CRISIS – Catholic Higher Education & the Next Generation: Presidents Conference

Society is at a crossroads in the educational formation of the next generation, and the Church offers the only true way forward. Under attack from the secularist agenda set forth fifty years ago by the Land O' Lakes statement, a new generation of Catholic intellectuals have reacted by working to reestablish centers of opportunity in which our youth can engage in a genuine Catholic education. 

Join the institute of Catholic Culture and The Cardinal Newman Society in welcoming the presidents of faithful Catholic colleges to discuss and debate the crisis and find a solution to the education of the next generation. 

Speakers: Patrick Reilly, President, The Cardinal Newman Society; John Garvey, President, Catholic University of America; Father Sean Sheridan, President, Franciscan University of Steubenville; William Thierfelder, President, Belmont Abbey College; George Harne, President, Northeast Catholic College. 

This event will take place Saturday, January 28 @ 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. RSVP Required. Free Admission. (This event will not be live broadcast.) at Cathedral of Saint Thomas More, 3901 North Cathedral Lane, Arlington, VA 22203. 

For more information: https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/talk/presidentsconference/?inf_contact_key=965279eb25246d20786dc4537223c114b156cc1a7384e6eadade157438b1a7f4

Tell me lies, sweet little lies...courtesy of the MD State Education Assn.

The Teacher's Union must be real scared if they are doing this...From the Maryland Catholic Conference M(MCC).

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Issue: Last week, the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) sent an email calling on their supporters to contact Maryland leadership urging them to rebuff the Maryland Education Tax Credit (HB 1216/SB 844). Their convoluted message included misleading language, incomplete statements and downright errors.

Allow us to unpack some of the claims for you (direct quotes from the MSEA alert italicized):

It’s simply poor public policy to provide tax relief to wealthy corporations through a voucher scheme for private schools that are held to none of the standards of public schools and serve only a small number of our students.

FACTS:
- Any Maryland business can contribute to the Education Tax Credit, whether a pharmaceutical company or the mom-and-pop candy store down the road.
- The tax credit is precisely that - a tax credit. It is NOT a voucher program.
- When rewritten last fall, the bill addressed fiscal and academic accountability concerns.

HB 1216/SB 844 is modeled on the notorious BOAST bill, which has failed for six years in a row. If passed, the bills would divert $15 million of tax revenue for a poorly conceived voucher program. This legislation would add to the fiscal difficulties faced by the state and local governments while ignoring the continuing needs of students and educators in our public schools.

FACTS:
- The bill passed the Senate in 2008 and 2010.
- The tax credit (again NOT a voucher program) provides an incentive for business investment and helps to dispel Maryland's reputation as an unfriendly business state. The bill is capped at a MAX of $15 million, but it can be funded at any level below that.
- The bill will not "ignore" the needs of Maryland public school students
– The bill awards money to public school students as well - 40%.
- The budget for Maryland's public schools was $5 BILLION last year.

Action: Email Maryland leadership and voice your support for HB
1216/SB 844 with the TRUTH about the Maryland Education Tax Credit.

Click here and scroll down to take action!
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St. Michael the Archangel School - Operations Suspended at End of the Year

At the end of the year, St. Michael's School will suspend operations. This action has been in the making since November, when a consultation took place at the Church/School.

Here is a link to the Archdiocese of Washington: http://www.adw.org/query2011/newsite_news.asp?ID=970&Year=2012

As you remember, this was one of the schools on the chopping block in 2009.

As terrible as the closing of a Catholic school is, let's hope that this is the only one.

A Catholic School Help Save a Young Man

The National Examiner (washingtonexaminer.com) has the story of how Don Bosco Christo Rey High School helped one young man (among many) stay focused, out of trouble and on his way to college.

Another fine example of what Catholic education is all about.

To read all about it, click here.

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Click here to sign the petition to REPEAL THE MARYLAND DREAM ACT. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Catholic Schools Week - Arch. of Washington

The Archdiocese of Washington sees me as an annoyance (and worse). Only once or twice have they responded to my queries. However, the usual response is: "We do not respond to anonymous emails."

For the first time, they sent me one of their press releases, which was a shock. However, since I am a strong supporter of Catholic education, I would be remiss not to publish it.

