Volume 9, Issue 14
February 22, 2011
Feast of St. Margaret of Cortona
Margaret of Cortona, penitent, was born in Tuscany in 1247. Her father was a farmer. Margaret's mother died when she was seven years old. Her stepmother had little care for her high-spirited daughter. Rejected at home, Margaret eloped with a youth and bore him a son out of wedlock. After nine years, her lover was murdered. Margaret returned as a penitent to her father's house. When her father refused to accept her and her son, she went to the Franciscans where she received asylum. Margaret earned a living by nursing the sick. Later she gave this up to serve the sick poor without recompense, subsisting only on alms. Eventually, she joined the Third Order of St. Francis, and her son also joined the Franciscans a few years later. Margaret advanced rapidly in holiness and formed a lay association of pious women, and later they were given special status as a congregation. She also founded a hospital and the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy. She died on February 22, 1297, having spent twenty-nine years performing penance. She was canonized in 1728. (Adapted from www.catholic.org/saints)
Message from the Secretary for Education/Superintendent
As Lent approaches this is a good time to recall the meaning of these forty days before Easter, and to prepare our hearts and minds for the special gift that the Church gives us. We are reminded in Scripture readings and practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer that as St. Augustine prayed: "You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." Lent is a good time to develop or strengthen a discipline of daily prayer. While Lent is about giving something up as in fasting, it is also about putting something positive in its place. Lent has been a traditional time of helping the poor and doing acts of charity and mercy. As Christians, of course, this is a year round calling. Lent is a good time to examine ways to get involved and to make resolutions to actually do them. Finally, Lent is a time to cultivate the habit of immersing ourselves in Scripture if we do not already do so. The USCCB site has the daily readings for Mass and a video reflection on the readings. The Word gives life, and Lent occurs as we anticipate spring and the new life it calls forth. Lent is a time of personal spiritual growth.
The Holy Father and our Bishop annually give us their Lenten messages online, there are other sites online to access, and here are some resources from our Tradition:Prayers for Lent (Lenten Prayers)
Lent Prayers of the Faithful I
Prayers and Hymns in Preparation for Great Lent
The Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus
Seven Penitential Psalms (in English)
Lenten Canticles
Stations of the Cross
Suggestions for your Lenten Fast
Marketing Minute #6
Public radio starts a session with a note of recognition. “This hour was presented by …(donor and donor.)”Public recognition of those who support your school is worth every effort. Schools have “Helpers’ Hall” with pictures and/or names of the donors or the result of donors’ generosity. One school has a bulletin board in a lobby shared by Church and school. It says simply, “Our donors made this possible.” Every two weeks there is a new simple expression of gratitude. Notes from classes complement pictures of activities. Photos of students at Mass are placed next to cards that say, “Thanks for helping us know Jesus …”
Important Dates for DTA, Grants and Voucher Programs
March 1, 2011
Re: Diocesan Tuition Assistance: Application deadline for Round 1 PSAS applicants. (Reminder that 80% of the diocesan pool of DTA is distributed in this first round.)
Notification letters to families and enrollment verification lists to schools in early May 2011.April 15, 2011
EdChoice Application Period ends.May 31, 2011
CSTP Application & Renewal Window Closes, includes Income VerificationJune 1, 2011
Re: Diocesan Tuition Assistance: Application deadline for Round 2 PSASapplicants.
Notification letters to families and enrollment verification lists to schools in July 2011.Advocacy Update--OACS
Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) announced at a State Capitol news conference that he will introduce legislation within the next week that, if passed, would create a statewide school choice program in which eligibility would be based on a, as yet to be determined, means testing formula. The initiative would supplant the existing Educational Choice Scholarship Program (EdChoice) and the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program (CSTP) by allowing students in public schools, as well as Catholic and chartered nonpublic schools, to receive scholarships up to $4,650 if their families are within a range of the most poor to working poor and lower-middle income families. You can access Rep. Huffman’s press release on line at the Catholic Conference of Ohio webpage- February 16, 2011 OACS Update: http://www.ohiocathconf.org/I/ED/OACSnewsupdatepage2.htmSchool choice and other school assistance programs will continue to be discussed by the Ohio legislators during this budget process, and we will keep you informed. The Catholic Conference of Ohio continues to represent the interests of the students currently or potentially in Catholic Schools.
M. Thomas Moore Grant
Parents/Guardians should return their completed applications with their letters and a copy of their PSAS/DOC application to their Elementary School Principal by March 1, 2011. Principals, please send your selected four nominations to Peggy Lipinski, Grants Administration Office of the Office of Catholic Education by March 31, 2011.
Bishop’s Scholarship for Excellence
- Each application must be returned to the student’s principal by March 1, 2011.
