Welcome to Metro Catholic School

Metro Catholic School is a Preschool through Gr. 8 program located at two campuses on Cleveland's Near West Side.  We serve the educational needs of a diverse and changing population.  We offer a traditional curriculum along with many special learning programs and services in a safe and nurturing environment. Children thrive at Metro Catholic. We empower dreams. 

A National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence / A National Green Ribbon School
A Member of National Schools That Can / 5 Star Step Up To Quality

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METRO CATHOLIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION
AT HOME
Please click the You Tube link to see our students in action during the pandemic quarantine:
https://youtu.be/DNHDO8-70uM

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If you have any questions or need assistance with your
Cleveland Scholarship Application, please contact
Mrs. Hilda Bennett at bennetth@metrocatholic.net
or call 216.281.4044, ext. 238

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May 2020

Dear Friends,

As we all adjust to the changes in our community and society brought about by the pandemic, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. We hope you’re staying safe and healthy. The last couple months have been emotional and trying for all of us, but we continue to be inspired by the goodness in people and the genuine acts of kindness, large and small, that we see every day. These gestures of warmth, strength and caring are reminders of God’s promises, and we believe that in time we can emerge resilient and stronger.

Many of you ask: How are you doing at Metro Catholic?  So, this week, we took some time to step back and reflect on the important work our faculty and staff have done to support our communities and to keep our students learning. Over the past eight weeks, we adapted quickly to meet the academic and financial needs of our students and families.

We’ve…

* Quickly pivoted to remote learning based on the unique and individual needs of each of our 502 preschool to grade 8 children. We have both hard copy and online work, games and books and art supplies, teacher-recorded read-alouds, virtual field trips with teachers, art and gym and music challenges and more!
* Given laptops, books and internet access resources where most needed.
* Connected with students with phone calls, texts, Zoom meetings, emails, personal letters to our 8th graders…. whatever works!
* Partnered with our neighbor Urban Community School in stocking and distributing food for our families.
* Made our own “Solidarity Blessing Bags” containing shelf stable food and other products for our families to pick up when they drop off or pick up school work, enrollment papers, belongings etc.
* Printed yard signs to congratulate and celebrate our 8th grade graduates.
* Encouraged re-enrollment and new students for 2020-21 with banners, radio ads, and our Parent Ambassador Program.
* Prayed, celebrated birthdays and shout-outs and cultural heritage and Joke & Riddle Month with “Morning Announcements” at 9am every school day via social media, created a “We Miss You” video sent to all families, and planned a School Parade to send our students off into summer.
* Continued to offer teletherapy speech and counseling services through our partners at Invo Healthcare and Catholic Charities.
* Created new, safe and virtual end of year Honors Assembly and Graduation ceremonies
* Received approval just last week from the state of Ohio to accept Jon Peterson grants used by families of children with special needs.

We must be doing something right as one parent contacted us to say: Metro Catholic has exceeded my expectations and more during this time. You and the staff have really made a difference, they keep in touch as much as possible and go beyond to help with Zoom calls and emails. Just know you are all doing more than enough with what you have to work with. Thank you so much!!

Finally, we ALL are learning new things everyday (what a great example to our students)! Our hope is to continue to learn as much as we can—not just so that we can adapt to this as well as future crises but also to prepare for a fall 2020 return.  But for now, we will continue to carry out our mission to “blend learning with faith and faith with life according to the abilities and the needs of each child” and we fervently pray for you and yours. As is being said a lot lately……We are all in this together— and with God, nothing is impossible!

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WE MISS OUR STUDENTS!

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Metro Catholic School and Urban Community School
Partner For Food Collection and Distribution 

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CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES
AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC

Including:  Health Information, Free Meals, Boys & Girls Clubs,
 Free Food Banks & Distributions, Unemployment, Internet Access,
Emergency Loans, Utilities and Legal Aid

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Shoes and Clothes for Kids (SC4K) has released an updated list of their local distribution partners that are providing resources for families in need. The resources include such items and services as: emergency food bags, the printing and delivering of homework packets to students without internet, virtual youth programs, drive thru food pantries, virtual social emotional learning sessions for kids; and school supply and hygiene bags. Attached is the partner list with detailed information including location and distribution hours.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE SC4K WEBSITE
https://sc4k.org/coronavirus

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Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures

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Parents:  Please click the link below for
 A Parent's Guide to Google Classroom

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PDVZvie0DnFbFEVFB8U3j89o1mD5BCUXTE6ymbb9y_k/mobilepresent?slide=id.g4f60ec15fb_1_0

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REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2020 - 2021 SCHOOL YEAR

For more information, call Angie Grieve at 216.281.4044, ext. 128 or email weinricha@metrocatholic.net.

