Dear Friends:
I hope that the beautiful summer we have enjoyed has offered a respite for you and your family and that you have been able to stay cool and partake in some fun and relaxation.
Though our schools have been quiet over the past two months, our Catholic-schools staff have been working hard to prepare for the challenges of the new academic year. Staff have been involved in the annual review of our curriculum and textbooks to determine where we can continue to make improvements. In addition, we have added highly skilled individuals to fill teaching and administrative positions to ensure that the most capable people are in place to help our students succeed.
As Bishop Clark notes in his letter — also included in this publication — starting with the vision of Bishop McQuaid, our first leader, Catholic schools have sought to equip our children with a strong academic program infused with the traditional values of our faith. Along with our entire Catholic-schools staff, I share his deep commitment to our schools, our students, and the parents and guardians who choose Catholic schools because they want the very best for their children.
I am thankful for the continued support of parents and guardians and am moved by your dedication and commitment to Catholic schools. I know that you value the academic and spiritual education they are receiving. At the same time, I am grateful for and humbled by the support of parishioners throughout our 12 counties who continue to support our schools.
As you know, and as Bishop Clark has noted, there are some very obvious changes within our Catholic schools this year. Some schools have consolidated in order to provide more efficiency and create academic settings that are even more beneficial to our students. In Monroe County we have implemented our new financial-aid model in order to make Catholic education available for all who seek it — which is central to our mission. It is human nature that some can find challenges in accepting change. I want to thank you for your patience and understanding and reassure you that these changes were made in the very best interests of our students and schools.
Please enjoy these last few weeks of summer. I look forward to witnessing the excitement and joy that happens each September when students and staff bring new life to our schools.
Be assured you have my prayers and wishes for a most successful school year!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Meegan, OP
Superintendent of Schools
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
