Leading with Faith
May 28, 2025
by Chris Riso
5/30/25 Diocesan & Regional School Finance Reports due to Fr. Steve
6/1/25 Last day for Parents to Request Special Education Services from Districts
6/13/25 Complete 2025-26 Professional Development Plan (Recommended)
6/13/25 Complete 12 Required Drills; Four must be Lockdown Drills
TBA NYSED Nonpublic Safety Equipment (NPSE) Claims Due
TBA NYSED Elementary School AIS Claims Due
8/1/25 NYSED MST/STEM Grant & AMTS Art/Music Grant Submission Deadline
Finance Reports Due 5/30: On 5/22/25 I sent an email to Regional and Diocesan Elementary school Board Chairs, Business Managers, and Principals asking them to send the finalized 2025-26 school budget, a current income statement, and a current balance sheet to Fr. Steve Jekielek, our new Finance Manager, by May 30th. Thank you for sending this information to him by this Friday.
How to Start a Federal Lunch Program (NSLP): With the 2025 NYS Budget allowing schools with a Federal Lunch Program (NSLP) to offer free lunches for all students, many schools contacted me about information on starting a program. My initial advice was for schools to explore an arrangement with the public school district in which your school is located, asking if they would consider providing lunches to your students now that all served lunches will be considered to be “free” for reimbursement purposes (I assume). If working with the public schools for NSLP lunches is too challenging or not feasible, here are some links that should help you figure out how to start a program, which is also challenging:
Main website - Child Nutrition | NYSED
NSLP website - National School Lunch Program (NSLP) | Child Nutrition | NYSED
Application Submission Process - Child Nutrition Programs Application Submission Process | Child Nutrition | NYSED, Applications are due July 31, 2025
How to Apply: Submit the New Application Request Form; Refer to the Child Nutrition website for further requirements or contact the Child Nutrition Program Office at 518) 473-8781.
MST Health/Immunization End of School Year or Summer Parent Letter: The NYS Center for School Health created a sample End of School Year Parent Letter that can be sent home with the NYS Required Health Examination Form and the NYS Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance in either your End of School Year packet or Summer Registration packet. Sending this out to returning families in June or July may help remind them to arrange for their required physicals and immunizations prior to the start of the school year.
by Julie Gajewski
Academic Excellence: Choosing Our Next Science Curriculum: A Collaborative Journey
We're continuing our important process to select the best science curriculum resources for our PK-8 students, ensuring it aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Last week, over 20 dedicated educators came together to further this collaborative effort in evaluating various science curriculum resources. We extend our sincere gratitude to Stephanie Genco Gasiecki, STREAM Consultant, for her excellent facilitation of this session. We also want to thank Nancy DiBerardino for her hard work in reserving rooms, ordering lunch, and managing CTLE hours and sign-in sheets. Finally, we appreciate the support of our principal representatives, Karen Rahill and Ryan Kloetzer. Your collective contributions are appreciated.
Here's how the process will continue:
Exploring a Range of Programs: We're looking at several science curriculum options, including:
Mystery Science (K-5): Offers engaging, hands-on activities.
Monroe BOCES 4 Science Kits (K-5): Provides ready-to-use materials for experiments.
Amplify (K-8): A comprehensive digital and print program.
OpenSciEd (K-12): Free, openly accessible science resources.
WozED (K-8): Integrates STEM and computer science.
Kognity (Biology, Earth & Space): Digital resources with interactive content.
New Visions (Biology, Earth & Space): Another option for high school science.
Schools can also suggest other NGSS-aligned resources they currently use.
Teacher Discussions: We're asking all principals and PK-8 science teachers to review these options. Within your schools, please discuss:
Which materials do you think would be most effective for your teaching and your students' learning?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each program?
For elementary grades (K-5), how well would the hands-on kits work with Mystery Science?
For middle and high school grades, which full program seems like the best fit?
Potential Pilot Programs: Your school might choose to try out one or two programs in specific grade levels next year. This pilot phase will help us understand how the materials work in practice before making a school-wide decision.
Considering Collaboration: We're also exploring the possibility of using the same main science program across groups of schools. This could benefit students with consistent learning experiences, support teachers through shared resources, and potentially lead to cost savings. Please discuss the pros and cons of this within your school.
