Dear Cougar Families

July 12, 2017

Dear Cougar Families,

It is my sincere hope that you are doing well and are enjoying much deserved family time over the summer.

As we approach the new school year, I wanted to share with you that we are continuing to search for not just any principal, but the right principal for Cardinal Mooney. While we are all anxious to have a permanent principal in place for the 2017-18 school year, it is important that school be led in the long run by the best candidate for the school. Ideally, this would have come to pass, but God has plans for Cardinal Mooney and will provide for us in His time. We are still actively searching, but at this time, the position may not be filled until the 18-19 school year.

That being said, it is important to note that Cardinal Mooney is not without leadership. Mr. Stefan Gates will be our Interim Principal. He will be supported by Sr. Lucia Haas, Mr. Patrick Pollifrone, Ms. Dana Holloran, Dr. Tracy O’Neill, Mr. Bill Donivan, Mrs. Rene Hebda along with the faculty and staff, and the Office of the Superintendent.

I have complete confidence in Mr. Gates and the leadership team’s ability to manage the school. During the past year, Mr. Gates has proven himself to be a sound leader with the best interests of the school at heart, is a solid decision maker, and has a firm understanding of what is needed to make the school successful. We are fortunate that Mr. Gates is a part of the administrative team and is willing to be our leader at this time.

As we enter the 2017-18 school year, we will be moving forward in the following areas. The Selby Center renovations are in progress. Construction will begin in the very near future and will be completed by January 2018.  With the construction of the Selby, we have included an upgrade on the fencing that faces Fruitville road. The fence height will be increased to six feet and will extend all the way down to the swale on the east side of the property and will extend back to the parking lot on the North side of the school, next to the library. This portion of the project will totally enclose the academic portion of the campus, creating a true single point of entry with the completion of the Selby Center renovation, resulting in greater student safety.

From an Academic perspective, the school will be exploring the addition of advanced classes to support our students’ academic needs. This may include additional AP and Dual Enrollment

classes, thereby allowing our students the ability to complete fundamental college courses while enrolled at Cardinal Mooney. The Guidance Department is already preparing for our rising seniors to have a college planning session in early August.

All in all, the school is off to a great start. I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to you, the parents and guardians at Cardinal Mooney. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care. The community of Cardinal Mooney will continue to strive to make your students High School experience the best academically, socially, and most importantly spiritually.

Yours in Christ,

Kristy Swol, Ed. D.

Director of Education
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Venice

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.”