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Back to Work!
Mon Jul 12, 2010

Last week, I took a little vacation with my wife. We spent five nights in Jamaica and had a great time. It was nice to relax and spend some time with my wife (trust me, she puts up with a lot). For the most part, I did my impression of a rock – just laying there, waiting for the ocean waves to wash me.

That was last week. It is now back to work time. We are really focused on preparing for the upcoming school year. We are tracking down leads for new job sponsors as our “Drive for 25” continues. There are many organizations that are very interested in participating – but we still need to do some more convincing to get them to sign on the dotted line. Keep praying for them to get involved.

The other area of attention is continuing to improve our academic program. While our students show progress, we need to do better in preparing them for college success. To that end, Principal Sue Rowe and seven teachers are attending a work shop in Chicago sponsored by the Cristo Rey Network this week. Our team is sharing ideas with other Cristo Rey schools on the best ways to create an education culture devoted to preparing our students for college success. Sometimes people look at our students and are willing to accept something less than them becoming college graduates. We can never accept that. With Sue and the team – I know that our student’s futures are in good hands.

Do you work in the summer?
Wed Jun 30, 2010

When people learn that I work at a school, the first question they ask is – “do you get the summer off?” Actually, there is a lot going on at Detroit Cristo Rey High School over the summer.

Right now, we have about 50 students taking part in a three week summer school focused on math and English skills. I like to think the students are here because they hunger for knowledge and can’t bear being away from school. However, Mrs. Rowe says that is not entirely true!

On August 9th, all of our new students will be in the school to begin a four week training program for their work assignments. It will be nice to see the new students in the building.

Between now and August 9th, our Director of Admissions, Melissa Gutierrez is continuing to recruit students to enter our school next year. If you know of a ninth or tenth grader with a good attitude and willing to put in the work – send them our way. Melissa is not the only one recruiting. Dave McIntyre is also at work looking for new job sponsors. Almost all of our current sponsors are signing up for another year – but we still need new sponsors.

Summer is actually a very busy time at Detroit Cristo Rey High School as we stay on the path of building a great school for our students.

Never Too Old to Learn
Mon Jun 28, 2010

Last week our Principal, Mrs. Rowe and I were in Chicago attending the second annual Cristo Rey Leadership Academy. We were joined by over thirty other leaders from schools in the Cristo Rey Network at the Kellogg School of Management. It was a wonderful experience. We studied important topics for the successful operation of a Cristo Rey school, such as – leading high performance teams, connecting with key stakeholders, branding, finance and leadership. The Kellogg School is internationally known and it was obvious why – the professors were excellent.

Just as important as the instructors, was the time spent with our classmates. The Cristo Rey Network is filled with incredible people and it is always a learning opportunity when I get a chance to spend time with them. Sometimes, it is a little intimidating to be in the same room with them.

For me, the highlight of the week was the closing Mass that Father Foley celebrated. He is always inspirational. He shared how we need to have faith in God and be willing to turn everything over to him. Father Foley admitted that in the first years of Cristo Rey, he was not always sure how things would work – but there were many times during the early days when he felt a need to get on his knees to thank God for how things happened.

I also believe God will provide for Detroit Cristo Rey High School (as long as we all work our rear ends off).

Have a great week.

 

Last day!
Fri Jun 18, 2010

In 45 minutes, the last day of school will begin. Detroit Cristo Rey High School will have two years under our belts! The students are excited and so are the teachers. At the honors luncheon I will tell the students two things.

First, Detroit Cristo Rey High School is an 8 year program – 4 years at Detroit Cristo Rey and 4 years at the college of their choice. This year was just a step toward the final goal. Each of our students has the potential to become a college graduate and it is the responsibility of everyone – student, teacher, staff and family to make sure they achieve the goal.

Secondly, I will remind the students of what I tell visitors to the school. I am incredibly proud of each of our students. They all put in a long school day and school year. They have easier choices – but they choose Detroit Cristo Rey because they want something different, something better. I am very proud of them.

On Saturday
Tue Jun 15, 2010

On Saturday, our Principal Sue Rowe and her husband hosted an end of the year celebration. It was a little early, as we still have exams this week – but people were more than ready for a party. Almost all of the faculty and staff were able to attend. Everyone had a great time and shared some wonderful food.

Being at the party and spending time with everyone reminded me how lucky I am to work with such great people. Everyone involved with the school is incredibly dedicated to the success of our students. Every day I see the commitment and can almost take it for granted. I should not – it is a gift to have these wonderful at Detroit Cristo Rey High School.

Pray for our students during exam week.

