Happy Easter, Happy Spring! Happy, Happy Everything! News Spring... · 2015. 4. 23. · many ways...

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Spring Newsleer Contents Page 2 & 3: Serving the MTCA “Well” Page 4—5: Spiritual Growth Page 6—8: Intellectual Growth Page 9—10: Social & Emoonal Growth Page 11—12: Professional Development Page 13: Leer from an Alumnus—Mr. Dennis Sponsel Page 14: Helping MTCA Develop Leaders Issue 2 March 2015 Happy Easter, Happy Spring! Happy, Happy Everything! With the celebraon of Christ’s resurrecon on the horizon, we pause to celebrate the many ways in which God has blessed us in the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies. In his apostolic exhortaon called The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis writes, “I invite all Chrisans, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Christ, or at least an openness to leng him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitaon is not meant for him or her, since ‘no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.’” Each day in the MTCA we are renewed in our faith, knowing that each child is truly made in the image of our Creator, and that all good flows from Him. Each day we deepen our relaonship with Christ as we serve His children. While we are not exempt from challenges, we are constantly reminded of the beauty and potenal each child brings to this world. Our vocaon is one of commitment to helping each realize his worth and maximize his giſts and talents fully, always striving to honor and glorify God. We experience the joy of His love through these wonderful young people and through our work. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with a couple of our “MOMS for MTCA” (see pages 2—3 to learn about a wellness iniave in which they are involved). They were so complimentary of the MTCA students with whom they have worked. They were impressed with the manners and enthusiasm students demonstrate. Our pastors, principals, assistant principals, teachers and staff members who help students recognize God in their lives on a daily basis deserve to be commended for their reless efforts in bringing out the best in our students. We are blessed that families connue to sacrifice and invest in Catholic educaon, and we know that it is through God’s grace and the numerous volunteers and contributors that we are able to surround our students with faith, hope and love as we enhance the spiritual, intellectual, social, emoonal and physical development of each child. Happy Easter to all, Gina Kuntz Fleming Superintendent of Catholic Schools & Director of the MTCA

Transcript of Happy Easter, Happy Spring! Happy, Happy Everything! News Spring... · 2015. 4. 23. · many ways...

Page 1: Happy Easter, Happy Spring! Happy, Happy Everything! News Spring... · 2015. 4. 23. · many ways in which God has blessed us in the Mother Theodore atholic Academies. In ... commitment

Spring Newsletter Contents

Page 2 & 3: Serving the MTCA “Well” Page 4—5: Spiritual Growth Page 6—8: Intellectual Growth Page 9—10: Social & Emotional Growth Page 11—12: Professional Development Page 13: Letter from an Alumnus—Mr. Dennis Sponsel Page 14: Helping MTCA Develop Leaders

Issue 2 March 2015

Happy Easter, Happy Spring! Happy, Happy Everything!

With the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on the horizon, we pause to celebrate the

many ways in which God has blessed us in the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies. In

his apostolic exhortation called The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis writes, “I invite all

Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with

Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this

unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her,

since ‘no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.’”

Each day in the MTCA we are renewed in our faith, knowing that each child is truly made in the image of our Creator, and that all

good flows from Him. Each day we deepen our relationship with Christ as we serve His children. While we are not exempt from

challenges, we are constantly reminded of the beauty and potential each child brings to this world. Our vocation is one of

commitment to helping each realize his worth and maximize his gifts and talents fully, always striving to honor and glorify God.

We experience the joy of His love through these wonderful young people and through our work.

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with a couple of our “MOMS for MTCA” (see pages 2—3 to learn about a wellness

initiative in which they are involved). They were so complimentary of the MTCA students with whom they have worked. They

were impressed with the manners and enthusiasm students demonstrate. Our pastors, principals, assistant principals, teachers

and staff members who help students recognize God in their lives on a daily basis deserve to be commended for their tireless

efforts in bringing out the best in our students. We are blessed that families continue to sacrifice and invest in Catholic education,

and we know that it is through God’s grace and the numerous volunteers and contributors that we are able to surround our

students with faith, hope and love as we enhance the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of each

child.