So here goes, and hopefully, when I write to you (Archdiocese) in the future, I will get more than just a "We don't respond to anon emails."

Also, if your school is not on the list, and you have an event, send it to me and I will post it.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:January 24, 2011
CONTACT: Brie Hall, 301-853-4512, bhall@adw.org

Week-Long Celebration of Catholic Schools
Events to showcase the quality of a Catholic school education

Dozens of events have been planned by schools throughout the Archdiocese of Washington to celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, January 30-February 5, 2011. This annual celebration highlights the contributions of Catholic schools through faith, service and academics.

Different events will be held every day, including service projects, spirit days, volunteer and teacher appreciation days and more.

Nearly all of the schools will hold Open Houses for prospective students, parents and the community. Open house dates and times are online at www.adw.org/news/news.asp?ID=845&Year=2011 .

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30
Washington, DC - School Mass
Sacred Heart School, 1625 Park Road, NW WashingtonThe students will be lectors and the school choir will sing for the 10:00 a.m. and noon Masses.

Montgomery County - Multicultural Mass, 9:00 a.m.
St. Catherine Labouré School, 11811 Claridge Road, Wheaton, MDA multicultural choir will perform at the Mass. Students will sit together, wearing their uniforms. Thank you letters to parishioners from students will be inserted in the bulletins.

Prince George's County - Breakfast and Band, 9:30 a.m.
St. Mary of the Assumption School, 4610 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD The students will be servers, lectors and gift bearers at Mass. Afterwards, the Knights of Columbus will host a breakfast, and the school band will perform.

Calvert County - Student Mass
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MDStudents dressed in their school uniforms will be lectors and gift bearers at Mass.

Charles County - Book Fair and Bingo, 10:00 a.m.
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MDStudent Ambassadors will serve at Mass, a book fair will follow Mass and community and family book bingo will be held from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

St. Mary's County - Community Service Project
Mother Catherine Spalding School, 38833 Chaptico Road, Helen, MDAll grades of students will be making decorations to give to those at the Veterans' Home, at Cedar Lane apartments and St. Mary's Nursing Home.

MONDAY, JANUARY 31
Washington, DC - Spelling and Math Bee, 8:30 a.m.
St. Augustine School, 1421 V Street, NW WashingtonStudents will test their knowledge in spelling and math bees starting at 8:30 a.m.

Montgomery County- Help for Homeless Mothers
St. Francis International School, 1500 St. Camillus Drive, Silver Spring, MDStudents will be collecting diapers and baby supplies for homeless mothers in the programs of Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition.

Prince George's County - Pennies for Leukemia,
St. Ambrose School, 6310 Jason Street, Cheverly, MDThe students will present their collections for their "Pennies for Leukemia" project.

Calvert County - Proclamation and Souper Bowl
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
County Commissioner Gerry Clark will read the Catholic Schools Week Proclamation. Afterwards, students will kick off their "Souper Bowl." The collected canned goods will go to local food banks.

Charles County - Stuff the Bus, 9:30 a.m.
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD
Students will fill the bug with blankets and coats to be delivered to the needy through the Children's Aid Society in Charles County and other area shelters. The bus will be parked at the school parking lot all week. Also today, students will sew lap blankets for residents of the Veterans' Home.

St. Mary's County - Thank You
St. Michael School, 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MDAs part of their staff appreciation, students will thank the bus drivers.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Washington, DC - It's Academic, 8:30 a.m.
St. Anthony School, 12th and Lawrence Streets, NE Washington
Students will participate in rounds of academic questions.

Montgomery County - Colonial Day
Little Flower School, 5601 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda, MD
Students in grades 3-5 will participate in Colonial Day.

Prince George's County - Volunteer Thanks
St. John the Evangelist School, 8912 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD
Students will present a special token of appreciation to all volunteers.

Calvert County - Helping Military Personnel
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
Red, white and blue day for students and money will be collected to buy phone cards for military service members stationed overseas.

Charles County - Anti Bullying Event
St. Peter School, 3310 St. Peter's Drive, Waldorf, MDAt 9:00 a.m., Representatives from the three Catholic schools of Charles County, (St. Peter School, St. Mary School, and Archbishop Neale School) will be on hand at Charles County Government Building in La Plata in the Commissioners Meeting Room as a proclamation supporting Catholic Schools Week is presented. At 1:30 p.m., middle school students from all three schools will meet at St. Peter School for an assembly given by former NFL star Levar Fisher about character education and anti bullying.

