Our Lady of Mountcarmelschoolstrategic Plan

Our Lady of Mount CarmelSchool Strategic Plan

DRAFT 3

August 20, 2009

Our Lady of MountCarmelSchoolStrategic Plan

2009-2012

Mission Statement

“Let the little children come to me.”

Mark 10:13

We walk in faith

We learn without end

We care for and treasure all

We are the family of God

Goals:

To cultivate respect for all God’s creatures
To provide the highest quality education in a diverse educational environment that will empower our students to develop their God-given talents
To provide our students with experiences and activities that will enable them to assume a value-centered role in society

Belief Statement

Grounded in faith all are nourished by one another in Jesus Christ

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is a place of learning where staff and children are respected for their cultural diversity, accepted as individuals, and nurtured with loving care.

We encourage our students to make decisions and accept responsibilities that will develop them into well-rounded, self-confident, and responsible members of the world community who are grounded in the values of Jesus. While recognizing the individual differences within the learning process, we endeavor to teach academic skills, to inspire creativity, and to measure excellence through varied instruction and assessment. We are striving with the compassion of the Gospels to respect the varied cultures within and beyond the community.

Philosophy

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School has, throughout its eighty year history, served the parish and the surrounding community. Grounded in faith – administration, faculty, families, and students are nourished by one another in the strength of our source of life: Jesus Christ. Rooted in His teachings, we are committed to the values of His Church and its tradition.

As a total school community, with the support of the Pastor and the parents/guardians, we realize the importance of educating the child spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. As educators, we strive to provide a safe, stable, nurturing, and healthy environment where growth in all areas is possible. While recognizing the individual differences within the learning process, we endeavor to teach the basic skills and inspire creativity and excellence through varied instruction and assessment.

We strive to understand the varied cultures of our school community and respond to their needs with the compassion of the Gospels. We encourage our students to make decisions and to accept responsibilities that will develop them into well-rounded, reliable, self-confident and responsible citizens of the world who are grounded in the values of Jesus Christ.

Profile of a Graduate of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

A graduate of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School must be prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century in the following areas:

Vision in Faith

Age appropriate knowledge of the Scriptures
Continuing to develop a relationship with God
Has a feeling for what is sacred
Active participant in liturgy/theological celebrations

Values

Honest/person of integrity
Respect for self and others
Demonstrates a compassionate attitude toward others
Reverence for the sacredness of the earth as our home

Education

Possesses a desire to become a life-long learner
Willing to be challenged academically
Self-motivated in the educational area
Utilizes research skills
Is an active problem-solver

Member of a Global Community

Appreciative and respectful of cultural diversity
Thinks in global terms especially on issues of social justice
Treasures the foundation and beliefs of democracy

Technology

Has a basic knowledge of/ hand on experience with the computer, including programs such as Word, Power Point, and Excel
Possesses the ability to type at an elementary level
Utilizes and respects the Internet as a medium for research
Has hands-on experience with Smart Boards and the like
Understands how i-pods/i-phones are able to interact with pod casts and how they serve to assist in learning.

Academic Objectives and Strategies

Vision

Each student will be able to perform effectively, according to ability, in a spiritually and academically challenging environment

Objective 1: Curriculum Improvement

Teachers will be given the time and the tools to work cooperatively to improve instruction. Success will be measured by class performance and proficiency assessment.

Strategies:

Time will be designated to permit teachers to meet to establish more consistency between grades in the curriculum and classroom standards.
Curriculum committees will be re-established and curriculum coordinators assigned to consult with the faculty on curricula matters, including the implementation of existing curricula, the development and assessment of new curricula and the development of flow charts in the areas of language arts, math

and Religion.

A Kindergarten Science program and Social Studies program will be

implemented.

Expansion of learning methods and experiences through the increased use of field trips, learning games and cooperative learning
Teachers will be encouraged to attend more workshops in Science and Math to ensure that students are taught grade-appropriate scientific and mathematical principles within the guidelines established by the Diocese of Trenton and the State of New Jersey.
A family life curriculum will be developed.

Objective 2: Increase Integration of Technology in the Curriculum

Student learning will be enhanced by the use of technology integrated in every area of the curriculum

Strategies

Increase use of computers and Smartboards including the assignment of web searches, computer projects, Publisher projects, and Power Point projects in every grade.
Regular weekly access to the computer room will be available to each class to ensure that students gain proficiency in Internet-based research

Academic Objectives and Strategies Continued

Objective 3: Improvement of the Math Program

The Math Program will be enhanced by placing greater emphasis on problem solving and applications while continuing to reinforce basic skills. Various forms of assessment will be used to measure success.

Strategies:

The use of hands-on manipulatives will be implemented in all classes.
Mastery of basic math facts will be emphasized in the lower grades.

Objective 4: Improvement of the Language Arts Program

The Language Arts Program will be enhanced by inclusion of supplemental materials in all grades to improve student reading and by placing greater emphasis on student writing in the upper grades. Various forms of assessment will measure success.