- Principal’s comments and signature are required.
- A copy of the student’s academic record is to be attached.
- Principals, please send your applications to Peggy Lipinski, Grants Administration Office by March 15, 2011.
Cathedral Latin Scholarship
Each application must be returned to the student’s principal by March 1, 2011
Family must have completed a PSAS application and a copy of it should be attached to the application.Detailed Information Re: “Called to Protect” Training
WHAT: Please join us for a Training Session
To learn how to implement “Called to Protect”
An Exciting Supplemental Safe Environment Program!WHEN: Friday March 11, 2011 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Light refreshments provided
This training will cover the Parent component of the programSaturday March 12, 2011 9:00am – 4:00pm
Continental breakfast, lunch provided.
This training will cover curriculum for K-5, and grades
6-8.
WHO: Health and Religion Teachers and anyone working with children and parents
WHERE: Center for Pastoral Leadership
28700 Euclid Avenue
Wickliffe, OH 44092The Diocese of Cleveland announces the launch of “Called to Protect:” The most up-to-date and comprehensive safe environment, training program with content and teaching methods that use the latest research and multi-media training to ensure effectiveness.
We will partner with Praesidium, one of the national leaders in abuse risk management, to train parents, youth, young children and staff on how to prevent child sexual abuse.
PLEASE RSVP BY MARCH 4, 2011 TO SHARON MINSON. SPECIFY FRIDAY AND/OR SATURDAY SESSION (S).
SHARONMINSON, esq.
Director, Office for the Protection of Children and Youth
216-696-6525 x1157
216-861-3200 Fax
sminson@dioceseofcleveland.orgThe Office for the Protection of Children intends to utilize this engaging material as a supplement to the curriculum for children in the day schools and parish schools of religion, and as a help especially to parents and families. We will continue to use VIRTUS with its unparalleled database management.
Archbishop Hoban Scholarship Program
This is a reminder to all High School Principals and Guidance Counselors: The 2011 Archbishop Hoban Scholarship applications are due, Tuesday, March 1, 2011. Please forward them to the Office of Catholic Education, Secondary Schools Department.
If there are any questions, please contact Sandy Williams at 216-696-6525, ext. 4990 or swiliams@dioceseofcleveland.orgIrene C. Heller Annual Award To Be Presented to the Outstanding High School Chemistry Teacher in the Cleveland Section
The Cleveland Section of the American Chemical Society annually sponsors an award to recognize an outstanding high school chemistry teacher in the Cleveland Section. The award consists of an honorarium of $1,000 and a framed certificate. The award is named for Irene Heller of North Olmsted High School in recognition of her contributions as an outstanding high school chemistry teacher and her service to the Cleveland Section.2011 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Nominations for the award should be presented to Kenneth Street, NASA-GRC, MS- 23-2, 21000 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44135 by close of business Friday, March 11, 2011.The nominations should consist of information on the candidate's education, professional experience and activities, awards and honors, offices held and specifics on significant contributions. The letter of nomination should highlight these significant contributions. Seconding letters are suggested. Nominations should be sponsored by at least one member of the Cleveland Section. If you do not know a local section ACS member willing to serve as Champion for your candidate, contact Ken Street and he will provide one for you.
The Cleveland Section is geographically confined to the counties of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lorain, Medina, Huron, and Erie. Nominators of candidates who work outside of these counties may contact the Cleveland Section of the American Chemical Society for more information about High School Chemistry Teacher Awards.
A detailed curriculum vita of the candidate may also be included. Electronic nominations using Word or PDF Files mailed to kenneth.w.street@nasa.gov will be greatly appreciated. Ken Street may be contacted at 216-433-5032 during business hours for assistance with submissions.
The award will be presented at the April 2011 meeting of the Cleveland Section.
Previous Catholic High School winners are both from Magnificat High School:Elizabeth Dabrowski 1998
Lori Koss 2009From the Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities
The Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities (GCPD) is proud to announce that the 12th Annual Ohio Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) will be held in Columbus, Ohio from July 18-21, 2011 at the Embassy Suites Airport, Columbus, Ohio. At this time the GCPD is extending an invitation to all interested high school juniors and seniors that have a disability to apply to attend this exciting, interesting and empowering forum.The GCPD solicits all persons in the education community and every organization that shares in working with/serving people with disabilities to encourage their students/patrons to apply to be a part of YLF 2011. Visit the website www.gcpd.ohio.gov or contact directly Donna Foster, Ability Advocate at 614.438.1394 for more information. You can download the application and instructions from the website by following the link for “Youth Leadership Forum.”
If you have any questions whatsoever or need additional assistance then please do not hesitate to contact Scott A. Hinton, Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities at Scott.Hinton@rsc.state.oh.us. Scott thanks you for your support in helping impact tomorrow’s leaders today!
