Fall 2023 DCS

Dear Catholic School Community Members,

On behalf of Archbishop Jose Gomez and the entire team at the Department of Catholic Schools, we extend a warm welcome to all our returning teachers, principals, and staff and to those who are new to our school communities

We pray that you and your family had an enjoyable and productive summer and that the new academic year is off to a strong start

I am excited to introduce this inaugural issue of our new digital newsletter Through it, we will be shining a light on the good news in our community and strengthening our department’s connection with teachers, principals, pastors, staff, and supporters

This edition’s content reflects the many facets of the DCS’ mission and our constant investment in renewal, growth, and support You’ll meet our newest principals; learn about an exciting academic support initiative; discover our new catechetical certification program; meet two principals who exemplify the role of servant leader, and read about renovations at several school sites;

We are eager to reconnect with our students and families as one Catholic school community committed to forming children in the image of Christ and the Gospel Our educators are among the most dedicated and committed individuals in the education sector They have been called to their vocation to evangelize the Catholic faith, educate young minds, and form them for their future. This is what separates us from other school systems and why the Catholic school difference is so compelling

As we embark on the 2023-24 school year, let’s celebrate the gift of Catholic schools by recommitting to our partnership with families Parents are the primary educators and play a crucial role in the spiritual, intellectual and emotional development of their children. As partners, Catholic educators are uniquely positioned to accompany parents in the formation of their children

I am humbled and honored to begin my fourth year of service as superintendent and look forward to our journey ahead as we learn and grow together. Once again, welcome back, and thank you for choosing Catholic schools.

Yours in Christ,

Paul M Escala Senior Director & Superintendent of Schools

NEW FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY CATECHETICAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTED

The Mission and Catholic Identity Team launched an exciting catechetical formation initiative in August, when teachers from Deanery 16 schools gathered at St Michael's in Los Angeles to begin a certification program through the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

The launch marks the first streamlined, catechetical certification program available at the department level. Utilizing an online platform, the two-year program is more easily consolidated and supported by our department. And, because each school’s needs are unique, the training can be customized to meet the needs of each learner and community We currently have 322 active learners, with more joining every day

The goal is for each participant to grow in understanding of the love of God revealed in Jesus, deepening their personal encounter with Him and equipping them to inspire a new generation of disciples Although the training can be done individually, the program facilitates the accompaniment of a mentor who provides a fuller understanding of the topics and a more meaningful experience overall

While this platform was secured for our Catholic schools, each subscribing institution (parish, diocesan, and private schools) and their affiliated organizations and stakeholders (parishes, parents, etc.) are allowed an unlimited number of users, with access to more than 200 workshops and resources

While this platform was secured for our Catholic schools, each subscribing institution (parish, diocesan, and private schools) and their affiliated organizations and stakeholders (parishes, parents, etc ) are allowed an unlimited number of users, with access to more than 200 workshops and resources.

Catechetical certification support is the main thrust of this partnership, of course, but our vision for the Catechetical Institute and the ADLA is much broader. We see it as an opportunity to engage in disciplemaking utilizing online formation, helping learners pursue faith development and holiness through time spent growing in relationship with and knowledge of the Lord

The Catechetical Institute partners with more than 120 dioceses around the world, providing their schools and other Catholic ministries with substantive, rich, and engaging catechetical formation Our ADLA program was made possible through a generous grant from The Dan Murphy Foundation.

We are currently implementing the Catechetical Institute program at ADLA schools as requested by the school principal.

For more information, please contact Erick

Rubacalva ERubacalva@la-archdiocese org

SOLIDARITY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

Eighteen elementary schools across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles are now a part of the Solidarity Schools initiative, an academic support initiative that will provide high-quality instructional resources in literacy and math over three years

This comprehensive effort, with its launch supported by the Archdiocese and the Smet Foundation, seeks to address the needs of the ADLA’s most vulnerable students by providing high quality resources and collaborating with the school principals and teachers to transform instructional systems and build a culture of literacy in schools that have not previously had access to equitable resources

All 18 elementary school sites are adopting common curriculum and instructional practices In the first year, the schools are adopting Success for All for literacy and integrating “support blocks” into student schedules to address specific skills and provide intervention. Training and ongoing support is cohort-based, designed to bring educators together in ongoing learning and sharing best practices In addition, each school receives weekly on-site support from a dedicated Academic Excellence Specialist and monthly support from a Success for All coach, ensuring teachers have necessary and timely guidance

