Strategic Plan
2012-2015
Updated 1/30/2012
St. Petronille School
425 Prospect
Glen Ellyn, Il 60137
www.stpetschool.org
A Letter from the Principal
Dear Friends,
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give
you a future and a hope.~Jeremiah 29:11
St. Petronille School is planning for a bright future by creating this document - our strategic plan.
While not a crystal ball, our strategic plan is based on who we are: uniquely Catholic and spiritually
strong- and who we are becoming-an educational institution that educates the whole child recognizing
each student’s unique gifts, needs and challenges. We look to our parish family for continued
support as we educate future leaders; engage alumni; maintain campus facilities; and provide
opportunities for faculty to learn and grow.
As we embrace our mission to Teach as Jesus taught we look to the entire St. Petronille Parish and
School community for their prayers and support.
And with God’s loving guidance St. Petronille School will continue to shine as it has for over 85 years.
God’s blessings,
Dr. Mary Kelly
Principal
Executive Summary
Where we want to be
How do we plan to get there
How will we measure success
Our Vision
Our strategy & tactics
Our results
The Mission of St. Petronille School,
in partnership with St. Petronille
Parish and the Diocese of Joliet, is to
teach as Jesus taught.
Through everyday acts of love,
compassion, service, understanding
and forgiveness, the St. Petronille
School community provides a
child~centered environment of
life~long learning that celebrates the
unique potential of each child.
In close partnership with parents, we
embrace our calling as Catholic
School teachers by striving to
motivate the whole child as he/she
grows spiritually, morally,
emotionally and academically.
• Ensure that the school is considered a vital and
necessary part of St. Petronille Parish
• Continue to provide a quality academic
education that meets the standards as set forth by
the Diocese of Joliet and the State of Illinois
• Maintain a faculty, staff and administration that
understands, appreciates and supports the culture
of St. Petronille Catholic School
• Maintain a financially healthy environment that
will support the vision, mission and philosophy of
St. Petronille School
• Provide adequate space on site for academic and
co~curricular programs that are common to (and in
some cases exceed) what is expected in
elementary schools in the area
Mission and Philosophy Statements
Mission
•
•
•
The Mission of St. Petronille School, in partnership with St. Petronille Parish and the Diocese of Joliet, is
to teach as Jesus taught.
Through everyday acts of love, compassion, service, understanding and forgiveness, the St. Petronille
School community provides a child~centered environment of life~long learning that celebrates the unique
potential of each child.
In close partnership with parents, we embrace our calling as Catholic School teachers by striving to
motivate the whole child as he/she grows spiritually, morally, emotionally and academically.
Philosophy
•
We at St. Petronille School believe that the primary purpose of our Catholic School is to take an
active role in the teaching the mission of the Church. We believe in fostering a community
of believers who manifest their faith in service to others. We believe in the goals of teaching
message (doctrine), developing community (family), encouraging service (involvement), and
promoting worship as directed in the National Catholic Directory.
•
We believe in the education of the whole child – spiritual, intellectual, physical, social,
personal, and emotional through a planned, sequential curriculum that lends itself to diverse
learning styles. We believe in academic excellence based on the individual’s potential. We
believe in fostering respect for one’s self and others and taking responsibility for one’s
actions. We believe in instilling responsibility for good stewardship, both on the local and global
levels.
We believe that this is accomplished through a partnership of the home and the school. We
believe that the parents are the primary educators of their children and that our educational
process supports their efforts.
We believe in preparing children to be service-oriented adult members of society who respect and
appreciate the dignity of all living beings according to God’s plan, regardless of differences in
cultural, economic, physical, or social status.
•
•
School Profile and History
•
St. Petronille School is one way the parish fulfills its mission to provide a Catholic
education for its youth. As a parish school, it offers an outstanding program from
kindergarten through eighth grade. This program is available under the auspices of
the Diocese of Joliet, which guarantees that no student shall be denied admission
solely on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin. Further, it is the
policy of St. Petronille School that no school child shall be denied a Catholic
education because of inability to pay. Confidential financial assistance is available.
•
Catholic education has as its primary purpose religious formation in a Christian
environment that integrates religious truths and values with every aspect of human
life. This integration begins in the home and is further developed in school. As
parents of students admitted to St. Petronille School, we subscribe to this concept
and demonstrate our commitment in several ways. As registered parishioners, we
devote Time, Talent, and Treasure to the support of the parish through the annual
stewardship drive.