St. Mary's County - Celebrity Readers 9:00-11:30 a.m.
St. Michael School, 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MD
Prominent community figures have accepted invitations to read to classes.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Washington, DC - Faculty vs. Students Basketball Game
St. Augustine School, 1421 V Street, NW WashingtonThe students and faculty face off on the court for bragging rights for the next year. Field Day begins at 1:30 p.m.

Montgomery County- Free Throw Contest, 2:15 p.m.
Mother of God School, 20501 Goshen Road, Gaithersburg, MDThe entire school convenes in the gym for a rally. The Knights of Columbus will hold a free throw contest.

Prince George's County - Career Day
Holy Family School, 2200 Callaway Street, Hillcrest Heights, MD
Students will present their autobiographies, detailing who they want to be when they grow up and how they plan on achieving that. The students will be dressed in the attire of their perspective career.

Calvert County - Math-a-Thon Kickoff
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
Students test their math skills in the math-a-thon.

Charles County - Volunteer Appreciation Day, 1:30 p.m.
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD
Everyone enjoys a make-your-sundae party and a special movie viewing.

St. Mary's County - Service for SoldiersSt. Michael School, 16560 Three Notch Road, Ridge, MDStudents wear red, white and blue and bring in an item for a soldier. Also today, parents are invited to a spaghetti lunch with their children.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Washington, DC - Role Reversal , 9:00 a.m.
St. Anthony School, 12th and Lawrence Street, NE Washington
The students and teachers trade places for a class today.

Montgomery County - Science Fair
Mother of Nazareth School, 14131 Seneca Road, Darnestown, MD
The 7th grade students present their work at the science fair.

Prince George's County - Pastor Appreciation/Book of Essays
St. Pius X Regional School, 14710 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD
Each class voted on a Saint to study and completed an essay on what lessons can be learned from that Saint. One essay winner per class was chosen and the winning essays were compiled into a book given to the priests on Pastor Appreciation Day.

Calvert County - Student Teachers
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
The eighth grade students teach the younger grades for the day.

Charles County - No school for staff and students

St. Mary's County - Hollywood in HollywoodSt. John School, 43900
St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD
As part of Student Appreciation Day, students will be allowed to dress up as stars and will watch a movie.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Washington, DC - Youth Revival, 6:00 p.m.
St. Thomas More Catholic Academy, 4265 Fourth Street, SE Washington

Montgomery County- God's Garden of Good Character
Mother of God School, 20501 Goshen Road, Gaithersburg, MD
God's Garden of Good Character is a ongoing project with a different character train each month. During Catholic Schools Week, each teacher and students is assigned the trait that best represents them. They are then recognized during Mass on Friday afternoon.

Prince George's County - Anniversary
St. Mary of the Assumption School, 4610 Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD
Students are dismissed early, so families can come to participate in the 85th anniversary celebration of the school.

Calvert County - Talent Show, 1:00 p.m.
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, 90 Alexander Lane, Solomons, MD
Students enjoy a free lunch from Chick Fil-A before participating in a talent show.

Charles County - Walk-a-thon and Rock-a-thon
St. Mary School, 13735 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD
Students, faculty, family, parishioners are invited to celebrate 95 years of Catholic education by participating in a Walk-a-Thon with 95 minutes of walking. Students are asked to donate 95 cents to participate and the money collected will be used for purchase of reading supplies.Middle school students will participate in a "Rock-a-thon" from 7:00-10:00 p.m. to supply food to various church food pantries in Charles County. They will decorate their designated areas with non perishable food items they bring to donate, and one member of each team must keep their rocking chair rocking. The teams will receive prizes for the most creative decorations, the most food used, etc.

St. Mary's County - Dessert Theater
Mother Catherine Spalding School, 38833 Chaptico Road, Helen, MD
Light desserts will be served as students perform their favorite fables in the evening.

