October 14, 2026

Dear Pastors, Principals and EEC Directors,

If this week's weather has taught us anything, it is that change can happen quickly! We have gone from sunny skies and temperatures in the 90s to rainy days and now we are anticipating the first frost of the fall season, all in a matter of days.

In many ways, school leadership is much like our ever-changing weather. Some days are filled with sunshine, joy, and wonderful moments that remind us why we answered God's call to serve in Catholic education. Other days bring unexpected storms, challenges, and situations that require patience, flexibility, and a little extra prayer. And sometimes, just when we think we know what to expect, the forecast changes!

But there is beauty and purpose in every season. Just as God designed the changing seasons of nature, He is present in every season of our leadership. The sunny days give us opportunities to celebrate, the rainy days help us grow, and even the colder days invite us to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the blessings around us.

As you navigate the many responsibilities of leading your schools and early education centers, I encourage you to embrace the season you are in. Don't let the challenges of a difficult day overshadow the countless wonderful things happening in your buildings. Take time to celebrate the little victories, enjoy the laughter of children, appreciate your dedicated teachers and staff, and recognize the difference you make in the lives of others each day.

Remember, we don't have to have sunshine every day to experience God's blessings. Sometimes the greatest growth comes through the changing seasons.

Enjoy the beauty of fall, embrace the season of leadership you are in, and trust that God is walking beside you through it all. 



Blessings,



Karen

OCTOBER - CHARITY

"If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal." - 1 Corinthians 13:1

Reflective Goal: Cultivating a culture where every student, teacher, and family feels seen and valued. Demonstrating Christ-like love through patient listening, support for struggling staff, and gracious conflict resolution.

October 14: Perform humble, low-status tasks quietly without seeking recognition. Discreetly step in to take over an outdoor recess, lunchroom, or arrival duty for a teacher or support staff member who is visibly overwhelmed, tired, or running behind on prep time—simply telling them, "I've got this covered today, take a break."

FIRST THINGS FIRST

News, updates & reminders

PRINCIPAL/DIRECTOR MEETING - OCTOBER 14, 2026

It's been too long and we have missed you!

We are so excited to see all of our Principals and Directors next Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in the Baum Room at the Chancery for our October Principal/Director Meeting. We will begin at 8:45 a.m. sharp.

Click below for the Principal/Director Meeting Agenda for next Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Principal/Director Meeting Agenda

We look forward to seeing all of you!

MOScholars: Please Share with Your Families

Principals and EEC Directors,

Please share the attached MOScholars/Bright Futures Fund information with your school and EEC families through your newsletters and other parent communications.

MOScholars continues to make Catholic education accessible to families throughout our Diocese, with more than 2,000 scholarships currently helping students attend our Catholic schools. The continued success of this important program depends upon Missouri taxpayers choosing to redirect a portion of their state income tax liability to MOScholars through the Bright Futures Fund.

Our goal for 2026 is $15 million, and our schools can play an important role by helping spread the word. Please encourage your families to review the attached information, consider participating, and share this opportunity with others who believe in the gift of Catholic education.

Thank you for helping us support our families, strengthen our schools, and make Catholic education available to more children.

MOScholars Letter for Families

MOScholars Case Statement

MOScholars Flyer

FACTS DEMO LIVE - OCTOBER 27, 2026

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

Save your seat for a live look at FACTS. The Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph is hosting a live demo on October 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at 20 West 9th Street, in the Baum Room.

This is open to all Principals, Business Managers, and any Staff that will be utilizing FACTS within your school.

Click below to reserve your seat and see what this means for your school!

FACTS Demo Live Registration

DIOCESAN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026

Preparation and Guidelines for Diocesan Professional Development Day

The upcoming Diocesan Professional Development Day for our K–12 teachers and staff will focus on the Diocesan Curriculum Standards.



During last April's Principal and Director Meeting, leadership collaborated to develop targeted discussion questions for each grade level and subject area. To ensure our faculty and staff are fully prepared for these collaborative sessions, please share the following information and discussion prompts with your respective grade-level teams.



Kindergarten - 2nd grades Preparation Information

3rd - 5th grades Preparation Information

6th - 8th grades Preparation Information

9th -12th grades Preparation Information

Kindergarten -12th grades Specials Preparation Information

Please see the updated PD Day Principal/Director Assignment Schedule HERE. 

Please click the PD Schedule for the Day below that gives important information for you to relay to your faculty and staff in preparation for the day.

Diocesan PD Day Schedule & Information

MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PD DAY!

Principals and Directors,

Be sure that all ECC Staff bring their MOPD number in order to receive credit for hours attending PD Day on October 30, 2026.

NONPUBLIC REGISTRATION ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION SURVEY

For those schools who cannot use method 3 (proportionality) or method 1 (free and reduced lunch) there is a survey provided by DESE for method 2. This survey is linked below.

