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Archdiocese of Hartford
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May 4, 2015
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Office of Catholic Schools e-Newsletter
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Click image to access the
Ministerial Plan.
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Countless people have received the grace of faith, brought it to flower in their daily lives and handed it on in the language of their own culture. Whenever a community receives the message of salvation, the Holy Spirit enriches its culture with the transforming power of the Gospel. (#116)
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| | Click image for listing of revised adult faith formation courses for Spring and Summer 2015. |
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Stay Connected
 
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Greetings!
 With heartfelt blessings
to all mothers, living and deceased,
we honor them and celebrate their vocation on Sunday, May 10, 2015.
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School Leadership
Making a Difference
The following information from Forbes magazine (January 5, 2013) highlights 10 Traits of Courageous Leaders. As we advance 2020 Vision: An Eye on Our Future, the article may provide opportunities for leaders/leadership teams to reflect on the fundamental question - How courageous are you as a Catholic school leader?
- Do you confront reality head-on? Only by knowing the true current state can you lead your team to a better place.
- Do you seek feedback and listen? Unfiltered 360-degree feedback is not always easy to hear, but it can breathe new life into your relationships and leadership style if you listen and act.
- Do you say what needs to be said? Having crucial conversations helps cut through the uncertainties and clearly move through issues. This also means having the courage to put your opinions on the table, even if they are unpopular.
- Do you encourage push-back? By encouraging constructive dissent and healthy debate, you reinforce the strength of the team and demonstrate that in the tension of diverse opinions lies a better answer.
- Do you take action on performance issues? Confronting personnel issues is hard, which is why so many leaders ignore them until they become a toxic threat to the team or company's performance. By taking swift action to reassign or exit under-performing employees, you are helping yourself, the team and organization.
- Do you communicate openly and frequently? Keep the lines of communication open, even when you don't know all the answers. Courageous leaders refuse to hide behind jargon and wiggle words, which are used when goals have not yet been met; - they use straight-talk and are not afraid to say "I don't know." They also share information instead of hoarding it.
- Are you a change leader? In fear-based environments, it's all about protecting the status quo. Envision a better way, a better solution, and approach it with determination and an open mind, knowing that it will be messy and that a mid-course correction may be necessary. Remember that you need to bring people along the change process for them to engage honestly.
- Are you able to make decisions and move forward? Especially in environments of fear and intense change, it feels unsafe to commit to a decision and move ahead. Avoid the crutch of analysis paralysis; seek consensus and make the decision. Forward movement is always better than being stuck in place.
- Do you give credit to others? Let go of the need for praise and instead give the credit to those around you. At first, it feels scary - will I be rendered irrelevant or unnecessary if my people are doing all the good stuff? Remember that a good leader takes more than their fair share of the blame and less than their fair share of the credit.
- Do you hold people (and yourself) accountable? Expect people to perform and deliver on their commitments, and have courage to call them out when they don't follow through. Remember that accountability begins with you - holding yourself responsible for modeling the behaviors you expect of others.
When these points of reflection are coupled with the qualities of servant leadership, so valued in Catholic school leaders, you achieve the utmost professionalism supported by the desire of the servant leader to help everyone in the organization achieve excellence.
Catholic Schools: Believe - Learn - Excel
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Thomas E. Maynard has been appointed Vice Principal of East Catholic High School in Manchester, effective July 1, 2015.
V. Jennifer Furlong has been appointed Principal of St. Bridget School in Cheshire by the Reverend Jeffrey V. Romans, effective July 1, 2015.
Eric C. Frenette has been appointed Principal of St. Joseph School in Bristol by the Reverend Joseph A. DiSciacca, effective July 1, 2015.
Edward H. Goad has been appointed Principal of St. Bernadette School in New Haven by the Reverend Francis T. Carter, effective July 1, 2015.
Congratulations:
Byron Jones, class of 2010, St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, who was 27th pick in the NFL first-round draft, and will be playing for the Dallas Cowboys.
