures are read retelling the stories of creation, Abraham s sacrifice, Moses leading the people through the Red Sea, preparation for the Messiah, and the Resurrection. It is at the Easter Vigil that we initiate Catechumens into faith; witness the grace of sacraments; renew our Baptismal commitment; and partake in the nourishment of the Eucharist. At Easter, signs and symbols of our faith are enlivened. The Easter lilies trumpet news of the resurrection. People come dressed to Church in bright, cheerful colors, with some still wearing a traditional Easter bonnet. Families gather and the People of God rejoice by raising their voices proclaiming Alleluia a word that has not been used at Mass since the placing of ashes on our forehead. Children, and some adults, wake up Easter morning to find treats in their baskets filled with straw to resemble a bird s nest and the awakening of springtime. In the Easter basket one may find marshmallow peeps, chocolate bunnies, jellybeans, and decorated eggs many which have not been tasted since our Lenten discipline began. It is the Easter egg that symbolizes new life, which is what the liturgical season of Easter is all about. The psalmist reminds us, This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. While Lent is a time for 40 days of spiritual preparation; a journey into the desert that holds the oasis of our baptism, both personal and communal, Easter offers us hope, faith, and new life in the Risen Lord. Following Easter Sunday and for the next fifty days, we look promisingly to Pentecost Sunday. Just as the Church invites us to look at our internal life, we must also reflect on our external good work. We at the Office of Catholic Schools have taken the time to reflect on who and what we are as a service agency for Catholic school education. We recognize that with a new Purpose and Vision for Catholic School Education, a revision to the mission statement for the Office of Catholic Schools would be on the horizon. It is most fitting as we celebrate the Easter season that bares new life, we present our revised mission statement offering the refreshment of our purpose.

2 Office of Catholic Schools Mission Statement Rooted in Gospel values and guided by the Purpose and Vision for Catholic School Education, the Office of Catholic Schools serves and supports the Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Hartford as they cultivate excellence, transformational growth, and continued viability. The Office of Catholic Schools will: care for the People of God through servant leadership; advance the educational and catechetical mission of the Catholic Church; develop curriculum that will provide the foundation for students to think critically and globally, and to become productive, virtuous citizens; provide leadership, formation, and professional development; utilize research findings for making sound decisions; foster collaboration of resources among other Catholic agencies, parishes, and secular educational programs; advocate recognition of and support for Catholic schools; further the institutional advancement of Catholic schools; and seek avenues for equitable distribution of resources. On behalf of everyone at the Office of Catholic Schools, we wish you a happy and blessed Easter! ANNOUNCEMENTS Dale R. Hoyt Superintendent of Catholic Schools CONGRATULATIONS TO: Rev. George Couturier, who has been appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell as the part-time Catholic Chaplain at East Catholic High School, Manchester. Br. James Branigan, CSC, President, Notre Dame High School, West Haven, who has been selected to receive The Catherine T. McNamee, CSJ Award for his leadership in promoting a vision of Catholic education that welcomes and serves cultural and economic diversity, as well as students with diverse needs. The award is given at the annual National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Convention on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. It is a wonderful tribute to Brother James and his commitment and dedication to all students, especially those in need. Joy Chlus, who was appointed by Reverend Adam Hurbanczuk as Principal of SS. Cyril and Methodius School, Hartford. Charlene Mongillo, who was appointed by Reverend John P. Melnick as Principal of St. Bernard School and Little Angels Preschool, Enfield. Cynthia Basil Howard, Executive Director, Maureen Kerrigan, President, and the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools for another outstanding St. Patrick s Day Breakfast, with proceeds going to assist Catholic school students. Rev. Shawn T. Daly, who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell to serve on the Archdiocesan School Board, effective July 1, Father Daly is the Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish and School and Sacred Heart Parish, Wethersfield, as well as the former Pastor of St. Joseph Parish and School and St. Mary Parish, Meriden. Page 2

