The Promise of a New School Year

CISE educators share what they look forward to most as they prepare to welcome students back to the classroom.

A new school year is almost here, bringing fresh opportunities for students to learn, grow, and discover who they are meant to become. Across the CISE community, classrooms are being prepared, lesson plans are taking shape, and educators are looking forward to welcoming students for another year of learning, faith, and friendship.

Every school is different, but one thing remains the same: our educators believe deeply in the potential of every child. They know that a warm welcome, an encouraging word, and high expectations can shape a student's confidence, strengthen their faith, and influence the course of their future.

We asked some of the amazing educators at CISE-supported grade schools and Catholic high schools one simple question: What do you look forward to most as a new school year begins? Here are a few of their responses.

Jennifer Ostertag - Principal, St. Teresa of Avila School

"As a new school year begins, I look forward to welcoming our students and families back and watching our community grow together in faith, learning, and friendship. I especially enjoy seeing students discover new talents, build meaningful relationships, and grow in confidence as they are challenged academically and spiritually. It is a blessing to help each child recognize the unique gifts God has given them."

Jen Long- Principal, St. Lawrence School

"The beginning of every school year brings so much excitement. Many of the students we serve don't look forward to summer for a variety of reasons. When those students step out of the car on the first day of school and run into our arms, all is right in their world."

James Stetzler - Principal, Corryville Catholic School

"We are preparing for another great school year at Corryville Catholic School. We will learn and grow together as a school family, where all students know they belong, believe in their God-given gifts, talents, and abilities, and use those gifts to become happy, hopeful, high achievers. This year offers much hope!"

Tyree Gaines - St. Boniface School

"What I look forward to most is watching students discover that they are not only capable of learning, but capable of understanding how they learn best. A new school year gives us another opportunity to help every child recognize their strengths, grow through challenges, and see the possibilities within themselves."

Abby McVeigh - Teacher, Holy Family School

"I look forward to welcoming my students with big smiles and exciting adventures. I can't wait to learn, laugh, grow together, celebrate every success, and work alongside my wonderful coworkers who make our school feel like family."

Jina Pettyjohn - Art Teacher, St. Lawrence & St. William Schools

"I look forward to welcoming students into the art room, a place where creativity, curiosity, and confidence can grow. My hope is that every student leaves with a greater appreciation for the world around them, the confidence to express themselves creatively, and the courage to create new horizons through their imagination."

Katie Durstock - Dean of Academics, Roger Bacon High School

"Every new school year brings new opportunities, new experiences, and new beginnings. I look forward to partnering with our dedicated faculty, staff, students, families, and the broader community to help every student grow, discover their potential, and achieve success throughout their high school journey."

Lauren Clements - Principal, Mercy McAuley High School

"As we begin a new school year, I am excited to build on our incredible momentum and continue providing our students with opportunities to be known, be challenged, and be great."

As another school year begins, these reflections remind us that education is about much more than lessons and classrooms. It is about helping students feel they belong, discover their gifts, build confidence, and realize their God-given potential.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, more than 3,000 CISE students will begin this school year in schools where they are known, valued, challenged, and loved. Together, we're helping make the promise of a new school year possible.