Start of new year brings exciting news for Catholic schools

    The summer is quickly coming to an end, and we are about to embark on a new adventure as we prepare to start the 2013-14 school year. I want to welcome back all who are returning and extend a warm welcome to all who are new: students, parents, teachers and administrators. Our family of Catholic schools is happy to have you with us!
    As we look forward to the year ahead, I would like to share with you some of the wonderful things that are on the horizon for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Our strategic plan was released in May 2013, “Remembering Our Past; Building Our Future.” Here is an update on just a few areas of that plan:
    ➤ Catholic identity: Kevin Calkins and Joe Rosolino, associate superintendents who handle Catholic Identity, will be collaborating with schools this year to hold workshops on National Catholic Identity Standards and Benchmarks. They also will collaborate with principals and pastors to ensure that Catholic schools are active ministries of the parishes. Other Catholic Identity pieces in the works include developing and implementing a “Parent Night” at each school on the topic of Catholic Identity. My office will collaborate with the Office of Religious Education and the Office of Evangelization and Renewal as we place a renewed emphasis on Catholic culture and content, as well as a renewed effort to ignite a love for Christ in administrators, teachers, parents and students.
    ➤ Academics: Dr. RaeNell Houston and Dr. Becky Maloney, associate superintendents for academics, have been collaborating with administrators this summer to implement Common Core standards in our schools. They have helped to coordinate workshops, which have been very popular with principals, who are enthusiastic about building up our already excellent academics. The aim of Common Core is to bring students to a deeper understanding of concepts in English and math, creating lifelong learners who can think critically. We are excited about implementing Common Core and invite you to learn more on the Office of Catholic Schools page of the website, www.archdiocese-no.org.
    ➤ Finances: In collaboration with the Finance Office, the Office of Catholic Schools is exploring creative ways to make Catholic education affordable for  more people who desire to send their children to our schools. The value of Catholic education is priceless, and I pray that people will continue to find it in their hearts to support our mission, which is truly the mission of Christ – to make disciples. It is vital that Catholic education remain accessible to families across a broad spectrum of income.
    ➤ Governance: Together with Archbishop Aymond, the Office of Catholic Schools is working to create an Archdiocesan School Board. Members of the board will include people of deep faith who have a love for the mission of Catholic education. We will look for a cross-section of the community, with people well-versed in our Catholic faith, academics, finance, marketing and more.
    ➤ Marketing and Public Relations: The Office of Catholic Schools works hard at developing and implementing a vibrant marketing and public relations plan. We want to share the good news of our schools. Presently, the OCS is working on an annual report, which will be released in the fall. The report will include a wealth of information on our schools – from an emphasis on our excellent academics to a reminder on our focus on Catholic identity.
    These are but a few highlights of what is in the works this school year. I look forward to sharing more in the coming months, and I ask you to pray for all who dedicate themselves to the ministry of Catholic education.
    Dr. Jan Lancaster is superintendent of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She can be reached at [email protected] or 388-5528.