3 Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell to serve on the Archdiocesan School Board, effective July 1, Sister Mary Grace is the Deputy Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Mr. Robert J. O Hara, Esq., who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell to serve on the Archdiocesan School Board, effective July 1, Attorney O Hara is a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and the current Chair of the Northwest Catholic High School Board, whose term ends in June. Constance J. Cyr, who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell to serve on the Archdiocesan School Board, effective July 1, Mrs. Cyr was a teacher at St. Joseph School, Meriden, for 14 years, prior to her retirement. Carol Y. Thorney, who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell to serve on the Archdiocesan School Board, effective July 1, Mrs. Thorney has extensive background in business and technology. St. Peter/St. Francis of Assisi School, Torrington, which was featured in the local newspaper, the Register Citizen of Torrington, on Sunday, March 4, 2012, regarding the school s comprehensive technological education program. As part of a comprehensive technological education program, each of the school s sixth, seventh, and eighth graders will receive the use of a dedicated ipad, each classroom will be equipped with an interactive white board to allow students the opportunity to interface with the content of classroom lessons electronically, and the school will be equipped with Wi-Fi access. The technology program is made possible through the substantial bequests of the first principal of St. Peter School, Rev. John Castelanni, a longtime educator in Torrington, Maureen Shugrue, and a longtime trustee and parish finance council member, Frances Ducci. The winners of the Archdiocesan Basketball Tournament are: Grouping School Division Parish Division Boys Grades 7 & 8 Corpus Christi, Wethersfield Sacred Heart, Wethersfield Boys Grades 5 & 6 St. John the Evangelist Watertown Corpus Christi, Wethersfield Girls Grades 7 & 8 St. Timothy Middle School, West Hartford Sacred Heart, Wethersfield Girls Grades 5 & 6 St. Mary Magdalen, Oakville Sacred Heart, Wethersfield THANK YOU: to all who made the Archdiocesan Basketball Tournament a resounding success this year, pastors, principals, coaches, parents, and student-athletes. For their generosity and hospitality, we thank the administration and staff of the host sites: St. Paul School, Berlin, (Kensington); St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol; Pope John Paul II School, New Britain; Sacred Heart High School, Waterbury; St. John the Evangelist School, Watertown; Northwest Catholic High School, West Hartford; and St. Brigid School, West Hartford. Many thanks to the tournament planning committee and staffers who made the tournament run effortlessly. to all parish school board members for completing the parish school board survey. The results of the survey will be discussed in the fall of PRAY FOR: the soul of Ethel Griffin, the mother of Eileen Sampiere, Principal of Corpus Christi School, Wethersfield, who passed away on Monday, March 12, May the soul of Ethel Griffin rest in peace! the soul of Barbara Guild, a teacher in the Archdiocese since 1983, who began her teaching career at St. Joseph School ('83-'06), New Britain. Mrs. Guild continued teaching in Catholic education as the first grade Page 3

4 teacher at Sacred Heart School, New Britain, and as a Pre-K teacher at Pope John Paul II and Sacred Heart School, New Britain. She unexpectedly resigned recently from Sacred Heart School for medical reasons, and in her resignation letter, she stated: "I am appreciative of the opportunity to close my teaching career at an institution where the spiritual life, professionalism of the faculty, and strong parental communication is reflective of the commitment from the staff and support system; their dedication to the children, parents, and Archdiocese is one that I uphold with the greatest respect"(dated ) May the soul of Barbara Guild rest in peace! a full and speedy recovery for Sr. Eugenie Mary Guterch, RSM, Principal at St. Vincent de Paul School, East Haven, who is recovering from surgery. the soul of Joanna Makaros, a former alumna of Sacred Heart School, New Britain, and mother of Logan Makaros, a second-grade student at Sacred Heart School, New Britain, who passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, on Friday, February 10, ADMINISTRATION Office of Catholic Schools Calendar Updates: Please note two changes to the Office of Catholic Schools calendar as follows: New Principals (Elementary) Meeting rescheduled from April 19 to May 3 Principals Advisory Council for Elementary (PACE) Meeting rescheduled to April 25 from April 24 Board In-Service: Rescheduled to April 24 from April 26 Asbestos Training: In the next several days, Larry Duffany and Linda Serafin will be scheduling training sessions to be held in April for the schools maintenance personnel. It is a matter of state law and federal regulation that all personnel who engage in any kind of cleaning, maintenance, or janitorial service receive this training. Spring is Here Golf Anyone?: The Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS) will be hosting the FORE FACS GOLF CLASSIC on Monday, May 21, 2012 at Shelter Harbor Golf Course, Charlestown, RI. This is an opportunity to play golf on one of the most premier golf clubs in the area, rated #3 by Golf Digest in New England and it is #2 in the State of Rhode Island. Shelter Harbor is a private course offering a par 71, 7006 yard layout, a signature design of noted golf architects, Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry; the amenities are impeccable. Non-golfers are welcome to purchase a ticket for the evening reception immediately following play. Proceeds from this event provide support for FACS. There is a limit to the number of golfers who may play, so please register early. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to register to play, please Shirley Ziolkowski at Sziolkowski@facshartford.org, or call Please visit CATHOLIC IDENTITY Cathedral of St. Joseph: The 50 th Anniversary Mass of the Consecration of the new Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, will be celebrated on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Adult Faith Formation Classes: The April May Cycle is a Seminar Only cycle for participants in specific University of Dayton certificate programs. The next cycle of courses for educators in the Archdiocese of Hartford runs May 20 to June 23, Registration for Cycle 4 opens on April 17 and runs through May 16. Page 4

5 The Prayer of the Month, written by Olivia Broadway, an eighth grade student at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Meriden, will be featured on the Office of Catholic Schools website for April. CURRICULUM Connecticut Private School Summit Open Registration: The Connecticut Private School Summit will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Sacred Heart University, Fairfield; registration is now open! Teachers and administrators from elementary and secondary schools are welcome to register. Workshops will be open on a first-come, first-served basis. Don t miss this opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field of education. There is no fee for this event. Please register at: Free ipad Apps for Education: Explore free ipad apps that support teaching and learning in all content areas, as well as lessons that integrate interactive white board technology at this site: Popular apps such as Educreations and ShowMe support teaching and learning in elementary and secondary classrooms. Wi-Fi Access: When incorporating ipads and other portable technology, remember to first consider your school s infrastructure and wireless access to WIFI, which enables internet connection, the Cloud, and other applications. In particular, determine if your school is equipped to enable multiple users at one time. Often times, routers must be installed in strategic areas. For information on companies that specialize in these matters, please contact Valerie Mara at vmara@adh-ocs.org. April is National Poetry Month: Stenhouse Publishing offers teachers free resources to download for classroom use to support poetry literacy. Visit to explore various resources for different age levels. Professional Development Opportunities for Elementary and Secondary Teachers and Administrators: The following workshops will be available for registration at no cost to schools: Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) II Training Session, April 4, 2012 Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield Registration is closed for this workshop. Algebra in the Afternoon, Session 4, April 25, 2012 Northwest Catholic High School, West Hartford Open to eighth grade Algebra teachers and high school math teachers and department chairs (Resources and presentations from the previous session are available at the Office of Catholic Schools website: Quality Catholic Education/Resources/Presentations.) Engineering is Elementary, A STEM Workshop, May 8, 2012 St. Dominic School, Southington For teachers in grades K 5, information to follow Archdiocesan Technology Day, May 10, 2012 St. Bridget School, Cheshire, 2:00 4:45 p.m. For elementary and secondary teachers and administrators to register, contact Darla Blevins at dblevins@stbridgetschool.org or Master Summit Teacher Training, May 15, 2012 Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Open only to recognized Master Summit Teachers Page 5

6 ADVANCEMENT Donor Management Software: In compliance with Archdiocesan advancement policies and procedures (Policy #6.101), all schools must now use a donor management software program and provide Anne Clubb (aclubb@adh-ocs.org) with its name or that which will be acquired. (Please note that an Excel or Access spreadsheet program is not sufficient and is not in compliance with the policy.) FACTS Software Training: Questions and challenges regarding the advancement software can be addressed to our primary contact person at FACTS, Steve Ulrich at sulrich@factsmgt.com. Upcoming training sessions for elementary schools with FACTS Donor Management System include the following opportunities: Webinar session on Wednesday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. link into the online session and attend a FACTS class designed to help you perform typical data management tasks (60 90 minutes in length). Conference call on Thursday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. dial into the call and have your specific questions