fol chapter 4 self study findings 01-12-12

8/3/2019 FOL Chapter 4 Self Study Findings 01-12-12

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Focus on Learning

SELF STUDY

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N. B. For ease of reading, this section of the Focus on Learning manual will be presented in a

chart format, listing the findings in one column and the evidence in an adjacent column.A Organization for Student Learning

School Purpose__________________________________________________

A1 The school has established a clear statement of purpose that reflects the beliefs and philosophy of the institution. Thepurpose is further defined by adopted expected schoolwide learning results that form the basis of the educational

program for every student.

Findings Evidence

Following a schoolwide survey, during our initial self-study in 2005, a committee of faculty,administration and parents reworked the old two page mission statement to be more succinct andaccurately define the Academys mission. A single mission statement was developed that clearlyreflects the religious and educational beliefs and philosophies of the Academy. In 2011, this statementstill fully reflects ourraison d'tre, and guides all we do. The mission is published in the studenthandbooks, website, and brochures and referred to often, orally.

Stakeholders meetings

Mission statement posted

in classroomsStudent Handbook

Website

Using the mission statement as a starting point and keeping in mind the philosophy of the school,ESLRs were written and revised with input from staff, students, parents, administrators, and schoolboard members until they achieved their current form. The ESLRs are posted in the classrooms,handbooks. Further, a principal activity of our action plan, developing standards, has been structured

on the ESLR categories for each subject. ESLRs are continue to be discussed at Faculty meetings andfound to still be descriptive of our goals, although language was tightened up as a result of our annualreview in Fall 2011.

Stakeholders meetings

Weekly Blue Envelope

Website

ClassroomsAll School AssemblyStudent Handbook

100% of the respondents of the Parent Survey (Fall 2011) said the school fulfills her mission to aidparents in their duty to develop theological, intellectual and moral virtues in her students AND that theschool provides a clear statement of purpose that reflects the beliefs and philosophy of the institutionand of her families..

Parent Survey


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Governance____________________________________________

A2 The governing authority (a) adopts policies which are consistent with the school purpose and support the achievementof the expected schoolwide learning results for the school, (b) delegates implementation of these policies to the

professional staff, and (c) monitors results.

Findings Evidence

The Board of Governors of the Academy founded the school for purposes which are preserved in theAcademys mission, curriculum and general school policies. Board Meeting minutesHandbooks

Curriculum

Historical documents

The mission of the school is in the forefront as the Board of Governors approves and publishes policiesand guidelines that are then passed on to the professional staff for implementation. The Board alsoguides their decisions which effect classroom level implementation by providing a budget worthy ofmaintaining consistent faculty base.

Board Meeting minutes

Staff minutes

Handbooks

The Headmaster meets with the Board of Governors regularly and gives updates to the board, the staff,and parents on current projects and student achievement. Further, the Headmaster meets with thefaculty at regularly scheduled meetings, and individually, so that policy decisions of the Board can beimplemented by the professional staff and concerns or recommendations about student achievementcan be reported to the Board in a timely fashion.

Board Meeting minutes


Parent Meetings

Staff minutes

100% of the parents indicated that the headmaster facilitates fulfillment of the mission through hisdirection of the schools daily life.

Parent Survey


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School Leadership________________________________________

A3 The school leadership (a) makes decisions to facilitate actions that focus the energies of the school on studentachievement of the expected schoolwide learning results, (b) empowers the staff, and (c) encourages commitment,

participation, and shared accountability for student learning.

Findings Evidence

The ESLRs were written with input from the staff, students, parents, administration, and board. Stakeholders Committee

Surveys

The ESLRs are referred to in the Weekly Blue Envelope, morning assemblies, posted in theclassrooms, discussed in teachers meetings, and they are the basic structure of the standardsdevelopment the whole faculty is working on.


Staff meetings

Classrooms

Interview

The school leadership, including the faculty, decided that all needed to bind together to produce

schoolwide standards in order to more accurately assess student achievement.

Previous WASC Study

Standards Documents

Schoolwide input determined the need for an enhanced and accountable service program to beinstituted. It has been a requirement in the handbook over many years, but it was never systematized,hence energy needed to be given to focus successful outcomes for this part of our expected schoolwidelearning results. This critical need has begun to be met with the onset of this current cycle ofaccreditation.

