Measuring Growth

Good morning Kristin,


I read a column a couple of weeks ago, talking about the mangroves — and their erosion — in our society. I certainly think our Catholic schools serve as mangroves, both in our society and in the lives of our families.


While imperfect as a metaphor, I do hope this summer serves as a mangrove of sorts for each of you, providing a filter through which you can reflect on the year that has passed, acting as a buffer from the daily stressors that accompany leading a school, and also serving as a nursery for new ideas to inspire the year ahead.


As our school year draws to a close, I pray each of you takes time to separate from the work and to reflect, celebrating those moments that have brought great joy and taught lessons, both in the life of the school and more importantly in your journey as a Catholic school leader.


As always, I hope you return in August, like the nuns returning from Grayland, refreshed and strengthened.


Thank you for another great year.


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

Stay tuned for Fall Schedule.

Upcoming Events

 
 

June 15, 2024

St. Benedict Campus Clean Up

Service Project

Please email Amy Hall @Fulcrum for more info.

 

June 17, 2024

Empowering Students to Be the Boss of Their Brains

Register here.

 
 
 

June 18, 2024

Neurodiverse Learners: Classroom Strategies to Support All Students

Register here.



 
 

June 20th, 2024

Summer Recharge: Strategies for Teacher Wellness and Self-Care

Register here.

 



 
 
 

August 6 & 7th, 2024

Kickstart: Save the Date!

Register today!

 
 

August 12 or 13th, 2024

24-25 New Teacher/Staff Orientation (north and south end sessions)






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August 15 &16, 2024

INSPIRE!!

Register here.


 
 
 

September 18-20, 2024

CIC Leadership Retreat Registration

Registration for the CIC Leadership Retreat from September 18-20 is now open. Please register here today.

 
 
 
 
View All PD Opportunities
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

CIC Leadership Retreat Registration

Registration for the CIC Leadership Retreat from September 18-20 is now open. Please register here.

WSCC Advocacy Bulletin

Please see the WSCC Advocacy Bulletin for June here.


New Teachers of Religion Workshop

We are excited to partner with Seattle University to offer an August 16 workshop for new teachers of religion. Please share this registration link with your PK-12 teachers within their first three years of teaching religion.

Archdiocesan High School Retreat

Please invite your juniors and seniors to the "Unplug with the Lord" high school retreat from August 13-15 at the Palisades. Click here for more information.

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Teachers Retiring/Stepping away

Do you have some teachers who are leaving full-time positions, but may be interested in part-time sub work? Please contact Synthiea.Kaldi@seattlearch.org.


Leadership Academy Recommendation Form

Principals-recommend an aspiring leader for the Leadership Academy. Click here. Questions, contact kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org

2024-2025 Staff Lists for Frontline

Please get your staff lists to Synthiea ASAP by the end of June. Yes, even if they’re not complete. Also, let her know if there are changes to staff that posts job openings.

Please include your email and cell phone #.

Governance and Leadership Update:

Included this week: OCS Policy revisions are here! Please read/update your handbooks. Hiring & termination information, service awards, and parish family liaison contact info.


ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Accreditation Team Sign Ups for 24-25

Please complete this form if you are interested in serving on an accreditation team for 24-25; send to your teachers


OCS Presents: PD Lunch & Learns June 2024

Join us for three online PD sessions centering around student support and teacher wellbeing. Online June 17th-20th 12-1pm

 

OPERATIONAL VITALITY

Save the Date for our now TWO DAY Advancement Event...

Where Innovation Meets Mission! Click graphic for details.

Regular School Financial Reporting

Principals should be receiving monthly financial reports. If you are not receiving monthly reports, reports are incomplete or confusing please contact John Sullivan.

Student Tuition Spreadsheet

Most Principals create a spreadsheet that maps out each Student's Tuition from Gross to Net. It incorporates each source of financial aid or discount that the Student receives. John Sullivan is asking each Principal to share this spreadsheet for 2024/2025 or how you break down the aid and discounts your students receive. Please remove the student/family names. Please call John with questions.

Share your Favorite Metric

A Metric compares two or more financial results. Please share your favorite metric or the most useful metric you use to measure your School. john.sullivan@seattlearch.org

2024/2025 School Budgets

Please share your 24/25 Budgets with John Sullivan. Also, Budget Enrollment, In Parish Tuition, Avg Salary Increase & Salaries to Local School District.

Innovative Housing is looking to expand to Burien and the Eastside! Spread the word.

Innovative Housing is for professionals in the Archdiocese in years 1-5. If you have a candidate either currently or as a potential hire, see the link for an inquiry form or contact kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org .

 

Giveaways

Dan Anderson at Assumption Bellingham is giving away 100 desks that are still in good condition. Also, giving away 1st & 3rd grade social studies books. Please email Dan directly for more information, danderson@Assumption.School .


Alicia Mitchell from Archbishop Murphy in Everett is giving away 400 + student desks with chairs attached and 20+ teacher desks. Please emails Alicia for more information. amitchell@am-hs.org .

Fulcrum Foundation News

 

School Partnership Grant Program Update

FY25


 Presented by Fulcrum in partnership with the Office for Catholic Schools


As discussed at the February 8th Principal Zoom meeting, Fulcrum’s School Partnership Grant (SPG) Program is changing significantly for at least two years beginning in 2024-2025. You can find details here (info on SPG is #3). We wanted to share updated information with you to help in your planning for the 2024-2025 school year. Additional information will be shared in August at Kickstart.


When can schools apply and when will they be notified on the outcome of their application?


The application window will open September 18 and close October 31, 2024. Determinations will be sent to all applicants by no later than December 31, 2024.


Who can apply?


K-8 schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle, and Catholic high schools that fall outside the Norcliffe service area may apply. Schools may only receive funding in either FY25 or FY26 (not both).


What can schools apply for?


Schools can apply for a maximum of $10,000 in one of these 4 focus areas:


  • Curriculum and/or technology 
  • Fundraising software 
  • Safety and security enhancements 
  • Enrollment-driving initiatives 

 


Ideally the SPG award would cover: 


  • Up to 75% of the total project cost, at a maximum grant of $10K 

      

 Or 


  • Up to 100% of the remaining funding needed to complete the project, as a maximum grant of $10K, so long as a minimum of 75% of the total funding has already been secured 

 

Note for Pierce County K-8 schools – In order to fulfill the final year of our agreement with the Snyder Foundation, there will be a different application and focus areas for FY25. You will receive further information via email.  


Questions?


Please contact:

Susan Ocoma, Fulcrum’s Program Director – susan.ocoma@fulcrumfoundation.org

John Sullivan, OCS Assistant Supt Financial Services – john.sullivan@seattlearch.org

Resources

 

Higher-Powered Learning, a University of Notre Dame Initiative launched a You tube series

Higher-Powered Learning is an initiative of the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education. We empower Catholic school teachers and leaders to leverage technology and related innovative research-based educational practices to meet the needs of all learners. See the YouTube channel for best practices in technology as well as things such as software reviews.