Dear Catholic School Families,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! Whether you are continuing with our community or joining us for the first time, we are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us. Your decision to choose a Catholic education for your children is one we honor with great responsibility and joy. We look forward to partnering with you in the sacred work of nurturing your children’s growth in faith, wisdom, and character.
As we begin this new academic year, I am filled with hope and excitement. Our Catholic schools are more than just places of learning; they are vibrant communities where faith, knowledge, and love intersect to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation. In Silicon Valley, a place known for innovation and progress, our schools offer something truly unique: an education rooted in the enduring values of the Gospel, guiding students to not only excel academically but to lead lives of purpose and virtue.
Over the past few weeks, the dedicated principals, faculty, and staff of our 26 elementary schools have been engaged in prayer and professional learning. This collaboration across schools is a blessing that allows us to strengthen our ministry and ensure all our schools thrive. Each year, we draw upon student performance data, recent research on child development, and emerging educational best practices to guide the professional development of our faculty. This year, we particularly focused on math, early literacy, classroom management, and student support.
- Our new teachers dove into the intensive work that our diocese has undertaken over the past two years to strengthen math instruction, which has led to continued growth in student math achievement year over year across our schools.
- Our primary teachers engaged with literacy experts on learning and practicing research-based methods to ensure every child receives a strong foundation in early reading skills.
- With the support of our keynote speaker from the Alliance for Catholic Education, our faculty began a year-long journey to develop school-wide systems for effective classroom management and behavior support, making sure every child feels safe and supported to succeed academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Amidst all this work, I witnessed a deep sense of energy, joy, and hope among all those who minister in our schools. Their passion and dedication affirm our collective mission: to ensure every child feels known and valued, nurtures a lasting relationship with Christ, develops tools to navigate today’s complex world, and receives an excellent education that inspires lifelong success. We believe that Catholic education is truly transformational, and we are excited for the year ahead.
As our faculty and staff gathered last week for our annual Convocation Mass with Bishop Cantú, we lifted each of you – our families and students – in prayer. May the grace of God guide us, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit inspire us, and the love of Christ unite us in this shared journey.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and formation of your children. Together, let us embrace this school year with open hearts, eager minds, and a shared commitment to making it a blessing for all.
Blessings,
Jennifer Beltramo
Superintendent of Catholic Schools