Monday Mission Memo
Oct. 22, 2018
Interim Superintendent's Update
Feast of St. John Paul II
Greetings School Leaders of the Diocese of Cleveland,
Hello from Jacksonville, where I am attending the NCEA’s Catholic Leadership Summit to learn from colleagues and share in best practices for diocesan level leadership. I will be in Florida through Wednesday, connecting about our priorities for building authentically Catholic, academically excellent schools throughout our diocese. I hope to have more to report soon.
But first, the crisis created by the recent wave of revelations regarding clergy sexual abuse has affected us all, in ways large and small. To accompany us in this challenge, our diocese is providing listening sessions for all people who are employed in diocesan ministries, including our schools, who wish to talk about the impact the sexual abuse crisis has had on them. The flyer contains information on the first 5 of these sessions. Please share with employees at your school and consider attending if you feel you would benefit.
The personalization of learning is a paradigm shift for most of our educators, which our elementary principals furthered by leading deep dives on MAP assessment recently. We at the OCFE frequently use the language of “capacity building” which, put simply, means making those around us better. For principals, as instructional leaders, continued development of teachers is critical to our success, so I’ve been thinking recently about this seminal article by Kim Marshall, at least a 15-20 min read, but still a concise statement on how that tradition of teacher observation can be done in a way that is highly effective at improving practice as opposed to merely nipping at the edges of progress. In this period of change, it is a useful read to reflect on how we as leaders can sustain the growth of our professional colleagues.
Finally, last week we discovered a few schools who believed they had registered but were not confirmed, so to ensure your school is set, please take a moment to go to www.weGiveCatholic.org and search for your school name. Be welcome to contact Linda Corcoran at the Catholic Community Foundation, lcorcoran@catholiccommunity.org, if you encounter any issues.
Please read on for more updates, opportunities, and useful information from our team.
Yours in Christ,
Frank
AVS News
School Spotlight: St. Mary, Berea
It all starts with an idea!
SMS Faith Families
Video Newsletters Open Door for Learning
School Spotlight: Our Lady of Angels, Cleveland
Best Way to Protect an Egg!
PEACE Day at OLA
Preschool Play–A World of Possibility
Communication–When do we call the Diocese?
In our efforts to support principals in moments of tough decisions and celebrations, we want to strongly advise that you reach out to the downtown offices in certain circumstances.
CRISIS COMMUNICATION: Any time there is a threat to the school that results in police presence or which necessitates a parent letter about the incident – we urge you to call us before you communicate with parents or the media. If there is a situation that puts students in direct harm, secure their safety and contact law enforcement first, then call one of the assistant superintendents for support. The OCFE will work in partnership with the Legal Office and diocesan Communication Department, to assist you in responding to the crisis, including advising you about how to best communicate with parents and respond to the media. The OCFE, Legal Office, and Communications Department have great experience and expertise to share with you in these types of matters, so we urge you take advantage of that.
CELEBRATIONS TO SHARE: If your school receives a special award, is recognized for innovative programs, or experiences something you want to spread the word about, please call us. If you share with us, we can pass along your greatness with the Communication Department. They are always seeking positive stories and information about our schools for their publications. You can also share your good news directly by contacting Brooke Uehlein at buehlein@dioceseofcleveland.org
Calling all Researchers, Writers, and Editors!
Hello Literacy Conference with literacy expert Jen Jones!
An exciting literacy professional development opportunity, which has been organized by Wendy Parente, a teacher at St. Ambrose, is coming to Cleveland. World-renowned literacy expert Jen Jones from Hello Literacy is coming to do a mini literacy conference on Saturday, February 2, 2019. Space is limited. Below, read Jen's biography and information about how to register for this exciting conference.
"My name is Jen Jones. I am a reading specialist in Raleigh, North Carolina. This my 24th year in education. I have taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th grade. I am trained in Reading Recovery and served as a Literacy Coach, RTI Coordinator, mCLASS trainer, School Improvement Chair, and Literacy Lead Teacher while working in Wake County Public Schools. Now, I train teachers, schools, and districts all over the United States in best practices for literacy instruction in a 21st-century classroom . . . You can find all the details and registration link on my Hello Literacy website at www.helloliteracy.com/conferences "
A note from Human Resources regarding changes for retirees:
On January 1, 2019, the healthcare benefit offered to retirees through the Diocese and Medical Mutual (known as Medifil) is going to be changing. The new product will be a Medical Mutual plan known as MedicareAdvantage. Later this week there will be an announcement sent from the Diocesan health benefits office (which is attached to this email) to any retiree–including active priests over 65 who are on Medicare–relative to this new product. Next week, product and enrollment information will also be sent to these individuals by Medical Mutual.
This email distribution is simply advance notice to you of the mailings that will be sent that might affect retirees that worked within your parish, school, or diocesan institution. We want you to be aware that it is being mailed in the event there are any questions directed to you or your employees.
If you do receive any questions, I would suggest that you respond as follows: “I am aware that the Diocese has identified an improved, lower cost healthcare product to serve the needs of retirees who are on Medicare. The information you have received provides contact numbers within the Diocese and Medical Mutual, and you should direct any questions you have to the folks at those numbers.”
Please contact Mary Ann Blakeley or Donna Speagle in the Health Benefits Office if you have any questions.
MLK Contest & Volunteer Opportunity
See the link for an artistic contest for grades 1-12 to celebrate the 90th birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Entries are due November 16.
See also an opportunity for high school students to volunteer at the event in January.
St. Francis de Sales needs your help finding a 7/8 Science teacher!
Please email Katie Buzzelli at msbuzzelli@stfparishschool.org if you know someone who might be interested in the position.