Making learning delightful, magical

Monday, August 20, 2012

*Kim Pryzbylski

English Spanish

Summer provides the opportunity for families to take time to kick back and enjoy. However, at the Office of Catholic Schools, we have been busy getting ready for the 2012-2013 school year.

In this constantly changing world, our students need to go beyond the textbooks and classroom boundaries. It is the role of our schools to provide the opportunities for the students to work with what is now available to them and keep them engaged in learning. Learning should be delightful and magical.

Therefore, the most exciting implementation for the upcoming school year is the advancement of technology in our schools. The past school year principals and teachers attended professional development in both the Common Core Standards and the implementation of iPads that will "create the conditions for invention rather than provide ready-made knowledge." (Seymour Papert)

So what is right with Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Miami? We are preparing your child for his/her future by providing the opportunities to be a part of the Catholic faith community; to be a leader in service to the community; to be a critical thinker; to challenge him/herself; be a problem solver; be creative; be an effective communicator; be a collaborator; be technically proficient; and have multi skills.

Take time to let us know how technology has been part of your child's life?

Comments from readers

Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D. - 08/22/2012 07:12 AM

Your article is a window of the many good things that are happening and will be happening in the Office of Schools. The experience, the desire to making us excel as a Catholic school system and your prompt attention to matters are an indication of what your tenure is and will be. Congratulations to all who work with you. Many blessings in the coming year.

Lilly Rangel-Diaz - 08/21/2012 01:49 PM

Dear Ms. Pryzbylski,

I have not had the opportunity to meet you in person, but I am delighted that you are in Miami and delighted to read this article. While technology makes things easier for the majority of us, it makes things possible for those with disabilities. I continue to hope and to pray that the proper use of techonology in our Catholic schools will help to open the doors of our Catholic schools to include students with disabilities in general education classes. Research has proven the benefits of inclusive education for children and youth with and without disabilities and the failure of segregated systems of education. For example, research has proven that when children with and without disabilities learn together in general education classrooms, the result is the creation of �schools and classrooms that foster kindness, consideration, empathy, concern, and care for others.� Inclusive education is consistent with our Catholic identity, which, as we all agree agree, should be apparent in all our Catholic schools.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your work abundantly,

Lilly Rangel-Diaz

Carlota E. Morales, Ed. D. - 08/22/2012 07:12 AM: Your article is a window of the many good things that are happening and will be happening in the Office of Schools. The experience, the desire to making us excel as a Catholic school system and your prompt attention to matters are an indication of what your tenure is and will be. Congratulations to all who work with you. Many blessings in the coming year.

Lilly Rangel-Diaz - 08/21/2012 01:49 PM: Dear Ms. Pryzbylski,

I have not had the opportunity to meet you in person, but I am delighted that you are in Miami and delighted to read this article. While technology makes things easier for the majority of us, it makes things possible for those with disabilities. I continue to hope and to pray that the proper use of techonology in our Catholic schools will help to open the doors of our Catholic schools to include students with disabilities in general education classes. Research has proven the benefits of inclusive education for children and youth with and without disabilities and the failure of segregated systems of education. For example, research has proven that when children with and without disabilities learn together in general education classrooms, the result is the creation of �schools and classrooms that foster kindness, consideration, empathy, concern, and care for others.� Inclusive education is consistent with our Catholic identity, which, as we all agree agree, should be apparent in all our Catholic schools.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your work abundantly,

Lilly Rangel-Diaz