Almost Summer
Thu Jun 10, 2010

Tomorrow marks our last full day of classes. Next week, our students will begin their exam schedule. Next Thursday is the last day of work and exams and on Friday we will conclude the school year with Mass, locker clean up and an awards luncheon.

I have commented many times about how fast the school year has gone. When I reflect on the year, I am proud of the growth that we have seen in our students. Work sponsors constantly comment on how pleased they are with the work ethic and maturity levels of our students. In the classroom, our students continue their progress in being prepared for college success when they graduate from Detroit Cristo Rey High School.

We ask a lot from our students, because we know that it will take hard work for them to achieve the future we all dream of for them. Most accept the challenge and amaze me with their commitment. Sadly, some are not prepared for the hard work required. There can be many reasons for this, despite our encouragement, they may lack the confidence that they can do it or they may face challenges at home that make studying difficult - to name a couple of reasons.

We encourage our students to “never give up”, and we can’t either. The best and most certain path for a bright future for our students is a college education. Quite frankly, the future in Detroit for a child without an education is too depressing to consider.

Please keep all members of the Detroit Cristo Rey High School family in your prayers at this critical time.

A Few Things
Wed Jun 02, 2010

There is a lot going on at the school, and I thought I would bring you up to date.

 

  • We’ve had some good news on the development front. The DTE Foundation has awarded us $10,000 to support our math program! This is the first grant that we have received from them and I hope it is the start of a long relationship. We were also notified yesterday that the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community has awarded us $60,000. The Sisters of Mercy have been tremendous supporters of our school since the very beginning. A member of their community, Canice Johnson, RSM is a member of our Board of Trustees and works tirelessly for our students and school.
  • Students are getting anxious. The year is coming to an end and exams are right around the corner. If that was not enough to put them on edge, we have had an unseasonable heat wave which is combined with our lack of air conditioning. As always, our teachers are called upon to show great patience and determination in helping our students meet the academic goals of the school.
  • I woke up today to realize that in about 90 days, we need to find 25 new job sponsors! They are needed to support our increased enrollment for next year. If you know an organization that can use an experienced team of workers to perform entry level administrative or clerical – please help us by making an introduction. Your personal touch could be what it takes to help four more Cristo Rey students afford a college prep education.

 

Keep Detroit Cristo Rey High School in your prayers.

Quite A Party!!!
Wed May 26, 2010

The weather was incredible and so was the party. Our Garden Party last Sunday was a great success. The guests enjoyed wonderful food and drink – but seemed to enjoy spending time with our students the most. Everyone commented on how friendly and poised our students were. Our two student speakers, Daron and Pauline were awesome – even if they did add a few things that we had not rehearsed!

The Archbishop joined us and was very gracious in meeting with all of the guests. His support of our school has been excellent.

We had a great jazz band and a real highlight was when Bruce Brinson, our CFO, joined in on sax for several numbers. It was fun seeing and hearing Bruce light it up.

On Sunday, I had a long list of people to thank, and I won’t repeat myself. However, I do need to mention Rob Quinn, along with a great group of volunteers – Suzan Anderson, Mary Counihan, Carol Florence, Chris Furchak, Nena Reese and Molly Robinson. They outdid themselves.

Mark your calendar for May 22, 2010.

Sophomore Pauline with Mistress of Ceremonies and WXYZ Channel 7 Anchor Christy McDonald.

My Office Overflows
Tue May 18, 2010

Garden Party week at Detroit Cristo Rey! There is a lot of work going on at the school.

Last Saturday a dedicated group of volunteers worked outside planting, cleaning and spreading more mulch than I care to remember. The grounds really look nice. My office is jammed with beautiful gift baskets that will be auctioned off on Sunday. The baskets range from tickets to cultural events and Tiger games to foods from around the world. Our student ambassadors are practicing their speeches. The caterer has ordered the food and several cases of wine were dropped off last week. It is really coming together.

But it won’t be a party without you. Please join us this Sunday from 2:30 – 5:30. If you can’t attend – pray for sun!

Thanks Again!
Fri May 14, 2010

Thursday morning we welcomed many of our corporate work sponsors to the school for our annual appreciation breakfast. It is impossible to thank them enough for the contribution they make to the school – so we tried stale bagels and old coffee! It was nice seeing the students and sponsors together outside the work place. It was also a chance for teachers to meet many of the people from work sites that they usually only hear about.

The relationships that build between the sponsors and students during the year is amazing to watch. The sponsors are totally committed to the success of the students and they are interested in learning how the students are doing academically and in extra curricular activities. Our goal at Cristo Rey is to let the students know that they are surrounded by people who care and are invested in their success. The sponsors are an important part of the equation.

I told the sponsors that they can never know how grateful I am for what they do. They are changing the futures of our students.

 

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