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2021-22Dr. Melanie B. Palmisano, Superintendent
Happy New Year! is proclaimed each January as people reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Everyone seemed especially happy this past January to leave 2020 behind because of the hope that the “pandemic year” was over. However, schools knew that they were not able to go back to normal in January just because the date on the calendar read “2021.” Instead, schools in our diocese returned after Christmas break with fresh resolve to continue providing excellent in-person learning as they had done since August 3, 2020, even with the required safety protocols.
So, can we celebrate Happy New Year! as we begin the 2021-22 school year? My opinion is, “Absolutely!” Even with the COVID restrictions in place during the last school year, schools still celebrated the Gift of Catholic Education. The commitment of school staff to make the year a good one despite the situation was inspirational, and there is every indication that this school year will be especially great.
The diocesan five-year reaccreditation visit a few months ago completed an important part of the continuous improvement cycle to which our schools are committed as part of their national accreditation. The visiting team especially complimented the schools in our diocese for a clear vision and purpose that guides all aspects of the service provided by schools. It was apparent to the team that schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge authentically Evangelize Hearts, Educate Minds, Encourage Talent and Embrace the Future. This focus comes from our core values of mission and ministry in our church. Schools are not separate enterprises but are part of the church’s ministry to families as they partner with parents in the wholistic formation of students.
Schools are blessed to celebrate a new year again each fall when students return from summer break, and schools make annual resolutions for improvement. Unlike the individual resolutions that so many people make and break in January each year, the resolutions for improvement made in Catholic schools are based on solid knowledge about teaching and learning along with the data received about student accomplishment from various sources. Such commitment to improvement is what makes Catholic schools consistently excellent and what will bring us another Happy New Year! in 2021-22.
We are grateful to staff for making each new school year exciting and purposeful through their professional commitment to growth. Teachers and administrators again participated in professional development during the summer in anticipation of a Happy New Year! in 2021-22. Though we do not know exactly what this new year will bring, we know that our deep faith and strong commitment to the ministry of Catholic education will see us through any hardships. Last year proved that!
As we say “hello” to a new school year, we are grateful for the leadership of Bishop Michael Duca, who supports and celebrates the work of the schools, to pastors and priests in our diocese, who nurture the ministry of education within their parishes, to advisory board members who give so much for the good of all students, to parents for their strong partnership and support of Catholic schools, and to all staff members who celebrate each day the gift of Catholic education. With our reliance on the Holy Spirit, great things will continue in the ministry, giving us much to celebrate as we celebrate a Happy New Year in Catholic schools!
Dr. Melanie B. Palmisano
Superintendent
July 2, 2021
The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.