Volume 8, Issue 21
June 7, 2010

Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of Corpus Christ, the Body of Christ. Traditionally, churches have celebrated this day to honor the Blessed Sacrament in a more solemn way than can be done during Holy Week on Holy Thursday. In the United States the feast has been moved to Sunday from the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. Children in their Holy Communion attire are invited to process in and around the Church. Some parishes set up altars on the porches of local homes and celebrate a blessing with Jesus in the Monstrance at each location as the procession occurs. This week, too, we celebrate the feasts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. What beautiful feasts we have to remind us of these mysteries and draw us ever closer to Our Lord and his Holy Mother, Mary.

 

Remembering Sister Frances Flanigan, HM

We remember fondly, Sister Frances Flanigan, HM, the first Secretary for Education in the Diocese of Cleveland when then Bishop James Hickey organized the administration of the diocese into Secretariats. Sister Frances was a kind and wise administrator. She oversaw the work of the Superintendent of Schools and the Religious Education Office Director respecting their positions. Under her direction, the Catholic Education Endowment Trust was established. She also served under Bishop Anthony Pilla until her retirement. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Sisters of the Humility of Mary on the death of Sister Frances.

 

May the soul of Sister Frances Flanigan, H.M., and all of the souls

of the faithful departed rest in peace!

 

Message from the Secretary for Education/Superintendent

This is the final bulletin for the 2009-2010 school year. I pray that you can look back on this year as one that has proven successful for your students and the rest of your school community. We can take pride in all of the achievements great and small. Congratulations to those schools who applied for the Blue Ribbon. We wait to hear of their status. Congratulations to the students who were featured in The Plain Dealer whether for sports, academics or service projects. And, we congratulate all those who entered academic and academic-related competitions and received recognition for them. These are all signs of vibrant schools that make school memorable for students and encourage them to be the best they can be. Now more than ever our world needs Catholic schools where students experience an atmosphere that promotes the whole person, where they can develop a personal relationship with God as the source of all of their abilities, and become strong witnesses of our Faith. Here’s to an even better year in 2010-2011!

 

Plenary Meeting, August 13, 2010

And to begin the new school year, we request your presence at the Plenary Meeting on August 13, 2010 at St. Ignatius High School. High school principals are asked to bring their high school religion teachers to the Liturgy and Keynote after which the teachers may leave. The day continues with the usual principal meetings. The schedule for the day is:

 

8:30 am   Arrival

9:00 am   Liturgy

10:15 am   Break

10:45 am   Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, Bishop of Washington, D.C. – Keynote

11:45 am   Break

12:00 pm   Breakout sessions for Principals and DREs

1:00 pm   Lunch for Principals and DREs

SEE YOU THERE!

 

 

Congratulations, Saint Monica Fifth Graders

Last spring, John Carroll University invited the fifth graders of Saint Monica School in Garfield Heights to participate in a program entitled We The People during this past school year. Students from the university came to school on a weekly basis to present the program based on the Constitution and the workings of the government. The culminating activity was to compete in the Mock Congressional Hearing on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at John Carroll.

 

Both classes were mixed and divided into four-member teams (Unit Teams), the A Team, and the B Team. Each member gave a one-minute speech that answered two specific questions and then answered questions from a panel of judges. Judges were comprised of local political representatives, university professors, newscasters, lawyers, judicial judges, and former fifth grade teachers.

 

Team A took first place and won a trip to Columbus to compete on the state level. This Congressional Hearing was held at The Ohio State University on Friday, May 21, 2010 following the same format with state level judges.

 

At the state level, the highest honor possible was a superior rating which as awarded to Team A with special medals being presented to the Unit Team that scored the highest from each school. Saint Monica School was the only school to have two Unit Teams win this honor!

 

We are proud of the students and grateful to the parents for their support and help with this program. Congratulations and thanks to fifth grade teachers, Mrs. Meyers and Ms. Kozak for their hard work and preparation of the material and lessons with the students.

