Greetings!


As I write this on Monday, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I am reminded of Psalm 139: “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.”


Together we serve over 21,500 students, each of whom is wonderfully made and each of whom God knows intimately. What a gift it is to be entrusted with creating the learning environments where they can encounter Jesus and discover all to which they are being called. This is the sacramental work at the heart of our schools.


I look forward to our retreat next week, where we will reflect on this theme together and deepen our sense of this mission entrusted to us.


With gratitude, 

NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent

Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle

 

OPERATIONS CALENDAR & MONTHLY TASK LIST

Click here & log into mycatholicschool.org

Principal Weekly Meetings

09/11/2025 - Welcome/Welcome Back with Superintendent Nicholas Ford

09/17-19/2025 - Christ in the Classroom Leadership Retreat at the Seabeck Conference Center. Register HERE!

09/25/2025 - Christ in the Classroom Toolkit with Connor Geraghty

10/02/2025 - GRACE with Justyna King

Upcoming Events

 
 

September 12, 2025

GRACE Kickoff Meeting

1:00pm-3:00pm

Online

 

September 17-19, 2025

CIC Principal Retreat

Seabeck Conference Center

Register Here!

 
 
 

September 22, 2025

Curriculum Committees Meeting #1

10:00am-2:30pm

Peace & Spirituality Center


 
 
 
 

September 23, 2025

NWEA MAP Data Analyst/Leader Training #1

2 Options: 8:30am-11:30am,

12pm-3pm

St. Thomas, Tukwila

 

October 1, 2025

OCS Presents PD Series

Online

Registration coming soon...

 
 
 

October 28, 2025

New Employee Orientation

Online

Register here!






 
 
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

WSCC Advocacy Bulletin

Please see the September WSCC Advocacy Bulletin here.

Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance - September 13

Please join Bishop Schuster at St. James Cathedral for the Annual Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and at this special Mass we pray for all who have been lost to suicide, for survivors of suicide, and for all who have lost a family member, friend, or colleague.


2 Exciting Seattle University Certificate Programs Launching in September!

The Office for Catholic Schools is excited to announce a new professional development opportunity in partnership with Seattle University -- two certificate programs designed to equip Catholic school educators with endorsements in English Language Learning (ELL) or Special Education (SPED). The cost to you is $2000 for 24 credits thanks to Seattle University and the Fulcrum Foundation. Space is limited! Click here for more information.

Catholic Immigration Summit

As a part of National Migration Week, all people interested in learning more about the Catholic perspective on immigration are invited to join us at Seattle University for the 9th Annual Catholic Immigration Summit. Learn more and register here!

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Personnel & Policy Notes for the Week of 09/08/25

Included this week: Important September task reminders.

Click here to read more.

Register for the Leadership Academy

A leadership development cohort for aspiring administrators. 5 Leadership sessions, beginning October 9th. Register here! Contact Kelly Surapaneni (kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org) with questions.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Curriculum Committees for 2025-26

Social Studies, Science and new Artificial Intelligence committee will be formed this year. We meet four times (in person) throughout the year. Learn more here.

NWEA MAP Testing Dates & Information

Check out our NWEA MAP testing page to learn more about our assessment dates and expectations.

WCEA Accreditation Information

The WCEA has updated their webpage with current resources for schools who are engaged in the self-study process and those who are hosting visiting teams this year.

MAP Data Analyst & Leader Trainings

All schools who implement MAP testing are required to send 1-2 data leaders to NWEA training this year - more information can be found on the NWEA page.

2025 NWEA MAP Norms - NEW!!

Check out this important information about the new testing norms and how they may impact your school's MAP testing growth and achievement scores.

Math Collaborative PD at Assumption-St. Bridget

Attention Math Teachers in K-8! Assumption-St. Bridget is hosting the first Math Teacher Collaborative on October 7, 2025. Register today!


Early Learning Newsletter

Important resources and reminders for Early Learning Program. Click here for more information!

 

OPERATIONAL VITALITY

Financial Results for the Year End 6/30/2025

Our Parishes, Parish Families and our Parish Schools 6/30/2025 financial statements are due as of 8/15/2025. Please share your school's with John Sullivan.

Innovative Housing Rooms

Rooms are still available at our Innovative Housing sites in Ballard and Maple Leaf! See the form or contact Kelly Surapaneni. (kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org)

New Teacher Induction Toolkit

Thomas Wier and Emily Cornell, two BLC all-stars, put together a toolkit for those inducting new teachers. Click here for the toolkit and planning dates!

 
 

News & Resources

 

Northwest Math Conference

The Northwest Math Conference will be held on October 9-11 in Tacoma, WA! This is sponsored by the Washington State Math Council and the Puget Sound Council of Teachers and Mathematics. All math teachers, elementary and secondary, are invited to consider attending. Clock hours are available. Click here for the website and here for the flyer!