“By aligning our resources, deepening our school support, transforming our learning systems, and accompanying our educators, we have created a streamlined system for success, ” said Robert Tagorda, Chief Academic Officer for the ADLA’s Department of Catholic Schools. “We believe that Solidarity Schools will not only enhance our students’ academic skills, but also foster a love for learning ”

During this first year, the primary focus for elementary schools is Success for All (SFA), a research-based literacy skills program designed to meet the diverse needs of students SFA emphasizes the importance of systematic phonics instruction, differentiated learning, consistent attendance, parental involvement, and continual student assessment to gauge students’ progress and challenge them as their skills advance

Currently, 2,832 elementary school students are engaged in the Solidarity School program While SFA is being implemented at 18 elementary schools, a Solidarity Schools-funded math program for underserved high school students has begun at 6 archdiocesan high schools this fall. A profile of this program will be featured in our next issue.

Professional development during the summer as a cohort prepares for the launch of the Solidarity Schools Initiative

“By aligning our resources, deepening our school support, transforming our learning systems, and accompanying our educators, we have created a streamlined system for success. ”

DR. TERRI MENDOZA

Where did you grow up and go to school?

It was very important to my parents that their children receive a Catholic education All of us went to Catholic elementary and high school Six of us, myself included, attended St Leo School in Willowbrook taught by the wonderful Sisters of Notre Dame and an excellent lay staff The three youngest completed their education at St Maria Goretti School in Long Beach after we moved to Lakewood High school saw us scattered all over the archdiocese: my brother Lalo at St Anthony H S , Bobby at Fermin Lasuen H S , Elio at Verbum Dei, and Kiki at St John Bosco My sisters and I all attended Saint Joseph High School in Lakewood; I graduated in 1973

We had a great childhood in Willowbrook The neighbors were good about watching the neighborhood children and had no qualms about disciplining us and reporting our misdeeds to our parents Much like our parish, St Leo, we lived in a colorless community where, regardless of skin color or ethnicity, we all got along and treated each other and our elders with respect

What moments in your life impacted your decision to become an educator?

Many teachers, my parents being the first, impacted my decision to become an educator. There was always a lesson to be learned in our home. I also was inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Their whole approach to education was belief in one’s intellectual ability and social-emotional development. They worked with us and played with us, and were fun to be with.

My high school principal, Sr. Madeline Clancy, taught us all by example. She always had a smile and a kind word or a challenging thought to share with us. Sr. Joyce Hampel challenged me to use my brain. And, while earning my Masters in Administration at Mount St. Mary’s, Sr. Kieran Vaughan, my advisor for the Masters thesis and my teacher for Research Methods, challenged me to expand my vision and understand that every moment is a moment for learning.

I became a teacher because I wanted students to understand that they have God-given gifts and talents, and they should never be afraid to use them or to expand on their knowledge. Sr. Janet Duffy taught me that education has Latin roots (ex duco, meaning “to lead out”). As educators, we draw out a child’s ability to learn in multifaceted ways.

What achievements in your career are you most proud of?

I’d say my education—elementary, high school, and university; and working with many others to keep Saint Joseph High School rooted in the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Sr. Cecilia Louise Moore, former chancellor of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles when I was hired as principal, said that, as the first lay principal, I had to do everything within my power to keep the CSJ charism alive and foundational to all we do at Saint Joseph. I think she would be proud of our commitment today.

What are the most meaningful aspects of your work?

Our students Our families Our staff I see firsthand the type of young women who graduate from SJHS They are uncommon women for an uncommon time and they do make a difference in the world Our families trust us with their most precious treasures, their daughters We are in partnership with them to ensure that every Jester is formed spiritually, academically, and socialemotionally Last, but not least, the staff We each have a role in walking the “learning walk” with our Jesters, together ensuring that each young lady is in a safe, clean environment that fosters our Catholic values

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

Most do not believe that I am an introvert! I am very shy, and each time I have to speak in front of a crowd, the only thing that calms me is the phrase: “Come, Holy Spirit, Come ” As a child, I’d be under the table as family and friends sang “Happy Birthday” to me

What do Catholic school students need most, and how does your school provide that?

In addition to a quality academic and holistic education, I believe Catholic school students need to understand and embrace that God loves them unconditionally and will never abandon them, that Jesus is their loving brother and their path to God the Father, and that the Holy Spirit is their guide/conscience. They need to understand that our Blessed Mother, too, like the Trinity, will always care for them with a mother’s love.