Handbook

Faculty Meeting Notes

Caritas DiscipleshipHandbook

Service Records

The headmaster has an open door policy for any situation needing discussion for teachers, students, andparents. In order to further enhance faculty/headmaster communication, hour-long scheduled privatemeetings have been implemented during the 2011-12 school year, one per semester.

Surveys

Interviews

Handbooks

Meeting schedule onsecretary calendar


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Findings Evidence

The headmaster includes the staff in the decision-making process. All teachers surveyed agreed theyhave a voice at the school and are part of a collaborative team.

Staff interview

Staff meetings

Individual meetings

The Board members and Headmaster seek the Wisdom of God in prayer as part of the decision makingprocess and beseech Gods grace and blessings upon faculty and students to supply what each needs tofurther the academic and apostolic mission of the Academy.

Interviews


Schedule

Board Handbook

In-Service days are provided on the school calendar for regular school business, as well as periodicprofessional development and completing the Focus on Learning.

School calendar

Meeting Agendas

2011 Basic Computer

2011 Computers in theClassroom -presentations

2010 Writing clinic for allfaculty

2010 Teach like a Champ

The Administration facilitates parent/teacher conferences twice a year, following the First and ThirdQuarter Report Cards. Meetings can be parent or teacher initiated.

School calendars

Conference schedules

The cooperation of the school secretary and three faculty members took on the responsibility to share inthe leadership needs of the school, particularly as organizers of the regular faculty meeting. In orderbring more efficiency and clarity to meeting, and move the school ever forward toward its student-centered goals, an official agenda was created, proposed and adopted. This agenda has been followedfor all regular faculty meetings starting in 2009. It keeps meetings on task and is formulated with theschools action plan in its very architecture.

Faculty Agenda Template


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Staff____________________________________________________

A4 The school leadership and staff are qualified for their assigned responsibilities, are committed to the schools purpose,and engage in ongoing professional development that promotes student learning.

Findings Evidence

Our 18 faculty members have an average of over 27 years experience teaching, with and average of

over 7 years teaching here at St. Augustine Academy. 11 of the 18 faculty members hold higher leveldegrees, Masters or doctorates. Our current headmaster holds a Masters degree in EducationAdministration and regularly attends educational workshops.

Personnel Files

InterviewsDiplomas

Our Mission Statement was revised and the ESLRs were created with input from the teaching staff.Our teachers are committed to helping build well-rounded students academically, spiritually, physically,artistically, emotionally, and who are contributors in their community. The teachers refer to theESLRs in class lessons and in staff meetings. Teachers regularly devote more than the requirednumber of hours in order to meet the needs of the students.

Staff meetings

Lesson plan books

Observations

Anecdotes

All faculty members are encouraged to attend a minimum of one seminar or conference per. Theschool provides a substitute teacher and covers seminar fees up to $150. Postings for many offeringsare found in the faculty lounge, or distributed by the headmaster via e-mail.

Faculty Handbook

Teachers meet yearly with the headmaster to discuss personal educational goals for the year. Headmaster letter/memo

Staff members are involved in ongoing staff development during our faculty meetings and work days.

The administration requests suggestions from the teaching staff each year for speakers and topics ofconcern to the staff.

Staff meetings

Interview

98% of parents surveyed indicated that they feel the staff is qualified for their assigned responsibilitiesand committed to the schools purpose.

Parent Survey


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School Environment______________________________________

A5 The school has a safe, healthy, nurturing environment that reflects the schools purpose and is characterized by respectfor differences, trust, caring, professionalism, support, and high expectations for each student.

Findings Evidence

The small, enclosed campus in a good neighborhood provides a safe arena for education.

Campus is closed and student pick-up is monitored daily. No student walks off campus without a notefrom home and the office. All students signed out by parent/guardian if they leave within the schoolday.

School has a herbicide/pesticide policy for the health of the students filed at school and withlandscaping company.

All visitors are required to check in at the office upon entry to campus.

Students are well supervised on campus throughout the whole day.

Dismissal pass

HandbooksSign-out sheet

Board minutes

Teacher Duty Schedule

The office staff has emergency forms on file for each student which are updated as parents notify theoffice of changes. A copy of each students emergency form is also taken with the students if on afield trip.