Please pray for:
The Sick:
the continued improved health of Eleanor Frances Vaccarelli, the new born daughter of Leon Vaccarelli, an Archdiocesan School Board member.
The Deceased:
Reverend James G. Fanelli, the former Superintendent of Catholic Schools from 1974 to 1989, who entered into eternal life on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Father Fanelli established the nation's first formal Archdiocesan Development Program for Catholic elementary and secondary schools, the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools.
David Ogurick, the husband of Paula Ogurick, a teacher at SS. Peter & Paul School in Waterbury, who entered into eternal life on Monday, April 13, 2015.
Pasquale "Pat" Sinatro, Jr., the father of Mark Sinatro, a trustee for the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools, who entered into eternal life on Saturday, May 2, 2015.
Angelo "Jim" Tiezzi, the 90 year old father-in-law of Patricia O'Neil Tiezzi, Principal of St. Dominic School, Southington, who entered into eternal life on Wednesday, April 29, 2015.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual
light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of
all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God,
rest in peace. Amen.
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 Mission Formation and Evangelization |
 Webinar: Combating the Infiltration of Internet Pornography: A webinar will be presented on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 4:00 p.m., created and hosted by Sr. Mary Kolbe Heffern, Director of Faith Formation for Catholic School Educators, with collaboration from Kathleen Nowosadko, Director of the Office of Safe Environment. They will address the infiltration of Internet pornography impacting today's young children, and what Catholic schools can do to partner with parents in keeping students safe and holy. Click here for more information. Date of Webinar: Wednesday, May 6, at 4:00 p.m. Click on URL: http://networkingcatholicschoolshartford.adobeconnect.com/may6/ Audience: Catholic school pastors, administrators, and teachers are welcome to attend. Bishop Peter Rosazza Social Justice Conference: The Archdiocesan Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry will host its 6th Bishop Peter Rosazza Social Justice Conference, Rooted in Faith: Creating an Economy of Inclusion, on Saturday, June 13, 2015 , at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m.) Designed with the goal of enhancing social justice efforts within the Archdiocese, the conference is an opportunity to meet and learn from others across the Archdiocese and beyond. Sister Simone Campbell will be the keynote speaker. A religious leader, attorney, and poet, Campbell has extensive experience in public policy and advocacy for systemic change. Twenty-one workshops will cover a wide range of topics, from Prayer Tools for Personal Care and Communal Ministry, Catholic Relief Services in Africa, living a faith-filled family life, to prayer tools for personal care and communal ministry. For information, call (203) 777-7279 or visit http://www.catholicsocialjustice.org.
Catholic Relief Services: Catholic Relief Services and Caritas partners Caritas Nepal, Caritas India, and Caritas Australia have mobilized an immediate response to the earthquake in Nepal. CRS is providing immediate materials for emergency shelter, safe water, sanitation and hygiene. Updates on how the Catholic Church is responding to the earthquake can be found at http://newswire.crs.org/major-earthquake-hits-nepal-crs-caritas-mobilizing-response/. Contributions are being accepted at: Catholic Relief Services P.O. Box 17090 Baltimore, MD 21297-0303
Hartford Earth Festival: "You are called to care for creation not only as responsible citizens, but also as followers of Christ! Respect for the environment means more than simply using cleaner products or recycling what we use. These are important aspects, but not enough...As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family" (Pope Francis, January 18, 2015).
Join the Inter-religious Eco-Justice Network and Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford for the Connecticut Climate March. Click here for more information, Deadline to purchase tickets at the reduced price is May 14.
Site-Based Summer Faith Formation Classes: Click here for June, July and August course offerings. To register for a site-based course, contact Sr. Mary Kolbe Heffern, Director of Faith Formation for Catholic School Educators, at sr. mary.kolbe.heffern@aohct.org.
