BACK TO SCHOOL 20232024

BY DR. MARK WILLIAMS SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Looking into the rear-view mirror, we see a challenging path behind us. Turning forward, we face the 2023-24 academic year, and its sight is breathtaking. We are aimed directly at the intersection of clarity and opportunity. The moment provides us with a feeling of immense purpose; our eyes are steadfastly fixated on our objectives.

Are the objectives numerous? Yes, but each is rooted in the centuries old Catholic traditions of academic excellence. The moment is at hand for the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to rise to the occasion and follow in the traditions of those who have gone before us. At the very core, we aim to build disciples, creating opportunities for our communities to encounter Jesus Christ in all things, big and small. John 10 tells us, “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.” Pursuing academic excellence will provide our students with a deeper understanding of truth, allowing them the opportunity to experience life at its fullest as they grow under the tutelage of their educators and parents. Our journey this year will make many stops, building character based on the Gospels of Jesus Christ is certainly a primary destination. Our educators will journey to many academic destinations for the benefit of our students; the Holy Spirit working along the entire route. Many times during the academic year, we will be reminded that God loves us without condition and God is present in all things.

Trumpeting the American educational landscape postpandemic is the idea of socialemotional learning. As Catholic schools, we do this well, teaching the virtuous lessons of the Gospels. This academic year, virtue will be a primary theme. Pay close attention, our schools will be using positive reinforcement to reward our most virtuous students with hopes of attracting peers to model similar behaviors. We are confident that our schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are authentically Catholic, making all decisions through the lens of our mission. Walking into our schools, you will experience much more than a crucifix on a wall; you will see the presence of the living God who is among us in all things, big and small.

Every journey begins with a plan. Our 2023-24 academic journey is shaped by student performance. We measure what we treasure. Hence, we use the following assessments to measure student performance:

1. BEACON Interim AssessmentsGrades 3-7

2. Terra Nova Summative Assessments - Grades 3-7

3. Pre-ACT Summative Assessments - Grades 8-10

4. ACT - Grades 11-12

5. Assessment of Religious Knowledge - Grades 2-12