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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
May 9 , 2017 | The Valley Catholic
Diocese of San Jose Department of Education Takes the National Stage
The Diocese of San Jose made a strong showing at the April 2017 National Catholic Educators Association ( NCEA ) Conference held in St . Louis , MO . For the first time in recent years , the Diocese of San Jose was represented both with the receipt of a highly competitive national award and featured as a case study for national attention on the innovative model of the Drexel Schools .
Both the award and the case study presentation were focused on the commitment of the Diocese of San Jose to engage in bold and strategic action to create a vision for thriving and sustainable Catholic schools to serve the children and families of our parish communities . The Lead Learn Proclaim Award recognized Superintendent Kathy Almazol specifically for her role as the educational leader for the many vital initiatives that the Diocese
Easter is a time of great joy , yet for some families , extra financial burdens may dampen their spirits . Girl Scout Troop 62010 of Saint Clare School has had an annual tradition of preparing Easter baskets for the children served by our parish Saint Vincent dePaul Society . By providing something special for the children , the troop hopes families will be able to use that money for necessities without feeling like the little ones are missing out on the fun . This year the troop sought to do something extra
Diocese of San Jose representatives in attendance included from left : Santa Clara University faculty member Elizabeth Guneratne , Assistant Superintendent Kim Shields , Principal Sally Douthit , Assistant Superintendent Tara Rolle , Superintendent Kathy Almazol , and Principal Jim Johnston .
of San Jose ’ s Department of Education has undertaken over the past seven years . Representatives in attendance for the Diocese of San Jose included Superintendent Kathy Almazol , Assistant Superintendents Kim Shields and Tara
Rolle , Catholic School Principals Jim Johnston , Sally Douthit and Anthony Barajas ( not pictured ), and Santa Clara University faculty member Elizabeth Guneratne . The Diocese of San Jose was featured during the presentation of
Saint Clare Girl Scouts “ Spread Easter Joy ”
special : an Easter egg hunt !
The Girl Scout motto is , “ Be Prepared ” so planning for the “ Spread Easter Joy ” project began early in the year . Sarah G ., a fourth grade student and fourth-year Junior Girl Scout , earned her Bronze Award for her leadership on the project . It wouldn ’ t have been possible without the hard work of the entire troop as well as the school community . The troop used their money from the annual cookie fundraiser to purchase supplies for the hunt , as well as fresh eggs , dye kits , and Girl Scout Cookies for each family . Saint Clare families donated small toys and candies to help fill the 480 plastic eggs the girls prepared .
Unfortunately , an unexpected rain storm significantly reduced the number of children who were able to come to the hunt . The Girl Scouts didn ’ t let that ruin the event . Instead , they quickly gathered the eggs and researched another organization that could use them . The eggs were donated to the City of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department for the award and was hallmarked during the keynote presentation at the award reception and dinner .
At the NCEA Convention , Tara Rolle , Ed . D , was invited to present the Drexel School System of the Diocese of San Jose as a case study on the important role of transformational leadership with strategic vision to support Catholic education . The Drexel model was celebrated as an innovative approach to shifting governance and centralizing operations . The resounding impact of the Drexel case study was to promote critical conversations about the future of Catholic education at dioceses across the United States . This presentation was positioned as an opening for other educational leaders to consider creating key partnerships , utilizing the Drexel School System as an exemplar worthy of replication .
their community Easter egg hunt and the troop received special recognition for their generosity .
Troop 62010 focuses on service throughout the year and Sarah is the third scout to earn the Bronze Award . Alexandra B . earned hers for work on the environment and Sammantha R . earned hers for work to support the Mountain View Police Officers Association . Mrs . Leana Dalton and Mrs . Christine Cardoza volunteer as troop leaders for this group of young leaders .
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Seventh Grade students depicting Jesus washing the feet of his disciples .
Saint Mary of the Immaculate School , Holy Thursday Prayer Service “ Passion ”
Saint Mary School ’ s seventh grade , led by Dr . Kim Karloff and Cecile Mantecon , presented our Holy Thursday Prayer Service , for prayer and reflection to begin the Holy Triduum . They prepared a retelling of the Passion of Jesus Christ from Saint Luke ’ s Gospel . All grades were in attendance , as well as a number of parents , who were sure to be touched with great appreciation for our Catholic traditions , as well as for the gift that our students are to their community .