Happy Easter to all,

Gina Kuntz Fleming

Superintendent of Catholic Schools & Director of the MTCA

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ST. PHILIP NERI WELLNESS PROGRAM

The Mission of the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies is to educate the whole child—spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Through a grant from St. Vincent Hospital, and with the help of Karen Terrell, school wellness coordinator for the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, St. Philip Neri School is integrating physical and nutritional education throughout the school day for both students and staff. This partnership has been integral in expanding and improving the wellness program at St. Philip Neri.

Several programs have been initiated; one of the most popular with the students is BOKS (Building our Kids Success). This is a fitness program begun with volunteers from the “MOMS for MCTA.” Prior to the start of school every Tuesday and Thursday this semester, students arrive early and perform a 45-minute fitness regimen. Students enjoy this energizing start to the school day and teachers have noticed that these students are more focused and engaged during the school day. Special thanks go to our “MOMS,” fitness instructors Karen Terrell, Susie Corsaro, Tamara Gervasio, Alexandra Rojas, and organizer Amy Kuntz.

Other programs and equipment prove to be just as popular. Cycling has been a part of the physical education classes for the last two months with Nine13 Sports. Nine13 Sports promotes health and wellness through a unique initiative that integrates the traditional bicycle with technology. Stability balls and stools are available for both student and staff use. These balls improve posture, balance and coordination while strengthening core muscles. An additional benefit already observed in students is improved attention span and concentration. Treadmills are now available for use by both students and staff. Teachers find that they provide a way to get energized for the day as well as a way to unwind after school. Students are able to use the treadmills during their P.E. classes as well as during other times throughout the day under the supervision of their teacher, nurse, or other staff member.

Nutrition is the other emphasis of the wellness program at St. Philip Neri. St. Vincent Health sponsored a nutrition program during the January Family Night and Open House. Parents were treated to a presentation on ways that families can eat healthy and inexpensively. After the presentation, taste testing stations were set up

throughout the building allowing the children and their parents to sample a variety of healthy and easy-to-prepare snacks. Many children were surprised to find that they actually like hummus! Taste testing is done during the school day on the second Friday of each month. During these taste testing sessions at lunch time, students are able to try a variety of fruits and vegetables that they are likely to not have tasted before. Children are finding out that foods with unusual names actually taste good!

(Article Continued on Next Page)

Below: Students stretch

during their early morning

fitness regimen.

Above & Left: Students

participate in the Nine13

program.

How Can I Be a MOM

for MTCA?

Women throughout the Archdiocese and beyond

are invited to get involved in assisting our

students and their families in a variety of

ways. From tutoring and fitness training to

assisting with development efforts,

our MOMS are critical to the success of the MTCA

and the students and families we serve. To

learn more, please contact Rosemary

O’Brien at 236-1568 or at

[email protected].

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“OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ST. VINCENT HOSPITAL IS A TRUE BLESSING!”

Also, the “Organwiseguys” are making an appearance in the Pre-K through 5th grade classrooms. Students are making the acquaintance of Peri Stolic, Madame Muscle, and the Kidney brothers (among others) as they learn about living a healthy lifestyle. These characters “love who they live in” and bring health education alive in a way that children of all ages can understand. This is an evidence-based program connected to our academic standards that integrates healthy living into the instructional day.

These are just a few of the programs and activities being implemented this

school year. As a result the students learn that nutrition and fitness are not just

something to be discussed in class but something to live. It is not an isolated

subject, but integrated into all aspects of the school day: during class, at lunch,

during recess, and before and after school.

Students are encouraged to share their new learning with family and friends.

Students have stated that they like playing some of the BOKS games on the

weekends with friends, and some have asked their parents to purchase the

foods they have tried at school. Students are seen making healthier decisions as

they consider their own physical activity and nutritious food choices. With St.

