Leading with Faith

5/21/25 Quarterly Government Services Update at 3:15pm

5/21/25 Erie 1 BOCES Title IIa Consortium Leadership Meeting, 8:30-10:30 am

5/30/25 Request 2025-26 Hardware, Software, & Library Materials Loans

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

MST and AMTS Grant Update: Many schools have asked me about the availability of this year’s NYSED MST (Math, Science, Technology) and AMTS (Art, Music) grant forms. The updated forms (MST Year 8 and AMTS Year 2) are not yet available, but you can still begin to prepare the necessary paperwork needed for your applications. ORISS shared the following with me last week: “The MST guidance and requirements for this year’s cycle will be similar to what is currently available on the website and can be used to prepare the necessary data and materials for the August 1, 2025 deadline. We do not anticipate any significant changes to the MST/AMTS grant process with regard to the guidelines and requirements. However, the submission format will be updated with current year forms and improvements to the portal application and the updated formats should be used for submission, once available. The exception to this is the Teacher Attestation form. The currently available form can be used to collect signatures now, prior to the end of the year.” Link: Teacher Attestation

Title IIa Funds – Complete a Written 2025-2026 PD Plan by 6/13/2025: I just wanted to remind you that you will need to make a decision in the next few months as to how you would like the public school district to spend Title IIa funds for your Professional Development needs. In order to make this decision, you really should take the time now to work with your staff and complete a written Professional Development Plan. Now is the time you should be finalizing your written Professional Development plan for the 2025-2026 school year. Make sure you decide on your school’s PD focus and ensure your budget of both Title IIa funds and school-based funds allows you to successfully implement your plan. For those interested, I have prepared an updated PD Plan template recommended by our Department, one that asks you to identify the biggest concerns in your school, decide on the PD you would like to attempt as a way to remediate that concern, and establish a way to measure whether your PD has led to any improvements in the classroom related to that concern. Please continue your consultation with the public school district in which you are located regarding your Title IIa dollars and make a decision as to where those funds will “reside” for the 2025-2026 school year so you can complete and sign the “2025-2026 Written Affirmation of LEA Consultation with Private School Officials” form by the end of August. Call me if you wish to discuss your Title IIa options once you have established your PD plan. FYI - here is the sample letter to send to your public school Superintendent if you plan to join the Erie 1 BOCES Title IIa Shared Services Consortium. Title IIA - Desire to Join E1B Title IIa Consortium - Template Letter.docx

Consultation Summary Forms Available for Title Ia, IIa, IIIa, and IVa: If you end up having students who might qualify for Title I funding, make sure you arrange to meet with the district for consultation about Title I before signing any pages of the “Written Affirmation” form beyond page 3. I have adapted the official form into a “Consultation Summary” that you can use when you talk to the districts to ensure they cover every topic required (Title I guidance here; Title IIa, IIIa, and IVa guidance here); please consider using these summary forms when you meet with the districts to help guide your conversation on each of the Title programs and take notes on the meeting to compare with the final version of the “Written Affirmation” form they create for you to sign. I have added some references to the District’s Consolidated Application (new version not ready, yet) on these forms that might help you to ensure that the Per Pupil Amounts on your form were calculated properly. One final reminder: please be sure to make a copy or take a picture of any forms you sign before you give them to the public school district.

Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) for Free/Reduced Lunch Students: Many of you received an email from Rose LeRoy last week regarding the "Summer EBT Form 2025" that needs to be completed. All schools providing lunches via the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) should complete this online form, even if you get your lunches from a public school district. The data collection for this is located in the IDEx application on the NYSED Business Portal. The guidance you should be using for “2025 Summer EBT”can be found here. Step-by-step guidance on this process can be found here.

Academic Excellence: Shaping Future Citizens Through Faith-Inspired Social Studies and History

As someone who cherished teaching 4th grade and the rich New York State history it encompassed – from the stories of the Native American nations to the eras of European exploration, colonial life, and the Revolutionary War – I am particularly excited about our upcoming PK-8 Social Studies curriculum review. The ability to bring history to life through local connections, like visits to Fort Niagara, the Genesee Country Village & Museum, and the Lockport Locks, and to weave in ELA, writing, and public speaking through engaging projects, made teaching this subject truly special.

Now, we have a unique opportunity to build upon this foundation and enhance our Social Studies and History curriculum across all grade levels, intentionally integrating our Catholic faith. Our goal is to not only meet all New York State standards and requirements but also to explore history through the illuminating lens of Christ's life, the actions of Catholic leaders, and significant events within our faith tradition. This distinct approach will set our 30 elementary and middle schools within the Diocese of Buffalo apart, offering a truly unique educational experience.

