A BRAVE FUTUREB U I L D I N G O N E X C E L L E N C E

A LONG-RANGE PLAN FOR STUDENT

FORMATION & COMMUNITY BUILDING

AT BISHOP BLANCHET

MISSION

The mission of Bishop Blanchet High School is entirely focused on one result: student transformation. By living out this sacred mission, we transform the lives of young men and women, forming them into well-rounded young adults, driven to transform the world around them through a life-long commitment to faith, scholarship and service.

Today’s society is in desperate need of the type of young men and women formed at Bishop Blanchet – young adults who are TRUE, KIND, BRAVE, and committed to living the Gospel. The witness and teaching of Jesus Christ serve as the foundational guide and animating spirit that compels our efforts to grow and mature our students. To more intentionally lead our students toward making a transformative impact on our society, the student formation program and community experience at Bishop Blanchet must continue to be strengthened in constant pursuit of excellence while addressing the dynamic experience of the 21st century.

This Long-Range Strategic Plan sets our direction for the next ten years by establishing goals and benchmarks to sustain and strengthen all aspects of this institution. This strategic plan is a living document, crafted by many partners, designed to align our resources and decisions with our vision for a transformative, academic and community experience for current students and generations to come. We are grateful to all those who came together to fashion this plan. We look forward to our Brave Future and building on the excellence of Bishop Blanchet High School.

Pam Cory, Steve Schiro Antonio DeSapio, Sheila Kries,Advisory Board Chair Chair, Strategic President Principal Planning Committee

Bishop Blanchet is a Catholic, college preparatory high school established by the Archbishop

of Seat tle. Rooted in Gospel values, we educate our students within a challenging, positive,

and diverse learning environment. We inspire our students to transform the world around

them through a life-long commitment to faith, scholarship, and service.

DEAR FRIENDS OF BISHOP BLANCHETSTEER ING COMMITTEE

Steve Schiro, Chair Charlene AguilarRebecca ClarkTony DeSapioKristin DixonSheila KriesJesse McFeronJoe MeleJim PinsoneaultJohn TraynorJack Peterson, Consultant

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VISION

THE CALL FOR A PLAN

In 1954, Bishop Blanchet High School was founded as the flagship Archdiocesan high school of Seattle, designed to serve a distinct purpose: to provide a comprehensive, college preparatory, Catholic education to a diverse, co-educational student community. To accomplish this unique purpose, our mission is focused on student transformation through a well-balanced formation program and a rich community experience.

Our vision is that every student will attain holistic growth through an excellent and balanced formation program, integrating academics, athletics, arts, activities and faith development. Intimately coupled with this vision of holistic student growth is a commitment that each student, parent, alumnus, faculty and staff member find life-giving ways to engage in and experience the Bishop Blanchet community. By implementing the strategic plan, we will extend ourselves further toward the attainment of this vision of holistic student growth and deep community engagement.

This strategic planning effort commenced in August 2013 with the Bishop Blanchet Advisory Board approving the formation of a Steering Committee to guide the process and prepare a draft of the plan to submit to the board. The Steering Committee was chaired by Steve Schiro and consisted of a 10-member group of Bishop Blanchet stakeholders including faculty, staff, parents, alumni, alum-parents, and outside experts. The Steering Committee developed a process to seek broad input and collect relevant information through on-line surveys and in-person feedback sessions. Members of the Blanchet community were invited to participate in one way or another and more than 500 parents, alumni, alum-parents, faculty, and staff chose to participate personally through surveys or attending planning meetings.

In January of 2014, after collecting feedback and organizing data, the Steering Committee

commissioned four Topic Teams to develop strategic goals in the areas of Curriculum & Technology, Faith & Community, People & Professional Growth, and Funding and Facility. The Topic Teams included 60 stakeholders in the goal setting process.

Upon receiving the recommendations of the Topic Teams, the Steering Committee prioritized and articulated high-level goals, organizing them into three Pillars that support the mission of Bishop Blanchet High School.

PILLAR 1: STUDENT FORMATION

PILLAR 2: COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

PILLAR 3: WISE STEWARDSHIP

In September of 2014, the complete strategic plan along with an annual implementation plan was submitted to the Advisory Board for approval.

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S T U D E N T F O R M A T I O NP I L L A R 1

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A s a Catholic, college preparatory high school committed to academic excellence and the faith development of young

adults, we seek to strengthen the educational program by providing a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that challenges a wide range of students toward success at the post-secondary level. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to infuse Gospel values throughout the student learning experience. A truly transformative student formation program will both challenge the mind and inspire the heart of students to maintain a life-long commitment to faith development and service to others. A fully integrated formation program will produce holistic student growth by developing the unique talents of young men and women through a well-balanced experience of academics, athletics, arts, activities and faith development.