Title I.A Nonpublic Low Income and Residential Verification

Economic Deprivation Survey

MIGRANT STUDENT IDENTIFICATION AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Below is a form used to identify possible students who qualify for migrant services (Title I.C). Schools are encouraged to include this questionnaire in their enrollment packets to help identify eligible students and connect them with additional educational resources and support.

If you believe your school currently serves families who may qualify, please have those families complete the questionnaire as soon as possible. This will help ensure eligible students can be identified and included on your school's Non-Public Registration (NPR) for the upcoming school year.

The questionnaire is available in both English and Spanish. Please reassure families that the information is collected to help determine eligibility for educational services and resources for their children, not to report or verify immigration status.

MO Migrant Education (Spanish)

MO Migrant Education (English)

2026 CHRISTMAS CARD CONTEST

Every year the Catholic Schools Office sends out Christmas cards to various supporters, collaborators, religious organizations, Catholic schools, colleges, and universities, Catholic Chancery and Bishop Johnston, and many others who have greatly impacted and assisted our Diocesan schools.

Each year the Catholic Schools Office holds a Christmas Card Contest for all students who would like their artwork to be considered for the Christmas card cover.

All students are invited to create a Christmas card cover for the 2026 Catholic Schools Office Christmas card.

Please click below for instructions.

2026 Christmas Card Contest Instructions

Submissions are due no later than November 6, 2026.

DESE Nonpublic Registration Webinar Recording

If you were unable to attend the recent DESE Nonpublic Registration Webinar, the recording is now available! We encourage you to take some time to view the webinar, particularly those who are responsible for completing or overseeing the Nonpublic Registration process or are new to the process.

Watch the webinar recording:

DESE Nonpublic Registration Webinar Recording

Please reach out to the Catholic Schools Office if you have questions or need assistance with the Nonpublic Registration process.

JOIN OUR WORLD MISSION ROSARY

AND NATIONAL RETREAT

The Pontifical Mission Societies, USA has provided National Office Updates and information on Daily World Mission Rosary in October and the NPMS National Retreat and Meeting. Please click below for further information.

Daily World Mission Rosary and National Retreat

ACRE TESTING UPDATE

With the change in who is administering the ACRE Assessment, getting the Diocesan Portal set up and ready for you to order your assessments is taking longer than expected. So - the November testing window will be moved to January - to give us time to get everything set up and training to take place for the teachers who will be administering the assessment.

More information about setting up your school account will be shared when the portal is ready!

CSO WEBSITE UPDATES

Curriculum Standards Update:

The Diocesan Religion updated curriculum standards have been added for each grade level K - 12.

The Music, Physical Education, Visual Art and Technology updated curriculum standards have also been added and are located under the "Specials" tab under the "Diocesan Standards" on the website.

All updated curriculum standards for all subjects have been added to the CSO website.

Thank you for your patience as we drafted and finalized our newly updated Diocesan Curriculum Standards.

BEGINNING TEACHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

All new teachers should be enrolled in the Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (B-TAP) through DESE. This is needed to obtain their professional certification!

Click the link below for more information.

B-TAP

FEDERAL FUNDING FRIDAYS

Catapult Learning is offering Federal Funding Fridays, a free virtual series designed specifically for religious school leaders. With just four sessions, each aligned with the federal funding calendar, these sessions will help school leaders better understand and navigate available federal programs and funding opportunities.

All sessions are free and held via Zoom, making it easy to participate from wherever you are!

Click below to learn more, explore the topics covered, and register for these valuable sessions.

Federal Funding Fridays - Catapult Learning

NONPUBLIC REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 1, 2026

The nonpublic registration portal will open on October 1, 2026. To minimize errors and provide training, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will host two webinars on Thursday, October 1, and highly encourages your participation.

For more information and steps for the Nonpublic Registration Form, please click below.

Nonpublic Registration Form and Instructions

The Nonpublic Registration Form must be submitted no later than Monday, November 30, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.

LUMEN ACCREDITATION DATES AND TASKS

FOR SCHOOLS 2026-2027

Please click the link below to refer to the assignments and due dates for Lumen Accreditation this school year.

Lumen Accreditation Dates and Tasks

Below is the Zoom Link that will be used for each Zoom meeting listed on the Dates and Tasks document above.

Lumen Accreditation Meeting Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 868 8074 6460             Passcode: 326180

Dear Leaders,

Your team is watching what you say, what you do, and what you allow.

👀Be visible and engaged.

🗣️Set the tone through your own behavior.

🤝Address conflict and gossip before they become part of the culture.

🚦Don’t ignore disruptive behavior because it feels easier in the

moment.

🙏Remember: what you tolerate, you teach.

A healthy workplace doesn’t mean everyone always agrees or that there are never difficult conversations. It means people know what is expected, feel respected, and trust their leader to address problems fairly and directly.

The HR takeaway: If you’re wondering, “Why is everyone acting this way?” you might first ask yourself, “What am I modeling, allowing, or overlooking?”

And remember: You don’t have to solve every problem yourself. You just need to recognize when it’s time to ask for help.

— Carol Anne

Your friendly Diocesan HR Director 😊