VISION The Office of Catholic Schools enewsletter SUPERINTENDENT S BOOK REVIEW REFLECTIVE THOUGHT If you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze. ~St. Catherine of Siena A-ha Moments The opening column in Vision is ordinarily the Superintendent s Book Review that critiques books pertaining to best practices in leadership, curriculum design, professional development, and motivation. A consistent topic emerged in many of the reviews challenging educators to become more reflective in their practice. Through reflective practice we have the ability to relate some of our experiences as moments of great revelation. These a-ha moments nurture authenticity and humility, and may provide for a connection to God s abundant graces. It is these a-ha moments that bring clarity, purpose, and wisdom to my ministry. My school visits this year have been a wonderful journey punctuated with some of the greatest a-ha moments. The teaching, learning, and behavior of the students certainly are a reflection of the tremendous school leaders and dedicated faculty who set high standards of excellence, rooted in life-long learning for each student entrusted into their care. The Superintendent s Summa Scholar Award Ceremony provided an a-ha moment for me when high school seniors offered words of appreciation and gratitude to their teachers. The authenticity of their testimonies came from the heart. They offered accolades to those who teach in our Catholic schools. Educators must be welcoming and well-prepared interlocutors, able to awaken and direct the best energies of students towards the search for truth and the meaning of existence (Educating Together in Catholic Schools, 2007, #2). Witnessing the national recognition of two parish schools and a secondary administrator, readily reminds me of the power of people who consciously desire to make a difference in the lives of our children and youth. Ekhart Tolle, a German born Canadian author, wrote a book titled The Power of Now, which suggests to us that the power of living in the moment and affecting the lives of others, enlivens the moment and empowers us. To be a witness of the pride, joy, and accomplishments of these school communities highlighted an a-ha moment. The Office of Catholic Schools offered a conversation for school board chairs in late winter. Although the gathering was small the conversations were rich in nature. As I listened attentively to these professional volunteers, discussion unfolded on ways to improve shared governance in Catholic school education. These board chairs were authentic in their deliberations, respectful to school governance, yet seeking answers for improving the quality of Catholic school education. They were determined through their experiences and expertise to assist moving Catholic school education from being good to great Certainly this experience presented me with an awesome a-ha moment. Sometimes surprises bear experiences for which we are not prepared. I received an unexpected phone call from Archbishop Mansell where he shared the good news of an anonymous donor offering significant financial assistance to a struggling inner- city school. This school will now be able to provide more tuition assistance. This generous donor has affected the future of many students who will pass through its doors having experienced Catholic education. Once again I felt the flame of an a-ha moment burn. gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 1
I am truly blessed to be surrounded by a great staff, wonderful school leaders, dedicated teachers, pastoral priests, a supportive Archdiocesan school board, and an Archbishop who all believe in the great gift of Catholic school education. Let us continue to pray that our Catholic schools remain true schools of faith, in which hearts, minds, and souls are formed through the Gospel, so that there will arise a generation of vessels if you will brimming full with grace, faith, charity, and hope, embracing the future with many of their own a-ha moments. May you be blessed with many sacredly revealing moments in your life, as I have been this past school year. Happy Summer Vacation! ANNOUNCEMENT CONGRATULATIONS TO: Bing Brigantic, a fifth grade student at Saint Stephen School, Hamden, who participated in the essay contest, sponsored by the Hamden Lodge No.224 B.P.O. Elks. His essay, "Why I Am Proud to be an American" was chosen as the first place winner in the state contest. two students, Morgan Salerno, grade eight, and Madison Ledford, grade 6, at St. Stephen School, Hamden, who won the district level competition of the Knights of Columbus Drug and Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest. Morgan Salerno's poster won first place at the state level. She was honored at the Knights of Columbus Annual Convention in Farmington. the students at St. Rita School, Hamden, who raised $5,500 by participating in a school-wide social justice service project, Clear Water Initiative, which was started by Captain Benjamin Sklaver, a native of Hamden, who gave his life for our country in Afghanistan. By 2013, the Clear Water Initiative organization will have affected the lives of more than 50,000 in Uganda where Captain Sklaver had once been deployed. The students in St. Rita School have worked hard to support this worthwhile project, and the New Haven Register highlighted the story on the front page of the newspaper on April 26, 2011. newly ordained, Reverend Diego Alejandro Jimenez Olaya, who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell as Parochial Vicar of St. Augustine Church and School, Hartford. newly ordained, Reverend Anthony John Smith, who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell as Parochial Vicar of St. George Church, Guilford, and newly ordained, Reverend Robert Lamar Turner, II, who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell as Parochial Vicar of St. Margaret Church, Madison. Both parishes support the ministry of Catholic education at Our Lady of Mercy School, Madison. Leon Vaccarelli, who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell to the Archdiocesan School Board. His children attend Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Waterbury. He will be serving on the marketing and finance committees. Michael S. Tosatti, D.M.D., who was appointed by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell to the Archdiocesan School Board. Dr. Tosatti served on the board five years ago after completing six years of service. He will be serving on the policy committee. PLEASE PRAY FOR: Paul Wirkus, the husband of MaryPat Wirkus, Principal of St. Thomas School, Southington, who entered eternal life on May 31. May the soul of Paul Wirkus rest in peace! Patricia Landmann, the mother of Patricia Walsh, Director of Advancement for Northwest Catholic High School, and grandmother of Devin 06 and Lukas 08, who entered eternal life on Thursday, May 19. May the soul of Patricia Landmann rest in peace! gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 2
Paul Szantyr, Sr., the father of Christa Chodkowski, a sixth grade teacher, and Maryssa Szantyr, a pre-k aide at St. Anthony School, Bristol, entered eternal life on Tuesday, May 17. Over a 48 year period, Paul Szantyr taught Latin, Religion, and was the technology coordinator at Sacred Heart High School. May the soul of Paul Szantyr rest in peace! Marie Louise Bent, the mother of Michele Messino, the middle school literature and language arts teachers at St. Mary School, Newington, entered eternal life on Thursday, May 19. May the soul of Marie Louise Bent rest in peace! TRANSITIONS: Kathy Spencer has been elected to a two year term (2011-2013) as the representative of the Principals Advisory Council for Elementary (PACE) schools, District 3. Kathy Madej has been re-elected to a two year term (2011-2013) as the representative of PACE, District 1. Frank Lacerenza has been re-elected to a two year term (2011-2013) as the representative of PACE, District 6. Laurie Piecewicz has been appointed Principal of St. Paul School, Berlin. Pamela Belury has been appointed Principal of St. Brigid School, West Hartford (Elmwood). Cliona Beaulieu has been appointed Principal of Enfield Montessori School. Thomas Fuller, Principal of St. Francis School, Naugatuck, has been hired as a teacher at St. Stanislaus School, Meriden. Sr. Francine Mary Sousa, CSSF, Principal of Enfield Montessori School will transition to teacher at Enfield Montessori School. Sr. Theresa Marie Grochowski, CSSF, Principal of St. Martha School, Enfield, has been hired at St. Bernard Parish, Enfield. Patti Hess has been appointed Principal of St. Stanislaus School, Meriden. ADMINISTRATION Administrative Openings 2011-2012: St. Martha School, Enfield Our Lady of Mercy School, Madison Norwich Diocese, St. Bernard School, Uncasville, Assistant Headmaster Vision: The Office of Catholic Schools enewsletter will be on hiatus for the month of July and will resume publication in August. Report of Personnel Hired: Principals are reminded that they should send the Report of Personnel Hired to Larry Duffany at the Office of Catholic Schools as soon as changes in staffing occur. Criminal Background Checks: Principals are reminded that all new hires must have a fingerprint-supported criminal background check within 30 days of hire. Catholic Education: A Journal of Inquiry and Practice is now available online. Visit their website to search and access current and back journal issues free of charge: www.bc.edu/catholicedjournal. gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 3
Collection of Framed Vision Statements: The Archdiocesan School Board has developed and Archbishop Henry J. Mansell has approved a new Purpose and Vision Statement for the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford. The Office of Catholic Schools is creating a newly designed printed version of the statement to distribute to each school. Administrators who were unable to bring their school s framed Archdiocesan Vision Statement to the Administrators Meeting on May 19 are asked to have it delivered to the Office of Catholic Schools no later than June 10. Please indicate the school name and town on the back of the framed statement so that we can identify its owner. These outdated Vision Statements will be replaced with the new Purpose and Vision Statement, framed, and returned to all schools at the August Convocation. Social Justice Conference: The Archdiocesan Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry will host the second annual Bishop Peter Rosazza Social Justice Conference, Rooted in Faith: Building One Human Family, on Saturday, June 11, at St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The conference will feature a keynote address by wellknown international justice and peace spokesperson, Dr. Stephen Colecchi, and twenty workshops on current social justice topics. The conference fee of $40 includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials. For more information, visit