Therefore, we are embarking on this important review of our PK-8 Social Studies curriculum, guided by the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework, to develop informed and engaged citizens deeply rooted in their faith.

What We're Looking For: Alignment with NYS standards, development of critical thinking and civic skills, inquiry-based learning, literacy integration, and age-appropriate, engaging content.

Integrating Our Catholic Faith: We will intentionally weave in Catholic social teaching, social justice principles, global awareness informed by our faith, the role of the Church and its members in history, and the formation of strong moral character.

Drawing Inspiration from Science Curriculum Transformation: We are excited to share that the Diocese of Buffalo Catholic Schools is also undertaking a comprehensive science curriculum transformation. This forward-thinking initiative provides valuable insights for our Social Studies review. Their multi-year strategy, built on collaborative teacher professional development focused on 3-dimensional learning and guided by expert input (including Erie 1 BOCES), offers a model for our own process.

Like the science initiative, our Social Studies review will involve a dedicated PK-8 social studies/history subcommittee and strategic workgroups, ensuring diverse perspectives and alignment with diocesan educational goals. We will prioritize a systematic and evidence-based approach to evaluating resources. The science curriculum's phased implementation and adoption of engaging resources highlight the importance of thoughtful resource selection and implementation.

Calling All Passionate Educators! We invite you to join our PK-8 social studies/history subcommittee. We are seeking principals and teachers who:

• Love reviewing instructional resources.

• Are open to piloting new materials in their classrooms.

• Possess a strong understanding of the NYS Social Studies Framework and Social Studies Practices.

• Are enthusiastic about thoughtfully integrating the Catholic faith into the curriculum.

• Are eager to explore project-based learning, the Socratic method, and cross-curricular projects with ELA and other subjects.

The subcommittee will meet on August 25, 2025, and February 27, 2026, with facilitators from Erie 1 BOCES, and on two other dates to be determined.

Take the First Step! Please sign up for an initial planning meeting on June 23, 2025, where you will have the opportunity to earn CTLE credits. You can register using this link: PK-8 Social Studies Subcommittee Sign Up

This review, inspired by the diocese-wide commitment to academic excellence and exemplified by the science initiative, aims to create a strong, faith-based Social Studies and History program that will shape our students into informed, engaged, and virtuous citizens.

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: 5/14/25 - Canceled due to Title IIA leadership meeting at Erie 1 BOCES all principals are welcome to attend! If you would like more information contact me at jagajewski@buffalodiocese.org.

STAR/Renaissance

The final STAR Testing window is May 19 - June 6.

Virtue/Character Awards

If any students can not attend the Award Ceremony on Tuesday, May 28th, we will get their certificates to their school. Thank you for submitting your student names and participating in this ceremony.

Okay, here's a comprehensive end-of-year checklist tailored for our elementary school principals, keeping in mind some crucial reminders:

Academics & Records:

• Finalize Report Cards & Progress Reports and Cumulative Cards:

• Ensure all grades and comments are accurately entered and reviewed.

• Schedule printing and distribution (consider digital options as well).

• Address any outstanding incomplete grades or student concerns.

• Be sure Cum Cards are updated before teachers leave for summer. Note any transfers to/from your school and be sure effective dates are included.

• Promotion/Retention Decisions:

• Be sure to complete Kindergarten readiness testing for your Pre-K students. Some school also perform Grade 1 readiness testing. The Brigance instrument is a valid tool for testing.

• Complete all necessary reviews and documentation for student placement for the upcoming year.

• Communicate decisions to parents/guardians in accordance with school policy.

• Review and Update Student Records:

• Ensure all student information is current and accurate in the student management system.

• Archive records for graduating/transferring students according to district guidelines.

• Complete and Submit Dual Enrollment Forms:

• REMINDER: Verify all dual enrollment forms for the current year are completed, signed by all parties (students, parents, high school/college representatives), and submitted to the relevant institutions by June 1. Maintain copies for school records.

• Assess Curriculum Implementation:

• Gather feedback from teachers on curriculum effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Begin initial planning for curriculum adjustments for the '25-'26 school year.

• Standardized Testing Wrap-Up:

• Ensure all state and local assessments have been completed and submitted.

• Analyze preliminary results to inform instructional planning for the next year.

• Communicate general results to parents/guardians as appropriate.

Staffing & Scheduling:

• Finalize Staff Assignments for '25-'26:

• Confirm all teaching and support staff placements for the upcoming school year.

• Communicate assignments to staff members.

• Set Summer Schedules:

• Determine staffing needs and schedules for any summer programs (e.g., ESY, enrichment).

• Communicate summer schedules to parents and involved staff.