Habits of Mind Workshop
Learning & Leading School Change Through Habits of Mind, 16 Essential Characteristics for Success presented by Michele De Bellis, Ed.D., Associate Director, Institute for Habits of Mind will be offered at St. Columbkille School, June 8, 2011 from 8:30am – 4:30pm. The cost is $100 per person that includes a light breakfast, lunch, book and materials. Make check payable to St. Columbkille School.Playhouse Square’s 2011 International Children's Festival!
The Festival occurs at the 10:00 am, 12:00 pm. Performances, May 4th and 5th.
Curriculum Connections are the arts, English language arts, social studies and science.
There is a special offer of Buy One Get One Free! Tickets are $6. This offer is good on new orders only.
The International Children's Festival is a new way to introduce children to the arts and help them to discover the beauty and cultures of our world. From a passionately politically aware thirteen year old (Shopping for Shoes- Scotland;grades 4-8) to finding a witch's lost things (Room on the Broom- United Kingdom; grades 1-4), to the adventures of two friends (Boats- Australia; grades K-4), children feel connected to our community and our world.
For more information, contact Lora Workman at 216.7771.4444 ext. 3244 or email Lora at WorkmanL@playhousesquare.org.Ohio Civil Rights Commission Contest Winner from St. Ambrose
Congratulations to David Emery, a seventh grade student at St. Ambrose School in Brunswick. He was recently selected as the 1st place winner for Grade Seven in the 2011 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Writing & Multimedia Contest sponsored by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. They received more than 1,200 contest entries for this contest and only two winners were selected to receive recognition for each grade level.David, his family, and teacher have been invited to attend an award ceremony in Columbus on February 24 where the winning entries will be showcased and student contest winners will be formally recognized for their participation and hard work. The award ceremony will include a guest speaker and musical entertainment as they award students for their work and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. David, along with the other grade level winners in both the Essay and Art categories, will be recognized for his work at an awards ceremony on February 24, 2011
at 10:00 a.m. in the Lobby Hearing Room, Rhodes State Office Tower, Cleveland. Congratulations to David, the other winners and all those who participated.Playhouse Square’s 2011 International Children's Festival!
The Festival occurs at the 10:00 am and 12:00 pm performances, May 4th and 5th.
Curriculum Connections are the arts, English language arts, social studies and science.
There is a special offer of Buy One Get One Free! Tickets are $6. This offer is good on new orders only.
The International Children's Festival is a new way to introduce children to the arts and help them to discover the beauty and cultures of our world. From a passionately politically aware thirteen year old (Shopping for Shoes- Scotland; grades 4-8) to finding a witch's lost things (Room on the Broom- United Kingdom; grades 1-4), to the adventures of two friends (Boats- Australia; grades K-4), children feel connected to our community and our world.
For more information, contact Lora Workman at 216.7771.4444 ext. 3244 or email Lora at WorkmanL@playhousesquare.org.
Earth Day 2011 Contest 2011
Each April, students around the world recognize Earth Day in a number of ways. The 2011 Art, Poetry and Essay Contest is a wonderful opportunity for your students to showcase their talents and celebrate Earth Day! The contest is open to all students grades K-12 and many teachers have used it in conjunction with their existing curricula in areas such as composition, art, social studies, and the sciences. Students from our Catholic schools have been winners in some of our previous contests, most recently 2006, 2007 (8 winners), 2008 (5 winners), 2009 (3 winners), and 2010 (6 winners).Winning students receive recognition as winners of the Hope and Stanley Adelstein Award for Excellence on Earth Day, a $50 cash prize and a certificate of recognition. They also receive free admission to EarthFest for themselves and their immediate families and participate in the Welcoming Ceremonies at EarthFest at the Zoo. Additionally, winning works are featured on www.earthdaycoalition.org website and displayed in local libraries and other venues throughout the year. The 2010 winners are currently on display at the main branch of the Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107.
Entries are due by March 25, 2011. Here is the link to the contest brochure: click on FinalAPE2011.pdf. This electronic version allows teachers to view the brochure, decide if it fits their curriculum and print copies only if they opt to participate.
Education Law Institute, July 14-17, 2011
NCEA and the Education Law Institute at St. Catharine College, Kentucky are pleased to sponsor the Ninth Annual Education Law Symposium this July 14-17 in Louisville, Kentucky.Once again, it promises to be an exciting and informative professional development experience for all of the participants. The presentations would be beneficial for both school and religious education personnel.
Copies of the brochure for the Institute can be downloaded from the NCEA website at: http://www.ncea.org/UserFiles/File/PublicPolicy/2011_Law_Symposium.pdf.