 

Correction – Health Care Credit (repeated from the last Bulletin)

The last issue of Superintendent’s Bulletin contained an article stating that schools with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees are eligible for a health care credit. We have done additional research on this point and, unfortunately, our schools do not qualify for the credit. Because all are affiliated with the Diocese for federal reporting purposes, the number of employees far exceeds 25.

 

Summer Camps for Children Who Have Experienced a Loved One’s Death

Jessica Gupta, School Liaison with the Hospice of Western Reserve shares this information with us. The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center of the Hospice of the Western Reserve is sponsoring two summer camps: Camp Healing Hearts (June 12) and Together We Can (August 10-12). In addition the Center will be working this summer to coordinate school-based programs for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information about these programs for school-aged children, please contact Jessica Gupta at216.486.6287 or jgupta@hospicewr.org.

 

From The Ohio State University Principal’s Office E-newsletter

As the school year ends, we feature resources that give you a head start on next year, including an excerpt from the latest edition of The Ohio State School Partnerships Summary that describes professional development and teaching resources available to schools from Ohio State. See the Toolbox. http://principalsoffice.osu.edu/files/toolbox.6.10.php

 

Dancing DNA: Coach Jim Tressel and the Ohio State marching band are among the innovative ways to teach science through the arts. http://principalsoffice.osu.edu/files/staff.6.10.php

 

Professional Readings describes research and reports on education, including a new Policy Matters Ohio study of Imagine Schools in Ohio. http://principalsoffice.osu.edu/readings.php

 

University of Cincinnati Online Summer Opportunities

Teachers and administrators may choose from online courses at special professional development tuition rates that count towards licensure renewal, endorsement, or entire masters degrees – all offered completely online. The offerings come from the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Online graduate classes include: Digital Media and Inquiry, Response to Intervention: Fundamentals for Educators, Applied Behavior Analysis, Academic Interventions. There are many online endorsement, certificate, and license classes. For more information and to register go to www.cech.uc.edu or call 1.888.325.2669 or emailcech@uc.edu.

 

XLT – An Intense Experience of Prayer, Adoration and Worship

When:     Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm

Who:     Special Guest Speaker: Tommy Dome, Youth Minister, St. Basil the

Great

Where:     Sacred Heart Chapel on the campus of The Center for Pastoral

     Leadership, 287 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, OH 44092

 

Rethinking Student Success Conference

This is a two-day conference for educators and parents, Wednesday and Thursday, June 23-24, 2010 at The Lillian and Betty Ratner School, 27575 Shaker Boulevard, Pepper Pike, OH 44124. Keynote speakers are: Sally E. Shaywitz, M.D. and Bennett A. Shaywitz, M.D., Directors of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. The schedule for Wednesday, June 23 is 9:00 am – 3:30 pm: Keynote, Lunch, and Break-out Sessions. The schedule for Thursday is 9:00 am – 12:00pm: Additional Breakout Sessions, Conference Wrap-up. For more information and to register go to: http://thrive.theratnerschool.org. Registration cost is $180 that includes lunch on June 23 rd.

 

Join the Vocation Office at the FEST

The Annual FEST is Sunday, August 8, 2010 on the grounds of The Center for Pastoral Leadership. Visit the Vocation Tent outside and pick up tickets to take a tour of the inside of the seminary. Visit www.clevelandcatholicpriesthood.com for all the details.

 

New Directions: Catechetical Conference Materials Available

The Office of Catechetical Services will once again sponsor the annual New Directions: Catechetical Conference on August 9 th and August 10 th at Magnificat High School. As in past years, a variety of courses (suitable for Adult Faith Formation and catechetical certification) will be offered over the 2-day conference. The New Directions Web site is now available and contains all of the conference info including online registration. A link has been placed on the OCS Home Page http://www.oce-ocs.org/ocs. Please register early and encourage others to do the same as many of our courses fill up quickly. If you have questions regarding how the conference courses can fulfill certification requirements for you, your catechists or teachers, please contact a catechetical consultant prior to registration.

 

We Are Called Catechetical Conference

Please save the date for the next conference for parish catechists and day school teachers, grades 1 through 8. It will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Padua High School in Parma from 8:30 to 1:00. The conference will provide a prayer service and keynote by Bishop Lennon, a variety of catechetical workshops with hands-on materials, opportunities for faith formation and exhibitor’s resources. A retreat lead by Bill Miller is an option to the workshops. Mark your calendar and plan to attend. Registration will be through the Office of Catechetical Services.

