CISE Supported Schools Leading the Way in Improving Literacy | |
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Recently, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has been advocating for the Science of Reading curriculum. Last October, House Bill 33 was passed, marking a significant shift in school curriculum, teacher training, and reading intervention programs. Governor DeWine stated, “I truly believe there’s nothing more important than the science of reading, and making sure that every single child in the state of Ohio, as they are learning to read, has the benefit of the science.”
Driven by a strong commitment to early literacy and numeracy, CISE has been ahead of the curve in embracing this reading initiative, assuring that our students receive the support they need to succeed in reading, math, and language arts.
In early 2020, educators at Holy Family School faced the challenge of improving reading outcomes for their students. Principal Katie Puthoff recalls, “Despite lots of care and hard work by our teachers, we were not seeing the reading growth that we knew our students were capable of. When we first started the work in kindergarten through third grade, only about 25 to 30% of our students reached their key reading benchmarks. That was simply not acceptable to us.” (read more)
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WELCOME TO CISE QUARTERLY | |
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From Phil McHugh
CISE President & Executive Director
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Our 2023-24 school year is quickly coming to a close, which means it's time for graduations. This year, CISE supported elementary schools will graduate over 200 eighth graders. Over 75% of these boys and girls have been accepted into a local Catholic high school. This allows our students to continue to receive a values-based education in an environment of respect, safety, and discipline. We congratulate our graduates and offer best wishes as they transition to high school!
Thanks to everyone who joined us for CISE Party at the Pitch held at TQL Stadium on Friday, April 12th. It was an very enjoyable evening and an opportunity for our guests to learn more about CISE supported schools and interact with our principals and teachers.
We are excited to share the story about Mike Goedde, the principal of St. Cecilia. Mike continues to possess a love of teaching after 31 years in education. Through Mike’s daily efforts, the lives of the students of St. Cecilia are being transformed.
Finally, you will read about the outgoing members on our board of trustees. I wish to extend my appreciation to each one of them. Their gifts of time and wisdom have certainly made CISE a better organization.
I hope you enjoy the newsletter! Thank you for partnering in our mission.
Phil McHugh
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Meet Principal Mike Goedde
St. Cecilia Elementary
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This is my 13th year at St. Cecilia. I have enjoyed my 31 years in education both at the administrative and teaching levels. I received my bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and my master's degree in Administration from Xavier University.
I feel fortunate to continue to be able to teach. Although I enjoy being a principal, my favorite part of my job remains my time in the classroom. (read more)
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CISE Party at the Pitch
April 12, 2024
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Thank you to everyone who came out to support the 14th Annual CISE Party. It was a big success with 243 guests joining us at the The Pitch View Club at TQL Stadium. Party guests were treated to an unforgettable evening, mingling, meeting our principals and teachers, dancing, and enjoying the festivities. FC Cincinnati's mascot, Gary the Lion, joined the party, adding even more fun to the event! In addition to the vibrant atmosphere and memorable moments, the event raised awareness and vital funds to support inner-city students right here in Cincinnati. | |
11 New High School Scholarships Funded | |
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In our last newsletter, we announced the Brenda Hoskins Scholarship matching gift challenge in honor of her dear friend, Pete Bushelman. We are thrilled to report that 11 new high school scholarships have been funded as a result of the challenge. This means, thanks to generous donors, 11 CISE students will receive a four-year scholarship to a Catholic high school! Thank you for giving children the opportunity to continue their Catholic education into high school!
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CTE - Career & Technical Education | |
St. Cecilia Career Expo
February 23, 2024
St. Cecilia held its inaugural Career Expo. Principal Mike Goedde collaborated with Dr. Mari Thomas from CISE to create and implement this event - a testament to the school's commitment to fostering career and technical education. The expo catered to students in grades 6-8, offering insights into various career paths and career activities within Catholic high schools. Students had the opportunity to engage with local leaders from healthcare, technology, and construction sectors, alongside Catholic high school students, educators, and even a clergy member.
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Catholic Business Advisory Council
On March 19th, Dr. Mari Thomas, CISE CTE Consultant, gathered 26 educational and community leaders for the inaugural Catholic Business Advisory Council (BAC). The purpose of the newly formed Catholic BAC is threefold: to engage in dialogue, build a collective understanding, and begin to identify strategies that transform the student learning experience. The energy to explore and build out business and educational partnerships was palpable. In the words of one BAC participant, the Catholic BAC “is doing good and necessary work.” The next Catholic BAC will take place on May 14th.
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CISE Board of Trustees
Effective July 1, 2024
As we approach the end of the term for several board members, we thankfully acknowledge the dedicated service of Patricia A. Armstrong, J. Scott Golan, James B. Hagerty, Patricia C. Headley, Harry H. Santen, and Matt L. Grever. Each individual offered their unique expertise and passion to CISE.
We are very happy to welcome incoming board members; Charlie Baverman, Paul Moore, and Andy Farfsing. We look forward to their contributions to the CISE mission.
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Listen to Dr. Mari Thomas' Interview
On February 21st, Dr. Mari Thomas was a guest on Fr. Rob Jack's radio show, "Driving Home the Faith," broadcasted on Sacred Heart Radio. Click below to listen to the interview as Mari shares news about the CISE feasibility study on career and technical education (CTE).
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Meet CISE Monthly Donor, Gigi McElroy | |
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Gigi McElroy is a resident of New Jersey, and has been a monthly donor of CISE since last October.
When asked how she became a CISE supporter, she had this to say, “I’m a Bengals fan and we were visiting Cincinnati for a game in October. We went to mass at St. Xavier Church downtown, and there was a spokesperson from CISE who spoke after mass. I was so moved by the welcoming spirit of St. Xavier and the enthusiasm of the speaker from CISE that I immediately felt moved to support and become a monthly donor. I have a special love and zeal for our youth. I have taught CCD at my parish in New Jersey for many years. Other youth-related charities that I support include Compassion International and Covenant House that supports homeless youth in the US. Our children are the future. Our hope for mankind lies in the formation of our youth.”
Thank you, Gigi, for caring so much about the inner-city children in Cincinnati. CISE is humbled to have your monthly support. Go Bengals!
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A Growing Need for High School Scholarships | |
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We are proud to share that 75% of our 8th grade students are accepted to local Catholic high schools. However, with over 90% of CISE students facing poverty, many require financial assistance to continue their values-based Catholic education. In response, CISE awards 4-year high school scholarships to qualified students.
This school year, 463 students from CISE supported elementary schools attend local Catholic high schools. The total annual support CISE provides for these students is $1.1 million. Next school year, we anticipate 100 additional students will be in need of high school scholarships. Consequently, there is a need for additional high school scholarship funding. Donors can support a student's Catholic high school education for $4,000 a year ($16,000 for the full four years).
If you are interested in directly impacting a student's life and interacting with them during their high school journey, please contact Kelly Camm. Click below to learn about possible tax benefits.
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Your next CISE Quarterly Newsletter will arrive on
August 6, 2024
Visit CISEKids.org to learn more about the CISE mission in action.
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