answered, or simply listen and learn (30 45 minutes in length). s containing information on how to connect to the webinar and the conference call will be sent by Anne Clubb to the principals of those schools with FACTS, who may forward to all those who wish to participate. Feel free to submit questions about FACTS to Anne Clubb at aclubb@adh-ocs.org. FINANCE Detailed Cash Flow Template Instructions: Detailed, step by step Instructions to Complete the Cash Flow Template(s) are currently on the Office of Catholic Schools website. The cash flow templates have recently been updated after an initial year of many business managers working with them and providing feedback to this office. With these new instructions, the process should be easier and more efficient for business managers. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact Ken Przysiecki, CPA, Director of School Finances, KPrzysiecki@adh-ocs.org, or James Giangreco, his Administrative Assistant, JLGiangreco@adh-ocs.org, at the Office of Catholic Schools. Small Claims Court Instructions: Although not an appealing situation for either party, small claims court may be the only alternative when used as a last resort to collect delinquent tuition. Catholic schools provide a valuable service and should be paid accordingly. The Office of Catholic Schools is knowledgeable on this legal process and can offer detailed procedures and instructions. Contact Ken Przysiecki, CPA, Director of School Finances, kprzysiecki@adh-ocs.org, and the instructions will be provided. SCHOOL BOARD Board In-Service, Advancement: The last presentation in the series of school board workshops will be held on April 24, 2012, at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, from 5:00 7:00 p.m. Anne Clubb, Director of School Advancement, will present information to advancement departments and principals/chief administrators on the importance of Advancement in strategic plans. Dinner will be served. RSVP to Maria Maynard, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Catholic Schools, via Leslie Nelson at lnelson@adh-ocs.org by April 10 with your name and that of the school and town. Page 6

7 BEST PRACTICES A Recipe for Success: The Strategic Plan Maria Maynard, Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools One part plan, two parts vision and leadership, leavened generously with hard work and hope, and VOILA the result is a growing, vital Catholic school. The strategic plan has long been honored as the roadmap to a successful future. It has also been regarded as a NEAS&C obligation or necessary part of the HOPES application or foundation grants. Following these deadlines, it is sometimes relegated to the top shelf in the school office not to be reviewed again. The secret ingredients to maintaining the vitality and usefulness of the strategic plan are vision in its planning and leadership in its execution. The process begins with a vision statement that is a picture of the future of the school. Certainly a vision rich with experiences for encountering the living God, for partnering with parents, for sharing in parish life, for learning in a culture of excellence, and ultimately for becoming virtuous, whole persons will be aligned with that of the Archdiocese. This is followed by a mission statement that identifies the purpose of the organization. The statement of core values and critical issues will rally the support of the community, and the goals will put into motion the effort to achieve the objectives and goals of the plan. Finally the success of the plan will be defined by the measurements of success of the goals. Initially the administrator will organize a planning group, which is comprised of constituent groups such as faculty, staff, administration (pastor/principal/chief administrator), parents, parishioners, and alumni. Their responsibilities are to conduct consultations, and present best practices, research, and strategies to the planning team. This group of constituents will develop a vision statement that is agreed upon by the planning committee; who will then communicate the vision to the larger school community in newsletters, on the school s website, in alumni correspondence, and in parish bulletins. Giving the vision a name using acronyms or catchy phrases provides for public recognition. The school and its constituents anticipate the actualization of the vision. Then the work of analysis, more commonly called SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), begins. Focus groups, analysis of data, and research of best practices becomes the charge at hand. Out of the SWOT analysis emerges the development of goals. The goals must reflect and connect the vision, mission, and core values of the school with short and long term goals. The action plans must include timelines for completion, environmental scans, market assessments, finance committee involvement including needed resources, and persons accountable [National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)]. This is when all of the intense work of planning and collaboration becomes operational. Governance, namely the school board, prepares to take on a leading role. The committees of the school board take on the