Please take a moment to visit the Admission tab on our website for further details.

ALL FAMILIES ARE WELCOME!
VOUCHERS ACCEPTED AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

Preschool – Grade 8 program:

• National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
• National Green Ribbon School
• Step Up To Quality 5 Star Rating for our Preschool
• Enrichment and Special Needs Programs Available
• Spirituality & Values Demonstrated and Taught
• After School Programs:  Handbells, Choir, Sports, Band, Robotics, Drama, Healthy Eating, Economics & More
• Free Tutoring & ESL
• All Teachers Certified
• Before & After School Care
• Scholarships for Catholic High Schools Can Be Earned
• Free Transportation Available

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JANUARY 26, 2020 to FEBRUARY 1, 2020

 

             We are celebratiing CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
and NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK
all in the same week!

Catholic Schools Week is a national celebration of Catholic education
and an opportunity to recognize the importance, the value, and the contributions of Catholic education to the Church and the world.  Catholic Schools Week is sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
https://www.ncea.org/csw

 National School Choice Week is all about shining a spotlight on
effective education options for every child.
https://schoolchoiceweek.com

 

 

	Our Students are Grateful for School Choice
I LOVE MY SCHOOL BECAUSE... ... The people are helpful, nice and caring ... I like my friends because I feel like I'm home ... We learn to not judge people by the way they look ... This school is my life
	CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SPELLING BEE 5th - 8th Grade The Stephen Campus held a 5-8th grade Spelling Bee this week. Each homeroom had a representative for the Bee. The spellers made it through several rounds spelling harder words each round. Our top three spellers were in 3rd place Brianna Truss of 5th grade, 2nd place Ally Grant of 5th grade, and the winner of the 1st ever Metro Catholic Spelling Bee was Vanessa Walker of the 7th grade!!! Congratulations to all our spellers, moderators, teachers, and student audience for an A-W-E-S-O-M-E  afternoon.
St. Edward High School TRASH TALKERS perform for our students during CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK!
	Clue at the Cleveland Play House Thank you to everyone that attended the pre-show reception followed by Clue at the Allen Theater.  Everyone had a wonderful time!
Thank you to Aaliyah Rhodes, 8th grade.  Aaliyah spoke at The Hermit Club during the pre-show reception.
	Mr. Prada visits with 8th graders on School Choice and writing to our Ohio Legislature.
School Choice Week Thoughts from some students ~ Teachers take their time to help... Metro Catholic is diverse and welcoming... Metro Catholic is the home of education...
	Metro Catholic School Advisory Board
School Choice Week Metro Catholic Students share why they are thankful for School Choice and Metro Catholic School

 

Hello Friends,

I’m writing to you in the spirit of Gratitude for School Choice here in Cleveland Ohio. Protecting our rights for School Choice for our children and grandchildren is one of our most important responsibilities.  Please read through the following information and write to your legislator today.  Expressing our Gratitude for School Choice is an important message to send!  We have provided the following for your review:

A. Metro Catholic School recent Graduation results study
B.  Cleveland Diocese Catholic Schools Superintendent Dr. Frank O’Linn’s December 11, 2019 Appeal to write our State of Ohio Legislators.
C. Dr. Frank O’Linn’s December 2, 2019 message to Education leaders in the Diocese.

For additional information on Metro Catholic School please feel free to peruse our website at www.metrocatholic.org

Approximately 435 MCS students participate in the Cleveland Scholarship Program Voucher and approximately 15 in EdChoice.

Joe Prada
Director of Advancement
Metro Catholic School

Dr. Frank O’Linn’s December 11, 2019 Letter (Referred to in point B above)

We write requesting just a few minutes of your time today or as soon as you can. This year has seen growth in EdChoice eligibility now and for next year, prompting push back from some choice opponents in media and at the statehouse. Now is an ideal time for legislators to hear words of gratitude to help them understand what the scholarships mean to their constituents. Please take a moment to send a note of thanks.

Identifying Your State Senators and Representatives:

A list of elected officials according to Catholic School location is can be found at this link. If the officials for your home is different than your school, you may consider thanking both. Simply click on the name on the list below to visit the lawmaker’s website and see contact information.

https://www.ohiocathconf.org/Portals/1/Legcontacts/0619-20-Cleve__Schools.pdf

FYI:  Metro Catholic is in House Districts 13 & 14 and Senate District 23. 