•
Parental involvement, something Catholic education has relied on for years, has
recently been documented as a primary factor in school success. Through the
many committees of volunteer services coordinated by the Parent Organization and
School Board, we offer our Time and Talent. This stewardship of Time and Talent is
accompanied by considerable financial support individually through tuition
payments and communally through a pledge of Treasure as a registered
parishioner.
School Profile and History
Curriculum
•
There is a tradition of strong emphasis on basic academics: religion, reading, language
arts, mathematics, science, foreign language and social studies. The curriculum is
enhanced with enrichment in art, music, physical education and swimming. Technology is
integrated into all areas of the curriculum. The core curriculum is tied to Illinois State
Teaching Standards and Joliet Diocesan Standards.
•
Our Catholic faith is interwoven throughout the entire fabric of the school and its
programs. Students plan and participate in class liturgies, all school masses, and daily
prayer. As part of the larger faith community, students take part in parish as well as
classroom sacramental preparation. Altar servers add a spiritual service to the parish.
School Profile and History
Academic Profile
•
Standardized test scores are between 25% and 45%above National Average Scores
•
Technology plan approved by Illinois State Board of Education and the Diocese of Joliet.
•
Media Center consists of 32 PCs, networked to the classrooms with internet access.
•
Library utilizes an automated card catalog and circulation system – Alexander System.
•
Science program strengthened with emphasis on AIMS program involving integration of Math and
Science curriculums.
•
Iowa Tests of Basic Skills administered in Fall to 2nd ~ 8th grade students.
•
ACRE Test administered to 5th and 8th grade students.
•
Explore Test administered to 8th grade students.
•
Student writing portfolios maintained from grade K ~ 8
School Profile
Enrollment:
546 students, 309 families
3 kindergarten classes (2 am sessions ~ 1 pm session). 2 classes per grade level in grades 1-8.
Staff:
-Dr. Mary Kelly, Principal: B.S., M.S., M.E.D., and Ed.D Teachers College~Columbia University, NY
Adjunct Professor: Benedictine University and University of St. Francis. Curriculum and Instruction and
Differentiated Learning.
-Mrs. Sue Imburgia, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Special Projects: BA Northeastern
University, M.E.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Benedictine University.
-Ms. Karen Gronwick: Administrative Assistant
-Miss Katie Hills, Director of Special Education. BA Catholic University of America. MA Special Ed. Lewis
University.
-28 Certified Teachers (17 of whom hold Advanced Degrees)
•
Full timeTechnology Director/teacher
•
Certified Reading Specialist
•
Alexian Brothers social worker ~3 days per week
•
2 Full time Special Education Resource teachers
•
12 Teacher Assistants
School Programs
Academic Enrichment
•
Spanish is a core academic subject in 6th ~ 8th grade
•
1st~4th
•
2nd~8th Grade Computer Classes
•
Spiritual Enrichment
•
8th Grade off campus 3 day overnight retreat
•
K~8th Grade on campus retreats
Regional Math and Science Competitions
•
K~8th Gr. Masses, Prayer Services, & Liturgies
•
Spelling and Geography Bee
•
Ribbon Day prayer service
•
K~8th Gr. Technology Integrated Curriculum
•
4th grade Mother’s Day prayer service
•
7th~8th
•
K~4th grade Christmas pageant
Grade Junior Achievement
Science Olympiad
•
Family Math
•
Student Newspaper
•
Catholic Schools week activities
•
3rd~8th grade competition chess club
•
Buddy programs across grades
•
Honor’s Day prayer service
•
K~8th grade Service Program
•
8th Grade high school presentations
•
•
Student Voices Service Club Gr. 3~8
Annual Book fair
•
Kinder Kamp
•
6th~8th Gr. Boys & Girls Altar Server Training
•
6th grade three day Outdoor Education
•
School wide Reading program and Great America
Reading program for Gr. K~6
•
Student mentor and tutor programs
•
8th Gr. Leadership Academy
School Programs, con’t
Physical Enrichment
•
•
•
•
•
Health and wellness programs
in grades K~8
8th grade CPR class
Presidential Physical Fitness
Award Program
Swim program in grades K~8
Athletic program-No Cut
Policy-5th~8th grade cross
country, volleyball, basketball,
and track competitions
Art and Music
Enrichment
•
•
5th grade D.A.R.E. program
•
6th~8th Gr. Safety Patrol
•
Family pizza night
•
Jr. High Socials
