Catholic Schools Preparing To Enter New
Era
New technology systems are being installed
and teachers are learning how to use them.
Enhanced courses of study have been designed
to provide students with a broader
educational experience.
Major renovations to some buildings and
refurbishing of others is nearing
completion.
At all levels, the Diocese of Scranton is
putting the finishing touches on a
restructured Catholic school system that
will debut when classes begin Aug. 27.
“Bishop Martino has addressed the systemic
problems that were threatening the very
existence of our schools. He made the
difficult decisions needed to preserve and
advance Catholic education in this Diocese,
and now it’s up to the rest of us to
implement the Strategic Plan,” said
Joseph Casciano, Diocesan Secretary for
Catholic Education and Superintendent of
Schools.
The Strategic Plan included the closing of
some schools and the consolidation of
others, and the reorganization of all
institutions into four regional systems.
These systems will be supported by all
parishes and each system will be governed by
a board of clergy and lay members with
delegated authority and responsibility.
Hundreds of people – Diocesan
administrators, principals, teachers,
support staff, technicians, skilled laborers
and others – have been working since last
spring to prepare the schools for a new year
and a new era.
“Under normal circumstances, there are many
details that are addressed in between school
years. This year, of course, those issues
are multiplied many times over,” Mr.
Casciano said. “Although we will still be in
a period of transition when the doors open
on Aug. 27, our administrators and teachers
are committed and ready to provide our
students with a first-class Catholic
education.”
Enhanced Courses of Study; Technology
Upgrades; Renovations to Buildings
Mr. Casciano said several enhancements to
the courses of study have been made:
·
An Introduction to Foreign Language program
is being implemented at the junior high
level (grades 6-8)
·
A consistent course of study in mathematics
is being implemented for grades 6-8. A
course in Algebra I will be available for 8th
grade students who qualify.
·
An instrumental music program will be
implemented in Lackawanna and Wayne
Counties. In Luzerne County, the
instrumental music program that exists in
some schools will be expanded to all
schools.
Technology upgrades are also being
implemented in the schools.
These include the Hunter System, a suite of
administrative software that will enable
schools to better manage their records and
will offer online access to grade reports,
assignments, attendance records and other
data to students and parents. Teachers,
administrators, financial personnel and
clerical support staff have attended
training sessions over the summer, and the
system will gradually be implemented during
the upcoming school year.
The Diocese is also acquiring interactive
computerized blackboards, known as “SmartBoards.”
Installation will begin at the junior high
and high schools and will be incorporated
into all classrooms eventually.
Meanwhile, a new heating/air conditioning
system has been installed at Holy Redeemer
High School in Wilkes-Barre, and new boilers
are being installed at Good Shepherd Academy
in Kingston. At many of the other schools,
repairs and refurbishing of various
magnitudes are being done where necessary.
These projects could range from replacing
fixtures and laying new carpets to applying
a fresh coat of paint and incorporating new
names and colors to signage, gymnasiums,
etc.
Approximately $4 million is being spent on
these renovations, technology upgrades and
course enhancements.
“This is a major investment in the future of
Catholic education,” Mr. Casciano said. “We
hope and pray that families, students and
the community explore what we have to offer
and support our goal of making Catholic
education available for generations to
come.”