State Representative Michael Skindell – District 13

77 S. High Street, 11^th Floor

Columbus OH 43215

614.466.5921

 

State Representative Jeffrey Crossman – District 14

77 S. High Street, 11^th Floor

Columbus OH 43215

614.466.3485

 

Senator Nicki Antonio – District 23

Senate Building

1 Capitol Square, Ground Floor

Columbus OH 43215

614.466.5123

How to communicate:

Handwritten letters or notes are best. These will be read by the lawmaker. Emails or phone calls may be shared or more likely will be counted and summarized by an aide. If you have time, please consider writing a handwritten note. However, any communication is appreciated. You can typically send a brief message from a form directly on the member’s webpage by finding the “contact” link. Office phone numbers are listed there as well.

Keys to a good message:

1. Identify yourself as a constituent (where you live and/or where your child or children are in school).
2. Express thanks for the choice program(s).
3. Explain why you choose the school you do, or Catholic schools in general. Specific is good, and the more specific the better. It need not be long.
4. Closing, signature, and if not already mentioned, note address or city/neighborhood.

Dr. Frank O’Linn’s December 2, 2019 message to school leaders (Referred to in point C above)

School Leaders of the Diocese of Cleveland,

Happy Advent to all! May Christ’s peace remain the guiding spirit in this season that brings its share of excitement and activity.

School Choice is in the news today with Cleveland.com running articles about increased EdChoice tuition voucher adoption as a “hit” to school district budgets and even public district school choice “draining” neighborhood schools. I’ve been hearing a good deal about these stories today and expect school choice will continue to be in the civic discourse, so please allow me to take some space to discuss here. I don’t have to tell Catholic leaders that much about the faith is contrary to popular culture: community in an age of radical individualism; selfless charity in an era marked by self-centeredness. But it is important that all school leaders know where the Church stands on parental school choice in order to participate in that discourse, especially as narratives like some represented in these articles are furthered by choice opponents.

“Parents who have the primary and inalienable right and duty to educate their children must enjoy true liberty in their choice of schools. Consequently, the public power, which has the obligation to protect and defend the rights of citizens, must see to it, in its concern for distributive justice, that public subsidies are paid out in such a way that parents are truly free to choose according to their conscience the schools they want for their children.”

This quote from the Vatican II document Gravissimum Educationis (1965) is emblematic of the Church’s position on parents and schooling, evident in Church documents for more than a century. The Catholic Church has long affirmed the obligation of parents to secure an education for their children, including the opportunity to be educated in the faith.

From their beginnings, when the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program was enacted in 1995, through today, Ohio’s scholarship programs have furthered the cause of social justice, enabling those with limited choice of public options to select from quality schools they determine are the right fit for their children. The US Supreme Court affirmed the right for parents to choose a religious school in 2002’s landmark case, Zelman v. Simmons-Harris.

School choice is not the enemy of public schools; rather, it is one component of “public education,” the wider ideal of preparing all students for the future. Ohio’s local public schools are one delivery system for this ideal, but they are not the exclusive means. We as school leaders are grateful partners with Ohio’s public education systems. (So too, naturally, is the Church, as a majority of baptized Catholics are educated by their local public schools). But we make no apologies for providing an alternative based on formation in Gospel values, in partnership with the parents and guardians who choose Catholic schools for their children. Where Ohio law supports parents in that effort, as it has with the Cleveland scholarship since 1995 and with Edchoice since 2005, we affirm that partnership.

Those seeking a more thorough and nuanced perspective on state policy as it relates to the recent increase in EdChoice may wish to read Ohio’s Fordham Institute’s position here.

Your voice is appreciated when school choice is challenged in the public discourse. Equally or perhaps more important is the voice of our many parents and families, especially those who are benefiting or could benefit from scholarship programs. We will likely need your help in mobilizing these voices as the public discourse on school choice continues. More to come on that soon.

Finally, as we are well aware, whatever the state's policy, our schools need to be those worth choosing. Evidence of increasing numbers doing so is an affirmation of the good work of our institutions. Thank you for all that you do to lead schools that are irresistibly Catholic and academically excellent environments for the good of our students and families. Please read on for more updates, reminders, and opportunities.

Yours in Christ,

Frank

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THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
MARCHING BAND
VISITS METRO CATHOLIC SCHOOL

* To watch a video of their visit click here 

(The video and story below are both from an article written and published
by the Diocese of Cleveland.)

University of Notre Dame Band marches into hearts of Metro Catholic students

Students at Metro Catholic School in Cleveland had reason to “cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame” this week as 50 members of The University of Notre Dame’s Marching Band stopped by both of the school’s campuses during the group’s fall service trip.