 

January Thaw - Save the Date
Please save Saturday, January 29, 2011 for the annual "January Thaw" Conference at Archbishop Hoban High School.  More details will be released closer to the event.

 

The next three items are from the EdConnection of State Superintendent Deborah Delisle.

 

Updates Announced to Transition Resident Educator Program

The Transition Resident Educator Program will be in place again for the 2010-2011 school year before moving into the four-year Resident Educator Program. Below are several important updates. Items in bold are new for this coming year. Mentors who were trained and certified in Instructional Mentoring by ODE-certified trainers during the 2009-2010 school year do not need additional state training to serve as mentors in 2010-2011. Additional Instructional Mentoring sessions will be scheduled regionally over the summer and fall months. Please check STARS regularly, using keywords Instructional Mentoring, for registration details, dates and locations. Program coordinators may register resident educators for the Transition Resident Educator Program in CORE beginning in September 2010. Program coordinators also must include the name of the resident educator’s mentor. To be eligible to participate in the 2010-2011 Transition Resident Educator Program, beginning teachers must: Hold a valid Provisional Teacher License of any type, including a Career Technical Route B license or an Alternative Educator License; Teach at least two classes or .25 FTE in their area of licensure or in the area in which the teacher holds a supplemental teaching license; Be employed by an ODE-chartered educational entity or a preschool licensed by ODE or the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services; Work 120 days as determined by the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio; and Be assigned an ODE-certified, trained mentor by their employer. Be sure to regularly check ODE’s Resident Educator Web page for updated information and contacts. <http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&amp;TopicRelationID=1260&amp;ContentID=67249>  

 

From Missy Hokanson re: the above:

Teachers, who will be mentoring for the 2010-2011, will need to go through a training, IF they did not attend this school year.  If the teacher has been a mentor and trained under Pathwise, they can attend the one-day training session.  Teachers who have not mentored before must attend the 2-day sessions.  Registration for the date(s) must be made through STARS. To register through STARS go to: http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=1223&ContentID=3787&Content=77034. The dates for our area are:  One day is June 9 and the two day is June 28-29 at Valley View, but payment needs to be received in order to complete registration. Any questions? Call Missy Hokanson at ext. 3360.

 

New Operational Waiver Form Approved by State Board

House Bill 1 required the State Board to develop criteria for waivers granted under ORC 3306. These include waivers from meeting certain requirements, such as expenditure of funds and operating standards, including minimum school year requirements. The State Board adopted these criteria during its May meeting. Public school districts (excluding community schools), educational service centers and chartered nonpublic schools can apply to ODE for a waiver of state standards, requirements or rules under these new procedures. For information about the new application and how these changes affect the Innovative Education Pilot Program Waiver, click here: <http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&amp;TopicRelationID=84&amp;ContentID=5134>, or visit education.ohio.gov and searching for keywords: Operational Waiver.

The Web site above contains the information sheet and application form for a waiver.

 

A few notes from Carolyn Jurkowitz, Catholic Conference of Ohio, (CCO) on waivers:

  • There no longer is a distinct form for nonpublic schools. Public school districts and chartered nonpublic schools use the same form.
  • ODE must approve all waivers. Waivers are approved on a school year basis (July 1 - June 30), and may be effective for a period not to exceed five school years. Completed waiver applications must be received by ODE at least 45 days prior to initial use and no later than December 31 of the year of implementation.
  • Waiver applications must be approved by the chief administrative officer/superintendent before they are submitted to ODE. You will see that the form requires signed letters to that effect. Our schools are chartered through OCSAA, whose authority rests with the Commission (Superintendents). Schools generally apply for these waivers to get exceptions to school calendars (i.e., permission for extra professional development days). Since the ODE holds us accountable for school calendars, it makes good sense that schools applying for waivers go through the Superintendent to do so. Failure to be in session for the approved number of school days is grounds for losing state funding.