The school has well developed emergency procedures. We participate in monthly fire drills as well asrandom earthquake drills.

Medicines are kept under lock and key, and dispensed according to State law requirements.

Handbooks

Emergency forms

Calendars

Medicine Cabinet

Logs

No internet service for students at school protects all students from inappropriate websites. Observation

Teachers are praying with their children in their classes. Observation

Student surveys

Faculty Handbook

Science supplies are locked in cabinets and are carefully monitored by Science teachers. Safety Lab observation


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Findings Evidence

procedures for advanced classes are thoroughly taught and tested at the beginning of each year. Safety Manual in Lab

Student-teacher-headmaster relationships allow the voice of the student to be heard.

Student creativity is encouraged and applauded by teachers, administration, and staff.

Scholarships are provided for students to assist with tuition costs.

Student confidentiality is kept.

All teachers set aside time to assist students in their studies.

Parent/Teacher conferences help ensure that parents are included in the education of their children.

Interview

Scholarships/Financial Aid

Teacheravailability/conference

Interviews

Calendars

The staff meets daily for devotions and prays for general needs of students and their families.

Weekly Mass and confessions.

Prayer chain involving whole school andOra Pro Nobis section of Weekly Blue Envelope.

Broad religious support from area pastors who visit the school and provide sacraments.

Daily Schedule


Mass Calendar/Schedule

The school has court and field facilities for physical education classes and athletics. Playground rulesand expectations, along with faculty supervision, help insure student safety. FacilitiesTeacher Duty Schedule

Staff committee reworked a campus-wide emergency plan, summer 2011. Campus-Wide EmergencyPlan

Focus group planning new Service Program to be implemented Fall 2011 Caritas DiscipleshipHandbook


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School Improvement Process_______________________________

A7 The school leadership facilitates school improvement which (a) is driven by plans of action that will enhance qualitylearning for all students, (b) has school community support and involvement, (c) effectively guides the work of the

school, and (d) provides accountability through monitoring of the schoolwide action plan.

Findings Evidence

The schools action plan was written with input from the staff, students, and administration. Parent andstudent priorities for improvements were collected through a survey. Further input was solicitedthrough general public meetings and private parent-headmaster conferences.

Stakeholders CommitteeParent and student surveys

Interviews

Calendars

Parents support school improvement projects through fundraisers such as the golf-a-thon, e-scrip,auction and mailings, along with other general appeals. Students also support the school annually withtheir fundraiser, the jog-a-thon. Parents also support the Academy with contributions, chaperonage,

and volunteering time.

Handbooks


Auction meeting minutesVolunteer log

Fundraising log

The headmaster facilitates the ongoing improvement of the school through administrative observations,lesson plans, progress reports, report card checks, and consistent grading policies.

Personnel files

Lesson plan books

Student files

Teacher grade books

School information is shared regularly through regularly updated website, email, and Weekly BlueEnvelope as well as periodic newsletters. A headmaster letter is a primary tool of communication andis included in the Weekly Blue Envelope.

School website

Email log


Newsletters


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Findings Evidence

School community involvement includes recent school work days to remodel lab and re-coat driveway.Donations of various items improve appearance and functionality of the school, the chapel and thephysical education program. Extensive volunteer program ensures the maintenance of our aestheticallypleasing and safe environment.


Newsletters

Volunteer log

Observation

Discussions have been had regarding future facility development. On-going extensive developmenthas reached record successes. This year, in particular, we are running a Capital Campaign in order to

eliminate school debt so more money goes into the education of the students.

Board minutes

Capital Campaign

materials.

Development materials


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B Curriculum and Instruction

What Students Learn ______________________________________

B1 The school provides a challenging, coherent, and relevant curriculum for each student that fulfills the schools purpose

and results in student achievement of the expected schoolwide learning results through successful completion of any

course of study offered.

Findings Evidence

The school offers an academically challenging program for all her students. While we do not officiallyoffer honors classes, the students succeeding in the rigor of our program are worthy of honor.Additionally, we require many courses beyond the minimum required for UC system admissions, e.g.,4 years each of science, English, history, math and languages. We also offer Advanced Placementexams for our high school students. As evidence of our rigor, our regular course adequately preparesstudents for this exam. The few students who cannot handle the standard program are suited with IEPs

in order to meet their individual needs while preserving the same requirements of an education beingchallenging, coherent and relevant.

