Leading with Faith
by Joleen Dimitroff
A Joy-Filled Advent Message
As we step into the season of Advent, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings that fill our Catholic school community here in the Diocese of Buffalo. Advent has always been one of my favorite seasons—a gentle, hope-filled reminder that Christ comes to us not only at Christmas, but in the quiet moments of our daily lives.
Walking through our schools these past weeks, I’ve been inspired by the simple, faith-filled ways our students prepare their hearts: handmade wreaths, whispered prayers, small acts of kindness, and the joy that naturally fills a child’s anticipation. These moments remind me of why our mission matters so deeply. We’re not just educating minds—we’re shaping souls to recognize God’s presence in the world around them.
Advent invites each of us to slow down, breathe deeply, and make room for Christ. In a world that often pulls us toward busyness and distraction, this season calls us back to what is essential: hope, peace, joy, and love. My prayer is that you and your family feel these gifts in abundance in the weeks ahead.
Thank you for being part of our Catholic school family and for the many ways you witness Christ’s light to one another. May this Advent be a time of renewal, warmth, and heartfelt anticipation as we prepare to welcome our Savior.
Wishing you a blessed and joy-filled Advent.
by Stephanie Genco Gasiecki
“In this season of Advent, we are called to expand the horizons of our hearts, to be amazed by the life which presents itself each day with newness.” - Pope Francis
Middle States Accreditation Update
Our Self-Study continues to be a true community effort—thank you to everyone who has contributed time, reflection, and feedback. This process helps us name our strengths, address areas for growth, and keep our schools firmly rooted in mission.
December Goals (Middle States):
Complete 03 - Student Wellbeing Standard
Complete 04 - Resources Standard
Social Studies Curriculum Update – Virtual Committee Call 12/11, 1-3pm
Social Studies teachers, elementary teachers who teach SS, and interested principals are invited to join us for a collaborative virtual working session focused on strengthening Social Studies education across our PreK–8 schools. During this meeting, we’ll look at our current curriculum landscape, discuss strengths and gaps across grade levels, share teacher needs, and begin shaping a roadmap for future curriculum development. This is an opportunity for teachers to lend their voices, highlight what’s working in classrooms, and help guide the next steps for building a coherent, engaging, mission-aligned SS program for every student in our diocese. Please RSVP for this call here.
Opportunities for Teachers: Canisius College Student Teachers
We’re partnering with Canisius to host both early field experience students (30-hour placements, Feb–Apr 2026, $50 stipend) and student teachers (Mar–May 2026, $225 stipend). We’re especially seeking mentors in Special Education, PE, Social Studies, English, Math, and Health. Mentor teachers must have at least 3 years of experience and NYS certification. If you know someone who would be a strong mentor, please email Elizabeth Turner at turner6@canisius.edu.
Catholic Education Dinner – February 4, 2026
Save the date for an evening of celebration at Salvatore’s. We hope to highlight up to 10 school programs or activities that offer unique, enriching experiences for students. Selected schools will host interactive tables that show off what makes their community special. If your school is interested, please email me a brief description of your program as soon as possible!
Discerning Leaders Program
Registration is open for the Discerning Leaders Program, a statewide initiative for teachers who demonstrate leadership qualities or may be discerning a future call to Catholic school administration. Through CSAANYS, participants learn with experienced Catholic school leaders from across New York, exploring mission and identity, instructional leadership, school culture, communication, and more—all within a supportive community designed to nurture thoughtful, faith-filled discernment. Get more information here. We are close to a cohort of five educators from our diocese; if you are interested or would like to recommend a colleague, please email me.
Best Practices Spotlight: Making Advent Meaningful for Students
Advent can be a gentle, grounding season in our classrooms—a chance to slow down, build community, and help students notice small opportunities for kindness. Even simple practices can give students a sense of purpose and connection during a busy time of year.
Here are a few easy ways to bring Advent to life:
Invite students to name a daily intention or hope during morning prayer.
Start a classroom “kindness countdown” with one small act of care each day.
Write cards or draw pictures for homebound parishioners, first responders, or nursing home residents.
Create a gratitude wall where students add quick notes throughout December.
Choose a simple class service project (mittens, canned goods, gently used books) and let students help lead it.
Little practices like these keep Advent calm, meaningful, and student-centered—no extra stress required. :)
by Chris Riso
12/12/25 NYSDOH Annual School Immunization Survey Due 12/12
12/16/25 Fire Safety Inspection Report Due 12/16/2025
12/19/25 Complete Eight of the 12 Required Evacuation or Lockdown Drills
As 2025 draws to a close, please remember that I am available to assist you as you interact with your public school districts on Title services, nursing, busing, textbooks, and Special Education. The cyclical nature of these programs means that consultation will begin in the next few months in preparation for your 2026-2027 participation. If you are interested, I would be happy to join you for any of your public school consultation meetings if I am available.
E-Rate: Last year around this time, Denton Clark (dclark@mondavi-design.com) sent emails to many of you about the E-Rate assistance his company, Mondavi Design, can provide. I just wanted to remind you that his services are not free and that should you wish to participate in this federal program you are welcome to use him or anyone you wish for the preparation of your E-Rate reimbursement forms. In the past, schools have been charged anywhere from $500 to $1,500 for his services based on how long it takes him to complete and submit your forms (this relates to the complexity of your claim). That said, regardless of the amount of time and effort, Denton has agreed that no school would be charged more than 35% of its E-rate reimbursement each year. Please take that and your possible reimbursement into account when deciding whether applying for E-Rate is worth your time and effort. Please contact me if you would like more information on the E-Rate program.
Thoughts from Denton: If your school needs any additions or upgrades to your data networks, you may want to consider using E-Rate funds to defray some of the expense. Schools will be given a new 5-year (7/1/2026 to 6/30/2031) network equipment budget equal to enrollment multiplied by $201.57 per student. Schools with less than 150 students will be given a budget of no less than $30,175.00. E-Rate approved funds spent up to that amount to add or upgrade data networks will be reimbursed at each school's E-Rate discount percentage - for example, a school with 200 students and a 25% reimbursement rate (the discount percentage based on poverty) can spend up to $40,314 on qualified expenses over 5-Years and then get $10,078.50 reimbursed via E-Rate. Please reach out to Denton in December if you would like to utilize E-Rate funds for your data networks.
by Nancy DiBerardino
Important Update: After 40 years of occupying the former Courier Express Building, the employees of the Catholic Center are beginning to move into our new location at 801 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Office phone numbers will remain the same. Floor by floor is slowly being emptied out. The Catholic Schools Office is tentatively scheduled to move on December 15th. I will keep you posted.
Safe Environment Training for Youth in Catholic Schools
This is a mandatory training that takes place yearly in our Catholic schools. The deadline for this training to be completed and recorded on-line is January 15, 2026.Attached please find a document that explains why this training is done, how to access the resources and how to record on-line that the training has been completed.
Save the Date: Annual Chess Tournament - Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Cardinal O’Hara High School, 39 O’Hara Road, Tonawanda, NY. More Information will be forthcoming for schools to register.
Update: Catholic Schools Day at the BPO will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Kleinhans Music Hall starting at 10:15 AM. The theme for this year will be Building Harmony. All students, grades 1-4 are invited to attend. Using a variety of musical selections, this youth concert tackles the topics of respect, personal responsibility, cooperation, and community, all through the orchestra. The BPO has a unique platform for this topic: 73 individual voices all working together to create a beautiful sound. This concert also will feature selections from Leonard Bernstein’s famous West Side Story, a musical known for its powerful story about the impacts of intolerance. Click here to register.
Save the Date: Annual Art Show is being hosted this year by Chesterton Academy located at 5331 Genesee Street, Bowmansville, NY from Monday, May 18, 2026 (Set-Up) through Tuesday, May 26, 2026 due to the holiday weekend the school has added an extra day for participants to pick-up their art work. For additional information please contact Dr. Kathy Dimitrievski at kdimitrievski@buffalochestertonacademy.org
12/3, 2-3pm - Virtual STREAM Meeting
12/11, 10:30-11:30am - Virtual Principal Meeting
12/11, 1-3pm - SS Curriculum Committee Meeting
1/7, 2-3pm, STAR Champion Meeting
1/8, 8:30-3pm, Principal Meeting
1/31, Chess Tournament
2/10, 10:15am, BPO