A Letter from the Principal

Friday after the 5th Sunday in Lent

March 27, 2026

Dear Cassata Community,

As a Catholic school, Lent invites us to slow down and reflect. It asks us to look honestly at who we are, where we have struggled, and who we are called to be. Growth takes humility and the courage to start again. Even when the road has been challenging, we are called to move forward with hope. That feels especially fitting for our school right now.

I have never believed that students benefit from seeing adults as people who always have everything figured out. One of the most important things we can model for young people is that it is okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them and continue moving forward. My first year serving as principal has certainly come with its share of challenges. But one of the things I have always loved about challenges is that they give us the opportunity to become better versions of ourselves. This year has challenged me in ways I didn’t fully expect, but in the best way. Like our students, I am learning as I go. And I am so grateful for the patience, encouragement, and trust so many of you have shown me this year.

The changes and challenges this year have also highlighted something that I truly love about Cassata and our community, which is the resilience of everyone within it. I see it every single day. I see it in our students who walk through our doors carrying more than most people realize and still choose to try again. I see it in our families who love and advocate for their children so earnestly. I see it in our teachers who show up day-after-day because they genuinely care. It is a privilege to be part of a place that supports students not just academically, but as a whole person. Walking alongside them as they grow into confident, capable adults is one of the most meaningful parts of being a teacher.

I know one of the biggest challenges for our students recently has been the absence of a Science teacher. Thanks to our teachers that continue to go above and beyond, we were able to take the time needed to find the right person for the job. I am thrilled to share that Mr. Jonathan Tune will be joining Cassata’s team as our Science teacher starting at the beginning of April. He brings hands-on lab experience and a passion for helping students explore and engage with Science, and Mr. Tune is excited to help us continue building this part of our program. His energy and expertise will be a wonderful addition for our students and for our community.

Cassata was founded to serve students who needed something different than most schools are equipped to provide. Throughout my seven years at Cassata, both in the classroom and as an administrator, I’ve seen how our students’ needs change and grow each year. As the needs of our students change, we will continue to adapt so that we are meeting them where they are. That responsibility is one I carry seriously, and it is also one I feel honored to hold.

Our Assistant Principal Mr. Beyer and I have had many conversations about our vision for the future and how we can work together and as a community to make Cassata everything we know it can be and everything our students deserve. That means working toward consistency, strengthening communication, and continuing to foster a school culture where our students feel both supported and challenged every day. We care deeply about getting this right and the work we are doing now is laying a strong foundation for the years ahead. Through it all, we trust that God is guiding this work.

I am incredibly thankful for the team here and our Advisory Council members who have been meeting regularly and working behind the scenes to put our shared vision into action. We have some exciting plans for next year that we cannot wait to share with you over the coming weeks and months. They will build on what already makes Cassata special while adding structure and supports to help meet the ever-changing needs of our students. Please know that every decision is being made with your children in mind. I truly believe the best is yet to come for our students and for the Cassata community.

We are also working on creating more opportunities for the Cassata community as a whole. When our community comes together, there is a warmth and strength here that you can truly feel. We saw that during our Mardi Gras lunch, which was made possible by the generosity of numerous parent volunteers. It was such a simple but meaningful reminder of what makes this place special. We have new and returning volunteers working with our students each week as tutors and mentors. We are also excited to be adding elements to our graduation ceremonies in order to make them an even more meaningful celebration of our students and all they have worked so hard to accomplish. It gives us a chance to recognize not only academic growth but the perseverance and intentionality that make this community unique.

Moving forward, you can expect to hear from me through letters like this one on the last Friday of each month throughout the school year. My hope is that it becomes another way for us to stay connected and continue partnering together.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. Thank you for sharing your children with us. It is a gift to serve Cassata, and I am so grateful to be part of this community with you.

In partnership,

Julianna McConegly

Principal

Cassata Catholic High School