Credit Flexibility Waiver is Available

School districts may request a one-year waiver for a specific component of the Credit Flexibility Policy if that component proves to be overly challenging and would prevent the district from fully implementing its policy next school year. For the waiver to be granted, the local board of education must pass a resolution requesting the waiver and submit a hard-copy request signed by the local education agency superintendent to ODE no later than July 1. Click here: <http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&amp;TopicRelationID=1864&amp;ContentID=85420> to view a guidance document, frequently asked questions and an application about this waiver process, or visit <http://www.education.ohio.gov/> , keywords search: credit flexibility waiver.

 

This concludes the information from the State Superintendent.

 

All Principals – ODE Mandated Services Final Data Entry

A reminder to ALL principals: Please enter your final Administrative Cost Reimbursement (Mandated Services) totals onto the Ohio Department of Education Web site using your SAFE Account by Tuesday, June 15 th. This process is similar to the ADM entry in October, but if you have forgotten, a step-by-step reminder of the process will be sent to all principals via email in late May. Be sure to check your LEECA email for the steps to this process.

 

DOHS Online Curriculum Available to All DOHS Students

The Diocesan–Owned High Schools have developed an online curriculum among the six schools (Cleveland Central Catholic, Elyria Catholic, Holy Name, Lake Catholic, St. Peter Chanel, and Villa Angela-St. Joseph). Students at any of the six schools can elect to take a class from the other schools they do not attend at no additional cost. The online courses enable innovative learning methods that integrate the use of supportive technologies, inquiry, problem-based approaches and higher order thinking skills. Students who enroll in one of these courses become a member of an expanded learning community. Field trips are being planned for the beginning of the school year so participants can meet one another along with their instructor. Courses offered next year are Personal Finance, French III, Holocaust, Genocide: Prejudice and Propaganda, Economics, Contemporary Affairs, and Office Applications.

ATTENTION PRINCIPALS – New Online Program
K to the 8th Power -- New online program designed to teach K - 8th Grade students Computer Skills, Technology, Literacy, Keyboarding, and Internet Safety is now available through CPO. Both Computer & Classroom Teachers will find these online lessons invaluable. For a Free Demonstration call Evelyn at CPO for details 1.440.717.9700 or Toll Free 1.866SHOPCPO (746.7276).

Please keep the Diocesan Purchasing Office (CPO) in mind when making any purchase -- Harnessing the volume of our Diocese's Catholic Schools under one umbrella is the key to attaining the best possible pricing  for our entire school system.

READ 180 National Summer Institute
The Read 180 National Summer Institute offers educators from across the country exclusive opportunity to engage in four days of intensive professional development with the shared goal of raising reading achievement and meeting Annual Yearly Progress in the 2010-2011 School Year. The Read 180 NSI provides a forum for educators and professionals to share best practices for implementation success in the 21st Century classroom while creating long lasting professional and personal relationships that will continue long after the Summer Institute.
 
For more information on dates, times, pricing and how to register please view the link below:
http://www.scholastic.com/products/read180institute/index.htm

** Save $25 if registered before June 30th. Registration closes July 15th.
 
Read 180 NSI is eligible for Title 1, Title 2, and IDEA funding.

The 2010 READ 180 National Summer Institute will be held in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel.
For more information on Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel check the following link:
http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/default.asp

Please contact Paula Quiroz, Scholastic Educational Publishing at 1.800.387.1437 x 357; pquiroz@scholastic.com for further assistance or any other questions.

Administrator Exchange Programs

These are fully funded, short-term, international exchange programs for school administrators. The Educational Seminars Program is supported through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by American Councils for International Education. We are actively recruiting administrators for programs in Argentina and Brazil to take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities these programs provide. We are looking to fill open positions, and will be accepting applications until June 14, 2010.  The applications and further details can be accessed at < http://www.americancouncils.org/es>.

While in the host country, participants shadow their international peers' schedules, network with educational leaders in the country, and develop joint classroom projects and school partnerships supportable through the program's follow-on grant funds. Through nation-wide competitions, approximately 150 U.S. principals are selected each year to participate in 2-3 week exchange programs in the host countries. Additionally, the program brings approximately 150 international principals for 2-3 week programs to be hosted by schools across the United States. For more specific questions please contact our program staff at edseminars@americancouncils.org.