significant role of developing the various sections of the strategic plan; these might include enrollment, staffing, quality Catholic education, Catholic identity, facilities, finances, and Advancement. The goals are prioritized and addressed by the individual committees of the board. The work is done on the off months of the board s formal meetings, and regular reports are made to the board seeking affirmation, approval for change, or any other action needed. The process from start to finish could take from six to twelve months. Whether it covers a span of three years or five, it must be tweaked and updated annually so that it remains a living and vital road map for the school. The change to committee driven boards that are consultative will bring gifts and talents to the table for effectively guiding our schools on this directed journey to establish stability and future growth. Currently we are living in a time of profound change affecting everything from educational philosophy, to teaching and learning. Success in these times of paradigm shifts requires creative vision and managed change. Our school boards are dealing with needs of aging facilities, the expense of evolving technology, upgrading infrastructures, and broad demands of Advancement. Of prime importance is meeting the awesome needs of the net generation who learn collaboratively in labs, who gather data in seconds, solve intricate problems creatively while listening to music or texting all the while communicating with the world at large with an iphone, ipad, or laptop. Above all we must never lose sight amidst our visioning, our strategizing, our goal developing, our forms of governance, and implementation of strategies that our greatest guiding light on the quest for excellence and success is our faith. All of our planning must always be rooted in cherishing, protecting, and nurturing our faith and that of the students in our care. Page 7

8 DUE DATES NOW DUE Support of Office of Catholic Schools Services, School Payment Plan, full amount or installment 1 of 2, to Leslie Nelson via USPS Grant Application for Administrator/Teacher Archdiocesan Grants to Maria Maynard via USPS or fax, School Year Calendar Worksheet due to designated Assistant Superintendent Projected Retention and Enrollment Report 2012/2013 to Jim Giangreco at jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org APRIL 10 RSVP to School Board In-Service on Advancement due to Maria Maynard via Leslie Nelson at lnelson@adh-ocs.org 16 Elementary School March Cash Flow Report to Ken Przysiecki via jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org EVENTS APRIL 3 Chrism Mass, Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, 11:00 a.m. 4 Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) II Training, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 8:30 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 4 FACTS Software Training Webinar, 10:00 a.m. (Link provided by Anne Clubb via ) 6 Good Friday (OCS Closed) 8 Easter Sunday 9 Easter Monday (OCS Closed) National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Convention, Boston, MA 18 New Secondary Administrators Meeting, Office of Catholic Schools, 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 24 Board In-Service: Advancement Workshop for Elementary and Secondary Schools, 5:00 7:00 p.m. 25 Principals Advisory Council for Elementary (PACE), Office of Catholic Schools, 10:00 a.m. (lunch follows) 25 Algebra in the Afternoon: Session 4, Northwest Catholic High School, West Hartford, 3:00 5:00 p.m. 26 Connecticut Private School Summit 2012, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 26 FACTS Software Training Conference Call, 10:00 a.m. (Dial-in provided by Anne Clubb via ) 30 Superintendent s Summa Scholar Award Ceremony and Reception, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 3:00 4:30 p.m. MAY 2 Educational Forum Committee Meeting, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 3 New Principals Meeting (Note: Rescheduled from April 19, 2012) Office of Catholic Schools, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 8 Engineering is Elementary, St. Dominic School, Southington, 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 10 Archdiocesan Technology Day, St. Bridget School, Cheshire, 2:00 4:45 p.m. 13 National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Pastor Appreciation Day 15 Master Summit Teachers Training, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 17 Ascension Thursday (Holy Day) 17 International Students Reception, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, 2:00 p.m. 17 Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools, Board of Trustees Meeting, Chancery, 4:00 p.m. 21 FORE FACS GOLF CLASSIC, Shelter Harbor Golf Course, Charlestown, Rhode Island Page 8

9 21 Archdiocesan School Board Meeting, Office of Catholic Schools, 6:30 p.m. 24 Administrators Meeting and Appreciation Event, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 3 rd floor, 8:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 28 Memorial Day (Office of Catholic Schools Closed) REFLECTION And He departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. ~ St. Augustine Page 9