www.catholicsocialjustice.org or call 203.777.7279. South Catholic High School 50 th Anniversary Celebration: Join alumni, faculty, family, and friends for South Catholic High School s 50 th Anniversary celebration on October 7, 2011, at the Aqua Turf, Plantsville, CT, from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight. The cost is $50.00 per person. Please make checks payable to: SCHS Reunion and mail to Carla Miano Unwin, 48 Woodfield Crossing, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Hors D'oeuvres, carving stations, and special desserts will be offered, in addition to a cash bar, silent auction and live band. Dance to your favorite songs of the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. For questions, call Carla Miano Unwin '70 at 860.529.3169; David Kozak '82 at 860.305.8183; or Fran Laffin '70 at 860.236.4221, ext 160. Irish Tenor, Dr. Ronan Tynan: Enjoy an incredible evening of music with famed Irish Tenor, Ronan Tynan, hosted by the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS), on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury, Connecticut. A VIP ticket holder reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. This event will benefit the Catholic Schools of the Greater Waterbury area and FACS. Dr. Tynan has a tremendous voice and the evening will prove memorable. There is a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available. To purchase tickets, please contact Shirley Ziolkowski at the FACS Office at 860.761.7499, or sziolkowski@facshartford.org, or you may call the Palace Theater directly at 203.346.2000. Pass the word to your friends and family; request an eflyer to forward to forward to one and all. Please visit: http://facshartford.org/events.html, or contact the Executive Director, Cindy Basil Howard, at cbhoward@facshartford.org. Fax Machine for Sale: The Office of Religious Education, Bloomfield, is selling a barely used fax machine for $500. They purchased it in June 2009 for $995.00. If interested, please contact Patricia A. Keck, Assistant Director, Office of Religious Education at 860-243-9465, ext. 16. CATHOLIC IDENTITY The Prayer of the Month, written by students, Jessica Fico, grade six, and Nicole Sacilowski, grade seven, at St. Mary St. Michael School, Derby, will be featured on the Office of Catholic Schools website for June. Adult Faith Formation Program Conversation: The Office of Catholic Schools will be holding a wine and cheese reception on June 23 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield. Invitations have been sent for this event to participants in the faith formation program partnership with the University of Dayton. Attendees will have an opportunity to share their course experience to assist with the ongoing refinement of this program of intellectual faith formation. Please RSVP to Maria Maynard via ktyler@adh-ocs.org by June 16. Roman Missal Workshop: The third workshop for the Roman Missal has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2011. It will be held at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish Center, West Hartford, from 10:00 a.m. 12:00 Noon. gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 4
Adult Faith Formation Classes: There will be two cycles of adult faith formation courses available during the summer months. Cycle 4 will run from June 19 through July 23. Courses available during this cycle are Catholic Beliefs, Introduction to Scripture, Old Testament, New Testament, and Sacraments. Registration for Cycle 4 closes on June 15. Cycle 5 will run from August 7 to September 10. All six courses are available during Cycle 5. Registration for Cycle 5 runs from June 21 to August 3. CURRICULUM Iowa Tests of Basic Skills: Elementary schools should have received their standardized test results and their usernames and passwords to retrieve data from the Interactive Results Manager (irm). If you have any questions about how to interpret the results or how to use irm, please contact Valerie Mara at vmara@adh-ocs.org or 860.242.4362, ext. 2651. To gauge the schools satisfaction regarding the data received from this test, the ease of administering it, and the use of data to make instructional decisions, a brief survey will be sent via email to all our elementary schools. Data gathered will be used to form decisions regarding the future use of the ITBS or another standardized assessment instrument. ADVANCEMENT Advancement Casual Conversations: All administrators, staff, and volunteers involved with both elementary and secondary Advancement are invited to attend one of the Casual Conversations scheduled for this month. Two sessions are being planned: Wednesday, June 22 at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, Room 1B, 10:00 11:30 a.m.; and Thursday, June 23 at St. Bridget School, Cheshire, 10:00 11:30 a.m. The topic of these Casual Conversations will be The Annual Fund Letter. Attendees are encouraged to bring their annual fund solicitation and acknowledgement letters to this interactive event, where a review, discussion, and recommendations for best practices will take place. Also, bring your questions, challenges, and successes to share with those in attendance so that all schools can learn from one another. FACTS Software Training: Upcoming training sessions for the elementary schools utilizing the FACTS Donor Management System include the following opportunities to enhance your knowledge and abilities, have questions answered, and challenges solved: June Webinar session on Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. Link into the online session and attend a FACTS class designed to help you perform typical data management tasks (1.5 hours in length). Conference call on Tuesday, June 14 at 11:30 a.m. Dial into the call and have your specific questions answered, or simply listen and learn (30 45 minutes in length). Emails containing information on how to connect to the conference call and to the webinars will be sent by Anne Clubb to the principals of those schools utilizing FACTS. The messages can then be forwarded to the computers of all those who wish to participate. Feel free to submit questions about FACTS training or suggestions for topics to be covered to Anne Clubb at aclubb@adh-ocs.org. Changes to Inquiry and Source Data Collection: The Inquiry and Source Report for the period of February to May, which is due June 6, will be the final one done in the current format. When schools begin to work on the June September report (due October 3), data should be entered online via the Administrative Login of the Office of Catholic Schools website. Simply select the appropriate report and enter your school s census code, then select Submit. You will be brought into the report where your numbers can be entered, automatically tallied in the Total fields, and then checked upon submission. When you complete the report, select Check Here When Completed then Submit. The data will automatically be sent to the Office of Catholic Schools. The report layout has been streamlined and the process more automated for correct entry and greater ease of use. Those with questions are encouraged to contact Anne Clubb or Diane Newell in School Advancement. gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 5
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award Nominations: Elementary principals and their pastors are encouraged to submit a nomination for the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award. This Archdiocesan award, given to one very special person, is a wonderful way to honor that volunteer who has impacted the school s advancement effort in a significant way and made a real, positive difference for the school. Nominations are due by June 24; those nominated in previous years may be re-submitted for consideration again this year. High School Graduating Classes of 2011: Once again this year, the names of all the Class of 2011 graduates from the high schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford will be listed in the August edition of The Catholic Transcript. High Schools are asked to submit the names of their 2011 graduates to Anne Clubb at aclubb@adh-ocs.org no later than June 10 for inclusion in the issue. August Back to School Issue: Elementary and Secondary schools are encouraged to participate in the Catholic Transcript August Back to School edition by purchasing an advertisement or submitting a story idea. To reserve ad space, simply submit your ad order form to Jeff Guerrette at jguerrette@catholictranscript.org by June 1 and your ad copy by July 6. Story ideas and photos may be submitted for consideration to Roberta Tuttle at rtuttle@catholictranscript.org well before July 6. This is a great way to promote your school to prospective families! A letter explaining the issue and the ad order form (both previously sent to schools) can be found under Advancement on the Administrators Login on the OCS website. FINANCES Year four with Capitol Region Education Council (CREC): The Archdiocese of Hartford is moving into its fourth year using CREC as a cooperative purchasing program, where substantial cost savings can be obtained on school supplies, machines, services, etc. To obtain access to the most up-to- date bid information, visit www.crec.org/coop, and click on the second bullet in the green box entitled Awarded Bids. Contact Jim Giangreco, Administrative Assistant to Ken Przysiecki, at jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org to obtain the username and password, which must be kept confidential. Jim Giangreco will be pleased to familiarize you with the entire CREC process, please contact him at 860.242.4362, ext. 2653, or by email. You can also contact Edward Arum of CREC at edarum@hotmail.com or 860.309-7913, or Cara Hart at chart@crec.org, 860.524.4021. Cash Flow Report Tip: When projecting cash flow for future months, ensure that the beginning cash balance, (in this case June 1) is the reconciled bank statement cash balance for the end of May, 2011. Please share this tip with your business managers. DUE DATES NOW DUE Elementary School Principal Self-Evaluation of Goals, Archdiocesan-Wide and School Improvement, to designated Assistant Superintendent at kfitzsimons@adh-ocs.org or mmaynard@adh-ocs.org Support of the Office of Catholic Schools Services, School Payment Plan due to Leslie Nelson via U. S. Mail (Installment 2 of 2) JUNE Notification of Personnel Hired within one week of hire to Larry Duffany at lduffany@adh-ocs.org 1 Projected Retention and Enrollment Report 2011/2012 to Jim Giangreco at jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org 1 Professional Learning Community Evaluation Fillable Form 2011 to Maria Maynard at mmaynard@adhocs.org 1 Ad Order Form for Catholic Transcript August Back to School Issue to Jeff Guerrette at jguerrette@catholictranscript.org 6 Periodic Inquiry and Source Report to Anne Clubb via dnewell@adh-ocs.org 10 Asbestos Management Plan, past due document copies to Dale R. Hoyt via USPS or fax (860) 242-8683 10 Class of 2011 High School Graduates Lists to Anne Clubb at aclubb@adh-ocs.org gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 6