A s an archdiocesan high school, we need to continually express our Catholic identity.

By explicitly defining our unique spirituality as a community, we will have the ability to more fully articulate our Catholic identity. Much of who we are today is grounded in the history of the archdiocese, and its founder, Bishop Augustine M. Blanchet, after whom the school is named. We seek to more deeply understand, articulate and utilize the story and witness of A.M.A Blanchet, combining his experience of being a pioneer to bring faith and learning to the northwest with the 60 years of our institution’s steadfast commitment to faith development, community building, and service. We believe that by articulating this unique archdiocesan Catholic identity, we can more effectively animate and more cohesively form our faculty, staff, and students. Our uniquely balanced student formation program begins with a strong commitment to our mission in terms of faith development.

Toward the achievement of Goal #1, we have identified strategic objectives to serve as specific action steps for implementation on an annual basis. These strategic objectives include the following action steps:

A. Develop a common language and spiritual identity for Bishop Blanchet

B. Design a training and annual formation program for faculty based on this common language and unique spiritual identity

C. Embed this common language within a fully-developed and integrated 4-year retreat program for students

D. Deepen connections with and support from local archdiocesan parishes and grade schools

E. Enhance space dedicated to Campus Ministry and develop the quad and campus grounds to reflect the unique Bishop Blanchet Catholic Identity

FAITH AND COMMUNITY TOPIC TEAM

Mica Murray, ChairSohelia BebernessAdam CaballeroTom DrouinSean Gaskill ‘02Jennifer GryniewiczSr. Lorene Heck, O.P.Tina HodginsKristin KuzmanichNicole McCoyJoe Mele ‘87Michael Pierce ‘86Steve SchiroBart SteinerTara Suchland

ANIMATING OUR FAITH

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Goal #1: To animate the faith of the entire Bishop Blanchet community by articulating the unique

Bishop Blanchet, Archdiocesan Catholic identity and embed IT into programs and experiences.

CHALLENGING EACH STUDENT

Bishop Blanchet must fully understand and appropriately adapt to the changing dynamic of

in-coming students and their varied learning abilities and technological capabilities entering high school. Ultimately, Bishop Blanchet must be well positioned to support students in their selection of post-secondary opportunities as the higher education landscape and the traditional career trajectories are rapidly evolving as well.

As a college preparatory high school, Bishop Blanchet is called to challenge each student with the appropriate level of academic rigor. As an archdiocesan high school with a mission to serve a wide range of students, Bishop Blanchet experiences an even greater challenge given the varied levels of academic backgrounds of students we seek to serve. Bishop Blanchet must address achievement gaps among a varied student community through the consistent training of teaching staff to support the needs of all types of learners. Our mission requires a commitment to a comprehensive curriculum with many paths toward the attainment of a post-secondary, college match for students.

Toward the achievement of Goal #2, we have identified strategic objectives to serve as specific action steps for implementation on an annual basis. These strategic objectives include the following action steps:A. Articulate admissions criteria and graduation

outcomesB. Select and integrate technology standards and

professional developmentC. Increase academic and college advising

through individual student meetings in course selection and post-secondary planning

D. Increase awareness of post-secondary options by strengthening college counseling resources

E. Expand courses that offer college credit (i.e. UW in High School)

F. Increase support for diversified learners with additional learning resource personnel and training for teachers

G. Expand the use of student course evaluationsH. Assess the data collection systems and develop

a data dashboard to evaluate programs and demonstrate student growth.

I. Track alumni through college and into careersJ. Renovate and construct 21st century classrooms

and specialty learning spaces

Goal #2: To challenge each student with a comprehensive, college prep curriculum so that

each has the broadest set of post-secondary opportunities.

CURRICULUM & TECHNOLOGY TOPIC TEAM

Pam Cory, Chair ‘79Charlene AguilarMary Helen BeverJoe GockowskiBrett HeckoJesse McFeron ‘96Rachel McGovernLaura Meaux ‘01Liz MendezMary O’Connor, M.D.Beth O’DonnellDann Mead SmithDixie StrunkJohn TraynorJulie VillegasJennifer Willoughby ‘99

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HOLISTIC STUDENT GROWTH

Goal #3: To deliver key support services and

diverse opportunities for student engagement

necessary for each student’s holistic growth

and sense of belonging.

Our mission as an Archdiocesan High School calls us to serve a diverse community of students and this requires providing a variety of programs and services to support the developmental, academic, social/emotional health, safety, and spiritual needs of students. While Bishop Blanchet presently offers a wealth of opportunities for students to develop their talents and gifts, information gathered during the planning process indicates a need to further develop our support services for students including counseling, learning resources, and Community Period (CP). We believe in providing students with a positive, supportive and engaging school environment leading to a deeper sense of identity, belonging, and lasting relationships.