Vincent’s help, the students at St. Philip Neri School are being prepared to make

healthy choices as they grow. Today’s decisions will hopefully lead to healthier

adults and healthier family lifestyles. The entire St. Philip Neri School

community is grateful to St. Vincent Health for their assistance in helping them

with the mission of educating the whole child.

Our hardworking teachers benefit from the

BOKS program, too! Walking on the

treadmill keeps our teachers healthy and

ready for the day ahead!

An Indiana Pacer

in the making!

Students learn about

good nutrition and

proper exercise routines.

The student below is

demonstrating the

stability ball.

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MTCA SCHOOLS EMBRACE THE HOLIEST OF SEASONS—LENT

Students in the MTCA have embraced the Lenten season, making it a part of their daily lives as they proceed toward Easter. Students at all schools began the season by gathering as a school community to have their foreheads marked with ashes on Ash Wednesday. Having made their resolutions in the areas of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, students made

symbols of these resolutions to be displayed prominently during the season as a reminder of their commitments. Throughout the season, students from all grade levels participate in activities both as a sign of repentance and as a way of preparing themselves spiritually for the celebration of Easter. Acts of service are planned by students for their school and/or community as a way of reaching out to and joining together in the celebration of the season. Classroom activities and lessons center on the meaning of the season and the importance of repentance and reconciliation. Students in Grades 3-8 participate in school penance services. For second graders, this is also a time for them to make their first confession in the sacrament of Reconciliation. The Way of the Cross has a prominent place in our Lenten practices. Students gather as a school community to witness the passion and death of our Lord through the Stations of the Cross several times during Lent as all strive to deepen their relationship with God. During Holy Week, older students plan and present a Living Way of the Cross for their school and parishes.

MTCA students know that it is through Christ’s great sacrifice that we are able to enjoy eternal life with God in Heaven. The students and staff of the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies wish each of you and your families a blessed Easter.

Left: An MTCA student wears ashes as a sign of his Catholic faith and his love of God. Above: Students pose in front of their Lenten resolutions.

A sign welcoming visitors to our schools begins by saying: “Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for this school. He is the unseen but ever present teacher….” Through the actions of the MTCA students and staff this Lent, Christ’s presence is evident to all who enter our schools.

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PENNIES FOR PRAISE…OPENING DOORS TO OUR FAITH

In August 2012, students at Holy Angels Catholic School witnessed one of the saddest days in the parish’s history. The beautiful wooden church that was a symbol of God’s goodness and love for over 100 years in a struggling neighborhood was brought down by a mighty bulldozer in a matter of minutes. With the restructuring of many parishes in the Archdiocese through “Connected in the Spirit,” many people didn’t know if Holy Angels Catholic Church would rebuild. Every day students from Prekindergarten through 6th grade prayed for God to allow Holy Angels to continue being the spiritual light for the community.

In May 2014, prayers of parishioners, students, faculty and neighbors were answered when Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin announced that Holy Angels Catholic Church would continue at its current location and…better yet…the parish was given permission to build a brand new worship space. The next hurdle for the parish was to secure funds to build the estimated $1 million structure. Excited by the possibility of a new church, the school children decided they wanted to help raise money just like the adults in the parish. “Pennies for Praise” was born! Students began bringing in pennies to help with the capital campaign, but it became harder and harder for them to feel like they were

making a difference. At the suggestion of Mrs. Lori Wright, a long time parishioner, the school decided to focus their funds toward paying for the front doors of the new church. Although the church is still in the designing stages, students continue to bring their loose change and extra pennies each and every week for the offering during Friday Mass. They are determined to let the Holy Angels Catholic Church know how important the parish is to the spiritual growth of the neighborhood.