The band members presented a short concert of Notre Dame Fan favorites, including “1812,” “Rakes of Mallow,” “Notre Dame, Our Mother” and the “Notre Dame Victory March,” then allowed students an up-close look at the instruments.

Following the concert at the Boniface campus on West 54thStreet and Denison Avenue, the fighting Irish musicians got down to work painting hop scotch and other playground games on the parking lot. Other students pulled weeds and planted flowers.

The student-led trip found Metro Catholic after doing a Google search for Catholic schools in Cleveland. After visiting the school’s website, trip organizers said they knew they had to visit.

Sam Miller, a student organizer said that she “picked Metro Catholic because I really wanted to serve Catholic schools because I have been greatly influenced by my Catholic education, and both of my parents are Catholic school teachers in the Archdiocese of Washington.” Miller, a trumpet player, also is studying to be a teacher.

Many members of the band have been coming on the service trip for years. “I love the idea of taking the gift of band and the gift to time and being able to donate to others with my friends,” said senior piccolo player Annie Hill.

“This is an opportunity to do something different. It’s about meeting people and getting involved in their community. We can get a lot done while we’re here,” said Daniel Griffin, a junior who plays the trumpet.

In addition to their stop at Metro Catholic, the group took time to serve at Laura's Home, Drink Local. Drink Tap., MedWish International, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Green Corps.

After completing their service projects in Cleveland, the group will board its bus and head back to South Bend, Indiana. The Irish take on that “team up North” this weekend and it’s likely there will be a few more younger viewers watching and hoping to see their new-found friends.

GO IRISH!!

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METRO CATHOLIC IS A COMMON SENSE SCHOOL!

Common Sense Schools are committed to deep implementation of the Common Sense Digital Citizenship Curriculum. Earning the Common Sense School badge is a symbol of your school's dedication to helping students think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate.

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Metro Catholic's 30th Anniversary Celebration Continues!

As Metro Catholic School celebrated 30 years, we took time to honor people
who are significant to our school and its ongoing history.
Front row, left to right: Sr. Mary Jean Hoelke, SND, Sr. Grace Corbett, SND (Founding Mother) and Sr. Virginia Reesing, SND (Founding Mother)
Back row, left to right: Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, SND, Sr. Regina Davala, SND (Founding Mother), Sr. Patricia Gentile, SND, Sr. Patricia Garrahan, SND and Sr. Carol Dikovitsky, SND.
The drawings of the Stephen Building were done by our First Grade students, under the guidance of Mrs. Jane Andrews.

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Gordon Square Music Showcase

The Metro Catholic Choir, Band and Handbell Ensemble members had the opportunity to play for an audience at the Gordon Square Music Showcase. The event was sponsored by Councilman Matt Zone, and was a collaborative event with The Cleveland Orchestra and neighborhood schools.
Photos: © Hilary Bovay, Courtesy of The Cleveland Orchestra.

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December 12th is the Feast Day of
Our Lady of Guadalupe

Wishing you and your family a
Blessed Day!

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Metro Catholic Day of the Dead Artwork

Artwork done by our Junior High students was hung to
help celebrate Day of the Dead in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood.

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Students and Teachers Celebrate
Metro Catholic's 30th Anniversary
during Spirit Day ~ Fall 2019

Kindergarten - 8th Grade students celebrate and thank God for 30 years of Metro Catholic!   Please click here to watch a short video.

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Spread Kindness ~ Stop Bullying

Longtime Cleveland broadcaster Denise Dufala is on a mission
to help stop bullying with the "Be Kind, Stick Together" program.

Denise visited Metro Catholic this summer, and interviewed
Metro Catholic alum, Emerald Hood.

     Please click here to watch the video that was featured on WKYC.

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When we say CONNECT we mean ~ take the time to get to know others. This means listening to them, reaching out to them in word or deed, learning about their needs and concerns, understanding the culture/faith/family from which they come. When we say RESPECT we mean ~ recognize the Christ that is within others.  This means we speak and act in ways that celebrate and honor the inherent dignity of the person or group. When we say PROTECT we mean ~ watch out for others so that they are safe in all ways.  This means we watch out for bullying and speak up, we build on the connections we have made to not make judgements about entire groups, and we act as the hands of God to shelter those who are in need.

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Preschool Receives 5 STAR RATING from Step Up To Quality! Our Preschool has received a 5 Star rating from Step up to Quality and the Ohio Department of Education. Congratulations to Miss Weinrich and the Preschool staff! Step up to Quality recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet qualityprogram standards that exceed preschool licensing and school age child care licensing health and safety regulations.

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Enjoy the Metro Catholic Video here

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