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January-February 2008 Issue  

A new look for NCEA Notes premiered with the September 2007 issue. Also, NCEA has gone Green. The new, improved NCEA Notes is printed on recycled paper with 100% soy ink. We hope you enjoy this issue.

 Front Cover                                                       

President Karen Ristau promotes the upcoming NCEA Convention in Indianapolis by lifting up two speakers: Bishop Blase Cupich of Rapid City, SD, an eloquent presenter and prolific writer who speaks on Wednesday, March 26, and Sr. Joyce Rupp, OSM, a “spiritual midwife” who will explore life’s crossroads on Thursday, March 27. 


 Department of Elementary Schools            

Bro. Robert Bimonte, FSC shares the wondrous gift of hope as the new year begins, reminding us that God allows us to begin anew, and encourages us to share this hope with our students and colleagues.

Bro. William Cambell, SM lifts up the inspiring words of the Canadian Catholic School Trustees’ Association document, Build Bethlehem Everywhere: A Statement on Catholic Education, reminding us that we are the Word made flesh; we are God’s love made visible for our students.

Drs. Lorraine Ozar and Michael Boyle discuss the power of feedback to improve student achievement and share steps to implement this simple technique. 


 Department of Secondary Schools             
 
Sr. Mary Frances Taymans, SND reflects on the Catholic high school doctrinal framework for teaching religion that was approved by the USCCB in November 2007.
                    
Gary Meyerl discusses the need to weave the principles of Catholic Social Teaching into the life of the school, not just to layer it on top of everything else. To help you in your weaving project, a free copy of a new publication, Engaging Faith in the World: Exploring Catholic Social Teaching and Global Solidarity, is available for every Catholic High School through the generosity of Catholic Relief Services. To learn more, contact gmeyerl@ncea.org.
 
Christiane Connors looks at two schools which have developed a pre-engineering technology program that integrates civic and moral development with practical, real-world learning experiences. Both schools will make presentations at the NCEA Convention in Indianapolis.
 
The Third Annual Instructional Leadership Conference, “Sustaining and Seeking Leadership: A Conversation with Current and Emerging Catholic High School Leadership” will be held February 20-22, 2008 in San Antonio, TX. Contact Christiane Connors (cconnors@ncea.org) for more information.
 
Department of Chief Administrators           

 

 

 

 

Daniel Curtin announces that CACE Conversations will focus on “Faith Formation for Adults” from 1:15 – 4:15 on Wednesday, March 26 during the NCEA Convention. A new publication is now available from our online store, A Nationwide Response to Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium.

Department of Boards and Councils          

Regina Haney talks about succession planning for boards, so that a smooth and effective transfer of leadership can occur, enabling the institution to accomplish its goals for years to come.

Rev. Patrick Walsh answers the question, “Is taking the time to develop a vision worth it?” in the Boards Talk to Boards feature.

Public Policy                                                      

Sr. Dale McDonald, PBVM reviews the changing landscape of school choice, and urges schools to be involved in civic and church organizations to ensure that parents have choices for the education of their children. To review these choices, go to: www.ncea.org/public/SchoolChoiceInitiatives.asp


Advancement                                                    

Sr. Mary Tracy, SNJM encourages the use of an updated phonathon as an effective tool in the fundraising toolbox. To learn more, consult the new publication, Conducting a Phonathon, available from the NCEA online store.


Legal Issues                                                       

Sr. Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN discusses the issue of age discrimination and ways Catholic schools can prevent any legal difficulties pertaining to it.


Research                                                            

 Dr. John T. James looks at the impact of a Catholic education on students’ Catholicism, and finds that Catholic schools, particularly Catholic high schools, have a positive impact on the faith commitment of adults.

Back Cover - The NCEA salutes bishops for their support of Catholic education with photos taken at the annual Bishop’s Reception sponsored by NCEA each November.