New: FACTS SIS Teacher Training – Recording Available
Please share the below FACTS SIS Training recording with your teachers. Please note this video requires registration to view. You can access the PowerPoint presentation here.
Link: FACTS + Archdiocese of Detroit Teacher Training
Passcode: Facts2023!
New: AOD Department of Catholic Schools Policy Update
The AOD Department of Catholic Schools Policy has been uploaded in the Principals Resources – Extranet in Box. You can find it in the “Department of Catholic Schools Policy – 2023 Update.” If you are unable to find the document, please email Erin McNally (mcnally.erin@aod.org).
From Father Day: Kelly Kuras Hired as Director of Human Resources
I am pleased to share with you the news that Ms. Kelly Kuras (photo) has been hired to serve as Director of Human Resources effective August 15. She will report to our Chief Operating Officer, Brian Mooney, and collaborate with organizational leadership across the Curia and Archdiocese of Detroit. Continue reading
New: FACT SIS Onsite Training August 2023
Thank you to all who attended the FACTS SIS Training. You can access the training presentation here.
New: 5-Minute Safety Drill
This month’s 5-minute drill has a lot of information. If you have any questions, please contact someone in the Athletics and Student Services office. Have a great start to your year.
- Schedule CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and First Aid training for all staff. The cafeteria staff, maintenance, and front office staff should be included in all training.
- Review your Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) with staff.
- Michigan State Police (MSP) EOP template can be found here: School plan & Quick Reference classroom plan.
- Everyone should have received an invite to the box.com folder “2023-24 EOP”. Please upload your school’s EOP before Wednesday, August 30
- Google Playground Inspection form link. Please make a copy of the form and save to your school drive before using the form. Also, go to “Responses” and turn it to accept responses.
- Resources
New: Supplemental Student Accident Insurance Available for Families
Michigan Catholic Conference has additional accidental injury coverage available through Student Assurance Services, Inc. for students ranging from preschool through 12th grade.
Coverage is available 24/7 from the purchase date through July 31, 2024 for only $83 per student! Students already have coverage during school and while participating in athletic events, but accidental injury insurance would extend coverage after school and during breaks, as well.
While most everyone has medical insurance, student accidental injury coverage would cover select out-of-pocket expenses not covered by your current plan like deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance.
Feel free to share this flyer with your school families.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Directory Request
We ask that our Catholic elementary schools send their current seventh and eighth grade directory information directly to the Department of Catholic Schools.
- Please complete the fields in this spreadsheet and return by Friday, September 1.
- Catholic elementary schools that are part of a unified K-12 environment will not have their directory shared.
- Please send your completed spreadsheet to Erin McNally at mcnally.erin@aod.org.
- Please also include enrollment numbers by your seventh and eighth grade classes by gender.
Roster Information for Renaissance
Similar to last year, schools utilizing the FACTS SIS will not need to create a manual .csv file for the Star Renaissance roster. Instead, simply follow last year’s steps from FACTS (selecting the current school year), then skip to section “B” in the steps provided by Renaissance to upload your roster to the Renaissance site.
Schools that are not currently using the FACTS SIS will need to follow all the instructions in the Star Self-Service Import document, using the provided .csv template.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Bluestein.
AOD Seminarian Poster & Brochure
Please share this link with your principals to request more posters and brochures, AOD Seminarian Poster & Brochure Request Form. We are asking that it is completed no later than August 21.
Please note that if schools do not fill out the form they will receive 2 posters and 2 brochures (this is excluding all-girls schools).
2023-24 Catholic High School Guide Updates
The Department of Catholic Schools is updating the Catholic High School Guide for the 2023-24 academic year. Please take a few minutes to review your school’s page from the 2022-23 Catholic High School Guide and submit any required edits for your school's page via this form. All edits must be submitted by Monday, August 21. If you do not submit edits your school’s page will not be updated in the 2023-24 version.
Updates from the DSO Office
The Office of the Designated School Official (DSO) will be hosting a webinar for any new or returning F-1 student advisors who would like to refresh their knowledge or learn more about the AOD’s F-1 international student program. Dates and times will be announced soon.
F-1 International Student Program Reminders:
- If your school does not have an active F-1 International Student Program and a family reaches out to your school regarding a prospective International Student, please contact the DSO Office.
- If you have an active F-1 International Student Program, please email the DSO office confirmation of who is the point of contact for your school. This information is greatly appreciated as we are in the process of updating our records.
- If you have any questions about any of this, please contact Emily Coates, Immigration Coordinator, at Coates.Emily@aod.org or by phone: (313) 596-7149.
Engaging the Youth Church Conference
Principals, please share this with all who minister with younger and older adolescents. High School Campus Ministers, Theology Teachers, and Athletic Coaches are invited to the Engaging the Young Church Conference at St. Anastasia on Friday and Saturday, September 22-23, 2023. This year's theme is Anchored in Christ, Strengthened by the Holy Spirit. The keynote speaker will be Mari Pablo! Mari is one of the most popular presenters on Ascension Press, and she will be the emcee for NCYC 2023.
During the conference, there will be opportunities to hear inspiring presentations, pray together, engage in workshop presentations, participate in small groups, pray together, and engage in workshop presentations. Please see this link for registration information.
2023-2024 Calendar for Administrators
Please see the revised 2023-2024 AODCS Calendar for Administrators here.
New Staff in the Department of Catholic Schools
We wish to inform you of some recent staffing additions in the Department of Catholic Schools. Please join us in welcoming our new colleagues Pamela Scales, Dan Faas, and John Brahier. Continue reading
Nonpublic School Reimbursement Section 152b
Nonpublic schools received an email update regarding reimbursement under Section 152b. This email was sent to principals on July 6, 2023. This email notification came from nonpublicschools@michigan.gov. Please submit the necessary information by the August 15 deadline.
AOD Safe Environment Compliance Update
Star Renaissance
- Testing Windows
- BOY 8/28 - 10/6
- MOY 1/15 - 2/9
- EOY 4/22 - 5/17
Eastside Catholic High Schools Football Reunion
All Alumni and friends of any Eastside Detroit Catholic High School are invited to attend the De La Salle versus Detroit Catholic Central football game on Friday, September 22, 2023. Please see this flyer for more information.
