Monday Mission Memo
Feb. 18th, 2019
Interim Superintendent's Update
School Leaders of the Diocese of Cleveland,
Thanks to all those who attended the Ensuring Human Dignity conference at the invitation of Bishop Perez. As he stated, the intent was to provide an informative day to establish common language. The next steps will be for us as leaders to unpack the application of that language in our areas of ministry, which will take place at upcoming meetings of principals and presidents.
On a related note, the Heart of the Mission day will take place at the Convention Center on March 8. All elementary educators are invited, and secondary and higher ed teachers, leaders and minsters are welcome to join. The day will feature local and national experts, including Christopher West, noted expert on St. Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, which Bishop Perez formally announced at last week's event. The day, however will be far from a curriculum workshop. Rather, we will spend the day focused on the WHY before we later drive into the WHAT and HOW of implementing "TOB" gradually across the years. I look forward to an engaging and inspiring day, with all costs (outside of getting there) provided by the OCFE. It is not too late to register if you would like to attend. Contact office (bbaldner@dioceseofcleveland.org) for details.
Speaking of curriculum, I recently came across this resource from the Cardinal Newman Society - a Transcendental Taxonomy, designed to move students along the continuum from “information” to “formation” and eventually “transformation” by fostering deep engagement with a variety of content. While they have their own separate curriculum standards, this taxonomy appears to be broad in its intent and applicability. I send it to you as a resource in case it is of interest.
Finally, the first round of Catholic high school admissions decisions for students from Catholic elementary schools went out last week. This week, let us keep in our prayers all of our students, families and schools, especially those who have transitions on the horizon.
Thank you for all that you do!
Frank O'Linn
Elementary Principal Meeting News
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School Spotlight - St. Paschal Baylon School
St. Paschal's Power of the Pen Team
Principal Diane Raguz and A.P. Sheila Klepcyk in the new Carol Jansky Learning Center
Extremely talented musicians at St. Paschal Baylon School
St. Pachal Baylon prides itself with a robust music program. Accomplishments in the world of music are abundant at St. Paschal Baylon School. One student auditioned and made it into the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony (CYWS). CYWS consists of mostly high school students from approximately 75 locals schools. Making CYWS in 7th grade is very rare and speaks volumes to his dedication and hard work in preparing for the audition. He will perform with the CYWS in various musical venues throughout northeast Ohio, including Severance Hall. Bravo!
School Spotlight - Metro Catholic
We Love Learning Together
A united theme of CONNECT, RESPECT and PROTECT is known by everyone at Metro Catholic. They connect by getting to know one another, Respect that Christ is present within each of us, and Protect by watching out for and not placing judgement on others.
Celebrate!
Forming a ‘30’ to commemorate years as a school, the students and staff gathered on campus to celebrate with bubble blowing and cheers. Metro Catholic was formed in 1988 from the successful merger of three inner city parish schools: St. Boniface, St. Michael and St. Stephen.
Springtime is Just Around the Corner
As a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, National Green Ribbon School and member of Schools that Can, Metro is continually working towards excellence and innovation. Part of the Green Ribbon School program is their outdoor garden with rain barrels and multiple garden stations that students help to maintain and harvest.
PARKING INFORMATION FOR THE MARCH 8TH PD DAY AT THE HUNTINGTON CONVENTION CENTER
Poster Contest “Crooked River - 50 Years of Progress”
The Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District brings us this poster contest for grades K-12, judged in grade bands. This is a great opportunity for students to join the conversation about the Cuyahoga River.
Further details are here, and you can find more relevant information on the organization's blog. Class or group registration is due March 1st; submissions are due April 22nd. For questions, call Jacki Zevenbergen, Stormwater Education Program Manager, 216/503.1338. www.cuyahogaswcd.org