•
Annual Parent Organization
Auction
•
8th grade Mother/son breakfast
•
8th grade Daddy/daughter dance
Regional and State Art
competitions
•
8th grade graduation dinner and
dance
Annual 3rd~8th grade spring
musical
•
Grandparents/Grandpersons Day
Fine Arts programs and field
trips
•
K~8th grade Art Masters in
the classroom program
•
4th~8th grade Band program
•
K~2nd
•
8th Gr. Liturgical Choir &
Liturgical Band
•
Social Enrichment
grade keyboard lessons
•
7th and 8th grade Spirit Club
•
K~8 Vision/hearing screening
•
•
Organic Hot Lunch offered 5
days per week
•
Enrichment clubs
•
8th grade leadership luncheon
•
6th~8th grade dance classes,
square dance
•
Kindergarten~2nd grade potlucks
•
School wide pep rallies
Programs Goals and Objectives 2012-2013
For St. Petronille School, sustaining and enhancing our role as a leading educator and
spiritual guide of young minds requires a refreshed, comprehensive strategy to prepare
students intellectually, spiritually, physically and socially in the spirit of the Catholic faith.
As part of the St. Petronille strategic planning process, we examined our current
environment and identified five critical areas:
– Catholic Identity and Mission
– Academic Excellence
– Personnel
– Financial Stability
– Facilities
In order to address these critical issues, St. Petronille must:
– Ensure that the school is considered a vital and necessary part of St. Petronille Parish
– Provide a quality academic education that meets the standards as set forth by the Diocese of Joliet
and the State of Illinois
– Maintain a faculty, staff and administration that understands, appreciates and supports the culture of
St. Petronille Catholic School
– Provide adequate space on site for academic and co~curricular programs that are common to (and in
some cases exceed) what is expected in elementary schools in the area
CATHOLIC IDENTITY
Critical Issue: In an increasing secular world, sometimes students and their parents find it difficult to put Jesus first in their
lives.
Goal: St. Petronille School will continue to be a recognizably Catholic School where the presence of Jesus Christ is seen, felt
and heard by all who enter her doors and meet her students, teachers, and parents.
Strategies:
•
Provide a wide array of service opportunities for students, faculty and parents through our K – 8 Service Program.
•
Support National Catholic Education Association Yearly Theme. 2011-2012- Faith, Academics, and Service.
•
Support the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" focus for the 2011-2012 school year.
•
Maintain Family Prayer Table in Education Center Lobby.
•
Provide organized prayer focus times four times during Lent and Advent for students and faculty.
•
Attend Weekly all school Mass.
•
Provide Student retreats in Gr. 1~8.
•
Annually celebrate Catholic Schools Week.
•
Annually provide 8th grade Catholic High School presentations.
•
Continue to introduce students to a variety of prayer forms.
Academic Excellence
Critical Issue: Delivering a program rich in academic excellence in today’s environment requires
ongoing training, upgrades to technology and curriculum modifications
Goal: The school will continue to provide a quality academic education that exceeds the standards as
put forth by the Diocese of Joliet and the State of Illinois and recognizes the diverse learning
styles of children.
Strategies:
• Provide technologies that support the educational needs in the classroom.
• Continue to reduce class size by utilizing resource teachers and teacher assistants in grades
Kindergarten ~ 8th.
• Introduce a 3 year accelerated math program which will offer Geometry to qualifying 8 th graders.
• Utilize the expertise of the two new special education teachers and reading specialist to create
individualized programs, accommodations and modification when necessary.
• Provide ongoing, job~embedded professional development opportunities for the faculty in the area
of educational technology integration and differentiated learning styles.
• Equip and furnish the two new Classroom/Resource rooms in Colonial Hall with current assistive
technology and appropriate classroom furnishings.
• Utilize teaching strategies that will assist students to acquire essential skills needed to foster future
success in school and life.
• Continue to work with District 41 personnel in the area of Special Education Services.
PERSONNEL
Critical Issue: Hiring, retaining, and rewarding quality faculty and staff is becoming increasingly
difficult.