Strategies:

Student reading will be enriched through the inclusion of supplemental materials at all grade levels and the use of accelerated reader.
Ninety minute reading blocks and grouping by ability will be used to improve student reading proficiency.
Literature circles will be used for reading and writing in grades 6, 7, and 8.
An increased focus will be placed on student writing in all grades with an increased focus on phonics in the younger grades.

Academic Objectives and Strategies Continued

Objective 5: Increased Parental/Guardian Involvement

Parents/guardians will be encouraged to become more involved in their children’s academic progress through an outreach program.

Strategies:

Presentations will be made to acquaint parents with grade –specific expectations
Study skills will be taught to parents and students early in the school year (September/October) to reinforce organizational skills taught in the classroom.
Parents will be encouraged to become more involved in student activities and with the PTA.

Academic Action Items

Objective 1: Curriculum Improvement

Teachers will be given the time and the tools to work cooperatively to improve instruction. Success will be measured by class performance and proficiency assessment

Strategy / 1.1 Time will be designated to permit teachers to meet to establish more consistency between grades in curricula and classroom standards.
Actions / Schedule time in faculty meetings and after school meetings for decision making in these areas.
Responsibility / Sr. Jude Boyce, SSJ and the curriculum coordinators
Date for
Completion / June, 2010,2011,2012
Resources Needed / Time
Indicators of Success / Minutes of each meeting
Current
Status / Re-initiated
Strategy / 1.2 Curriculum committees will be established and curriculum coordinators assigned to consult with the faculty on curricula matters, including the implementation of existing curricula, the development and assessment of new curricula, and the development of flow charts in the areas of Religion, Math and Language Arts
Actions / During curricula meetings, the above items for these subjects will be discussed and worked upon.
Responsibility / Curriculum coordinators
Date for
Completion / June 2012
Resources Needed / Time and the curriculums needed
Indicators of Success / Completed flow charts, choices of new reading series and shared methods in these areas
Current
Status / On-going
Strategy / 1.3 A Kindergarten Science and Social Studies program will be implemented.
Actions / Order Weekly Reader each year.
Use little books presently in the classroom
Responsibility / Kindergarten teacher
Date for
Completion / October 1, 2009, 2010, 2011
Resources Needed / Money needed for the weekly reader subscription.
Indicators of Success / Use of resources observed in the classroom and in plan book.
Current
Status / New initiative for Kindergarten
Strategy / 1.4 Expansion of learning methods and experiences through the increased use of field trips, learning games and cooperative learning.
Actions / Increased planning using methods above.
Responsibility / Classroom and special teachers
Date for
Completion / On-going, June 2012
Resources Needed / Money, workshop for teachers in cooperative learning
Indicators of Success / Varied methods observed and indicated in plan books
Current
Status / On-going
Strategy / 1.5 Teachers will be encouraged to attend more workshops in Science and Math to ensure that students are taught grade-appropriate scientific and mathematical principles within the guidelines established by the Diocese of Trenton and the State of New Jersey
Actions / Encourage and provide information on workshops
Responsibility / Professional Development Coordinator
Date for
Completion / On-going
Resources Needed / Brochures/ Title IIA monies
Indicators of Success / Report from faculty on new learnings and copy of certificated earned at workshop in personnel file
Current
Status / New initiative
Strategy / 1.6 A family life curriculum will be developed.
Actions / Exploration of various publishers for materials; use by religion teachers as part of the curriculum.
Responsibility / Sr. Joanne Tarpey, RSM and religion teachers
Date for
Completion / June 2010
Resources Needed / Money and resource material in family life curriculum
Indicators of Success / Lesson plans monthly
Current
Status / New initiative

Academic Action Items

Objective 2: Increase Integration of Technology in the Curriculum

Student learning will be enhanced by the use of technology integrated in every area of the curriculum.

Strategy / 2.1Increase use of computers and Smartboards including the assignment of web searches, computer projects, Publisher projects, and Power Point projects in every grade.
Actions / A weekly use of above assignments with a monthly long term project assigned to classes in one subject a month.
Responsibility / Classroom teachers, Mrs. Krook, Sr. Jude Boyce, SSJ
Date for
Completion / On-going
Resources Needed / Technology planning with the integration of the curriculum; use of computer room in the times available.
Indicators of Success / Completed projects displayed for school at a Technology fair.
Current
Status / On-going
Strategy / 2.2 Regular weekly access to the computer room will be available to each class to ensure that students gain proficiency in Internet-based research
Actions / Schedule an extra period for each class in the computer room.
Responsibility / Mrs. Krook
Date for
Completion / September 2009, 2010, 2011
Resources Needed / Time and Schedule
Indicators of Success / Same as Strategy # 2.1
Current
Status / On-going

Academic Action Items

Objective 3: Improvement of the Math Program

Strategy / 3.1 The use of hands-on manipulatives will be implemented in all classes
Actions /

Organize manipulatives foe easier use by using bags for units;
Initiate a 3M Club: Math Manipulatives Managers-children.