Teenagers today are vulnerable and greatly influenced by social media. We need to help them learn that God is their unfailing hero, not TikTok or Instagram. Therefore, we must always share the Good News with our students. At SJHS, we share the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet--a charism of unifying love with God and with neighbor.

If we can graduate students who are open to God’s ever-present love, then we have given them the most important survival tool for their futures.

She was hired as a teacher in 1977 and was appointed principal in 1990.

Dr. Terri Mendoza continues to serve at St. Joseph High School in Lakewood.

Principal Spotlight

DEACON HENRY BARAJAS

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in the Colonia area of Oxnard and I attended Our Lady of Guadalupe School from first through eighth grade. I continued my Catholic education at Santa Clara High School. I began my college career at Ventura and Oxnard colleges, where I was part of the Mini Corps program that worked with migrant children. I received my bachelor’s degree from California State University Northridge, and earned my master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix.

What moments in your life impacted your decision to become an educator?

While attending Our Lady of Guadalupe school, I encountered teachers who showed a true passion for the success of students In first grade, my teacher took the time to help me be successful, and because of her passion for teaching, I wanted the same From there, I worked hard in school because I wanted to be that person who made a difference in someone’s educational life When I attended college, I joined the Mini Corps, a program that allowed me to work with migrant students in public schools as an instructional assistant This also made a positive impact on my decision to become a teacher

What achievements in your career are you most proud of?

The achievement that I am most proud of is returning to work at Our Lady of Guadalupe School where my education began I was able to give back to my community what was given to me as a student I also had the opportunity to teach alongside my first grade teacher, Ms Cordilla Kinney, who was and continues to be my inspiration My second achievement was when I was ordained a permanent deacon to the Catholic Church in 2007 I have been serving at my home parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Oxnard ever since

What are the most meaningful aspects of your work?

The most meaningful aspect of my role as principal is to empower others As principal, we must see the good in all our staff members We must help them grow into strong leaders as well as support the decisions they make and hold them accountable for the results We must also motivate change within our teachers and community We must not remain stagnant, but be open to change as education changes daily, as well as help parents understand and support that change We must always support the mission, vision, and philosophy of the school Lastly, we are educators first and administrators second As principal, I must focus on the success of my students Parents and students depend on me to stay current on educational trends for their success

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

Being a teacher has always been my strong desire. What people were surprised to learn is that after leaving a full day’s work at school, I was also a director of religious education for my parish. There I enjoyed leading a group of volunteer catechists in preparing students from our parish to receive the sacraments. I held this position for 10 years.

What do Catholic school students need most, and how does your school provide that?

Catholic school students need to feel loved, foster a personal connection to their faith, and have strong academic support Our school helps students feel loved through making teacher-student relationships a priority and creating an environment where students feel safe We help them develop their faith through school Masses, choir, religion lessons, Stations of the Cross, praying the Rosary, daily prayer, and more Students receive strong academic support through interventions Fridays, small group instruction, one-on-one support and STEP when needed, and clearly defined rubrics

Deacon Henry Barajas has been serving as Principal of St. Anthony's School in Oxnard since 2010.