Schedule of classes

Class rosters

Course listings

Scope and Sequence

UCOP a-g documentation

AP Test results

To attain coherence in the curriculum, and particularly coherenceforthe student, the faculty meetsregularly in small departmental groups as well as in a committee of the whole. We often discussand study together all branches of the education. This brings an understanding, awareness of andappreciation for all the related elements of learning to each teacher no matter his specialty. Thisenhances the universal and true nature of a coherent, integrated, liberal arts education.

In Service workshops.

Schedule of classes

Teacher meetings

Interviews

Course work within different subjects complements and reinforces each other. All subjects, includingScience, are taught with an understanding of an eternal Truth which we all are trying to discover.History incorporates essays and English knowledge. The Arts are integrated into regular and extra-curricular programs of study.

Lesson plansObservationsInterviewsMaster schedule

The education is relevant to our Catholic Faith. MOST RECENT SURVEY ON CATHOLICIDENTITY NEEDS TO BE PLACED HERE, UPON COMPLETION OF COLLECTION OF 2011DATE.

Surveys


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Findings Evidence

Emphasis is put on day-to-day application. Math, Science, and English incorporate real-life situationsfor junior high and high school students.

Lesson plansInterviewsObservations

Students score well above the national average on standardized tests. CTBS, PSAT, SAT and APTest Summaries

Textbook series increase coherence of the material for certain subjects and are used when available.Supplemental curricula are adopted as needed.

Text books

Curriculum inventories

Many courses keep material relevant by offering choices of topics on papers and projects. One mannerof teaching, in particular, is relevance at its best the seminar method, where students discuss literatureunder the tutorial guidance of their teacher.

Lesson Plans

Observations

Interviews

Community service opportunities are provided on campus and off, with the help of the student councilarrangements or teacher direction.

Observation

Student Council By Laws

There is a strong formative assessment procedure in place. The daily follow-up, checking forunderstanding through grading the homework, supports the research-based methodology ofconstructivism. The teachers do a thorough job of making sure that scaffolding is in place beforeconstructing new knowledge onto pre-existing knowledge.

Observation

Surveys

Lesson Plans

Faculty interviews

The staff has two scheduled curriculum meetings per year, pre- and post-school year. Additionally, thestaff meets as needed to discuss the curriculum. When meeting, the teachers bring curriculum, current

as well as samples of proposed new curriculum, to be considered for adoption. The ESLRs arereviewed and juxtaposed with the current curriculum. In addition, standardized test scores arereviewed to identify areas of concern. With the exception of a few elective classes, all of the materialsand textbooks, along with the syllabi of the high school classes have been submitted to UCOP forapproval.

Staff meetings

Calendars

UCOP a-g document

We have an updated inventory of current curriculum materials we are using throughout the middleschool/ high school in our Scope and Sequence.

Scope and Sequence.


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How Students Learn______________________________________

B2 The professional staff (a) uses research-based knowledge about teaching and learning; and (b) designs and implementsa variety of learning experiences that actively engage students at a high level of learning consistent with the schools

purpose and expected school-wide learning results.

Findings Evidence

The teachers strive for personal and professional growth and development. All teachers attend on sitein-service learning sessions. A recently adopted policy furthers this development by requiring allteachers to participate yearly in off-site seminars and conferences. The administrator is directing anational curriculum development project and is a member of the Association for Supervision andCurriculum Development.

Teacher in-services

Handbooks

Interviews

Personnel files

100% of parents surveyed indicated the school provides a safe, healthy, nurturing environment -characterized by respect for differences, trust, caring, professionalism, support, and high expectationsfor each student. 95% of parents surveyed indicated that the homework assignments, projects, papersand testing activities are integrated with student learning and are a fair measurement of each studentsprogress.

Parent Survey

The teachers use diverse teaching styles such as teacher-led direct instruction, student-led instruction,technology use in lessons, journaling, modeling, speech presentations, demonstrations, constructivism,problem solving, seminars, brainstorming, laboratory experiments, graphing of data, and computer-

aided lessons, etc.