The efforts of the school children have not gone unnoticed! WTHR reporter, Mary Mills, dedicated an entire story on the “Pennies for Praise” campaign that reached people all over central Indiana. Within days of the story airing on the weekend news, a woman stopped by the school with a container of pennies to say that she was inspired by the children wanting to help “build the city of God.” An individual from Kokomo, Indiana, sent a check for $100.00 because of the news clip. Even our friends at St. Louis de Montfort Elementary School located in the Diocese of Lafayette did a fundraiser…the largest in the school’s four year history…and donated $2630.00 to the “church doors” fund! If students of Holy Angels Catholic School have it their way, everyone who enters the new church will be witnesses to the graciousness of others in helping them to achieve their goal.

Holy Angels’ students counting pennies.

“My children are students within the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies. I am very happy with the school they attend...and believe the school has excellent, dedicated teachers as well as staff members. I never really considered sending my children anywhere but a Catholic school, and because of the financial help I receive I have been able to do so. As a single parent, sometimes it is a struggle raising children, and I find that the school faculty and staff are understanding and supportive.” Christian Hurst, Father

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ROBOTICS CLUB

Integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) into the curriculum is one of the goals of St. Philip Neri School. One facet of this was the school’s first robotics club. Under the direction of middle school math and science teacher David Mullen, a group of 7th and 8th graders competed this past fall in the Indiana State VEX Robotics Competition. With Mr. Mullen’s guidance, students used the VEX Robotics Design System to build an innovative robot to compete in the qualifying matches. Students had a great time building their amazing robot. Working together they came up with the design. Then, over the course of a few months they practiced and developed the operational skills necessary for navigating the robot through the required tasks. The students competed against middle school teams from across the state in the Indiana competition held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in November. Besides gaining the knowledge of the construction and operation of a VEX robot, the students practice collaboration, creative thinking and critical problem solving. Their enthusiasm has inspired other students to participate next year.

CHROMEBOOKS HAVE ARRIVED!

Each of the MTCA schools received new Chromebooks for teacher and student use this year. No longer do learners have to wait for the one computer lab to be free to use technology, for classes can check out one to thirty Chromebooks for classroom use. Mr. Blastic, a third grade teacher at Holy Cross, sees great value in integrating technology in teaching and learning. The Chromebooks allow small groups of students to work on projects as he works with other groups. Students in Mr. Blastic’s class are also using the Chromebooks to prepare for our high stakes testing. These young scholars are preparing for the Indiana IREAD test. Many of the students have never tested in an online setting so the more students are able to practice their computer skills and test taking skills online, the more prepared they will be. Removing the stigma of online testing will allow the students to be tested on their knowledge of the subject and not on computer skills. To be competitive for tomorrow’s career options, our children must have equitable access to technologies. Soon there will no more snow days, but E-learning days; in

place of outdated books, students will access online information that is current and fresh. Our schools must be the hub of innovative technology so that students who otherwise have not experienced the world can now encounter it at their fingertips. Chatting with students from around the world, working with scientists on lab projects, and creating apps and programs of their own will take teaching and learning in the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies to a new level. Utilizing Chromebooks is just one way our students prepare for the future!

Above: The Robotics Club

demonstrates its STEM skills

during a competition.

Below & Left: Students are

fully engaged in learning

while using the new

Chromebooks.

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IMPACT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The MTCA after-school programming is funded through a federal grant called 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC). With the help of 21st CCLC, students are: 1) provided accessibility to school resources such as teachers, computer labs, libraries and classrooms and 2) are able to participate in academic enrichment programs such as Firstinmath.com, AR testing, and Reading Buddies, to help meet state and local achievement standards. Students are offered enrichment programming to complement the school day such as foreign language, music, dance, theater, art, technology, recreation and more. Research shows that students who regularly attend after-school programming improve their grades, test scores and overall study skills. Students also show an improvement in academic performance, school attendance, disciplinary actions and social behaviors. Our programs provide families with a peace of mind, knowing that their children are in a safe and stimulating environment in the hours after the school day ends, and at a nominal cost to the family. The grant allows us to keep funding under $25 per student per month so that students may receive quality support and exceptional care for up to three hours beyond the instructional day. We treat this time as a powerful opportunity for students to learn new skills, develop relationships with caring adults, and prepare for the future. After-school programs give students an opportunity to be productive and stay away from potentially negative behaviors. Licensed teachers provide lessons in the areas of reading, math and science through games and creative activities.

