Shepherding our Schools: Recent Episodes
Tracey Arnone
Members of the Office of Catholic Education celebrate the schools in the Diocese of Cleveland as they help students to grow and become witnesses of their Catholic faith.
During this podcast, you can listen to Sue Biggs interview St. Joseph Academy President, Kathryn Purcell and Principal, Jeff Sutliff. Learn how student agency and choice have made a positive impact on the academic program offered to the students; connecting them to purpose and leading to engagement. Experience how the mission of unity, the academic pathways, and the spirit of tradition make a lasting impact on the young women of St. Joseph Academy.
Edited by Dolores Bruno
Music by Bensounds
Fr. Ron Wearsch, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake, sat down with host Monica Dietz and the school’s principal, John Stipek, to discuss St. Joe’s stellar community, the school's high academic achievement and budding preschool. Learn more about St. Joseph Parish School by visiting:
https://www.stjosephparishschool.org/
Edited by Dolores Bruno
Music by BenSounds
Facebook - @St. Joseph Parish School Avon Lake
Instagram - @sjsvikings
OCE interviews with the leadership team of St. Aloysius - St. Agatha School - Including Mr. Jones, Ms. Okey, Mrs. Dancy, Dr. Goodwin, Ms. Shirilla, Mr. Jenkins and two top eighth grade scholars to learn about the academics and culture of the school through the eyes of the leadership team and scholars.
Edited by Dolores Bruno
Music by BenSounds
https://www.facebook.com/staltigers/
In this episode, Curriculum Coordinator Jenny Miroglotta interviews Communion of Saints Principal Loretta Pilla, parent and coordinator of after-school activities Maureen Lynn, amateur radio operator Jeff Meyer, and students Layla, Theo, and Emmy who participate in the school’s Amateur Radio Club, which is the topic of the podcast. Schools interested in having an amateur radio club can contact Jeff Meyer at jeffreymeyer55@gmail.com or 252-717-9442.
Editor: Dolores Bruno
Music by Ben Sounds
Website: https://www.communionofsaintsschool.org/
Have you ever been to St. Stanislaus Church or School? If you haven't, you will want to visit after listening to this podcast. In this episode, Tracey Arnone interviews co-principals, Debb Martin and Chris Vasinelli about the history, changes in population and the way that St. Stanislaus School in the Slavic Village of Cleveland has responded and continues to meet the needs of its students. Additionally, Debb and Chris discuss the many community partnerships, and in particular, their partnership with Cleveland Central Catholic School.
Edited by Dolores Bruno
Music by Bensounds
Website: www.saintstanislaus.us
In this episode, Curriculum Coordinator Jenny Miroglotta interviews Padua Franciscan Principal Bob DiRocco, Vice Principal Elizabeth Oles Smith, MyTrack Director Jason Dzik, and MedTrack Director Laurie Grabowski. They talk about two unique programs offered by Padua: MyTrack, which is a career exploration program that helps students prepare for careers in business, computer science, engineering, law and studio art, and MedTrack, which is the only four-year, comprehensive, integrated program devoted to helping students explore and prepare for careers in healthcare.
Edited by: Dolores Bruno
Music by Bensounds
Padua website:
www.paduafranciscan.com
Padua Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PaduaFranciscan/
In this episode, Tracey Arnone speaks with Debra Farquhar Jones, the president of Our Lady of the Elms and Kevin Kelly, the Academic Dean about the rich history of Our Lady of the Elms School in Akron, Ohio. OLE sits on the beautiful grounds of the mother house for the Sisters of St. Dominic, who founded the school 100 years ago. Debra and Kevin share the advantages of attending an all-girls elementary and high school and the way they truly live out the Dominican pillars and "Laudato Si" through their working farm, complete with chickens and goats that help the young women at the school grow in confidence and responsibility for the environment. Our Lady of the Elms truly live its mission to educate girls and young women to live their lives boldly with purpose, confidence, kindness, resilience, justice and faith.
Link to Our Lady of the Elms Website:
https://www.theelms.org/
Edited by Dolores Bruno
Music by Bensounds
In this episode, Enrollment Coordinator Dene Hummon interviews the leaders of St. Martin de Porres High School - Principal Adam Trifiro and Corporate Work Study Program Coordinator Shameka Jones Taylor. As Cleveland's only Cristo Rey school, they explain what a Cristo Rey School is and the way they implement the pillars of "Work, Study, Serve, Lead, and Pray" with their students. They eloquently witness the way that the Corporate Work Study Program allows students, many of whom are first generation college students, to pay for their Catholic high school education by working at a job with a corporate partner in the Cleveland area. Students at St. Martin de Porres are prepared both for college and their career through this program. Also discussed in this episode are the wraparound services and social-emotional and counseling services that are provided to guide students to success "to and through college" at St. Martin de Porres High School.
Website:
https://www.saintmartincleveland.org
Editing by Dolores Bruno
Music by BenSounds
In this episode, host Dolores Bruno interviews parish administrator Fr. Greg Olzsewski and principal Joanie Klemens as they explain how Mater Dei Academy IS the heart of Wickliffe. They highlight there strong witness to Christ through kindness, acceptance and service. STEM activities involving both school and Wickliffe community as a whole is what makes Mater Dei a wonderful place to be! Learn more about Mater Dei and why you want to be a part of this community!