Goal: The school will maintain a faculty, staff and administration that understands, appreciates and
supports the culture of St. Petronille Catholic School.
Strategies
• As the faculty and administration ages, current faculty and administration will continue
to
network in search of qualified prospective faculty and administrators who have a passion for the St.
Petronille School Community, Catholic Education, teaching children and who see Catholic School
teaching as a calling to ministry.
• Explore future strategies that would provide competitive salaries to school personnel.
• Maintain financial structure to support faculty benefits including Professional Development funding
and benefits that reward years of service in Catholic Education.
• Maintain current levels of funding for teacher assistants.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Critical Issue: Rising operating costs, challenging economic conditions and flat church collections all contribute
to a challenging financial picture for the school.
Goal: Maintain a financially healthy environment that will support the vision, mission and philosophy of St.
Petronille School.
Strategies
•Target to achieve a balanced operating budget (or preferably a surplus) from the revenue from all sources
(tuition, parish subsidy, fundraising and fees).
• Maintain that subsidies from the parish will not exceed 25% of the school operating expense budget in keeping
with diocesan policy.
• Utilize the LIFE Fund as prescribed by the Trust Agreement for operating budget and for tuition assistance.
• Develop Alumni Organization, produce Alumni Newsletter and appropriately begin to encourage Alumni
giving.
• Encourage support and actively work with Parent Organization on the annual auction fundraiser.
• Operate at full enrollment (not to exceed 32 students per classroom) through ongoing recruiting and marketing
campaigns.
• Ensure that parents and parish show a willingness and ability to support the school.
• Monitor tuition collection and take action accordingly to assure that all families are receiving appropriate
assistance while adhering to the tuition policy as set forth by the School Board.
• Monitor funds available from state and federal agencies.
•Explore additional private sources for partnerships, grants, & donations.
FACILITIES
Critical Issues: Aging school properties and facilities pose costly challenges.
Goal: Properties and facilities must provide adequate space on site for academic and co~curricular programs
that are common to (and in some cases exceed) what is expected in elementary schools in the area.
Strategies
• Address and remedy inadequate electrical system that results in heating and cooling issues.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Maintain parking lots that are also used as playgrounds.
Upgrade and maintain outdoor lighting and monitoring systems.
Plan for the repair of the pool pipes. (summer ‘12)
Plan for the repair of the gym ceiling. (summer ‘12)
Plan for the installation of the new gym floor and bleachers. (summer ‘12)
Ensure that school and parish facilities pose no material health or safety concerns and provide an attractive,
healthy and safe environment for learning.
• Monitor capital improvements to assure that all school facilities are well maintained: rotation schedule
instituted for classroom furniture, carpeting, painting, pool maintenance, gym floor and other costly
endeavors.
• Secure access to all entrances of building with one key.
Implementation of our Vision for the Future
•
This strategic plan will allow St. Petronille to strengthen the foundation of the experience
that we provide to students who will become society's leaders in the 21st century.
•
Given that this strategic plan is a living document which will be reviewed on an annual
basis, implementation will occur during the next three + years through multiyear planning,
resource management and measurement.
•
Annual reviews of this plan will align the School leadership, Parish leadership and the
School Board on outcomes stemming from the strategies and initiatives contained in the
plan.
•
The School Board will work with the Parish leadership team to ensure that St. Petronille's
annual goals are implemented successfully and aligned to this strategic plan.
