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Dear Catholic Secondary School Educator:

This is the March edition of E-News provided for you by the Secondary Schools Department of the National Catholic Educational Association – a periodic update of information supporting the ministry of the Catholic high school. This year March brings both the start of spring and Easter. We pray this month that God will bless you and your students with the Spirit that gives us life and Easter joy! We hope you find this information helpful.

For your convenience, this E-News is arranged under the following headings:

Please take a moment to visit us on the web at http://www.ncea.org/departments/secondary/

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NCEA NEWS

Upcoming Events
NCEA Annual Convention
March 29-April 1, 2005, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Be sure to join 15,000+ colleagues for our 102nd Annual Convention and Exposition. Check http://www.ncea.org/annual/convention/ for more information and for online registration.

Capital Fly-In
April 28-30, 2005, Washington, DC
This weekend seminar led by Sr. Mary Tracy, S.N.J.M., will guide you in customizing your school’s annual fund for 2005-06, showcase new strategies and present technology as an effective and low-cost tool to increase your annual fund results. Online registration will be available shortly or you may call Mike Conroy (202-337-6232).

Tradition & Transitions: A National Conference for Religion Teachers and Campus Ministers
June 16-19, 2005, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Sponsored by the NCEA’s Department of Secondary Schools and the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Church Life

This conference, the only one of its kind, is for campus ministers and religion teachers in Catholic secondary schools. It is designed to be not only informative but also practical. Participants will explore the tradition of the Catholic Church in the midst of contemporary transitions and their effects on high school religious education. Participants will refine their own curricula in light of the presentations and discussions with their colleagues.

To register online and to view/download the brochure, visit http://www.ncea.org/departments/secondary/services/ and click the link.

Beyond X’s and O’s: Fostering the Mission of the Catholic Secondary School Through Athletics
July 10-12, 2005, Neumann College, Aston, PA
Sponsored by the NCEA’s Department of Secondary Schools and the Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development at Neumann College

Amazing potential to further a school’s mission as a Catholic institution is inherent in athletic programs. Administrators, athletic directors, coaches, teachers, chaplains, campus ministers and anyone interested in learning more is invited to Neumann College for this conference. Neumann is located just outside of Philadelphia, less than fifteen miles from the airport. Nationally known speakers will address the topic from a variety of angles. Watch your mail for registration information or contact Dr. Len DiPaul at Neumann College for more information (610-361-5225; dipaull@neumann.edu).

Accountability
Please take a moment to take a brief survey on Catholic school accountability: http://www.ncea.org/about/assessment-open.asp. NCEA published a statement on accountability. We are interested in learning how schools are using the statement. If you haven’t seen the statement, a copy is available at the link above as well.

New Publications from NCEA
The Secondary Schools Department published three new books during this academic year:

For descriptions of the books and ordering information, visit http://www.ncea.org/store/

Three other publications are in the works and will be available soon:

Membership Renewal
Thanks to all of you who renewed your memberships for 2005! If you haven’t renewed yet, please do so today so that your benefits do not expire. If you have any questions, please call Chris Scalise in the Secondary Schools Department at 202-337-6232.

Membership Benefits – News you can use
NCEA has long supported faculty faith formation. Sharing the Faith is a staff development program for Catholic elementary and secondary schools designed by NCEA. The program addresses the need for an adult-based, professional in-service that balances personal reflection with community building. Over 1,500 schools can document its value, feasibility, ease of implementation and ongoing benefit.

Right now, for a limited time, NCEA is offering a members-only discount of more than 25% off the regular member price (and more than 40% off the non-member price). To learn more or to order online, click http://www.ncea.org/departments/secondary/services/sh-fat-1.asp. (This link shows the regular price; however, the online store will charge the sale price.)

The following links and programs are for your consideration. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement of any particular program or resource.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/CURRICULUM RESOURCES

Education for Justice
The Education for Justice Web site is an extensive resource with information on social issues and Catholic social teaching. The Center for Concern maintains the site. It does require a membership fee. To take a virtual tour or to see a 113 page list of what they provide, click http://www.coc.org/ej/.

International Confederation of Principals
NCEA members are eligible to attend the ICP biennial world congress. This year’s congress is July 10-14 in Cape Town, South Africa. The link with more information is http://www.icp2005.com.