"Placing the Human before the Algorithm"

Greetings!


In an effort to expand our collective capacity to integrate generative AI in a manner that “[harmonizes] technological skill with the emotional, social, spiritual, and ecological dimensions of our students’ lives,” we have partnered with the University of Notre Dame’s Higher Powered Learning initiative to provide three one-hour PD sessions as part of our OCS presents… series.


Our first session in October considered some of the ethical implications of AI. The second session, which we’ll host when we return from the Thanksgiving holiday on December 3rd, at 3:30pm, will build on that session, considering how our teachers can plan curriculum and instruction with AI.


Recognizing Pope Leo’s priority of forming the “digital human” by placing the person before the algorithm, we will continue to seek ways to provide more professional development, rooted in our Catholic teachings. I hope you will join us for this next session. You and your teachers can register here.



*  *  *  *  *


As we prepare to take a brief break for Thanksgiving, I want to share my gratitude for each of you. Our mission is alive in our schools because of your faithful service to the nearly 22,000 students we serve. I hope this holiday is filled with joy and that you find consolation in the time with family and friends.


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

11/27/2025 - Thanksgiving

12/4/2025 - Planning Now for Tuition in 2026/2027 with John Sullivan

12/11/2025 - Catholic Schools Week Prep with Kristin Moore

Upcoming Events

 
 

November 27-28, 2025

Chancery Closed for Thanksgiving

 

December 3, 2025

OCS Presents PD Series

Planning Curriculum & Instruction with AI

3:30pm-4:30pm

Register here

Online

 
 
 

December 5, 2025

BLC Retreat - Advent

Peace and Spirituality Center

8am-3pm

 
 
 
 

December 23-26, 2025

Chancery Closed for Christmas

 

January 12, 2025

Curriculum Review Committees

 
 
 

January 13, 2025

Executive Principals Meeting

St. Thomas, Tukwila

and

New Teacher Induction #3

Zoom

 
 
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

CIC Local Retreat Evaluation

Following your local CIC retreat, please have your teachers complete this evaluation to provide OCS with input about the structure and content of the retreat. The evaluation is also linked through a QR code on the back of the retreat booklet from the CIC toolkit.

Advent Resources

As we prepare for the celebration of Advent, please utilize our archdiocesan Advent resources here. Please feel free to download any images or copy any messaging and links for the communications toolkit and the digital assets folder to share through your school communications channels.

Mass to Honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Americas

Join us for the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, December 6 for holy hour, rosary, Mañanitas, procession and Mass at St. James Cathedral led by Bishop Eusebio Elizondo. Click here for more information.

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Personnel & Policy Notes for the Week of 11/24/25

Included this week: Three cycles of principal self-assessment.

Click here to read more.


University BLC Program Applications

Apply Now! Our University partners have many building leadership capacity opportunities open for application. See the list with areas for teachers, leaders, pastors and more. PACE and CSTC included. Click here!

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Academic Junior High Decathlon Information - Join Us!

Click here to find more information about starting your own middle school decathlon team.

GRACE Resources and Drive

Check out our shared Google Drive of GRACE resources from Fall 2025.

Early Learning Newsletter

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

GRACE Winter Workshop 2026

In person workshops take place on 1/16 (Edmonds) or 1/23 (Tacoma); High Schools with meet on 1/30 at Kennedy Catholic High School. Click here for more information.

 

OPERATIONAL VITALITY

Deductions for Summer Health Insurance

Payroll Administrators received the linked memo on charges to these deductions. Reach out to Darlenn Sanford (darlenn.sanford@seattlearch.org) or John Sullivan (sullivanj@seattlearch.org) with questions.

Job Postings Need School Years

Please include the school year in your job postings. We're starting to recruit for the 26/27 school year already!

26/27 Budget Before 26/27 Tuition

Set 2026/2027 Tuition Levels - Once their impact on your2026/2027 Budget has been evaluated. Share new Tuition Levels after Christmas Holiday.

Substitute Pay Rates

Please send your current substitute teacher HOURLY rate to Synthiea (synthiea.kaldi@seattlearch.org). Thanks!

 

Fulcrum

News & Resources

 

No News!

No news this week! If you have anything you'd like to be posted in this section, please reach out to Ellie Bailey (eleanor.bailey@seattlearch.org)!