Superintendent’s Message

Back To School 23-24

Looking into the rear-view mirror, we see a challenging path behind us.  Turning forward, we face the 23-24 academic year, and its sight is breath-taking.  We are aimed directly at the intersection of clarity and opportunity.  The moment provides us with a feeling of immense purpose; our eyes are steadfastly fixated on our objectives.

Are the objectives numerous?  Yes, but each is rooted in the centuries old Catholic traditions of academic excellence.  The moment is at hand for the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to rise to the occasion and follow in the traditions of those who have gone before us.  At the very core, we aim to build disciples, creating opportunities for our communities to encounter Jesus Christ in all things, big and small.  John 10 tells us, “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.”  Pursuing academic excellence will provide our students with a deeper understanding of truth, allowing them the opportunity to experience life at its fullest as they grow under the tutelage of their educators and parents.  Our journey this year will make many stops, building character based on the Gospels of Jesus Christ is certainly a primary destination.  Our educators will journey to many academic destinations for the benefit of our students; the Holy Spirit working along the entire route.  Many times during the academic year, we will be reminded that God loves us without condition and God is present in all things.

Trumpeting the American educational landscape post-pandemic is the idea of social-emotional learning.  As Catholic schools, we do this well, teaching the virtuous lessons of the Gospels.  This academic year, virtue will be a primary theme.  Pay close attention, our schools will be using positive reinforcement to reward our most virtuous students with hopes of attracting peers to model similar behaviors.  We are confident that our schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are authentically Catholic, making all decisions through the lens of our mission.  Walking into our schools, you will experience much more than a crucifix on a wall; you will see the presence of the living God who is among us in all things, big and small.

Every journey begins with a plan.  Our 23-24 academic journey is shaped by student performance.  We measure what we treasure.  Hence, we use the following assessments to measure student performance:

1. BEACON Interim Assessments - Grades 3-7
2. Terra Nova Summative Assessments - Grades 3-7
3. Pre-ACT Summative Assessments - Grades 8-10
4. ACT - Grades 11-12
5. Assessment of Religious Knowledge - Grades 2-12

We treasure knowledge.  The data we glean from the aforementioned assessments provide us with a picture of student performance, allowing us the ability to see clearly the path towards mastery. Consequently, this year will contain a focus on writing and the skill of written communication.  With the emergence of artificial intelligence, we will use our precious instructional minutes under the watchful tutelage of our teachers, encouraging our students to write effectively and creatively.  We believe strongly in STEM.  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are so important to the future journey of our society.  Mathematics allows us to see the order of God’s universe.  We plan to take a more zealous approach to Mathematics, using data informed platforms for the benefit of our educators and students.  Targeted areas specifically include geometrical concepts in all grades as well as statistical analysis in upper middle and high school.  We are heavily invested in our journey, and we seek dividends from our investments.  

As we travel forward with conviction, we ask for your prayers.  While we are not in possession of confusion regarding the task at hand, the clarity of the moment acknowledges the challenges in our way.  Our mission, vision, and core values require both hands on the wheel as we navigate the pathways and avenues necessary for spiritual and academic growth.  By the grace of God, may our quest for truth in all things bear fruit. 

Our school communities will travel together in the following pathway of preparation:

• July 25 - School Leadership Meeting
• July 26 - Elementary Data Meeting Hosted by Data Recognition Corporation
• July 26 - Consultative Boards (All Schools) Collaborative
• July 27 - New Teacher/Staff Orientation
• July 29 through August 3 - School Based Professional Development and Faculty Retreat
• August 4 - Educators’ Convocation

Our Educators’ Convocation brings each of our administrators, faculty, and staff together for our opening liturgy with Bishop Dorsonville.  The day will progress with the theme:

“Personal Attention:  Partnering With Parents in 21st Century Catholic Education.”  Our special guest and keynote speaker is author and renowned spiritual director Becky Eldrege.  Not only is Becky an accomplished author, she is a mother!  We are seeking her perspective as we begin our journey.  Ultimately, our goal is to facilitate a positive partnership with families that will lead to exponential student growth and student learning twenty-four hours per day.

Finally, but so importantly, we have chosen a scripture passage for our academic year.  On June 1, 2023, our administrative teams gathered for retreat at the Pastoral Center in Schriever.  Through prayer and reflection, our school administrators reached consensus and chose Colossians 4:6.

“Let the words you speak always be filled with grace.”

As we begin our instructional days in prayer and song, know of our love and prayers for each of you.  We are the school faith communities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and we personally invite you to join us in our Parishes for Mass.  We will keep you informed of our progress, and may God bless you abundantly.