Website:
http://www.materdeiacademy.us/
Music by Bensounds
Edited by Dolores Bruno
In this episode, the leadership team of Fr. Doug Brown and Principal Jessica Robertson are interviewed by Associate Superintendent Tracey Arnone. They highlight the strong enrollment increase of Hispanic students and the newest hire at their school of a Hispanic enrollment coordinator. They also talk about the rich history of the school and its connection to the Cleveland Police Department of which Fr. Doug Brown serves as its Catholic chaplain. Listen to hear about this vibrant, growing Catholic school in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood!
Website:
http://maryqueenofpeaceschool.com/?fbclid=IwAR0JYiqupA8iYAhVcJ4mrsFohfNXA2yKmDfef1pewvtIb2A9ir2--XsdJPs
Music by Bensounds
Edited by Dolores Bruno
In this episode, host Sue Biggs interviews the principal of St. Joseph School in Amherst, Amy Makruski, along with STEM Coordinator, Angie Eads. Hear about how they are able to incorporate problem-based learning, Habits of Mind and resiliency into the everyday approaches students take towards learning and life situations. The inspiration of students taking an active role in their learning plays out as they both share their excitement for the Rube Goldberg machine that was launching for the first time following the podcast.
Website:
https://sjsamherst.org
Music by Bensounds
Edited by Dolores Bruno
In this episode, the leaders of St. Anthony School in Akron are interviewed by Associate Superintendent, Tracey Arnone. The discussion focuses on the school's new partnership with Notre Dame ACE Academies and how the school has continued to serve the immigrant population in North Akron for almost 70 years. Fr. Edward Burba, Kathy Wolf, and Scott Embacher share their ideas for helping the school continue to thrive and grow for another 70 years.
Link to St. Anthony of Padua, Akron School Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/stanthonyakronschool
https://www.instagram.com/stanthonyakron/
www.stanthony-akron.com
The goal of this podcast is to get to know the shepherds of our schools in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland as they help students grow and become witnesses to their Catholic faith. In this episode, OCE Curriculum Coordinator Jenny Miroglotta talks with President Brian Sinchak, Principal Brenna Warrell, and IB Dean Eileen McGuire as we learn more about LCA’s PK-8 Service Learning Program and specifically the IB Community Project.
Link to website:
https://lakewoodcatholicacademy.com/
Music by Bensounds
Editing by Dolores Bruno
In this episode, host Sue Biggs interviews the principal of the Academy of St. Bartholomew, Chrystal Manos along with first grade teacher, Amy Miker and technology teacher, Greg Castrigano. Hear about how they were able to “walk their faith” and increase enrollment by building a collaborative, authentic team of teachers and staff who partner with families to create a faith filled learning environment for every student.
Link to website:
https://www.academystbarts.org/
Music by Bensounds
Editor: Dolores Bruno
In this episode, host Tracey Arnone interviews the president of the Notre Dame Schools, Dr. Michael Bates and the principal of Notre Dame Elementary School, Dr. Jackie Hoynes. In addition to sharing their backgrounds in education, these two leaders share the history of the Notre Dame Schools and their innovative plans for the future, including a new Notre Dame Middle School.
Link to Webpage:
https://www.ndes.org/
Music by Bensounds
Editing by Dolores Bruno
In this episode, Associate Superintendent Tracey Arnone interviews the pastor of St. Monica Church, Fr. Tom Haren, the principal of St. Benedict School, Lisa Oriti, and Early Learning Center Director, Christine Malone. In this episode, listeners will hear the history and the process that St. Martin of Tours and St. Monica parishes engaged in when forming St. Benedict School. St. Benedict School is an example of a collaborative effort that has thrived over its 10 years of existence. The most recent innovation is the Early Learning Center housed on the St. Martin of Tours campus and serves children ages 6 weeks - 5 years. Lisa Oriti has led the school since its inception and shares the way the school meets the spiritual, educational, and physical needs of the students.
NOTE: The podcast is highly recommended for parish schools who are exploring collaborations.
Link to Website: https://stbenedictohio.org
Music by Bensounds
Editor: Dolores Bruno
Father Tom Fanta and Principal Maureen Covington sat down with host Dené Hummon, to discuss the strong culture, commitment to diversity and inclusion, unique lessons, and rich faith environment students experience at St. Dominic Parish School in Shaker Heights.
Website: https://www.stdominicschool.net/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StDomShaker?s=20
Royalty-free Music by BenSounds
Editor - Dolores Bruno
Pastor Fr. Phil Racco, principal Maureen Goodwin and preschool director Tiffany Huffman joined assistant superintendent Monica Dietz to share information about St. Bernadette School. The discussion centered around Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and the school’s new Innovation Lab.
