Parent Connection

The students and faculty at DeSales Catholic School gathered on Wednesday afternoon for a special assembly as Principal Rahill made an exciting announcement: she is the author of a newly published children's book inspired by and dedicated to the students of DeSales. Beautifully illustrated by DeSales Art Teacher Kristen McCabe, the book is a fictional tale rooted in real-life events at the school, including a memorable moment when a mischievous raccoon made off with the principal’s pizza. Featuring four unforgettable animal characters, the story captures the spirit, curiosity, and heart of the DeSales community.

This celebration of creativity and school pride highlights our school community, and showcases the talent and imagination found within the DeSales family.

Congratulations Principal Rahill & Mrs. McCabe!

Rosen Publishing will donate 50% of all preorder proceeds to DeSales! Preorder your hardcover book for only $10 via the order form coming home with students or order online here.

Presale orders are due by July 15th. Your preordered book will be available for pick-up at the Curious Critters Go to School Release and Book Signing Party on July 30th at 3pm.

• Part Time Preschool 3 & 4 Year old
• Preschool 3 Year Old Full Day
• Preschool 4 Year Old Full Day
• Kindergarten Revised
• 1st Grade
• 2nd Grade
• 3rd Grade
• 4th Grade
• 5th Grade
• Middle School

If your child is interested in participating in a sport for the Fall 2025 season, please follow the link and complete the short Microsoft Form. We are trying to gauge interest and gather coaches to be set for when the seasons start! Thank you!

Extra yearbooks will be available for purchase in the Main Office on Monday, June 23rd for $18. We will have a limited quantity while supplies last.

On Friday, June 20th our friends at Aramark, our cafeteria food service provider, will be providing a free pizza lunch for all students, faculty & staff.

Now that spring sports are wrapping up, please return your child's jersey to Mrs. Hornquist in a bag labled with their name. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Connie Hornquist

Friday, June 20th, students may dress down out of uniform for $1. All proceeds from this dress down will benifit Wild Kritters of Niagara County.Wild Kritters are a rehabilitation organization who rehabilitae injured and orphaned wildlife in Niagara county. Their goal is to get the animals back into the wild healthy as soon as possible.

We are so excited to offer a summer theatre workshop full of fun opportunities bursting with all the good vibes! This musical theatre camp will be directed by Maddie Long, DCS '14 and is open to "Little Stars" students in grades 1-3 and "Broadway Bound" students in grades 4-8. Come ready to move, groove, make magic, and build memories with friends that will last forever! For more information, please click here.

Field Day for Grades 1-5 will take place this year on Tuesday, June 24. We have a lot of fun activities planned this year including a fun inflatable obstacle course and more! Each child will be provided lunch which will include 2 slices of pizza, a watermelon slice, and a drink box. The cafeteria will not be open for service, but children may bring a bagged lunch if preferred. Please send your child to school with sneakers, applied sunscreen, and a water bottle. In order to make this a fun day for all, please consider volunteering.

Field Day Volunteer Sign Up (Grades 1-5)

Grades 6-8 will be spending Tuesday, June 24 at the Lockport Country Club! They will have access to the pool as well as lawn games. Volunteers are needed to help supervise all the activities and pool area. You do not have to be Virtus trained to volunteer but it is preferred. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

Middle School Field Day Volunteer Sign Up (Grades 6, 7, 8)

Please use the link below for information regarding the required summer reading for students entering grades 5-8.

Summer Reading Lists For Students Entering Grades 5-8

Show your DeSales pride with exclusive alumni apparel, just in time for the All Alumni Reunion!

Thanks to our friends at Nine14 Promotions (owned by fellow Knight, Tom Murphy, DHS ’88), we’ve launched a special pop-up shop featuring gear that celebrates your DeSales spirit.

Order Deadline: June 22nd

Pickup Options:

At DeSales on July 18th

At the Reunion on July 26th

Don’t miss out, order now!

https://nine14promotions.commonsku.com/.../18d2b332-81e3...

June Breakfast Menu

June Lunch Menu

*Please note: June 16th menu is now being served on June 23rd, and June 23rd will now be served on June 16th. *

Keep your child on track with summer learning! Each hour session will include math, reading, and writing instruction!

Starting in July on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00-3:00!

For more information, please contact Miss Blackley at blackleyr@desalescatholicschool.org ! Each hour session is $35.

In July 2023, DeSales Catholic School was granted the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA).

The MSA accreditation process helps schools, and essentially students, continuously grow and improve.

What is MSA?

The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, the Middle States accreditation process has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement.

The Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association accredited early-childhood through post-secondary, non-degree granting public, private, faith-based educational institutions including special purpose schools, and learning services providers.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a self-evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research-based performance standards. The standards examine schools in a holistic way, supplementing student-testing data to provide a more complete measure of a school’s performance and chart a strategic and realistic course for continuous school improvement.

The MSA Standards for Accreditation

When it comes to evaluating schools and school systems, the Middle States Association looks at the whole school- not just test scores. We realize that improving outcomes requires a comprehensive approach. When we assess whether a school should be accredited we look at how the school performs in MSA’s accreditation process and evaluate your institution holistically, focusing on five core areas that ensure excellence and continuous growth. These are:

● Foundations: Align your mission, core values, and goals with the needs of your school community to create a clear vision for success.

● Governance and Organization: Establish effective leadership, governance structures, and policies to guide decision-making and promote ethical practices.

● Student Well-Being: Create a safe, inclusive environment that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and social development of all students.

● Resources: Optimize financial, human, and physical resources to ensure sustainability and support for educational goals.

● Teaching and Learning: Deliver a rigorous, mission-aligned curriculum that promotes student achievement and prepares learners for future success.

To learn more about The Middle States Association, visit: https://www.msa-cess.org

Vision Statement

• DeSales students will be well-equipped to successfully meet the challenges of modern day society with faith, dignity and integrity.

Mission Statement

• Is a center of excellence that inspires individual students to reach their greatest potential inside and outside the classroom.

• Is a nurturing community dedicated to advancing the highest academic standards and an exceptional faith-based education rooted in the values of love, compassion, mercy, sacrifice and justice as taught by St. Francis DeSales.

• Provides students with the fundamental building blocks to be innovative, critical-thinkers, and responsible future leaders.

Summer is the perfect time for children to explore new worlds, spark their imaginations, and strengthen their reading skills. That’s why Senator Ortt is proud to support the 2025 Summer Reading Program, themed “Color our World: Colorea Nuestro Mundo. This free program encourages children of all ages to read for fun and discovery all summer long.

How It Works:
Participating students can visit www.nyread.com to complete a reading log to track their progress throughout the summer. All children who submit their completed reading form by August 22, 2025, will receive an official Summer Reading Certificate from Senator Ortt, recognizing their dedication and achievement.

Why Participate?

• Supports families and educators in promoting literacy at home
• Helps prevent the “summer slide” and keeps students engaged
• Encourages a lifelong love of books and learning
• Offers a fun and meaningful way to spend summer break

Get Involved:
Teachers and librarians are encouraged to promote the program in their communities. You can request free promotional materials including flyers and color in postcards by emailing NYSenateServices@nysenate.gov or calling 518-455-2558.

Learn More:
To find out more about the Summer Reading Program, visit the Senator Ortt official website:
https://my.nysenate.gov/robert-g-ortt

Email: Knuutilak@desalescatholicschool.org
Website: http://www.desalescatholicschool.org/
Location: 6914 Chestnut Ridge Road, Lockport, NY, USA
Phone: (716)433-6422
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeSalesCatholicSchool