Administrators prepare for the new school year at two-day leadership summit
By Tami S. Scott
Editor
More than 97 administrators from five Upstate dioceses registered for the New York State Catholic Schools Leadership Summit, held earlier this month in East Syracuse. Attendees had multiple opportunities to mingle, mentor, and be mentored through breakout sessions covering topics from governance and curriculum to student discipline.
“People are so excited to be together,” said Amy Sansone, superintendent of Catholic Schools, noting that representatives came from the dioceses of Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and Ogdensburg. The event was organized by the New York State Catholic Schools Superintendent Association with support from the Interdiocesan Curriculum Council, a subgroup made up of associate superintendents.
When asked about her expectations for the two-day gathering, Sansone named friendship, fellowship, and learning. “I think it’s going wonderfully. We started with just a beautiful Mass celebrated by Bishop [Douglas J.] Lucia and Deacon Jeff Dixe, himself a recently retired educator who just naturally gels with this group,” she said. The agenda included built-in time for fellowship during meals and a social hour, giving colleagues opportunities to connect and learn from each other. “It’s not just about coming to get a takeaway or handout, it’s about getting a resource you can call. We’re friends in the trenches together doing wonderful work in God’s vineyard, and that’s the big goal here—the friendships.”
Keynote speaker Kate Ginney, an experienced staff development specialist at CiTi BOCES, gave a one-hour talk on Catholic Social Emotional Learning (CSEL), a holistic approach to education. She focused on belonging, repair, and growth, and especially how adult SEL influences student SEL. Ginney also identified shame and conflict as barriers for both students and adults and highlighted the role of faith and Catholic identity in addressing and transforming these challenges. With her warm demeanor and humor, she engaged the audience through interactive activities, visual data, and emotional insights.
“It was a great presentation,” said Pat Monachino, principal of Saint James School in Johnson City. “I found myself taking pictures, texting things to my wife that I’m like, we need this as parents and also as educators … understanding that the idea of SEL is that you need to experience conflict, you need to experience some sadness sometimes to grow, and that’s okay.”
He added that Catholic schools have long integrated social-emotional learning within the framework of Catholic beliefs and teachings, whereas in public schools, SEL is a relatively new concept.
“It’s in our tradition that we make mistakes and we sin and God forgives us,” he said. “That’s kind of been part of our deal for 2,000 years.”
Julie Lamuraglia, of St. John the Evangelist School in Binghamton, returned to the school this year as principal after nine years in the public school system. She, too, was moved by Ginney’s presentation on CSEL and how the needs of children and families have shifted, particularly in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
As teachers and administrators, understanding that, recognizing changes, and being able to support teachers, children, and their families is critical in preventing long-term struggles, she said.
The new school year begins on September 3. An Opening Day Mass for all the teachers from the 17 Diocesan schools will take place on Aug. 28 at Holy Cross Church.