Students practice writing,

reading and math skills

during IMPACT after

school care. They also

learn through interactive

games, puzzles and

technology applications.

Activities include

movement, music and art

throughout the daily

sessions.

(Article Continued on Next Page)

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Students practice writing,

reading and math skills

during IMPACT after

school care.

IMPACT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS (Cont’d)

In addition to our after school programs, the 21st CCLC grant allows us to offer a summer camp to MTCA students. Great Spirits is a camp for students entering 1st through 8th grades. Our theme this year will be “It’s a Jungle Out There.” During the three weeks of camp we focus on academics, art, and fitness. Students express their artistic talents with the help of a program called Art with a Heart. Instructors come to camp daily and all students have the opportunity to participate in that class. Additionally, parents of participants have an opportunity to see their child’s artwork at our family night on the last evening of camp. Our fitness program is called Fun and Fitness. Every year, students say that this is their favorite activity. Each day, students have 60 minutes of high energy activities led by a P.E. teacher. Students not only work up a sweat but enhance their skills in teamwork, leadership and movement. We also incorporate fitness into our field trips as much as possible. Each summer, students also enjoy three off-site field trips to places such as Garfield Park swimming pool, NIFs at IUPUI, and Holliday Park. Our intention with these programs is to help students set goals and provide ways for them to achieve those goals. With the IMPACT programs and Great Spirits Camp, we do our best to give students the tools and resources they will need to become successful adults.

The IMPACT program

includes multiple

opportunities for

students to build self

confidence,

friendships and skills.

Courtney Cross, IMPACT Director, states, “Great Spirits Camp is a wonderful way for students to continue to grow academically, artistically, and in building peer relationships during the summer months.” Prior to accepting the role of IMPACT Director, Courtney taught at St. Philip Neri and worked Great Spirits Camp as a Camp Coordinator. She served her school community as a teacher counselor during the school year.

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FAMILY NIGHTS

Family Nights have been a tradition at Mother Theodore Catholic Academies for the past 6 years. They provide educational opportunities, good food and fun for the school communities. Family Nights increase parental involvement in their student’s school. Those choosing to attend our Family Nights are provided hands-on experiences and can have positive interactions with other attendees. The evenings always begin with students, parents, grandparents and extended family members all gathering for prayer and a shared meal. During Family Nights, information is available from community agencies/vendors. After the meal, families participate in an educational component for that evening. Some of the educational topics have been family literacy, prevention of cyber bullying, career interests, math or science enrichment, nutrition and summer health and safety. Family members leave with increased knowledge and skills. Presenters for Family Night are professional experts in their respective fields of work. Numerous volunteers from community agencies share their time, talent and resources to ensure that our Family Nights are successful. These agencies include, but are not limited to: St. Vincent Hospital, the Indianapolis Fire Department, IUPUI Department of Kinesiology, Methodist Hospital Poison Control Center, Riley Hospital, Indy Reads, and Marion County Health Department. We are grateful for our community partners who help us in our quest to shape the spirits, minds and futures of our children and their families. We are also thankful for all of our families who participate, and for our principals, social workers and staff members who assist in the facilitation of these wonderful events.

Students and families

at Holy Angels enjoy

an evening of fun at a

recent Family Night.

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“FULL SERVICE SCHOOL”

Have you ever wondered what happens when a child leaves school at the end of the day? Holy Cross teachers questioned it and vowed to change it—they vowed to eliminate hunger from their children’s lives. Yes, hunger is a major issue for many of our children. We know that when school is in session the children receive breakfast and lunch. That’s a good thing. We know that if a child attends our IMPACT aftercare program they receive a snack. But once our children go home for the day, we lose the ability to nourish them. That was before February 16th. President’s Day 2015 began a new era in helping our children—Holy Cross now serves dinner to their families. Partnering with Second Helpings and Gleanors Food Bank, Holy Cross Central School is piloting a dinner program. Staffed by volunteers, dinner service is from 4:45 – 5:15 PM every instructional day. All students—whether they attend the IMPACT program or return for dinner— are welcome. To make this program even more beneficial to our families, parents and siblings are allowed to join the school children for dinner. This free of charge dinner program serves between 60 and 100 children on a daily basis. After the first night’s dinner service a table of boys commented, “This is the best night ever!” On another dinner service night another child told the dinner ladies, “I’ve never had a whole pork chop before.” Like all the MTCA, Holy Cross is determined to make a difference in the lives of the children it serves. Holy Cross strives to be a full service school making a difference every day. A hungry child struggles to learn and faces health challenges that can be avoided. Tonight fewer children will go to bed hungry because Second Helpings and Gleanors Food Bank asked Holy Cross to pilot a new program and Holy Cross accepted!

Students and families

enjoy a healthy dinner

each week night at Holy

Cross Central, thanks to a

wonderful partnership

with Gleanors and

Second Helpings as well

as some fantastic

volunteers who assist

with serving and

clean-up.

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GRAPPLING WITH THE DATA: THE MTCA IMPLEMENT DATA ACTION MEETINGS

In November, a team of administrators and teachers from each of the four MTCA attended the Grapple Institute. The Grapple Institute, presented by nationally renowned speaker Daniel Venables, focused on improving student achievement through the use of Data Action Meetings. Attendees were presented with a multi-step process for using existing data to inform instruction. The teams were led through the process of reviewing data, asking exploratory questions, setting goals, searching for new strategies to help achieve the goals, and finally, reviewing the success of those strategies and measuring progress toward the goals. Data Action Meetings are intended to run for 9-12 weeks. At the end of the process, once progress toward a goal has been measured, schools may choose to repeat the process with an adjusted goal, or may choose to focus on another area. The Data Action Meeting process is repeated 3 or 4 times in a school year. After attending the Grapple Institute, each school’s leadership team used the remaining weeks until Christmas Break to introduce other teachers to the process and review certain protocols that would be used. The Data Action Meetings officially began the first week of January, and each school is currently about half way through the process. Kelly England, principal of Central Catholic noted, “The Grapple Institute gave us an incredible tool for focusing on data in our weekly cluster team meetings. We now have a streamlined process for reviewing data and setting goals in order to improve student achievement.” At this point, each cluster team has successfully reviewed and triangulated Acuity data and set a SMART goal. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Now that the SMART goals have been set, each cluster will spend about two weeks searching for new research-based strategies to use in the classroom that will help students make progress toward the goal. Once strategies have been identified, the remaining weeks are spent reviewing student work and tracking progress toward the goal.

(Article Continued on Next Page)

Our teachers are second

to none! MTCA teachers

partner with other

Archdiocesan educators

while participating in the

professional

development days

offered by the

Archdiocese of

Indianapolis.

What Do Parents

Say About MTCA

Athletics?

“To me, MTCA sports is

like a second

family. I've met so

many parents that have

the same goals that I

have for my children.“

Canisha Ramsey, Mother

“MTCA has given us the

best experience with

sports than any organi-

zation has...The

camaraderie we got

dealing with MTCA in

general was fantastic.”

Donald Moon , Father

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GRAPPLING WITH THE DATA (Cont’d) Teachers have been able to draw from the experience of the Data Action Meetings to inform their classroom practice. Carrie Trusler, third grade teacher at Central Catholic, shared, “During our Data Action Meetings we worked on finding the learning and instructional gaps while looking at data. That is something that I'm working on incorporating in my classroom as I grade assessments.” She also noted, “As we were completing the strategy search, it was good to come together to discuss what strategies we found and how to make sure they are rigorous and engaging.” As the beginning of the fourth grading period begins, teachers and administrators are anxious to review the results of their efforts over the last several weeks, and to choose a direction for the final weeks of this school year. “I am looking forward to reviewing the results and seeing the progress my students have made in citing textual evidence,” commented Trusler. “If adequate progress has been made, then we can continue to work on that goal in our classrooms, while our Clusters tackle another area of need.” This type of consistent, focused data mining is certain to assist teachers in assessing the effectiveness of instructional practices while simultaneously analyzing the individual growth of each student. Phenomenal teachers, engaged learners, and data-driven decisions are essential factors in the continued growth and success of these wonderful children of God!

