Strategic Plan 2012-2015

1. Strategic Plan 2012-2015 Updated 1/30/2012

2. St. Petronille School 425 Prospect Glen Ellyn, Il 60137 www.stpetschool.org

3. 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

4. Executive Summary Where we want to be Our Vision How do we plan to get there Our strategy & tactics How will we measure success 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

5. 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 anactive role in the teaching the mission of the Church.  We believe in fostering acommunity 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 theschool.  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.

6. 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.

7. 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. 

8. 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

9. 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

10. Academic Enrichment Spanish is a core academic subject in 6th~ 8th grade 1st~4th Grade Junior Achievement 2nd~8th Grade Computer Classes Regional Math and Science Competitions Spelling and Geography Bee K~8th Gr. Technology Integrated Curriculum 7th~8thScience Olympiad Family Math Student Newspaper 3rd~8th grade competition chess club Honor’s Day prayer service 8th Grade high school presentations Annual Book fair Kinder Kamp 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 Spiritual Enrichment 8th Grade off campus 3 day overnight retreat K~8th Grade on campus retreats K~8th Gr. Masses, Prayer Services, & Liturgies Ribbon Day prayer service 4th grade Mother’s Day prayer service K~4th grade Christmas pageant Catholic Schools week activities Buddy programs across grades K~8th grade Service Program Student Voices Service Club Gr. 3~8 6th~8th Gr. Boys & Girls Altar Server Training School Programs

11. 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 7th and 8th grade Spirit Club K~8 Vision/hearing screening Organic Hot Lunch offered 5 days per week Art and Music Enrichment Fine Arts programs and field trips K~8th grade Art Masters in the classroom program 4th~8th grade Band program K~2nd grade keyboard lessons 8th Gr. Liturgical Choir & Liturgical Band Regional and State Art competitions Annual 3rd~8th grade spring musical Enrichment clubs 6th~8th grade dance classes, square dance School Programs, con’t • Social 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 • 8th grade graduation dinner and dance • Grandparents/Grandpersons Day • 8th grade leadership luncheon • Kindergarten~2nd grade potlucks • School wide pep rallies

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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 8th 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Appendix Financial Projections

20. St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan KEY Furniture / Fixtures Facilities Technology Personnel Process CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND MISSION 2012-2013 2014-2015 2013-2014 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 Organize and fund an Environmental Club Student Service Opportunities 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

21. St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan KEY Furniture / Fixtures Facilities Technology Personnel Process ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 2012-2013 2013-2014 2015+ Integrate core subjects with Humanities and Technology Curriculum Assign Faculty Curriculum Coordinators & Director of 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 Reducing the number of textbooks used b y replacing them with online access Yearly textbook upgrades if no IL State Monies Upgrade Technology Hardware, Software, Licensing Agreements and Security Technology Implement Lego Robotic Program Begin rotation upgrade lab 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

22. St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan KEY Furniture / Fixtures Facilities Technology Personnel Process PERSONNEL 2012-2013 2013-2014 2015+ Determine scope of work and retain Development Director Professional Development & Training 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

23. St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan KEY Furniture / Fixtures Facilities Technology Personnel Process FINANCIAL STABILITY 2013-2014 2012-2013 2015+ Diocese and Parish Relations 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 Faculty Recruiting & Retention Determine compensation for curriculum coordinators and Director of Curriculum Grants and Awards Identify paid/volunteer grant award writers *Evaluate Marketing Director opportunities Overall *$6,000 *$6,000 *$6,000

24. St. Petronille Master Strategy Plan KEY Furniture / Fixtures Facilities Technology Personnel Process FACILITIES 2013-2014 2015+ 2012-2013 Replace Rheem Water Heater Model 41V50PRO - $1,000 Replace existing doors where needed - $8,000 Replace gym floor - $65,000 Repair & Maintenance 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 Replace York Package Unit ModelD2CG24 - $20,000 Replace Trane RTU 3 – Model YSC120A4E- $20,000 Playground upgrades - $2,000 Relace Trame RTU 2 – Model YSC068A4RHA1252 - $18,000 Refurbish office under Hillside stairs - $3,650 Art classroom tables and Chairs - $3,400 Capital Improvements Evaluate heat source for Northeast stairwell-$1500 Upgrade science lab equipment - $5,000 Upgrade/Repair outside doors where necessary - $1,500 Develop and implement replacement of School carpeting on a schedule - $40,000 Repave NW School parking lot - $103,000 Repave Prospect parking lot - $43,200