Observations

Lesson plans

Equipment

Teachers regularly read articles and books to gain research-based knowledge about instructionalmethods, and educational trends, news, etc.

Teachers and Principalsprofessional materials inFaculty Lounge

Teachers assign varying types of assignments such as group projects, individual projects, oralpresentations, and seminars (group discussions). Students are assigned research projects, both group

Observations

Lesson plans


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Findings Evidence

and individual, to deepen their understanding of the topic at hand. Juniors and Seniors write andpublicly defend an extended research paper called a Thesis.

Grade booksJr. and Sr. Thesis papers

Teachers prepare the students to defend their faith as they challenge the way students think byexploring multiple sides of issues such as teaching creation vs. evolution, teaching about otherreligions, and looking at pros and cons of various topics.

Observations

Lesson Plans

Surveys

Teachers incorporate technology into the curriculum and instruction. Hardware and software is

available to strengthen skills and aid in teaching concepts with video experiments, visual aids, etc.

Observations

Lesson plans

Equipment


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C Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth

Student Connectedness____________________________________

C1 Students are connected to a system of support services, activities, and opportunities at the school and within the

community that meet the challenges of the curricular and co-curricular program in order to achieve the expected

schoolwide learning results.

Findings Evidence

Providing on and off campus activities and opportunities to assist students in achieving expectedschoolwide learning results.

Field trips

Chapel

Curriculum, Homework

Teacher files

Test records

Small school environment provides highly individualized learning opportunities. Frequent teacher contact

Tutors/IEPs/Adv. classes

Small classes

Theological virtues are developed within the schools curriculum, prayer life, availability ofsacraments, general code of conduct and community service opportunities, including our partnershipwith Catholic Charities and Ventura County Life Centers.

School calendar

Classroom prayersSpeakers / All Saints

Intellectual virtues are provided for within the variety of courses within the curriculum, teacherattention to individual students, extra courses available periodically (including band, art, drama, music,etc.).

Course list

Report Cards/ Transcripts

Resource teacher


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Findings Evidence

A Parent Survey supports the understanding that the headmaster, board and faculty always work towardschool improvement, maximizing student learning. [98% Agree]

Parent Survey

Study hall and a on-call resource teacher help provide services to students of all abilities. Individualized curriculum

School daily schedule

Moral virtues are being promoted by the atmosphere of the school, from teachers to parents to students.Community service programs, required service hours, recycle programs, student-led clean-up, student

council and sports programs all provide ample opportunities for growth.

Handbook

Student Duty Sheet

Calendar

Volunteer Log

Popular honor roll awards for academic and civic example further promote development of all thevirtues.

Student files


Graduation Day Awards


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Parent/Community Involvement____________________________

C2 The school leadership employs a wide range of strategies to ensure that parental and community involvement isintegral to the schools established support system for students.

Findings Evidence

The core of our Mission is to assist parents in their obligations. Everything else flows from thispurpose.

Mission Statement

Application Packet

Web Site

Parents, relatives and friends are invited to attend weekly masses, various religious events, studentsprograms, and other social events.


Calendars

Handbooks

Three required events each year keep parents abreast of school issues. Orientation (Sept.)

Parent-Board Mtg (Jan.)

Graduation/Awards (May)

A Parent Survey supports the understanding that the headmaster, board and faculty always work towardschool improvement, maximizing student learning. [98% Agree]

Parent Survey

Active fundraising involves all parents annually. The Jog-a-thon involves extensive studentparticipation in order to further their involvement as stakeholders in the school and in their owneducation.

Gala (Fall)

Jog-a-thon (Winter)

Golf-a-thon (Spring)Weekly communication, bi-annual parent teacher conferences, headmaster open-door policy andencourage an open communication among stakeholders.


Handbooks

Our direct mail program sends our approximately 8 mailings per year to all our families and the widercommunity, numbering in the 600 range, to inform them of happenings in the school. Newsletters aresometimes part of this program.

Direct Mailings andNewsletter Archive.


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D Resource Management and Development

Resources______________________________________________

D1 The resources available to the school are sufficient to sustain the school program and are effectively used to carry outthe schools purpose and student achievement of the expected schoolwide learning results.