Planning for Funding: We're currently looking into the costs of these programs and will share more information with principals soon. In the meantime, please start thinking about potential funding sources at your school, such as fundraising, grants, or existing budget allocations.
Integrating Our Faith: This summer, a key part of our curriculum mapping process will be intentionally integrating our Catholic faith and social teachings into the science curriculum. If any teacher or principal would like to join us in this curriculum mapping work this summer, please sign up using the form linked here: Science Curriculum Mapping Sign Up
Timeline:
Now - End of May: Principals, please share information about the science curriculum options with your PK-8 science teachers for their review.
Late May/Early June: Teachers will have discussions within their schools about the different options.
Early June: Schools will develop their proposed science plan based on teacher feedback and submit this plan to Julie Gajewski, Assistant Superintendent of Academics.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Weekly Virtual Principal Meetings
Meeting Details:
Day and Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Platform: Microsoft Teams (link sent by Laurie)
Next Meeting: 5/28/25 - CANCELLED
by Laurie Wojtaszczyk
STAR
As the 2024-2025 school year ends, Renaissance wants to help make the transition as smooth as possible. They’ve curated a few end-of-year action items and resources for all Renaissance products that will help you:
Generate and save/print reports for the current school year Star Assessments (see page 8)
Set up summer school and view the summer school implementation resources
Plan and schedule professional learning and attend How-to Webinars on demand
eSchool
Do you have questions about eSchool? They have created a wonderful informational webpage with great resources and continue to add to it all the time. I use it myself quite often, so I thought I'd share this fantastic resource with you.
by Mary Jo Aiken
Here are some great ways to celebrate the end of the school year! It's such a pivotal time to acknowledge all the hard work and growth. Here are some ideas for school-wide events, assemblies, and award ceremonies, along with tips for making them truly memorable:
School-Wide Events:
Field Day Extravaganza: Amp up the traditional field day with themed stations (e.g., Olympic games, carnival, superhero training), inflatable obstacle courses, water games (weather permitting), and even a dunk tank for teachers/principals (with their enthusiastic consent, of course!). Consider having different grade levels participate in staggered times or in designated areas.
School-Wide Picnic/BBQ: A relaxed and fun way for the entire school community – students, teachers, staff, and even families – to come together. Think outdoor games, music, face painting, and delicious food. You could even organize it by grade level sections for easier mingling.
Talent Show Showcase: Let students shine by showcasing their diverse talents – singing, dancing, playing instruments, telling jokes, performing magic tricks, etc. Hold auditions beforehand and make it a grand event with decorations and enthusiastic cheering.
Art Fair/Gallery Walk: Display the incredible artwork students have created throughout the year. Turn hallways or the gym into a gallery, allowing students to proudly show off their masterpieces and appreciate the creativity of their peers.
Book Character Parade: Students (and even staff!) dress up as their favorite book characters and parade around the school or playground. This is a fun way to celebrate reading and imagination.
Time Capsule Creation: Have each class contribute items that represent their year – artwork, writings, photos, small mementos. Seal them in a time capsule to be opened in the future (e.g., when the current kindergarten class graduates 5th grade).
"Moving Up" Ceremony (for specific grades, like 5th grade): A special event to acknowledge the students transitioning to the next level. This could include speeches, student performances, and the presentation of certificates.
Assemblies:
Year-in-Review Slideshow/Video: Compile photos and short video clips from various school events, classroom activities, and field trips throughout the year. Set it to upbeat music and let the students reminisce about their experiences.
Student Performances: Feature highlights from music classes, drama clubs, or even individual class performances. This allows students to share their learning and talents with the entire school.
Guest Speaker/Entertainer: Invite someone engaging and inspiring – a local author, a musician, a scientist, or even a motivational speaker – to share their experiences and encourage the students.
Teacher Skits/Performances: Surprise the students with a fun and lighthearted performance by their teachers. This can create a memorable and humorous connection.
"Kindness Counts" Assembly: Focus on the importance of kindness, empathy, and positive behavior. Students who have demonstrated exceptional kindness throughout the year can be recognized.