 

Plugged Into Cleveland 101

Register your college age son or daughter for Plugged Into Cleveland 101, the transforming new summer Cleveland program sponsored by the Cleveland Leadership Center. Plugged will offer a series of six programs carefully designed to provide civic education and engagement opportunities to the college intern. Interns will meet community leaders, experience the region’s transformation first hand, network with one another and established young professionals, and conclude the summer believing that they can contribute to the future of this community. In addition, each intern participant will be offered the opportunity to have a Cleveland Leadership Center program alum serve as a young professional mentor during the course of the summer.

 

The cost to participate in the full program is $250 per intern and registration will be limited to 100 participants. It is expected that this inaugural session will be fully subscribed. Go to: http://www.cleveleads.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=435.

 

Program days will include:

  • Wednesday, June 16 th 5pm: “Downtown on the Move.” Gather at Pickwick and Frolic on East 4 th St., meet with community leaders, tour East 4 th and conclude with the Cleveland Indians game.
  • Wednesday, June 23 rd 5pm: Cleveland’s Economics 101.” Gather at the Greater Cleveland Partnership on Public Square for a dynamic session facilitated by GCP President and CEO Joe Roman. Learn about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
  • Wednesday, June 30 th 3:00-6:00 pm: “Exploration Cleveland.” Intern teams explore the downtown area and its businesses. Each team will meet with a CEO and report out their discoveries to the entire group at the conclusion of the session.
  • Wednesday, July 14 th 1:30-7:00 pm: “Community Service Day.” Join with other Cleveland area interns for an afternoon of community service at venues throughout the region, reconvene at Glidden House, and conclude by participating in University Circle’s “Wade Oval Wednesdays.”
  • Thursday, July 29 th 5 pm: “The Power of One.” Explore the transformed Gordon Square Theatre District and learn how one person can make a difference in a community.
  • “Cleveland Conversations:” Choose one of four “power lunches” offered to allow conversation and networking with Cleveland leaders. Lunches will be focused on different career themes.

 

News from the Maltz Museum

For months, the excitement in the community has been building - and now Women & Spirit has opened to rave reviews! Thousands have experienced this fascinating exhibition - make your plans now to see this stunning chronicle of brave and innovative women who shaped American history.

 

During its run in cities like Cincinnati, Dallas, Washington, D.C. - and now Cleveland - visitors are enthralled with its meaningful and influential stories, films, visuals and rare artifacts, including a personal letter from Thomas Jefferson. Along with historic first-person narratives and dramatic photographs, you'll leave intrigued and convinced that one person or group can make a difference! 

 

There are many ways to experience this exhibition - group tours, private events or visiting on your own - but the calendar is already filling up!  Call us for more information, or to schedule your guided tour or event today at 216-593-0583.

 

Admission: $12/$10 for seniors and students

$5 for children 5+

Members are always free

Includes the Permanent Collection, An American Story

 

A QUESTION OF HABIT:

   THE CURIOUS IMAGE OF NUNS IN POPULAR CULTURE – Guest Lecture

 

Wednesday, June 23, 7pm

$15/$12 members

Dr. Bren Ortega Murphy, Associate Professor of Communications at Loyola University, Chicago, examines the wide variety of visual images of Catholic nuns and sisters used in contemporary U.S. popular culture. Dr. Murphy, who has been frequently interviewed on National Public Radio about topics of gender and women's studies, contrasts these images with the real lives of historical and contemporary women religious. Co-sponsored by Notre Dame College. A fascinating evening!

 

Year for Priests

With the closing of the Year for Priests on June 19 th, we once again recall the dedication of our priests and ask that you continue to remember them in prayer beyond this year.

 

A Prayer for Our Priests

 

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry. Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love. Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit. Lead them to new depths of union with your Son. Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

 

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

 

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son. Intercede for our priests that, offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

St. John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests.

           Knights of Columbus

           In Solidarity with Our Priests

 

Happy Summer!