Link to St. Bernadette School Webpage:
https://www.stbern.net/
Music by Bensounds
Dolores Bruno, Editor
Principal Bart Chatfield and eighth grade student Pan C. joined Assistant Superintendent Monica Dietz to share information about St. Mary School of the Immaculate Conception. The discussion centered around how students deepen their faith while attending St. Mary School, the school’s STEM designation, and their unique related arts class offerings.
For more information on St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School, Avon, check out:
https://stmaryavon.org/.
Music by Bensounds
Podcast editor: Dolores Bruno
In this episode, Sue Biggs interviews some of the leaders of Metro Catholic School. This episode focuses on the intentional way that Metro Catholic serves its ELL families and welcomes and supports students of all backgrounds to its school family! Spanish, Vietnamese, French, German, Polish, and Swahili languages are used and celebrated. Metro Catholic is both a Blue Ribbon and Green Ribbon School of Excellence!
Link to Metro Catholic School's website:
https://metrocatholic.org/
Music by Bensounds
Editing by Dolores Bruno
In this episode, Jenny Miroglotta interviews the principal, Regan Kazel, assistant principal, Katelyn Seliskar, and eighth grade student, Tristan Williams of Gesu School . Gesu is also a STEM-designated school and is celebrating 500 years of St. Ignatius of Loyola's Cannonball moment. Learn how the unique junior high elective program at Gesu helps promote an entrepreneurial spirit and equity for its students.
Edited by Dolores Bruno
Music by Bensounds
Link to Gesu's Webpage:
https://gesu.com/
Link to Gesu's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/GesuCatholic
This week, host Tracey Arnone interviews the Julie Billiart Schools Network leaders - President, Lannie Davis, and principals, Jodi Johnston, Jason Wojnicz, and Samantha Evers. Learn about the history of Julie Billiart Schools, whose mission is to help students with learning differences in the Diocese of Cleveland, and the way this network of schools has grown. Other words of wisdom in this podcast include hearing how JB Akron school became the school with the highest growth on the NWEA MAP tests last year, how "mini-meetings" helped JB Westlake navigate through their growing pains, and what it would be like to have a school that is actually a mansion at Halloween!
Link to the Julie Billiart Schools Network:
https://www.juliebilliartschool.org/
Edited by Dolores Bruno
Music by Bensounds
In this episode, Sue Biggs interviews Fr. Steve Moran and principal Laura Marvin about the gifts that St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School brings to its parish community. Several students and a teacher also share the influence that St. Mary's has had on their lives.
Royalty-free Music provided by Bensound
Editor: Dolores Bruno
In this week’s episode, we learn about the numerous offerings to support student success and social emotional learning at St. Rocco School in Cleveland. Principal, Renee Cerny, Teacher, Brent George and two 8th grade students join host, Sue Biggs, to share their story.
In this episode of Shepherding our Schools, Jennifer Miroglotta from the Office of Catholic Education highlights Immaculate Heart of Mary School. Principal Kathy Friess, Technology Integration Specialist Jen Conti, and teachers Linda Fleming and Caitlin Glascott discuss how they are putting teaching back in alignment by focusing on aligning assessments to standards.
Link to Immaculate Heart of Mary's webpage:
https://www.ihmgradeschool.org/about-ihm
Royalty-free Music provided by Bensound
Editor: Dolores Bruno
In this week’s episode, we learn about the legacy of Incarnate Word Academy in Parma Heights. President, Mike Wisnor, principal Steffany Congelio and Incarnate Word Sister, Sr. Elizabeth Cooper join host, Dolores Bruno to share their 85-year history. They also share their plans to continue to be an excellent preparatory school , being authentically Catholic and have the highest academic standards, yet meeting the needs of their very diverse student population.
Fr. Vince Hawk, Holy Trinity’s new pastor, sat down with host Monica Dietz and the school’s co-principals, Kim Kuchta and Mike Modzeleski, to discuss the strong culture and faith community at Holy Trinity. The guests shared some exciting events that already took place at the school this year while also discussing the parish and school’s promising future.
St. Gabriel School’s new assistant principal, Leah Myers, and their first grade teacher, Megan Wise, sat down to discuss standards-based learning with host Monica Dietz. They discussed how the process impacts student learning, shared parents’ feedback and offered advice to those looking to adopt SBL.
Link to the St. Gabriel School website:
https://www.st-gabrielschool.org/
Intro music by Bensounds
Edited by Dolores Bruno
The goal of this podcast is to get to know the shepherds of our schools in the Diocese of Cleveland as they help students grow and become witnesses to their Catholic faith. In this episode, Sacred Heart School in Wadsworth is featured. Pastor, Fr. Joe Labak, Principal John Czaplicki, Parochial Vicar Fr. Pat Schultz, and Parent/Teacher Jess Allen share their enthusiasm for teaching and living the Catholic faith at Sacred Heart School. Learn about the way they combine traditional Catholic practices with life-giving Catholic experiences through their Perpetual Adoration Chapel, and new “Vine” adolescent catechesis program and Breakfast of Champions in this podcast!
Link to the Sacred Heart School Webpage:
http://sacredheartexcellence.com
Royalty-free Music provided by Bensound
Editor: Dolores Bruno