Principals and Directors,

As we have begun a new school year, I want to extend my heartfelt encouragement to each of you. Your dedication to our mission and your commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment for our students is inspiring. Remember that you are not alone in this endeavor; you have the support of our entire community, united in the pursuit of spiritual growth and academic excellence for our students. I pray you are able to embrace the opportunities of the first weeks of school with joy, and let your leadership inspire your students, staff, and families to embrace the year ahead with hope and excitement.

Convocation 2023

Did you or members of your staff miss Convocation?

Click the pictures below for video highlights from the day!

Bishop Johnston's Convocation

Homily

Dr. Karen Kroh's Superintendent's Welcome

Fr. Tony's

Keynote

TESTING REMINDERS:

Iowa Flex Benchmarks

Iowa Flex Reading and Math Testing Window – is open August 28 through September 8^th. The tests have been assigned to all the grades/buildings. Your test coordinator will need to set up the Proctoring for each class to take the Test. Please make sure your test coordinator names the test with the Teacher’s last name and grade level then Reading or Math – ex: Hopson3rdMath or Hopson3rdReading

Then make sure you tell the teachers what the test assigned to them is named!

Find out more information for the remainder of the Iowa Flex Benchmarks, Iowa Assessment Testing, and ACRE Testing windows by clicking here .

SCHOOL SAFETY REIMBURSEMENT GRANT PROGRAM

The grant applications are now open, with separate applications for LEAs and nonpublic schools. Completed applications are due on September 8, 2023. Award notifications will be made on or about September 29, 2023. The School Safety Grant program guidance document provides detailed information. For more information click here.

NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

What a fabulous year, last school year was, in bringing the Eucharistic Revival message to our diocesan schools with the presence of relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Saint Manuel Gonzales Garcia, as well as the book, “5 Steps to Being a Saint”, given to the students as a gift from Bishop Johnston!

Here are some wonderful resources for children and adults continuing this “Eucharistic Amazement” as the National Eucharistic Revival has called it, throughout this year!

Click here for the complete Guided Children's Adoration Resources

MAGNIFIKID SUBSCRIPTION

Please let your parents know about a special program MagnifiKid has for helping children learn about and live the Catholic faith.

Click here for more information.

OFFICE OF CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION UPDATES/REMINDERS

The updated Circle of Grace Curriculum can be found at www.kcsjocyp.org

Scroll down to Circle of Grace
Password is safety

OCYP Reports

Staff Compliance Report is due October 1, 2023.
School Safety Compliance Form.
Circle of Grace Training Report is due March 1, 2024
Elementary Form and High School Form.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEBSITE

Did you know you have access to the Administrative Manual/Form, Health Manual, CSO Calendar/Directory, and more on the Staff login on our Catholic School website?

Please click here to find out more

FACULTY FAITH FORMATION

FOR 2023-2024

Fall Semester each school will work on reading The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools. A book can be purchased for $4.95 each OR you can click here for a PDF of the book. Here is a Questions and Reflection Guide to help you as you prepare for the reading and discussion of the book. The CSO will offer suggestions on discussion questions throughout the semester to help keep you on track to complete this book the first semester.

For students and families facing illnesses, may the Holy Spirit provide comfort and wisdom in their time of need.

For those who suffer from sickness and disease, hunger and thirst, homelessness and unemployment; that they may receive a loving response to their needs.

Do you have prayer intentions that you would like our school communities to lift up? Complete this form to submit them for future Wednesday WOWs!