Schools Closing due to Weakening of Catholic Identity

I was away this weekend and got back late last night, so I was unable to provide each of you with a Catholic Standard update. But never fear, that will be here tomorrow. For now, take a look at this article found on the Catholic News Service website, regarding the reasons why Catholic schools are closing...and it isn't simply one of money.

Personally, I think he pretty much hits it on the head. What to you think?

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In the wake of the Archdiocese of New York recently closing 27 of its schools, conversation on the sharp decline of Catholic school enrollment has once again been ignited. One education expert says a weakening of Catholic identity is a primary factor in the school closures.

Dr. John J. Convey, who holds the title of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Professor of Education at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., also explained that a lack of school-aged children and waning pastoral leadership have also significantly contributed to school closures.

To read the entire article, go to the Catholic News Service.

Pro-Abort/Pro-Same-Sex Marriage Politician on Catholic School Board

One of my readers alerted me to the fact that we have a pro-abortion and supporter of Same-Sex Marriage on the Board of Directors of one of our Catholic high schools.

Del. Barbara Frush (Dist. 21) is currently sitting on the Board of Directors of St. Vincent Pallotti High School. Now, the Pallotti website only lists her as "Mrs. Barbara Frush." (I wonder why?) But you can see that she lists this on her MD State Website.

She has received the endorsement of NARAL for the last couple of years and has voiced support for Same-Sex Marriage.

If she is both pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage, why is she on the board of a Catholic High School?

PS: To the reader, can you get me some more info on the other legislator. Am having a bit more difficult time on links to same-sex marriage and abortion.

Need a Job? The Archdiocese has one for you...

As many of you know, for the last few years, I have been raising the alarm about the poor manner in which Catholic education has been handled in this Archdiocese.

One of my issues I have had is that the marketing of Catholic education is really non-existant. For years, I have complained that our Catholic cemeteries had more marketing than our Catholic schools. You can hear regular ads on WMAL (630AM) usually with Msgr. Enzler or someone who has loved one's buried at a Catholic cemetery.

Now, there is nothing wrong with this type of advertisement but there was nothing for Catholic schools except the feeble attempt to pay for a couple of ads on Metro buses earlier this year.

Although they will not admit it, marketing has been left up the to local schools. Local schools do the best they can, relying on parents who may have some marketing experience to assist.

Why?

As I see it, it is because these are parish schools and therefore, the responsibility rests with them, even though the Archdiocese tells them what to teach, how much to pay teachers, etc.

Well, after years of being left on their own, a large number of Catholic schools closing and enrollment dropping like Obama's approval ratings, combined with the new education policies, the Archdiocese has finally announced a new position:

DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL MARKETING AND ADVANCEMENT

(BTW, it is interesting to note that the position of Coordinator of Parish Social Ministry has a larger advertisement than the School marketing position in the Catholic Standard.)

The PR Campaign for Catholic Education

Well folks, I finally got a hold of the Cardinal's letter and the reprint of articles on Catholic Education.

I really hate to say this, but it was a colossal waste of time and money.

I am not certain if they are attempting to mitigate the bad news about Catholic education over the last few years, attempt to get us ready for more bad news, or if there is something else. I am not quite certain but only time will tell.

Educational Promotion?

My friend Melvin contacted me last night and said he had received a packet, via snail mail, from the Archdiocese.

In it it contained a letter from the Cardinal Wuerl reminding us to be thankful (Thanksgiving) for all God has given to us and to remind us of the blessing of a Catholic education. In addition, there was a full color booket containing reprints from the Catholic Standard on education.

• Did you get his packet?
• What did you think about it?
• Did you understand the purpose of why it was sent to you?
• Do you believe it was worth the cost?

I would love to know what you think and will share with you my thoughts later on it.

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Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. As we move into the Christmas season, please remember to find a good Catholic charity (and there are a number) and make a small donation, esp. those which help those who are less fortunate.

St. Joseph Regional School in Beltsville

The Catholic Standard has really been pushing the fact that the new education policies are really doing everything that the Archdiocese hoped -- an more. In the same vein as the "shovel ready projects."

If you look at this week's Catholic Standard (Nov. 11, 2010 Page 7), the article touts the new St. Joseph Regional School in Beltsville, as a reflection of faith and the shared effort of three parishes.

How wonderful and exciting it is that this school, now has an enrollment of 210, has seen an increase of 40 students compared with the year before. How beautiful it is that there are three parishes sharing the burden - St. Joseph, St. Hugh and St. Nicholas.

But things are not as they seem to be.

You see, what the Catholic Standard did not tell you was

• St. Joseph originally had an enrollment of 170.
• St. Hugh originally had an enrollment of 125.
• Combined, they should have an enrollment of almost 300.
• Now, they only have 210 -- a loss of 90 students.

I guess that is what they mean by new math. A 90 student loss is actually a gain.

I wonder if they contacted the parents of the 90 to determine why they did not come back. Could it be the distance? Could it be that people want local Catholic parish schools?

BTW, this article was "Special to the Standard." In other words, it was created by the Communications Office of the Archdiocese of Washington.

PS: Thank you to one of my readers' for your email on this matter.

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BOYCOTT THE CCHD COLLECTION THIS SUNDAY!

Catholic Schools - What is the Future? Still More Thoughts...

The Catholic Standard this week (Nov. 4, 2010 page 7) quotes Thomas Burnford, the archdiocesan Secretary for Catholic Educuation. He says:

"It's not always easy, but we have to be open and honest when we face difficulties..." "It's great when a comunity comes together to have an open and honest discussion about the future."

Let's face some facts here. The Archdiocese is basically telling the parishes and schools, that the problem is your problem, not our (the Archdiocese) problem. If you want a school next year, you have to raise X amount of dollars.

Now, the one good thing is that they are giving parishes more time to come up with the cash but still, they are putting the full burden on them.

The article discusses the process and the success of the consolidation of St. Mark the Evangelist (Hyattsville) and St. Camillus (Silver Spring). However, they are not telling you the full story.

1. St. Mark's was told that in order to remain open, they had to come up with $90,000. They came up with $86,000. But guess what, they were told that since they did not get the $90K, they were merging. You didn't hear about this in the Standard.

2. The the St. Francis International School was launched with great fanfare. However, enrollment is less than projected. Many of the St. Mark parents have sent their children elsewhere. In addition, there were layoffs at the start of the year due to this low enrollment. Neither of these facts were shared with you.

Look folks, the bottom line is that Cardinal-elect Wuerl is looking to shut down a number of Catholic schools. Remember when I wrote about this during the discussion of the policy and I was told that there were no plans to close any school down. What happened just a few months later? Do you really believe that they did not have a couple of schools in their sights?

Cardinal-elect Wuerl is doing it gradually and not in one fell swoop, like they did a number of years ago in DC. It prevents a public relations disaster and also keeps the awareness down to a bare minimum. If you close one or two schools this year, and one or two next, you really don't notice it (or may not hear about it) like you would 10 or 12 at a time.*

In addition, he and the Archdiocese are not going to take the heat for the closings..they are firmly placing the burden on the parishes. By placing it on you, it absolves the Archdiocese.

What do you think?

UPDATE (7am): Just this morning, a friend of mine informed me that up to 15 Catholic Schools (affecting over 4.000 students) may close in the Archdiocese of NYC. It has made the major newspapers and will be in the media for the next few months.

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BOYCOTT THE CCHD COLLECTION LATER THIS MONTH!

Catholic Schools - What is the Future? More thoughts

Up until just last year, if you had more than one child in the same elementary school, you usually received a discount for the second, third, fourth, etc. This discount may have been 10% of the tuition or a flat amount. In some instances, it was a progressive discount, the second was 5%, the third 10%, the fourth 15%, up to some sort of max.

Today, the Archdiocese has forced parishes to abandon this practice, as part of ensuring that the tuition covers actual costs.

However, any Catholic elementary school parent will tell you, that if you want a discount, you must go through their Tuition Assistance Program. They will determine, based on your income, if you should receive one or not. If, they determine, you make too much money, well then, you won't get anything, even if you have four or five children in Catholic schools.

This is really not a pro-family position, in my humble opinion.

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BOYCOTT THE CCHD COLLECTION LATER THIS MONTH!

Catholic Schools -- What is the Future?

The Catholic Standard has a lengthy article on Catholic School consultations. It is interesting as to what it says:

" One year after the Archdiocese of Washington's new Policy for Catholic Schools were adopted, the priority of making Catholic education more affordable has led to the archdiocese awarding more than $5 in tuition assistance...and many parishes have entered into regional partnerships to make Catholic education more accessible to families throughout the area."

This is so FUSTRATING.

1. The policy is that schools must charge the actual cost of education.
2. There are NO discounts to families with more than one child in school. You want a discount, then you apply to their program. Maybe you get something, maybe not. More on this later.
3. These partnerships do NOTHING to make it more accessible. Why? Because it allows parishes who "partner" with others to pay a lower stipend towards education, which goes to the "partner" school but the cost remains the same.

More tomorrow...

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BOYCOTT THE CCHD COLLECTION LATER THIS MONTH.

More Possible Catholic School Closings?

I got a copy of the latest Catholic Standard. There is a lengthy article about consultations at five (5) Catholic schools, including St. Michael's in Ridge (this is the second time). (I will discuss this more at length over the next few days.)

This follows the same pattern as last year:

• There are series of articles in the Catholic Standard on how wonderful the new policy on education is working over the course of a few weeks.
• Suddenly, in November, consultations are announced. (This is different that a few years ago, when they told the parishes in Feb/March that the schools might close.)
• Everyone talks about how wonderful everyone is pulling together, esp. the Archdiocese.

Over a year ago, I told you that Southern Maryland was the next target. My source tells me at least one of these schools will close (merge) with a possible second.

Did you notice the other pattern: The Archdiocese places the burden on the parish and pastor to solve the problem. They pretty much wash their hands of the situation.

I keep thinking, if they advertised Catholic education like they did Catholic cemeteries, maybe we would not be in this situation.

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BOYCOTT THE CCHD COLLECTION THIS MONTH!

I was thinking...(and that can be dangerous)...

I was thinking, over the last few weeks, how the Archdiocese of Washington education policies will affect parents this year and long into the future.

As I speak to some of my friends -- Catholics who have children in Catholic school -- I have come to realize that it does not affect them. Why? Because they are not aware of the changes.

Many of them go about their normal everyday business -- work, home, children, fundraisers for the Church/School, etc. -- and are just too consumed with the normal everyday things. For them, they have no idea that these changes even took place.

In addition, although there was coverage earlier in the year in the Standard, things have become very quite and announced only after the fact. Look at the change for St. Jude's.

I don't fault them in the least bit but I was thinking if this was really part of what the Archdiocese was/is counting on.

What do you think?

St. Jude Now a Regional School

I just learned in reading the Parish Times, that St. Jude's is now a regional school, and no longer solely a parish school. In addition, there is a slight name change "St. Jude Regional Catholic School," which of course gives those who fought to keep the name of St. Jude a win. (New uniforms it looks like too.)

The other sponsoring schools are: St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Derwood and Our Lady Queen of the Americas in Washington, DC. This agreement formally establishes St. Jude School as a regional school in accord with new archdiocesan Policies for Catholic Schools.

However, what I find most interesting is that the letter from Bishop Knestout was sent on June 21, 2010 but it seems to have been only formally announced to the larger Archdiocese this past weekend. It looks like the St. Jude website was updated with this in mid-August.

I did not see it in the Catholic Standard and if I missed it, would someone let me know. I don't know how that one got by if it did.

The bigger question is: Will this help or will this hurt? Only time will tell but I do believe that this is just the beginning of the end of parish schools in this diocese.

For those who raised over $95,000 to keep St. Jude's going. How do you feel about this? Would love to hear from you -- pro or con.

Update: For those who are intersted, St. Francis is apx. 7.5 miles from St. Jude's, while Our Lady is apx. 12 miles away. Now, there is only one reason why these schools have joined w/ St. Judes -- that I can see -- and it is not because this is he closest school. Nope, it is because the monthly assessment is lower, than if they did not partner.

Catholic Education Again Under Assault by the Regime...

The Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Reauthorization (currently referred to as No Child Left Behind) is coming – most likely in the next 2 months. Catholic Schools, like private schools, have a letter from the Senate asking for input.

When looking at the Regime's proposal, there are many opportunities for non-public schools to lose eligibility for services across the board. Therefore, it is important that we speak on behalf of the Catholic school students, who have always been entitled to equitable services since ESEA first came into law under President Johnson.

