By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/24/05)

The Office of Catholic Schools is one of the many diocesan offices that receives funds from the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal. When considering how much to give toward this year’s campaign, it may be worthwhile to note the many projects the schools office is undertaking currently.

"The diocese remains committed to building two Catholic high schools to meet the growing demand for a valued-based education," said Timothy McNiff, superintendent of schools.

However, construction of the two new diocesan high schools has been postponed for review. A study, scheduled to be completed by June, is investigating the best location for the schools and how to manage the total cost of both projects effectively.

When plans first began in 2001, the Prince William and Loudoun Counties schools were each estimated to cost $25 million to build. Now, that cost has esclated to $42 million and $37 million, respectively, said Soren Johnson, director of communications.

"The study will help ensure that we expand our Catholic education ministry intelligently and with optimal cost-effectiveness," said McNiff.

Construction on either high school will not begin until this study is completed.

One of the newest challenges for the schools office is a change in standardized testing procedures.

In order to be fair, the test should be in perfect alignment with the curriculum, and the diocesan schools don’t have this yet. For example, a third-grader’s test would have questions that may be from second or fourth grade.

According to McNiff, it is very expensive to customize a standardized test. By using off-the-shelf publications, the diocese is working with McGraw-Hill Publishers to customize a test that will be more closely aligned.

"We’ll get a much better feel about how kids are learning," said McNiff. From this new information, the Catholic Schools Office will be able to determine how well the kids are learning. If any weaknesses in the curriculum are found, the curriculum will be modified.

In other areas, search committees are looking for principals for St. Ann School in Arlington, St. Theresa School in Ashburn and St. Ambrose School in Annandale, to replace those retiring this year.

The committees include representatives from the individual schools and one diocesan representative. They are looking for a spiritual leader, as well as a strong instructor and manager. A good candidate should be a practicing Catholic who is not afraid to stand up for the faith, said McNiff.

For more information, or to submit a resumé, contact the individual schools.

Our Lady of Hope School in Potomac Falls will open its doors next fall. The new building is about 50 percent under roof. According to Principal Joseph Orandello, the school will be ready for the more than 200 new students by August.

"I’m looking forward to being with the children," said Orandello. "This is the most challenging and rewarding job."

The school curriculum is set by the diocese, but Orandello’s goal is ensure that the students receive a strong academic and religious education.

"This embodies the message of Christ," he said, adding that Catholic school students are on their way to becoming moral, responsible members of the community. "We want them to reflect what they’re learning in school."

These projects sponsored by the Office of Catholic Schools are funded by the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal.

Registration Dates

The following is a list of registration dates for high schools within the diocese. Many of the elementary schools affiliate registration with Catholic Schools Week held earlier this month. For more information contact the schools directly.

Seniors: March 1

Juniors: March 2

Sophomores: March 3

Freshmen: March 19

Juniors: Feb. 24

Sophomores: Feb. 25

Freshmen: March 19

Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors: March 1

Freshmen: March 19

All students: March 15