10 Framed Mission Statements due to the Office of Catholic Schools 15 RSVP for June 22 Casual Conversation to Anne Clubb via dnewell@adh-ocs.org 15 Elementary School June Cash Flow Report to Ken Przysiecki via jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org 16 RSVP for June 23 Casual Conversation to Anne Clubb via dnewell@adh-ocs.org 16 Faith Formation Program Conversation RSVP to Maria Maynard via ktyler@adh-ocs.org 17 Order Form for Record Cards and Report Card Envelopes to Velocity Print Solutions 24 NE CACE Conference, Check made payable to Diocese of Fall River and Registration for July Conference due to Kathleen Simpson 423 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720 24 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award Nominations to Anne Clubb via USPS or aclubb@adh-ocs.org 30 Child Lures Prevention Program Final Report to Maria Maynard via ktyler@adh-ocs.org 30 Summative Evaluations to appropriate Assistant Superintendent, kfitzsimons@adh-ocs.org or mmaynard@adh-ocs.org 30 End of Year Principal Checklist (for departing principals only) to designated Assistant Superintendent at kfitzsimons@adh-ocs.org or mmaynard@adh-ocs.org JULY Asbestos Semi-Annual (Six Month) Inspection Report to Dale R. Hoyt via USPS, and copy filed in school s asbestos management plan 1 2011 Administrators Convocation Registration due to Leslie Nelson via USPS, fax (860) 242-8683, or lnelson@adh-ocs.org 1 2011 Administrators Convocation Hotel Reservations due to Water s Edge Resort at (800) 222-5901 1 Projected Retention and Enrollment Report 2011-2012 to Jim Giangreco at jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org 6 Ad Copy Deadline, Catholic Transcript August Back to School Issue to Jeff Guerrette at jguerrette@catholictranscript.org 6 Story/Photo Deadline, Catholic Transcript August Back to School Issue to Roberta Tuttle at rtuttle@catholictranscript.org 15 Elementary School July Cash Flow Report to Ken Przysiecki via jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org AUGUST Opening Day Enrollment Report to Jim Giangreco at jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org 1 Projected Retention and Enrollment Report 2011-2012 to Jim Giangreco at jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org 5 2011 2012 Elementary Advancement Plan to Anne Clubb at aclubb@adh-ocs.org 5 Parent-Student Handbook, copy to designated Assistant Superintendent via mail or kfitzsimons@adh-ocs.org or mmaynard@adh-ocs.org 15 Elementary School July Cash Flow Report to Ken Przysiecki via jlgiangreco@adh-ocs.org CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE 2 Ascension Thursday (Holy Day) 2 East Catholic High School Commencement Exercises, Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, 7:30 p.m. 3 Sacred Heart High School Commencement Exercises, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Waterbury, 7:30 p.m. 5 Academy of Our Lady of Mercy (Lauralton Hall) Commencement Exercises, Academy of Our Lady of Mercy School, Milford, 10:00 a.m. 8 Northwest Catholic High School Commencement Exercises, Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, 7:30 p.m. 9 FACTS Software Training Webinar, link provided by Anne Clubb via email, 10:00 a.m. 10 St. Paul Catholic High School Commencement Exercises, Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, 7:30 p.m. 11 The Bishop Peter Rosazza Social Justice Conference, St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol, 8:15 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 14 FACTS Conference Call, dial-in provided by Anne Clubb via email, 11:30 a.m. 15-16 Annual Office of Catholic Schools Planning Days gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 7
17 Annual Planning Meeting of the Archdiocesan School Board with the Staff of the Office of Catholic Schools, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Room 1A, 8:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. (Note change in time) 21 Archdiocesan Chief Administrators Secondary Meeting, Office of Catholic Schools, 9:00 a.m. 12:00 Noon (Note change in date) 22 Advancement Casual Conversation, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 10:00 11:30 a.m. 23 Advancement Casual Conversation, St. Bridget School, Cheshire, 10:00 11:30 a.m. 23 Adult Faith Formation Program Conversation, by invitation, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 4:00 5:30 p.m. 25 Irish Tenor, Dr. Ronan Tynan, Palace Theater, Waterbury, 6:00 p.m. VIP Reception, Showtime 8:00 p.m. 28 Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents, Board of Trustees Meeting, Norwich Chancery, 6:00 p.m. JULY 4 Independence Day (Office of Catholic Schools Closed) 11 New Principal Orientation, Office of Catholic Schools 9:30 a.m. 12:00 Noon 21 Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools, Board of Trustees Meeting, Chancery, 4:00 p.m. 25-27 NE CACE, A Leadership of Resurrection, Doubletree Hotel Boston/Milford, 11 Beaver Street, Milford MA AUGUST 4 New Principals Meeting, 1 st Year of Service, Office of Catholic Schools 8:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 8-9 2011 Administrators Convocation, Water s Edge Resort, Westbrook, (Two day session) 22-23 Archdiocesan New Teacher Orientation, St. Dominic School, Southington, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. gkeene@adh-ocs.org, VISION 2011 editor June 1, 2011 8