Appendix
Financial Projections
St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan
KEY
Furniture /
Fixtures
Facilities
Technology
Personnel
Process
CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND MISSION
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
Increase Parent Organization Spiritual Enrichment Committee's
Partnership with the Faculty and Communication to Parents
School / Parent
Partnership
Increase opportunities for parents to attend talks lead by
Professionals who are practicing Catholics and Christians
Familiarize and document mentoring program for new families,
Showing administration, faculty and Parent Organization roles
Provide faculty & saff with opportunities for adult faith formation
Personnel
Maintain Catholicity in faculty hiring decision
Raise awareness, participation level and year-end acknowledgement
for student, parent & faculty participation in Student Voices
Student Service
Opportunities
Organize and fund an Environmental Club
Increase student participation in Parish Altar Server Ministry
Increase activity level with 2nd grade Parish Prayer Partners
Identify resource needs and expand student liturgical band and choir opportunities
Identify needs and expand opportunities for peer tutoring
Continue Churchhill Forest Preserve Restoration (5-8)
$1,000
$1,000
$1,000
St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan
KEY
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Furniture /
Fixtures
Facilities
Technology
2012-2013
Personnel
2013-2014
Process
2015+
Integrate core subjects with Humanities and Technology
Assign Faculty Curriculum Coordinators & Director of Curriculum
Curriculum
Evaluate and implement Alex and similar independent study programs
Evaluate on-line curriculum enhancements by subject and grade
Strengthen Health and Wellness Program
Support IEP plans for students with special needs
New Programs &
Activities
Implement Reading and English resource I grades 1-8
Receipt and utilization of Special Education & Resource Grant
Implement th grade Geometry
Establish & maintain partnerships with Universities for student interns, faculty
Hiring and education and other resource opportunities
Text Books &
Materials
Yearly support of Library circulation system
Yearly textbook upgrades if no IL State Monies
Reducing the number of
textbooks used b y replacing
them with online access
Upgrade Technology Hardware, Software, Licensing Agreements and Security
Implement Lego Robotic Program
Begin rotation upgrade lab
Technology
Evaluate and offer parent control and safety services
Distribute laptops to students to provide Individual access to technology
in the classroom and at home
Create disaster Recovery plan for school
Develop TV studio
$25,000-$30,000
$25,000-$35,000
$25,000-$30,000
St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan
KEY
PERSONNEL
Furniture /
Fixtures
2012-2013
Professional
Development &
Training
Facilities
Technology
2013-2014
Personnel
2015+
Determine scope of work and retain Development Director
Evaluate need for Assistant Principal (full or part-time)
Evaluate plan and implement targeted faculty technology training
Develop policy to guide the reimbursement of faculty for
Graduate coursework
Hire and integrate two special education teachers and Director of Special
Education
Student Special
Services
Hire and integrate a Reading Specialist
Increase number of days for social worker and Reading Specialist
Continue job embedded Professional Development Program
Faculty
Transition
Develop Faculty Succession Plan to maintain
St. Petronille culture
$30,000-$60,000
$30,000-$60,000
$30,000-$60,000
Process
St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan
KEY
FINANCIAL STABILITY
2012-2013
Diocese and
Parish Relations
Furniture /
Fixtures
Facilities
Technology
2013-2014
2015+
Utilize Diocesan Catholic Education Foundation
Expand knowledge of Parish funds and partnership opportunities
Establish Alumni Directory, Newsletters and Annual Giving Campaign
Alumni Relations
Form Alumni Board
Identify resources for enrollment management
School Families
Maintain appropriate use of LIFE Endowment Fund
Determine compensation for curriculum coordinators and
Director of Curriculum
Faculty Recruiting
& Retention
Grants and Awards
Identify paid/volunteer grant award writers
*Evaluate Marketing Director opportunities
Overall
*$6,000
*$6,000
*$6,000
Personnel
Process
St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan
KEY
Furniture /
Fixtures
FACILITIES
Facilities
Technology
2013-2014
2012-2013
Personnel
2015+
Replace Rheem Water Heater Model 41V50PRO - $1,000
Replace gym floor - $65,000
Repair &
Maintenance
Replace existing doors where needed - $8,000
Replace Watt Master Auto Zone control panel - $9,500
Replace B&G return pump – Series 100 - $1,200
Masonry repairs above windows - $3,500
Classroom and common area painting $50.00 per room
Replace tile floor in kindergarten - $7,500
Develop schedule for replacement
of classroom tables and chairs
Playground upgrades - $2,000
Art classroom tables and Chairs - $3,400
Capital
Improvements
Upgrade science lab equipment - $5,000
Develop and implement replacement of
School carpeting on a schedule - $40,000
Replace York Package Unit
ModelD2CG24 - $20,000
Relace Trame RTU 2 – Model
YSC068A4RHA1252 - $18,000
Replace Trane RTU 3 –
Model YSC120A4E- $20,000
Refurbish office under
Hillside stairs - $3,650
Evaluate heat source for Northeast stairwell-$1500
Upgrade/Repair outside doors where necessary - $1,500
Repave NW School parking lot - $103,000
Repave Prospect parking lot - $43,200
Process