Findings Evidence

Resources available to the school include tuition revenues and donations, grants, etc. In addition, anundocumented resource is the many hours, talents and activities which the faculty and parents provideabove and beyond their scheduled and expected duties.

Financial Records.

Annual Budget

Fundraising activities include annual Golf-a-thon, Gala dinner auction, and Jog-a-thon. Periodic directmail campaigns are issued (7 in 2010-2011). Headmaster visits benefactors. Board solicits individualand corporate donations.

Calendar

Interview

Direct Mail Archive Book

The school is providing an excellent education, utilizing very effectively all incoming funds. However,salaries should be higher for faculty in order to provide a just wage and retain younger faculty whodesire to make teaching a career while raising a family. Salaries have increased nearly 30% over thelast six years.

Budget

Payroll records

Annual tax returns completed from an outside CPA help us manage funds appropriately. Audit Reports

A Parent Survey indicated that resources available to the school are sufficient to sustain the program.78% of parents agreed with this statement, while zero respondents disagreed, and 22% indicated theydid not know.

Parent Survey

School grounds are maintained in a safe and healthy manner in order to enhance the learningenvironment and ensure the safety of the children. Budget controls allow for ground maintenance andupkeep. Increased enrollment over the last six years has required various modification to accommodatemore students. Consistently increased numbers raise the question of more permanent, larger facilities.Considering this need has reached a critical nature for our institution.

Annual Budget

Financial Records

Student Duty Sheet

New Classroom Wall


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Findings Evidence

Locker/Patio ExpansionLab Remodel

Annual teacher input is solicited for textbook updates or changes, needed classroom materials, and in-service topics. Annual budget and No Child Left Behind funding support these needs.

Annual Budget

Financial Records

Title II and V records.

Accounting practices include on-site personnel and off-site bookkeepers, confirmed annually by

external CPA.

Records and interviews.

The Academy offers (and pays for) teachers professional development opportunities. In-houseprofessional development is also offered periodically.

Annual Calendar

Faculty bulletin board.

Interviews

AP Conference

AP Manuals

Title II and Title V funds.Budgetary decisions are based on the mission of the school first, and secondly, the most pressing need.Those needs are determined by input from parent, staff, and teachers via meetings, on-goingdiscussions, and requests from parents.

Surveys

Budget

Board Minutes


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D2 The governing authority and the school leadership execute responsible resource planning for the future.

Findings Evidence

School administration and board combine efforts to review previous years financials in preparingAnnual Budget for coming year and long range planning.

Interview

Involvement of all stakeholders in the fundraising activities of the Academy. Required participationTuition contract

Reports to all stakeholders, individually and collectively, on the progress of the financial state of theschool and their involvement therein.

Weekly Blue EnvelopeWinter Parent/BoardMeeting

The Board of Governors oversee annual fundraising activities in order to ensure all parties are doingtheir part in making budgetary goals. Board has also begun discussions regarding a new CapitalCampaign to ensure long term functionability and sustainability of both campus facilities and facultysalaries.

Board Minutes

Campaign Materials

The Academy adopted use of Tuition Contracts for planning purposes for both families and the school. Tuition Contracts


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Summary

Saint Augustine Academy is meeting the criteria that were set forward in this Focus on Learninginstrument. The school is continuing to grow and expand. This Focus on Learning project wasundertaken with the goal of school improvement. Overall strengths and areas for growth wereidentified and are listed below.

Overall Strengths

1.Safe, healthy and joyful environment for learning.2.Excellent religious program and opportunities.3.Small class size affords more personal attention.4.Sound academic program resulting in high achievement.5.Positive role models in our very committed teachers.6.Faculty and administration committed to ongoing improvement.

Overall Areas for Growth

1.Continue to utilize assessment data to drive instructional decisions and develop essentiallearnings (standards) for all core subjects with specific measurable benchmarks.

2.Develop classical program and expand principle aim of teaching according to the liberal arts ofgrammar, logic and rhetoric.

3.Formulate and implement an ongoing and systematized Service Program to further enhance theschools mission to inculcate the moral and theological virtues.

4. Study the feasibility and need for further Campus Development, as the projections demand forthe next decade.