Award Ceremonies:
Academic Achievement Awards: Recognize students who have excelled in specific subjects or shown significant academic growth.
Citizenship Awards: Celebrate students who have consistently demonstrated positive character traits like responsibility, respect, and cooperation.
Effort and Improvement Awards: Acknowledge students who have shown remarkable effort and progress, even if they haven't achieved the highest grades. This is crucial for fostering a growth mindset.
Special Interest Awards: Recognize students who have excelled in areas like art, music, sports, or technology.
"Helping Hand" Awards: Appreciate students who have consistently gone out of their way to help their classmates and teachers.
"Above and Beyond" Awards: Recognize students who have shown exceptional initiative, creativity, or leadership.
Tips for Creating Memorable Experiences:
Involve Students in the Planning: Ask for their ideas and feedback! This gives them ownership and makes the celebrations more meaningful to them.
Personalize Recognition: Instead of just reading names, share a brief positive anecdote or specific achievement for each student being recognized.
Create a Festive Atmosphere: Decorate the school with colorful banners, balloons, and student artwork. Play upbeat music to create an exciting vibe.
Capture the Moments: Take photos and videos of the events to share with students and families. Consider creating a slideshow or yearbook.
Provide Small Tokens of Appreciation: Even a simple certificate, a ribbon, or a small personalized gift can make a big difference.
Focus on Inclusivity: Ensure that all students feel valued and celebrated, regardless of their achievements. Have a variety of ways to recognize different talents and contributions.
Keep it Age-Appropriate: Tailor the activities and recognition to the developmental level and interests of the elementary students.
End on a Positive Note: Leave students feeling happy, proud, and excited for the summer break and the next school year.
Communicate Clearly with Families: Keep parents informed about the end-of-year celebrations and any opportunities for them to participate.
Reflect and Gather Feedback: After the celebrations, take some time to reflect on what worked well and gather feedback from students and staff for future planning.
Remember, the goal is to create positive and lasting memories that celebrate the students' hard work, growth, and the wonderful community you've built throughout the year. Have fun planning!
Have a safe and blessed week!
by Nancy DiBerardino
The Annual Cafeteria Managers Meeting is being planned for Monday, August 4th. The meeting will be held at St. Amelia’s Elementary School, 2999 Eggert Road, Tonawanda from 9:00 AM - Noon. Please pass this date onto your cafeteria managers.
Diocesan Track Meet
It was brought to my attention that at the track meet on Monday May 12th the ribbons for the Running Long Jumps were not given out to the participants. They have been mailed out to each school that had a student qualify in the top 4 spots.
Eighth Grade Diplomas
There are a handful of schools who still owe for their diploma covers and diplomas. Please kindly send in your payment.
by Stephanie Genco Gasiecki
A New Vision for Science Learning
The New York State Science Learning Standards reflect a powerful shift in how we approach science instruction - and it infuses the principles of STREAM! These Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-based guidelines call for three-dimensional learning: integrating core content (DCIs), scientific practices, and crosscutting concepts. For our PreK-8 classrooms, this means moving beyond memorization to hands-on investigation, critical thinking, and making real-world connections.
As our diocesan schools prepare for 2025-2026, we’re adopting high-quality, fully aligned science curricula. Questions about the process or your school’s options? Reach out before the June 6 submission deadline.
You're Invited! End-of-Year STREAM Celebration
To celebrate the incredible work happening in our schools, all STREAM Coordinators are invited to a special luncheon at the Buffalo Museum of Science on Monday, June 9, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. We’re gathering to recognize the dedication of our STREAM leaders and the meaningful learning they've fostered this year.
If you’re a principal who has been serving as your school’s Coordinator and would like to nominate a STREAM or Science teacher to attend in your place, please feel free to pass the invite along to them.
👉 RSVP to Stephanie at stream@wnycatholicschools.org by May 30, whether you're attending or not.
We’re also collecting photos and videos of STREAM projects, events, and classroom moments to feature in our 2025 Celebration of STREAM slideshow. Please email any media, along with short labels or descriptions, to Stephanie by Wednesday, June 4.
Let’s celebrate the curiosity, creativity, and commitment that STREAM has sparked in both our students and educators this year!