The Regime has gotten rid of the DC Opportunity Scholarships, what is to stop them now.

Please consider sending an e-mail or letter that is personal and anecdotal to the Senate Education Committee regarding your experiences with NCLB. The address is: ESEAcomments@help.senate.gov

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This is from the USCCB - Secretariat of Catholic Education

Equitable Participation of Private School Students and Teachers in the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)


1. Major Objective:
Revise ESEA to ensure that, as a matter of fundamental fairness, federal funds which are generated by the count of students in private schools are used to benefit them and their teachers.


2. History:
Congress enacted ESEA in 1965 on the “child benefit” principle, which envisioned the needs of all eligible children being addressed regardless of where they attended school. Throughout most of this 45 year history of multiple revisions and extensions to ESEA, Congress has not only preserved this approach but has strengthened and broadened its application.

In practical terms, this has meant that:

ESEA funding has always been based on the numbers of both public and private school children, either determined through the Census or by a count of public and private school students;

since their inception in 1965, services from federal education programs were never limited only to public school students; and

services for private school students have always had a requirement of equitability when compared with services for public school students.


3. Recent Developments:
Emphasis on public school reform, especially since the No Child Left Behind Act was passed in 2002, has created new challenges in maintaining this longstanding commitment to the equitable participation of private school children and teachers in federal programs authorized by ESEA. NCLB’s creation of programs open only to the public school community, such as Title I Supplemental Educational Services and Title II All School Improvement and Teacher Recruitment, has greatly reduced the amount of funds available for equitable sharing.


4. Recommended changes to ESEA for restoring equitable participation:

a) Require that the allocation of funds to serve students in nonpublic schools under Title I- A be determined prior to funds being set aside for programs which are directed only to public schools. This would remedy an extremely serious problem for the at-risk students in private schools who need assistance under Title I and would ensure that funds generated by nonpublic school students are used to fund programs serving nonpublic students.

b) Require that the allocation of funds used for professional development under the current Title II-A and/or other professional development titles should also be determined prior to public school only set-asides such as class size reduction and teacher recruitment and retention. Once more, this would ensure that funds generated by nonpublic school students are used to fund programs serving nonpublic school students.

c) Require the equitable participation of students in private schools in new programs, including both competitive and formula programs, developed to assist students to attain high levels of proficiency in core subjects, and programs for the teachers of these students.

d) Require the state educational agency to provide information about the equitable amount of funds available for the private school programs to the public school district and private school officials simultaneously to ensure that consultation is meaningful and to eliminate a contentious issue that often makes good communication between public and private school officials very difficult.

e) Require that, where necessary, and/or at the request of the nonpublic schools, the state education agency be authorized to subcontract to a third party public or private entity to administer the program for nonpublic school students and teachers. The third party would design and implement a program of equitable services for the benefit of those students and teachers.

f) Consolidate the provisions relating to the participation of private school students, teachers, and parents in ESEA programs into a single part of the reauthorized law. These provisions currently are referenced in Titles I, V, and IX and the language differs among the three titles. This leads to considerable confusion among both public and private school personnel about what their responsibilities are under the law. Reference to the new section should be specified in each program’s statutory language to direct program coordinators and private school representatives to the requirements for private school students’ participation.

Catholic Education, Abortion and the Archdiocese of Washington

At the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) Conference this year, the keynote speaker is Garrison Keillor. Most of us know him from Prairie Home Companion and probably think he is one of those quaint humorists.

However, did you know that he supports abortion and same sex marriages?

So, I guess the question that I would ask is: How did he come to be the keynote speaker? Did anyone do a background check? Did they figure they could get a big name at a low cost, since the conference takes place in St. Paul/Minneapolis?

More importantly, how did Archbishop Wuerl, who is listed as the Board Chair of the NCEA let this happen?

Why does this sort of stuff continue to happen on his "watch?"

The Poll on Catholic Education

Welcome back. I hope that everyone had a good couple of days off. I spent a great deal of time cleaning out old files, etc.

Since there was much discussion in late November/early December on the contracts with District of Columbia, I decided to post a poll on this issue.

Although unscientific, and rather small, it was interesting that the majority supported the idea. Maybe this is something the Archdiocese should contemplate.