Teachers and school leaders from Central Catholic work

collaboratively to systemically translate data to enhance teaching

and learning practices, and then increase student growth.

“One of the reasons

I love Central

Catholic is from the

first day of school,

you feel like part of

a family. I think the

small size means

more one-on-one

attention for my

kids and for me.”

Donna Tolan, Parent

and PTO member

“For five years my

son played for the

MTCA Bears and not

only did he grow as

a football player, he

had some of the

most amazing role

models for

coaches...I have

seen firsthand the

amazing impact this

program and the

coaches have had

on several of our

children.”

Jerrie Goldsworthy,

Mother

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“Where Would I Be?”

As a 1969 graduate of St. Philip Neri I often reflect on where I would be without the childhood upbringing I was afforded. Oh yes, it was my parents that set every opportunity in place. But it was the opportunity of an education at SPN that remains near and dear to this day. I remember every teacher and coach along the way. I remember everyday Mass and priest handing out report cards. Was there discipline? Oh, Yeah! I didn’t know it then but what a gift that was to have someone care enough to instill a way of life in you that will forever make you better. Today, I have a wife (also a graduate of SPN), a family of 4 children, 8 grandchildren and one on the way. I own a business (RJE Business Interiors) that affords me the opportunity to volunteer and share resources that I never thought possible. The teachers and coaches I had at SPN will never fully realize how I lean back on all of their teachings and example. Where would I be without St. Philip Neri? Not anywhere near where I am today! I am proud to chair the Mother Theodore Catholic Academies Board of which St. Philip Neri is a part. I know that there are children and families we serve today that will also be better for generations to come because of an experience they were afforded at my alma mater St. Philip Neri.

The following article was submitted by Mr. Dennis Sponsel,

President of RJE Business Interiors and

President of the MTCA Board of Directors.

Mr. Sponsel is also a proud alumnus of St. Philip Neri School!

ARE YOU A GRADUATE OF ONE OF OUR MOTHER THEODORE CATHOLIC ACADEMIES?

If you attended Central Catholic, Holy Angels, Holy Cross Central, St. Anthony, or St. Philip Neri, we would love to

hear about the positive impact of your experiences. Please email your photos, memories, and lessons learned to

Rose Springman at [email protected]. We look forward to learning about all of our graduates!

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“How can I donate to these wonderful schools?” you might ask. If you wish to receive the incredible tax

credit benefits, all you need to do is print this form, fill it out, and submit it with your payment to the

Institute for Quality Education.

DID YOU KNOW...

...that every donation to IQE

results in a 50% tax credit for

the donor? A $1000 donation

makes one year of quality

Catholic education possible

for an MTCA student AND

assist that child in receiving

an estimated $75,000 worth

of quality Catholic education

between 1st and 12th grade?

To learn more, please

contact Rosemary O’Brien

at [email protected]

or 317-236-1568.

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Central Catholic School 1155 E. Cameron Street Indianapolis, IN 46203 317.783.7759 centralcatholicindy.org Holy Cross Central Catholic School 125 N. Oriental Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 317.638.9068 holycrossschoolindy.org

Holy Angels Catholic School 2822 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street Indianapolis, IN 46208 317.926.5211 holyangelscatholicschool.org

St. Anthony Catholic School 349 N. Warman Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46222 317.636.3739 stanthonyindy.org

St. Philip Neri Catholic School 545 N. Eastern Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46201 317.636.0134 stphilipindy.org