Leading with Faith
by Joleen Dimitroff
Catholic Community,
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the National Conference for New Catholic School Superintendents. The theme of the conference was “Be Still,” an invitation to pause, listen, and place our trust in God’s providence—especially as we lead through complex and challenging times. Throughout the sessions, I deepened my understanding of the operational responsibilities of diocesan leadership, learned about the latest policies and advocacy efforts impacting Catholic education, and built connections with fellow superintendents from across the country. I returned with both new tools and a renewed conviction that this work is truly a vocation—one to which God has called each of us for a purpose.
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to all of our principals for their active engagement in our recent leadership meeting. Your thoughtful collaboration is helping move our Middle States Accreditation process forward in meaningful and strategic ways. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for the joy you bring to your schools each day.
This week I had the joy of worshiping with the school community at St. Mary’s Elementary in Lancaster. The energy inside the packed church was electrifying! I was deeply impressed by the outstanding student leadership on display—from the reverent altar servers and confident lectors to the upper-grade students who so lovingly served as chaperone mentors for their younger Pre-K and Kindergarten buddies. The choir lifted hearts in prayer through their beautiful music (hear them here!) To the entire SME community—thank you as well for the thoughtful and generous swag bag!
As we continue this year’s journey together, may we all remain “still” long enough to hear God’s voice, and courageous enough to follow wherever He leads.
by Stephanie Genco Gasiecki
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
As we move through October, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration, reflection, and innovation in our schools. This week’s updates include important reminders, exciting opportunities for students, and ways we’re continuing to grow together as a community.
Science Testing & Investigations
Thank you to everyone who’s been working to ensure Science Investigations are accurately recorded in eSchool. These entries help document student participation and can be especially valuable when students transition to high school or transfer schools.
A few key points to keep in mind:
Record investigations only at the grade level they’re administered. For example, if “Cloud in a Bottle” is done in Grade 3, it should only be recorded there.
Use the grading scale:
C – Complete
I – Incomplete.
The Online Ordering Systems for the 2026 Spring 3-8 Assessments and January Regents is open until November 14th. Please make sure you have placed orders.
STREAM Opportunities for Students
If you’re looking for ways to revitalize your STREAM programming, or to connect your students with the wider community, consider joining one of these regional competitions!
Cardboard Arcade Challenge – Deadline to register: 10/30
Students will design and build arcade games using cardboard and recycled materials, then gather at KeyBank Center to share their creations in a fun, collaborative atmosphere. It’s a great way to showcase STREAM skills in action! Register up to 30 students for $190 at the link above.Future City Competition – Deadline to register: 10/31
This year’s theme is Farm to Table. Students will imagine and build a city that eliminates food waste and promotes health. WNY still needs one more team—maybe it could be yours! Click the link above for contact and registration information, or to explore more of what the competition is about.
STAR Champions: Upcoming Virtual Meetings
Our STAR Champions will meet virtually to review data, set goals, and plan for data-driven instruction. These sessions are a great way to stay aligned and support one another.
Meeting dates:
11/20, 1/7, 3/12, 5/1 from 2:00–3:00 PM
Meeting/Calendar links will be emailed. If someone else at your school should be receiving STAR updates, let me know—I'm updating the contact list.
Social Studies Curriculum Update
We’re inviting all SS teachers, elementary teachers who teach SS, and interested principals to join our upcoming virtual committee call. We’ll discuss the current state of our curriculum, share ideas/needs, and plan for the future of SS education in our schools.
Meeting Date: 12/11, 1–3 PM - Join meeting with this link
Middle States Accreditation: Why It Matters
Accreditation isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s a pathway to growth and excellence. Here’s what it brings to our schools:
Opens Doors: Helps students access top universities, scholarships, and global careers.
Empowers Leaders: Provides tools for transformational change.
Builds Reputation: Highlights your school’s commitment to quality.
Supports Growth: Encourages continuous academic and organizational improvement.
Strengthens Community: Unites educators, families, and leaders around shared goals.
October Goals:
Complete Document 1: Introduction & Self-Study Preparation
Identify your school’s planning team
Schedule meetings to work through standards by January
Reach out to your Senior Principal or me with any questions about getting started or the accreditation process in general. We are here to support you.
Best Practices Spotlight: The Power of Self-Study
The self-study process is more than a checklist—it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and dream big. When schools engage in self-study, they create space for honest conversations about what’s working, what could be better, and where they want to go next.
Involving stakeholders—teachers, school board leaders, families, and students—brings diverse perspectives to the table and builds ownership of the school’s mission and goals. It’s a powerful way to foster unity, set meaningful priorities, and ensure that every decision is rooted in shared values and a commitment to excellence.
by Chris Riso
10/29/25 NCEA Updates/Corrections Due to our Office via Google Sheet
10/31/25 Deadline to Register for Albany RISE Conference to get Free Hotel Room
11/1/25 2024-25 School (and Parish) Annual Reports Due to the Audit Department
11/3/25 Title I Letters Sent to Each Public School District with F/R Lunch Students
11/4/25 Election Day - Please Vote!
11/14/25 BEDS Report Due to NYSED via Business Portal IRS-Data Exchange
12/1/25 Fire Safety Inspection Must be Completed; Report Due 12/16/2025
NCEA Report – Please Return Any Requested Changes as Soon as Possible: Thank you to everyone for taking the time needed to prepare and complete your school’s NCEA report. Those schools still with confusing or missing information received an email from me on either Monday or Tuesday; please try to respond to these requests by Wednesday, October 29th - our Diocesan Summary report is due to NCEA by Friday.
by Nancy DiBerardino
Elementary Bowling: Today is the last bowling match of the Fall season.. Please be prepared to provide me with the names of the 4 students participating from your school. The Championship Tournament will take place on Saturday, November 1st at Classic Lanes, 1847 Military Road, Kenmore, NY starting at 9:00 AM. (Your top bowlers 5 & 6 grade and 7 & 8 grade.) One bowler per grade level.
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.
by Earl Schunk
Fall sports are winding down and we are preparing for the winter sports season.
The cross country season ended On October 20th with the All Catholic Championships at Cazenovia Park.
Congratulations to Boys' team Champions Nativity of Our Lord and Girls' team Champions Nardin
Congratulations to Boys; Individual champion Linus Hannon of Nardin and Girls' individual Champion Evelyn Mullin of Nardin!
More Fall Champions will be announced next week.
Basketball
Boys and Girls team registration for varsity basketball is open using the links below.
REGISTRATION IS DUE BY WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5TH.
CLICK HERE - BOYS REGISTRATION
CLICK HERE - GIRLS REGISTRATION
Registration for younger children in the Fr Schaus league is closing soon -
Any questions, please contact me at 716-903-5121. Thank you.
11/1 - Bowling Championship Tournament
11/14 - BEDS Report Due
11/19 - STREAM Coordinator Meeting
11/20 - STAR Champion Meeting
12/2 - 12th Grade Mass
12/3 - 8th Grade Mass
12/1 - Fire Safety Inspections Completed
12/11 - SS Curriculum Committee Meeting