NEW LEADERS

SANTA BARBARA REGION

Jordan Blanchard

Holy Cross STEM

Alec Gasca

Notre Dame Elementary

Idaelia Preciado

La Purisima Concepcion

SAN FERNANDO REGION

Angie Boyce

Our Lady of the Valley

Dr. Tony Galla | President

Bishop Alemany High School

Joseph Hernandez

St. Bridget of Sweden

Dr. Doug Rynerson

Bishop Alemany High School

Samantha Sanchez

St. Francis Xavier

SAN GABRIEL REGION

Robert Bringas

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lauren Hernandez

Resurrection

Carly Lee

St. Alphonsus

Amelita Martinez

St. Martha

Patty Patano

St. Anthony, San Gabriel

Ashley Reagan

Holy Angels

Mike Schabert

St. Joseph, Pomona

Melissa Witty

St. Thomas More

OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS REGION

Dr. Sarah Gonzalez

St. Teresa of Avila

Alejandra Frutos-Silva

Holy Spirit STEM Academy

Thomas Lynch

St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Jamison Mahar

Our Lady of Loretto

Casey Yeazel | President

St. Bernard High School

SAN PEDRO REGION

Carrie DeBever

St. Bruno

Danina Flores-Uy

St. James

Colleen Guenther

St. John Fisher

Erika Haro

St. Joseph, Hawthorne

Adan Jaramillo

St. Anthony High School

Angela Mastantuono

Junipero Serra High School

Valeria Pacheco

St. Raymond

Laura Paz

St. Aloysius Gonzaga

Melina Ramirez

St. Pancratius

Claudia Rodarte

St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy

Yvonne Wilcox

Our Lady of Victory

SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

San Pedro Region

Fresh paint, shiny new tile, expansive storage, air conditioning, a teachers’ lounge, and a glorious green football field are just a few of the surprises that awaited some of our students and teachers as they returned from summer break

On August, St Anthony High School unveiled its longawaited athletic complex in Long Beach The $13 million facility -- which features a turf football/soccer field, six-lane regulation track, team building, restrooms, and grandstands -- was a decade-long journey made possible by Shea Family Charities, Dan Murphy Foundation, Smet Foundation, and Ahmanson Foundation as well as alumni, St Anthony High School families, and community friends

“The generosity of all our donors great and small has sown seeds of transformation,” said Christine Tucker, president of St Anthony HS “Not only have they invested in infrastructure, but in the potential of every student and coach who will step foot on this field."

As the new school year unfolds, the facility is being utilized by SAHS students as well as the wider Catholic schools community It is serving as one of the host fields for CYO flag football games this fall and St Cyprian School is using it for PE and their football games In addition, alumni are now hosting class reunions at the facility Tucker noted that the school is currently transitioning to phase two of this project, which will encompass the modernization of their baseball facility and the development of a softball field

St Anthony HIgh School ribbon-cutting ceremony

St Anthony High School (Long Beach)

Parents at St Philip Neri School in Lynwood were able to pull into a newly resurfaced parking lot on the first day of school, one of the many renovation projects that began there at the end of June. The school, which marks its 70th anniversary this year, also received new air conditioning and heating systems, new windows throughout the school, restroom modernizations, playground resurfacing, classroom storage, and new paint on both the interior and exterior

“Our school is like a second home, not only to our students, but to our parish community,” said Principal Alexandra Gonzales. “To give our parish and school community a space that is renewed, comfortable and safe is a blessing, as we are able to continue providing a quality Catholic education where all can learn, grow, create, and make wonderful memories ”

Gonzales added that she was very grateful for the generosity of Shea Family Charities, which funded the majority of the $1 1 million project

“We are eternally grateful for the modernization,” said Sonia Nunez, principal of St. Athanasius School in Long Beach. ”It has filled our hearts with immense joy and ignited a stronger sense of pride in our school We could not have achieved this on our own "

St Athanasius, which belongs to the ADLA’s Microschools Network, received improvements valued at more that $550,000, thanks to funding from both the Smet Foundation and Shea Family Charities. Renovations included a remodeled front office, new teachers’ lounge, new principal’s office, student bathroom makeovers, expanded classroom storage, fresh exterior paint, and the modernization of the school hall Nunez hosted a ribbon-cutting event on September 11 to celebrate the makeover’s unveiling and express their community’s gratitude.

St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy in Downey celebrated the completion of a $3.8 million campus expansion last April, unveiling the St. Matthias Theater, Warrior Café, student plaza, and an “edible school yard” that blends agriculture science with culinary arts PMA President Dr Christian De Larkin said the new facilities are in keeping with the school’s vision to be “a Catholic university experience for teenagers ”

De Larkin expressed his deep appreciation to the several benefactors who made the expansion possible, including Shea Family Charities, Smet Foundation, Ahmanson Foundation, Bill Hannon Foundation, Dan Murphy Foundation, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and Steinmetz Foundation “These spaces are not only beautiful," he added, "they offer an infrastructure that will support new learning and development opportunities for generations of students ”

Editor’s Note: We will be regularly showcasing renovations and expansions at schools throughout the different regions in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles

New Theater at St. Pius X. - St. Matthias Academy

“To give our parish and school community a space that is renewed, comfortable and safe is a blessing...”

Alexandra Gonzalez | Principal, St. Philip Neri

MISSION

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Department of Catholic Schools, accompanies all school communities in their commitment to evangelization, effective governance, academic excellence, and operational vitality, using a regional structure that reflects the diversity of Southern California and helps every student become a disciple of Jesus Christ.