Papal Visit Pilgrimage: The Archdiocese of Hartford is announcing plans for a three-day pilgrimage to Philadelphia to attend a Papal Mass celebrated by Pope Francis from September 25 to 27. The pilgrimage will be centered on the Pope's first visit to the United States and will reaffirm the family, the essential cell of society. A spiritual conference is planned and will be led by Father Juan-Diego Brunetta, O.P. The pilgrimage will include the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, and a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Leonard P. Blair. The package includes bus transportation, four-star hotel accommodations, breakfasts, lunch, and dinners. Visit the Archdiocese of Hartford website for more information.
World Meeting of Families: Light in a Dark World: Preparatory Catechesis is the theme for the month of May. "At its best, the family is a school of love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, mutual respect, patience and humility in the midst of a world darkened by selfishness and conflict. In these ways, the family teaches what it means to be human" (worldmeeting2015.org).
We honor Mary during the month of May "For this is the month during which Christians, in their churches and their homes, offer the Virgin Mother more fervent and loving acts of homage and veneration; and it is the month in which a greater abundance of God's merciful gifts comes down to us from our Mother's throne" (Pope Paul VI, On Prayers During May, 1965).
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| Leadership and Governance |
Administrative Openings for 2015-2016:
- Principal, St. Mary, Branford
- Principal, St. Rita School, Hamden
- Principal, St. Mary Magdalen School, Oakville
- President, Holy Cross High School, Waterbury
FORE FACS  Golf Classic: The Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS) is hosting a spectacular day of golf on Monday, May 18, 2015 at the Shelter Harbor Golf Club in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Shelter Harbor Golf Club is one of New England's premier golf courses. With its wide generous fairways and challenging approach shots, it offers a magnificent experience for golfers of all levels. According to FACS Executive Director, Cynthia Basil Howard, this event now in its third consecutive year, is becoming a much-anticipated tradition. Golfers keep coming back because they are so impressed with the course. The goal is to increase the participation each year by encouraging golfers to bring friends to tee off in support of Catholic school education in the Archdiocese of Hartford.
This year, WVIT-TV Anchor, Todd Piro, will emcee the event, and WHMedia & West Hartford Magazine is the media sponsor. Individual packages for $375 include a round of golf, greens fees and a cart, a boxed lunch, refreshments on the course, dinner and a gift. The cost of a foursome is $1,500. For tickets and sponsorship information, please call 860.761.7498 or visit facshartford.org.
*FACS is a local, nonprofit corporation that has supported Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford
for over 30 years. The Foundation consists of a committed Board of Trustees, led by
Chairman Archbishop Leonard P. Blair.
 Good news for Catholic Schools at the state Capitol! The Director of the Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents (CTFCSP), Anne LaMonica, reports that House Bill 6912 is on its way to the Governor's office. House Bill 6912 extends the application time for a School Security Grant from July 2015 to July 2016. Catholic schools may apply for competitive grants to cover 50% of costs incurred for security improvements. The Federation has supported this bill and Section 68 of the Governor's Bill 947, which is pending. Section 68 of the Governor's Bill 947 increases funding for School Security Grants. Presently, Catholic schools can apply for 10% of the total fund.
The Federation, with the help of its lobbyist, Attorney Bob Shea, is carefully monitoring the status of the state budget for any changes to transportation funds for Catholic schools.
Other important bills are pending in committee, such as a Senate Bill 1076. This bill proposes to increase the total amount of state business tax credits available, from $5 million to $10 million, to corporations that make cash investments in non-profit organizations, such as Catholic schools, through the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA). Some Catholic schools have already taken advantage of the NAA to purchase and install new windows and doors, but there are many other projects can be funded through the NAA. The NAA provides an opportunity for parents, who may be short on time, to help fundraise and support their children's Catholic schools by networking through work and/or at home. To learn more about how the NAA program runs and how parents and schools may work together to improve Catholic schools, please go to ctcatholicparents.org and drs.ct.gov. If any schools would like to share their successes with the NAA, please contact CTFCSP at anne.lamonica@ctfederation.org or 860-541-6310.
CTFCSP: The Federation is a non-profit organization established by the Archbishop of Hartford and the Bishops of Bridgeport and Norwich. It advocates and lobbies on behalf of Connecticut schools at the State Capitol. Moreover, the Federation aims to educate parents on public policy that affects their children's education. For further information on the Federation and its goals, visit http://ctcatholicschoolparents.org/about.