Toward the achievement of Goal #3, we have identified strategic objectives to serve as specific actions steps for implementation on an annual basis. These strategic objectives include the following action steps:

A. Expand Counseling Office support servicesB. Ensure that all students are directly involved outside of the

classroom through athletics, arts, activities, and/or faith development

C. Enhance and further develop the utilization of Community Period (CP)

D. Develop and implement a common student leadership training program

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COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE P I L L A R 2

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A s a Catholic, college preparatory high school committed to an inclusive and positive environment, we seek to attract and form a community of talented, diverse, and mission-

driven faculty, staff, and students. As an educational institution with high standards for faculty, staff and students, we are called to articulate our expectations of this community and provide guidance toward the attainment of these standards. A fully engaged community will foster mutually supportive and life-giving relationships between students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and the wider community. The complete experience of the Bishop Blanchet community nurtures students who can in turn strengthen and bless the broader society that so desperately needs the hope and competence they will bring.

Goal #4: To recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff commit ted to excellence and aligned

with the mission.

PEOPLE & PROFESS IONAL GROWTH TOPIC TEAM

Jim Murphy, Chair Ann Alokolaro ‘95Chris BilankoKori BoydBecky ClarkNicole DanosKristin DixonLuis FragaThomas HalversonSheila KriesAnn MartinMolly McFarlandJoe Petschl ‘85Kinga SandersSteve Schiro

FACULTY AND STAFF COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

C ommunity is the defining characteristic of Bishop Blanchet. Central to community,

our faculty and staff have the most significant impact on student growth. As we seek to expand and enrich learning opportunities for students, it is critical to attract and support the continuous development of our teachers and staff. Making a transformative impact on our students requires highly competent professionals in their respective fields. We believe that a positive work environment produces a productive and collaborative experience for employees. An entire faculty and staff committed to collaboration and continuous improvement ensures that Bishop Blanchet is dynamic, responsive and an evidence based institution.

Toward the achievement of Goal #4, we have identified strategic objectives to serve as specific actions steps for implementation on an annual basis. These strategic objectives include the following actions steps:

A. Actively recruit competent, committed, and collaborative professionals and expand job advertising

B. Develop a faculty and staff orientation and on-going formation program in alignment with mission, expectations, and unique spiritual identity of Bishop Blanchet

C. Assess and address areas of needs with competitive compensation and benefits

D. Develop salary scales for staffE. Articulate professional development plans

and identify funds to support programsF. Expand human resource support through the

Business OfficeG. Implement an employee climate survey

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TALENTED COMMUNITY OF STUDENTS

W e believe that a diverse and uniquely talented student community enriches the collective experience at Bishop Blanchet and distinctly impacts the formation and

growth of each student. We believe that all students possess special talents and gifts to share with our community.

Bishop Blanchet consistently attracts the largest and most diversely talented student body of all the Catholic high schools in the Seattle area. With changing demographics, increasing competition from other private and public schools, and an overall decreasing trend in enrollment at Catholic elementary schools, we face distinct and increasing challenges as we seek to attract students and families committed to a Catholic, college prep, high school education. Another set of challenges emerge as we seek to retain a diverse set of students representing a wide range of social, economic and academic backgrounds. We are firmly committed to address these issues through the implementation of this plan.

Toward the achievement of Goal #5 we have identified strategic objectives to serve as specific actions steps for implementation on an annual basis. These strategic objectives include the following actions steps:

A. Develop and implement a marketing plan to include enhanced communications and direct engagement with Catholic, public, and private schools, parishes, and prospective students and families from these communities

B. Evaluate and refine admissions criteria and selection processC. Conduct a student withdrawal analysis and develop programs to improve retentionD. Increase endowment to support additional financial aid

Goal #5: To at tract, enroll, and retain a diverse and uniquely talented community of

students who are open to growth and full engagement in the Bishop Blanchet experience.

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WISE STEWARDSHIP P I L L A R 3

A s a Catholic, college preparatory high school with a lasting and proud legacy, we seek to ensure that Bishop Blanchet strengthens its position as the premier

Archdiocesan Catholic High School of Seattle by offering a balanced and excellent formation program while seeking greater accessibility for families and students. We are called to be good stewards of our resources by updating and enhancing our facilities necessitated by our evolving and expanding programs. We seek to continue the legacy of wise stewardship by attracting wider and deeper levels of commitment from the Bishop Blanchet community to ensure program excellence and accessibility.

