2/28/25 HS Scholarships for Academic Excellence (SAE) Nominations Due Online (Post)

3/5/25 Quarterly Government Services Update at 3:15pm

3/8/25 CIDEL “Call to Leadership” - Free Professional Development

3/10/25 Mandated Services Data Entry Session at Immaculate Conception

3/11/25 Mandated Services Data Entry Session - Northtowns Location TBA

3/14/25 Last Day to Submit Erie 1 BOCES Textbook Requisitions

3/17/25 Save Mandated Services Claim online for C. Riso Review

3/31/25 NYSED Nonpublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) Claims Due

3/31/25 NYSED Elementary School AIS Claims Due

4/1/25 Online 2023-24 Mandated Services Claim Due to NYSED

4/1/25 Updated Mandated Reporter Training Due for All Required Staff

NYSED Mandated Services Update: As you begin to prepare for your online claim, please see my important message about Mandate 1 emailed to all principals and Business Managers on 1/29/25. After NYSED formally announces the opening of the online claims, please consider opening a new 2023-24 (“2024-New”) Mandated Services claim via the NYSED Business Portal (http://portal.nysed.gov/) while you finish your preparations. If you still need your Excel spreadsheet from me, email me.

Mandated Services Data Entry Sessions 3/10 & 3/11: If you are not using a paid preparer, I highly recommend that you use the Mandated Services forms provided by me to prepare for online submission. I have arranged for two half-day sessions to assist you as you key in your Mandated Services claims (after your Excel spreadsheet and “Form 2” are completed):

Mon., Mar. 10 – Immaculate Conception, 510 Oakwood Ave, East Aurora,14052, 1:00 - 4:00pm

Tues., Mar. 11 – TBA, (Northtowns Location - Possibly St. Amelia School, 2999 Eggert Rd, Tonawanda 14150), 1:00 - 4:00pm

If you wish to attend one of these sessions please register by sending an email to me at criso@buffalodiocese.org or just show up. If you do not need the in-person assistance you can always submit the claim on your own. If you want me to look it over prior to submission (highly recommended), make sure you save it online by 3/17/25 for me to review before you click “Submit”.

NYSED Mandated Services Upload Requests: A few schools have begun to enter their claims online and this often will lead to an “Upload Request” from NYSED which immediately sends an email to the Principal or CFO. Please do not respond to those Upload Requests until after I look over your claim; many times they result from a typo and can be cleared up without needing to submit additional information.

NYSED Safety Equipment and AIS Funds: We are still waiting for updated NonPublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) grant allocations and Year 11 forms to be released by NYSED. When this information is released it will be found on their website here. I hope to send out an email this week with more information and very rough estimates of your available NPSE funds (along with available Year 8 AIS funds for the elementary schools) but please email me if you have any questions.

Academic Excellence: Curriculum Resource Audits and Planning

The Power of Curriculum Resource Audits: A Collaborative Path to Excellence for Principals

As a principal, you are always striving to provide the best educational experience for your students. One powerful tool to help achieve this goal is a curriculum resource audit. This comprehensive review process, conducted in collaboration with teachers, ensures that your school's curricular resources are aligned with educational standards and effectively support student learning. Here’s a guide to understanding the benefits of a curriculum resource audit and a step-by-step process to conduct one effectively.

Why Conduct a Curriculum Resource Audit?

1. Alignment with Standards and Goals: A curriculum resource audit ensures that the resources used in your school's curriculum align with state and national educational standards, as well as your school's mission and goals. This alignment is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality in education.

2. Identify Gaps and Redundancies: By thoroughly reviewing the resources, you can identify areas where materials may be lacking or overlapping. This helps create vertical alignment, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.

3. Improve Student Outcomes: Aligning resources with best practices and current educational research can significantly enhance student learning and achievement. High-quality resources support teachers in delivering effective instruction.

4. Resource Optimization: A curriculum resource audit helps ensure that resources are being used effectively and efficiently. By identifying unnecessary expenditures, you can allocate funds more wisely, maximizing the impact of your budget.

5. Accountability and Continuous Improvement: Regular audits foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. They provide a framework for ongoing evaluation, helping your school stay on the path to excellence.

The Curriculum Resource Audit Process

1. Assemble Your Team: Gather your teachers from each content area. Ensure everyone understands the purpose and scope of the audit. A collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive review and buy-in from all parties involved.