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| Excellence in Teaching and Learning |
2015 Catholic Education Summit: The Catholic Education Summit will be held on June 24, 2015 at the University of Dayton and will explore the theme, Listen, Dialogue, Plan, Act: Catholic School Leadership and Family Engagement. Nationally known presenters will include Dr. Mary McDonald of MCD Partners, Sr. Carol Cimino, Diocese of Buffalo, Dr. Tom Kiely, Marquette University, and Dr. Anthony Sabatino, Loyola Marymount University, among others. Virtual participation is $75 and campus participation is $65. Click here to register; questions to
Science Standards and Curriculum Resources: The Science Committee has begun work to analyze the benefits of integrating Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with Archdiocesan Science and Wellness Standards. Their work will entail evaluating the pros and the cons of the NGSS and making decisions that advance the study of science disciplines for grades 1-12. If you are interested in participating in this work, please contact Valerie Mara at valerie.mara@aohct.org.
For middle and high schools, Nearpod has recently partnered with CK-12 Foundation to bring free lesson study units and resources to more fully engage students in the study of earth sciences, biology, physical science, chemistry, and more. Click on the link to explore various science modalities for free!
The Onset of Spring Weather is a Reminder to Let the Students Play! Since 2012, the Archdiocesan Physical Education Curriculum Standards have supported recent and robust research that acknowledges the importance of physical activity for students of all ages not only in terms of health benefits, but the positive impact on cognitive development, social competence, and emotional maturity. Based on the cited research, the practice of withholding physical education classes, recess, or other opportunities for physical activity as a method used to enforce completion of academic work (or) as consequences for negative or undesirable behavior is highly discouraged. (Archdiocesan Physical Education Curriculum Standards, 2012, p.3)
The American Academy of Pediatric 's position paper highlights research that shows young students have improved literacy scores and better cognitive functioning when they get breaks for physical activity. Middle school students also benefit from the value of even a 15 minute recess daily. "With increasing academic demands, social pressures and child obesity trends, middle school students may need recess more than ever before."
With the effects of this New England winter behind us, it's more important than ever to give students the opportunity to go outside and play without digital devices, contrived play groups, or the need for completion of work. Let the students play...everyone reaps the rewards! |
| Operational Vitality |
 Asbestos Awareness Training will be held at the Archdiocesan Center on Wednesday, May 13 starting at 12:00 Noon. All custodians and maintenance workers are required to receive awareness training in asbestos management within 60 days of hire, as well as annual training once a year thereafter. Administrators are asked to communicate the next training date to staff. This is a two-hour training session. Additional training is required for the role of a "Designated Person," one from each school. On May 13, this supplementary training will be conducted in a two-hour session following the basic awareness training. The "designated person" must attend both the awareness session and the additional training for a total of four hours. This is a one-time training requirement for the "designated person." Please email joanne.reilly@aohct.org with the names of those attending each of these training sessions, indicating either "Annual Awareness" for two hours or "Designated Person" for a total of four hours. The deadline for enrolling is Monday, May 11, 2015. 
Parent Ambassadors-The Key to Recruitment: Parent Ambassadors can play a key role in recruitment efforts and are an essential ingredient to any enrollment management program. Parent Ambassadors spread the word about the school in the community by inviting, connecting, and building relationships with parents of prospective students. Here are some guidelines for creating a strong Parent Ambassador Program, as well as some activities these ambassadors can do to promote enrollment in your school: - First, find a "lead" parent to chair the group and to work with the principal to oversee their efforts. Select someone who is involved and positive about the school, has a strong work ethic, is comfortable talking to families, is connected to school families and the community, and has a strong relationship with parents and teachers.
- Identify your "all stars," your potential ambassadors. They may or may not be involved in the school, but they are positive, they are comfortable relating to others, and they are willing to put in the effort. Call these parents to personally invite their participation.
- Then send a letter or flyer to all current parents, clearly articulating the job of a Parent Ambassador and welcoming them to join the program. You might consider doing an interest survey to gauge the talents and availability of your potential ambassadors.
- Hold a "Kickoff Session" with your new ambassadors. Present an overview of your Parent Ambassador Program and be specific about the ways the ambassadors can help. Allow time for parents to offer their ideas and suggestions.
Best practices indicate that Parent Ambassador Programs are all about harnessing the power of word-of-mouth marketing and utilizing parents in your enrollment management efforts. Empowering parents to help with recruitment is at the heart of a successful Parent Ambassador Program. The additional bonus will be seen in increased retention as the school community is strengthened by the positive impact of the program!
Our Father's Ride: Excitement is mounting for Our Father's Ride, a bicycle pilgrimage of prayer on behalf of Catholic schools, which rolls off on Friday, May 29, 2015! At press time, eleven priests or seminarians have signed up to participate in the ride that originates from the Lourdes Shrine in Litchfield on May 29 and concludes on June 4 at the shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (a patron saint of Catholic school education) in Emmitsburg, MD. Each participant is collecting per mile pledges or donations on behalf of the school for which he is riding.
Father Jim Sullivan, organizer of the ride, tells us that donations from generous benefactors have been steadily arriving, partly due to the great publicity generated by a story in the Catholic News Service that was disseminated nationally. He is thrilled to report that Archbishop Leonard P. Blair will be present for the send-off on May 29 at Lourdes. A Mass will be celebrated in honor of the ride on May 29, at the outdoor grotto of the Lourdes Shrine, at 10:00 a.m., and all are welcome.
For Father Sullivan, the ride will begin at St. Peter-St. Francis School in Torrington (for which he is riding) where the Pre-K and Kindergarten students on their tricycles will usher him off in style as he departs for Litchfield! If you would like to learn more about this wonderful initiative and donate to the support of Catholic school education, feel free to visit Our Father's Ride website at http://www.ourfathersride.com..
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| Calendar of Events |
MAY
1-14 IOWA Assessments®
6 Webinar: Combating the Infiltration of Internet Pornography, 4:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
13 Asbestos Awareness Training, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield,
12:00 noon
14 Ascension Thursday (Holy Day of Obligation)
18 FORE Golf Classic, Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic School, Shelter Harbor Golf
Club in Charlestown, Rhode Island
19 Archdiocesan School Board Meeting, Office of Catholic Schools, 6:30 p.m.
22 Commencement Exercises, Canterbury High School, New Milford, Baccalaureate Mass, Chapel,
10:00 a.m.
23 Commencement Exercises, Sacred Heart Academy, Hamden, Philip Paolella, Jr. Recreation
Center, 11:00 a.m.
25 Memorial Day Observed (Office of Catholic Schools Closed)
28 Administrators Meeting and Appreciation Luncheon, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas
Seminary, Bloomfield, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
30 Commencement Exercises, Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall, Milford, Athletic
Center, 10:00 a.m.
31 Commencement Exercises, Holy Cross High School, Waterbury, gymnasium, 10:30 a.m.
31 Commencement Exercises, Notre Dame High School, West Haven, Alumni Hall, 10:00 a.m.
JUNE
2 Commencement Exercises, St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol, Cathedral of St. Joseph,
Hartford, 7:30 p.m.
3 Commencement Exercises, Northwest Catholic High School, West Hartford,
Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, 7:30 p.m.
4 Commencement Exercises, East Catholic High School, Manchester, Cathedral of St. Joseph,
Hartford, 7:30 p.m.
5 Commencement Exercises, Sacred Heart High School, Waterbury, Basilica of the
Immaculate Conception, Waterbury, 7:30 p.m.
13 Bishop Rosazza Social Justice Conference, St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol,
9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
15-19 Office of Catholic Schools Planning Week
24 Archdiocesan Interscholastic Athletic League (E), Archdiocesan Center, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
25 Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools, Board of Trustees Meeting,
Chancery, 4:00 p.m.
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