• Professional Development Planning:

• Gather input from staff on professional learning needs for the '25-'26 school year.

• Begin outlining potential PD opportunities.

• Grant Management:

• REMINDER: Ensure all requirements for current grants are met, including progress reports and financial documentation.

• REMINDER: Obtain necessary signatures for any new or continuing MST (Math, Science, Technology) grants or other funding applications.

• Begin planning for grant applications for the '25-'26 school year.

Communication & Community:

• Frequent Communication with Parents:

• REMINDER: Maintain consistent communication with parents/guardians regarding end-of-year activities, including dates, times, locations, and any required actions (e.g., permission slips, supply lists). Utilize various communication channels (e.g., newsletters, emails, website, phone calls).

• Communicate details about field days, moving-up ceremonies, and final school events.

• Provide information regarding summer learning opportunities or resources.

• Distribute '25-'26 School Calendar:

• REMINDER: Finalize and distribute the school calendar for the '25-'26 academic year to families and staff. Ensure it includes important dates such as holidays, school breaks, professional development days, and early dismissal days.

• Thank You Notes & Appreciation:

• Facilitate opportunities for students and staff to thank volunteers, community partners, and parents for their support throughout the year.

• End-of-Year Celebrations:

• Plan and execute appropriate end-of-year celebrations for students and staff.

• Transition Support:

• Implement strategies to support students transitioning to the next grade level or to middle school.

• Facilitate communication between outgoing and incoming grade-level teachers.

Facilities & Operations:

• Inventory and Ordering:

• Conduct an inventory of supplies and materials.

• Place orders for necessary supplies for the '25-'26 school year.

• Technology Check-Out/Return:

• Manage the process for student and staff technology return and inventory.

• Plan for any necessary technology maintenance or upgrades over the summer.

• Facility Review:

• Conduct a walkthrough of the school building to identify any maintenance or repair needs over the summer.

• Communicate these needs to the appropriate district personnel.

• Summer Cleaning and Maintenance Plans:

• Coordinate with custodial staff regarding summer cleaning schedules and projects.

Important Dates & Deadlines:

• Create a comprehensive list of all end-of-year deadlines (e.g., report card submission, dual enrollment forms, grant applications).

• Share this list with relevant staff and monitor progress.

Self-Reflection & Planning:

• Take time to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past school year.

• Identify key priorities and goals for the '25-'26 school year.

• Begin preliminary planning for the school improvement plan.

This checklist is intended to be a comprehensive guide. Please adapt it to your specific school's needs. Hopefully, these reminders will guarantee a smooth and successful end to the school year!

Have a safe and blessed week!

Diocesan Track Meet

The schools that participated this year had two beautiful days at St. Francis High School. Below are the winners of the 2024-25 track meet:

Monday - May 12th

Overall Champions

St. Christopher - 62 points

Runner-Up Overall Champions

St. John Vianney - 46 Points

Boys First Place

St. Christopher - 41 Points

Boys Second Place

NativityMiguel Middle School - 30 points

Girls First Place

St. John Vianney - 32 points

Girls Second Place - 2 schools tied

St. Christopher - 21 points

Queen of Heaven - 21 points

Wednesday-May 14

Overall Champions

SBC-Notre Dame Academy - 105 Points

Runner-Up Overall Champions

St. Joseph University - 56 Points

Boys First Place

SBC-Notre Dame Academy - 55 points

Boys Second Place - 2 schools tied

St. Joseph University - 21 points

St. John the Baptist - Alden - 21 points

Girls First Place

SBC-Notre Dame Academy - 55 Points

Girls Second Place

St. Joseph University - 35 points

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.

All STREAM Coordinators are invited to join us for a celebratory luncheon at the Buffalo Museum of Science on Monday, June 9, 11:30am-2:00pm!

The dedication our teachers show to their schools and students through STREAM is not going unnoticed, and we want to celebrate both their efforts and the growth of your students. If you are a principal who has been acting as a Coordinator and you have a STREAM or Science teacher/advocate that you'd like to nominate to attend in your place, please pass this invite along to them!

RSVP to Stephanie by 5/30 (either way) at stream@wnycatholicschools.org

In addition, any teachers or principals are encouraged to email photos or videos of projects, events, & other STREAM inspired learning to be included in our 2025 Celebration of STREAM slideshow! Please email these, along with any labels or brief descriptions, to Stephanie by Wednesday, June 4 to be included.

A reminder - I am here with the primary goal of supporting YOU - principals, coordinators, & teachers - and your STREAM efforts. I can visit your school, get on a call, model or co-teach lessons or activities, brainstorm ideas, send resources, help with planning for next year… And I am available during the summer as well. Don’t hesitate to reach out & utilize my support!