Parent Connection
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Character Awards - Self Control
Congratulations to the students who were recognized after Mass this morning for demonstrating the character trait of self-control! These students find a way to manage their words, actions, and emotions even in challenging situations, doing what is right.Way to go Knights!
Row 1: Natalia Wittcop, Olivia VanDeMark, Alice Pittman, Rory Ennis, Dawson Nowak, Elina Wisniewski, Adam VanDeMark, Charlie Webster, Jameson Rohring, Sonia Smith. Row 2: Elizabeth Madow, Luke Mullaney, Grace Gaskill, Eli Fritz, Olivia Bootes, Gabby Brennan, Jack Rankie and Mason Kennedy.
Auction Pick-Up
Auction pick-up will take place from 3:00pm until 5:00pm on Thursday, April 23rd. Auction winners should use the Garage Entrance to pick up items.
Financial Aid Applications
Just a reminder that DeSales financial aid applications are now due for the 26/27 school-year to the Business Office. Families who currently receive financial aid must reapply each year.
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Cathleen Fraass at fraassc@desalescatholicschool.org.
Donate to Save a Life!
DeSales is hosting a blood drive on Saturday, April 25th from 10am until 2pm through ConnectLife. We have a number of slots available, follow the link below to sign up now:
Girls this Knight is for you! Join uus, this Friday, April 24th for the Me & My Guy Dance - A Knight in Paris! If you didnt buy tickets, you can pay at the door, $35 per family.
Breadking News: Our School Loves to Read!
PARP Weekly Activities
Mystery Reader Monday - Mystery readers will come into each classroom to read a story to the students. To sign up to be a mystery reader for your class, visit this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0F4AAAAB283-63555434-mystery (Miss Santos and 1st grade teachers will sent out their own sign-ups.)
Flashlight Friday- Students will read in the dark with flashlights in the classroom. Please send in a flashlight with your child.
PARP Events:
Friday, April 24: Author visit
Author Kate Hosford will share her picture book, You and I are Stars in the Night, with our students in Prek-2ndgrade. Book order form.
Friday, May 1: Cozy “Read the Morning Paper” Day:
Wear pajamas or comfy clothes.
Wednesday, May 6: PARP Concert
Performer Glenn Colton will share his love of music and reading for our PreK-5th grade students.
Friday, May 8: Reporter Day
Dress like a reporter or journalist (hat, notebook, glasses, tie).
May 12-14: Buy One, Get One Free Scholastic Book Fair
Thursday, May 14 : Family STREAM Night:
On Thursday, May 14, DeSales will be hosting a family STREAM night from 6:00-7:30 pm. Activities will include reading activities, robotics, an art show, a book swap, bookmark decorating, a BOGO book fair, and more! More information will follow as we get closer to this event.
Thursday, May 21: Breaking News Spirit Day
Wear your favorite DeSales gear to celebrate reading success.
Friday, May 29: Headlines & Words Day Wear a shirt with words on it or tape a newspaper headline to your shirt.
Mullane Family Scholarship
Mullane Family Scholarship Winners
Many years ago, the Mullane family established a scholarship at DeSales in the name of their father Jack, a graduate of DeSales Catholic High School Class of 1950 and the University of Notre Dame, and a longtime supporter of Catholic education. This annual award is given to a student(s) who will be attending a Catholic high school.
We are so pleased to share that this year's Mullane Family Scholarship recipients are DeSales 8th graders, Noah Oliveri and Evelyn Schuster! Congratulations Knights!
: Evelyn & Noah are pictured with Middle School Social Studies Teacher, Ms. Sarah Mullane. Ms. Mullane is the granddaughter of Jack Mullane.
Attention Boys in preschool through grade 8 - we've planned the perfect Knight out for you and your Fair Lady! Join us for Skate Date Knight on Saturday, May 2nd from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Rainbow Skateland. Return the Skate-Date-Knight RSVP form to DeSales.
May HSA Meeting & Officers
The next HSA Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30pm in the DeSales Cafeteria.
We are already planning for next year! If you would be interested in being an HSA Officer for next school year, please contact Mrs. Rahill or Mrs. Knuutila.
DeSales Catholic School Vision & Mission Statement
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.
Middle States Association Accreditation
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
DeSales Catholic School
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