2. Define the Scope and Focus: Determine which content areas and grade levels will be audited. Establish clear guidelines and criteria for evaluating the resources. This focus helps maintain consistency and ensures that all relevant materials are reviewed.

3. Analyze the Resources: Review the collected data to evaluate how well the resources align with educational standards, the school's mission, and best practices in teaching and learning. Look for gaps, redundancies, and areas needing improvement. This analysis provides a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the current resources.

4. Score and Summarize Findings: Use the established criteria to rate different aspects of the resources. Summarize the findings in a comprehensive report that highlights strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement. This report serves as a valuable tool for planning and decision-making.

5. Determine which materials to purchase next year: Utilize the findings to help develop your textbook and software needs. Check with Diocesan guidelines for religion textbooks and science for this year.

6. Refine school budget and expend all textbook and software funds: Use guidelines from Chris Riso for purchasing textbooks and using software funds.

7. Contact Catholic School Department for recommendations and possibility of pooling purchases: Contact me or Lisa Benzer for religion textbooks for recommendations and purchasing power by the Diocese.

A Positive Path Forward

Conducting a curriculum resource audit is a proactive and positive task that empowers you to enhance the quality of education at your school. By working closely with teachers to identify and optimize curricular resources, you can create a more effective and engaging learning environment for your students. Embrace the process as an opportunity for growth and excellence, and watch your school thrive.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Together, we can make a significant impact on the educational journey of your students!

Weekly Virtual Principal Meetings

Meeting Details:

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

• Platform: Microsoft Teams (link sent by Laurie)

Art Show - Notre Dame Academy, May 13-15, 2025

The 35th Annual Diocesan Art Exhibition will be held at Notre Dame Academy, 260 Okell St, Buffalo. All schools are welcome to attend. You can find more information and sign up through this link or scan the QR code on the attached information sheet. Your school must register by April 18th, however early registration is highly encouraged.

Spelling Bee

We held our Spelling Bee last evening at Mt. St. Mary’s Academy. Congratulations to all of the students who participated. Our winning word was callipers (or calipers - both were acceptable.)

Our winners were:

1st Place- Colleen B. from St. Gregory the Great

2nd Place- Madeleine K. from St. Gregory the Great

3rd Place- Aubrey O. from Notre Dame Academy

Science Fair - St. Joseph Collegiate, March 29, 2025

Creating a Master Schedule

Now that re-enrollment and new enrollment are well under way for your school, it’s not too soon to begin creating a master schedule for the ‘25-’26 school year, identifying each teacher and each subject assigned to each grade level in each period of the day (whew!). Creating a master schedule can be a complex task, but starting with specials and Academic Intervention Services (AIS) periods is a smart approach. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:

1. Gather Information

• Specials:

• List all specials (art, music, PE, library, etc.)

• Determine the frequency and duration of each special (e.g., twice a week for 45 minutes)

• Identify any teachers who teach multiple specials and their availability

• AIS:

• Determine the grade levels that require AIS

• Identify the subjects for AIS (reading, math, etc.)

• Decide on the frequency and duration of AIS sessions (e.g., three times a week for 30 minutes)

• Determine if AIS will be provided in small groups or whole class settings

• Identify teachers who will be providing AIS and their availability

• Other Considerations:

• School start and end times

• Lunch and recess schedules

• Teacher planning time

• Any other school-wide events or activities

2. Create a Template

• Use a spreadsheet or scheduling software to create a grid with time slots and days of the week.

• Divide the day into appropriate time blocks (e.g., 30-minute or 45-minute blocks).

• Take a look at the simple format that you can adapt to your needs by clicking on this link:

MASTER SCHEDULE TEMPLATE (Word)

MASTER SCHEDULE TEMPLATE (Excel, includes a Specials Schedule)

(Add subjects and teachers next to each grade level.)

3. Schedule Specials

• Start by blocking out the time slots for each special.

• Consider the following:

• Distribute specials evenly throughout the week.

• Avoid scheduling specials back-to-back.

• Ensure that each class has access to all specials.

• Coordinate with special area teachers to ensure their schedules are feasible.

4. Schedule AIS

• Block out time slots for AIS based on the needs of each grade level.

• Consider the following:

• Schedule AIS during times that will not interrupt core instruction.

• Group students strategically to maximize the effectiveness of AIS.