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ADVANCING OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES

FUNDING & FACIL ITY TOPIC TEAM

Brad Fulton, ChairNancy BelcherChuck Bocian ‘73Erin BreymanRommel BuenafeTony DeSapioGerald EysamanMichael FoxValerie Krueger ‘83Mike Milne ‘70Rick O’LearyJim PinsoneaultJeff RoeLendy Vail

We seek to create and sustain a solid financial foundation to support current operations,

provide reserves to meet foreseen and unforeseen challenges and allow for investments for future school needs. A strong financial position is essential in order to sustain operations, weather economic downturns, and allow the school to invest in its program, facilities, faculty, and staff.

While we reside on a remarkable nine acre campus, we seek to create a first class facility guided by a comprehensive master plan that allows for upgrades of existing facilities and infrastructure in addition to carefully selected new facilities to optimize the student learning environment and ensure that it is flexible, technologically advanced, safe, comfortable, and provides options and accommodations for all.

Toward the achievement of Goal #6, we have identified strategic objectives to serve as specific actions steps for implementation on an annual basis. These strategic objectives include the following actions steps:

A. Develop a 10-year Financial Pro-Forma PlanB. Increase annual giving programC. Create systems to collect more comprehensive

and accurate information and data on alumni of Bishop Blanchet

D. Increase utilization of parent volunteer programE. Assess and prioritize campus infrastructure and

new facility needsF. Develop and implement a Campus Master PlanG. Conduct capital campaign feasibility study and

launch campaignH. Conduct an analysis and update the tuition and

financial aid model

Goal #6: To dramatically advance the financial resources, community partnerships, and

campus facilities necessary to maintain program excellence and increase accessibility to the

wider community.

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C A L L T O A C T I O N

Bishop Blanchet High School stands upon a solid foundation and a proud legacy. Over the past 60

years, Bishop Blanchet has formed and graduated over 13,000 young men and women – setting them out to transform the world around them through a life-long commitment to faith, scholarship, and service. As we seek to more deeply transform our students over their four years with us, we present this plan to strengthen our efforts to deliver on our mission and this life-changing experience for all the members of the Bishop Blanchet community.

With this plan, we invite your deepened engagement and commitment to achieving our vision for Bishop Blanchet. We have carefully selected six interrelated goals and are currently developing a comprehensive campus master plan that will support the implementation of these goals. Through this planning process, we have identified a set of important projects and investments aligned with the three Pillars supporting our mission. Initial planning is already underway to assess the feasibility of funding these programs and initiatives through a comprehensive capital campaign.

We move with confidence and determination, heading into the next 60 years guided by the goals and objectives of this plan. While the plan points us in the direction of our vision for this institution, we know that the diverse, talented, and generous Bishop Blanchet community holds the power to bring the plans into reality. We thank you for joining us in this effort!

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“I am deeply grateful for the on-going commitment to continue strengthening the excellent academic, co-curricular and faith formation programs at Bishop Blanchet High School. To further advance your good works, I offer my support and blessings upon your plans outlined in A Brave Future: Building on Excellence. Always keeping in mind that Christ is the reason for this school, I encourage the entire Brave community to make every effort to build up the Kingdom of God through the sacred mission and your special ministry at Bishop Blanchet High School.”

- Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, Archdiocese of Seattle

A L I G N M E N T W I T H T H E O F F I C E F O R C A T H O L I C S C H O O L S

In February 2014, Archbishop Peter Sartain approved From Strength to Strength: A Plan for 21st Century Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle. The release of the Office for Catholic Schools’ (OCS) strategic plan helped inform the Bishop Blanchet planning process and the resulting plan reflects an alignment between the four goals of the Office for Catholic Schools and the six goals of the Bishop Blanchet strategic plan. This alignment will support the mutual reinforcement of our shared vision for excellent, accessible, and collaborative Catholic schools.

OCS GOAL 1 :

STRENGTHENING CATHOLIC IDENTITY

OCS GOAL 2:

EXCELLENT CURRICULA, TEACHERS , AND SCHOOL LEADERS

OCS GOAL 3:

AN ACCESSIBLE AND WELCOMING

COMMUNITY

OCS GOAL 4:

WISE STEWARDSHIP THROUGH PLANNING,

GOVERNANCE, FUNDING, AND MARKETING

BBHS GOAL 2: Challenge each student with a comprehensive,

college prep curriculum

BBHS GOAL 3: Key support service for

student holistic growth and sense of belonging

BBHS GOAL 6: Advance the financial resources, community

partnerships, and campus facilities necessary to maintain

program excellence

BBHS GOAL 4: Recruit, develop and

retain faculty and staff committed to excellence

BBHS GOAL 5: Attract, enroll, and retain a

diverse and uniquely talented community of students

BBHS GOAL 1 : Animate the Faith of the entire

Bishop Blanchet community

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