• Coordinate with AIS teachers to ensure their schedules are feasible.

5. Fill in the Gaps

• Once specials and AIS are scheduled, fill in the remaining time blocks with core instruction, lunch, recess, and other activities.

• Be sure to allocate blocks or double periods where extended ELA time and science labs are required.

6. Review and Adjust

• Review the master schedule to ensure that it meets the needs of all students and staff.

• Make adjustments as needed to resolve conflicts or improve the flow of the day.

• Share the master schedule with all stakeholders and gather feedback.

Tips for Success

• Start early: Creating a master schedule takes time, so start the process well in advance of the upcoming school year.

• Collaborate: Work with teachers, administrators, and other staff to develop a schedule that meets everyone's needs.

• Be flexible: Be prepared to make adjustments to the schedule as needed.

• Communicate: Keep all stakeholders informed throughout the scheduling process.

• Use technology: Scheduling software can help you create and manage complex schedules more efficiently.

Have a blessed and safe week! Happy Valentine’s Day❣️

March Principals Meeting please register before you leave for the winter break. Click on the link below that is provided https://forms.gle/9PFTaNpLDWiaH9dF7

Important Second Update

The 8th Grade Retreat will take place on Friday, March 28th at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart

Elementary School and Parish. The times have been changed to 9:45 AM - 1:30 PM to help with transportation for those schools that will be chartering buses for this event.

Teachers Desk: During the month of February and March schools will have the opportunity to participate in a curbside shopping experience. I will be contacting our school individually to register their school for this opportunity.

Mark your calendars! The Annual Elementary Track Meet will take place this spring on Monday, May 12, 2025 and Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at St. Francis High School in Hamburg. More information will be forthcoming in February.

Virtue/Diocesan Character Trait - Awards will be handed out at the March Principals Mtg.

Month of February - Reverence/Inclusion - Deadline March 14, 2025

Definition – Showing your deepest respect for things of God & making sure everyone feels valued and part of the group. https://forms.gle/vC7dEccHKjvGrTYe8

Last Chance Before this Event is Cancelled

Spring Bowling:The cut off date for submitting names for spring bowling is Wednesday, February 12th.Please make sure you use the google form Bowling Registration Form. If there are no submissions at that time the season will be cancelled

The West Seneca Town Band, a musical organization with a long-established tradition of playing in western New York, is seeking a conductor and music director. This is a paid position at a competitive rate, with weekly rehearsals and a number of regular concert commitments per year. For more information please contact Dan Schroeder at 716-816-5611 or danielfschroeder@hotmail.com.

Blast Off into STREAM Fun at this year’s Science Scrimmage! 🚀

Calling all young engineers, problem-solvers, and future scientists! The Science Scrimmage at this year’s X-STREAM Games is an exciting hands-on challenge where students will design, build, and test their own rocket-catching device—just like real-world reusable rockets!

Why Should Your Students Join Science Scrimmage?

✅ Hands-on Learning: Students will explore physics, engineering, and problem-solving in a fun and competitive way.
✅ No Heavy Prep Required: Teams can brainstorm ideas ahead of time, but all materials are provided on the day of the event.
✅ Collaboration & Creativity: Up to four students per team work together, using simple materials like paper and tape to create an innovative design.
✅ Exciting Competition: The higher the rocket drops, the better the score! Can your team master the best design?
✅ Boost Critical Thinking: This challenge supports STREAM learning, teamwork, and real-world engineering concepts.

How It Works

• Form a team of up to 4 students (grades 3-8) and choose a fun team name!

• Plan and prototype in the weeks leading up to the Scrimmage (optional but encouraged).

• Compete on the day of the event:
  🛠️ 25 minutes to build using provided materials
  🚀 Rockets drop at 11:00 AM—will your design succeed?

Sign Up Today!

Registration is easy—just sign up your team here👉 Sign Up Now

For more details on this year’s challenge & rocket building, visit:
🔗 Science Buddies – Student Instructions

Don’t miss this chance to bring science to life in a fun, fast-paced, and engaging way. We can’t wait to see what your students create! 🚀✨

STREAM Coordinator Meeting Reminders:

• 2/12, 2:15-3, Robotics Meeting - recommended if new or participating in the Games

• 2/24, 2:45-3:45, Office Hours with Stephanie - optional, if you have questions, ideas, or want to connect!