Responsibility / Math coordinator and 3M Club
Date for
Completion / September 2009, 2010, and 2011
Resources Needed / Math Manipulatives and Student Volunteers
Indicators of Success / Increased use of manipulative observed and indicated in planning.
Current
Status / New initiative
Strategy / 3.2 Mastery of basic math facts will be emphasized in the lower grades
Actions / Develop a check list for each student based on flow charts for Math
Responsibility / Math Curriculum committee
Date for
Completion / June 2010
Resources Needed / Completed flow charts in Math
Indicators of Success / Checklists completed and used by each teacher in June 2010,2011, 2012
Current
Status / New initiative

Academic Action Items

Objective 4: Improvement of the Language Arts Program

Strategy / 4.1 Student reading will be enriched through the inclusion of supplemental materials at all grade levels and the use of accelerated reader.
.
Actions / Assignment of novel reading during Christmas, Easter and summer reading. Use of novels for grades through third to eight. Every grade will use accelerated reader program
Responsibility / Language Arts teachers; Language Arts Coordinator
Date for
Completion / June 2010
Resources Needed / Library books, novel series, accelerated reader program
Indicators of Success / Book reports or other assessment by grade; use of planning in plan book; reading lists for vacations.
Current
Status / On-going
Strategy / 4.2 Ninety minute reading blocks and grouping by ability will be used to improve student reading proficiency.
Actions / Appropriate reading schedules set up; groupings used in classrooms.
Responsibility / Sr. Jude Boyce, SSJ and the Language Arts teachers
Date for
Completion / June 2012
Resources Needed / Schedules and reading materials
Indicators of Success / Increase in Terra Nova scores in reading: 2% per year
Current
Status / On-going
Strategy / 4.3 Literature circles will be used for reading and writing in grades 6, 7, and 8
Actions / Reading circles by grade level and ability
Responsibility / Language Arts Teacher monitoring with follow-up in journals and reports.
Date for
Completion / Spring 2010-2011
Resources Needed / Novels and supplemental reading materials purchased for each grade level.
Indicators of Success / Performance on student tests and continued student involvement.
Current
Status / New initiative
Strategy / 4.4 An increased focus will be placed on student writing in all grades with an increased focus on phonics in the younger grades.
Actions / Writing journals will be used weekly. Schedules of types of writing to be accomplished each trimester.
Responsibility / Language Arts Coordinator and Language Arts teachers
Date for
Completion / On-going
Resources Needed / Journals and lists of types of writing to be done each trimester.
Indicators of Success / Accomplishment of writing instrument of the Terra Nova by 2012 with 50% of 3 or 4 achievement.
Current
Status / New initiative

Academic Action Items

Objective 5: Increased Parental/Guardian Involvement

Parents/guardians will be encouraged to become more involved in their children’s academic progress through an outreach program.

Strategy / 5.1 Presentations will be made to acquaint parents with grade –specific expectations
Actions / To be presented at back to school night by each classroom teacher.
Reinstate the 2nd Cup of Coffee Café for parents/guardians.
Responsibility / Teachers, Parental Involvement Coordinator
Date for
Completion / On-going
Resources Needed / Time, teacher input for planning of topic and information
Indicators of Success / Sign-in sheets for parents/guardians; survey on topics for parents/guardians
Current
Status / On-going as to back-to school night; reinstate the 2nd Cup of Coffee Café
Strategy / 5.2 Study skills will be taught to parents and students early in the school year (September/October) to reinforce organizational skills taught in the classroom
Actions / Schedule two- hour workshop for parents and guardians
Responsibility / Interested teacher: Parental Involvement Coordinator
Date for
Completion / June 2011
Resources Needed / Study Skills Curriculum
Indicators of Success / Attendance sheet
Current
Status / New initiative
Strategy / 5.3 Parents will be encouraged to become more involved in student activities and with the PTA
Actions / To obtain a volunteer to be the Volunteer Parent/Guardian Coordinator to work with the Faculty Parental Involvement Coordinator in order to have more parents involved.
Responsibility / Sr. Jude Boyce, SSJ and the Faculty Involvement Coordinator
Date for
Completion / August 2010
Resources Needed / Honeywell call system
Indicators of Success / Increased parental involvement sign-in sheets
Current
Status / New initiative

Administration Objectives and Strategies

Vision

Through the spiritual and academic guidance of the pastor and the principal, a learning environment will continue to develop where faculty, staff, and students will grow as members of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School community.

Objective 1: Professional Development

The administration will present diverse in-house professional development opportunities to be used across the curriculum. Teachers will consistently employ these strategies in order to ensure student success, performance, and/or achievement by building on these skills from year to year. Success will be measured by multiple assessments

Strategy:

Provide in-house professional development opportunities in conjunction with an ongoing process of identification of areas of need and evaluation of development.

Objective 2: Delegation of Responsibility

In order to be free to more fully focus on the critical aspects of her job and to more fully recognize the faculty as important stakeholders in the growth and success of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, the principal will delegate more responsibilities to appropriate members of the faculty.

Strategy:

The principal will meet with the faculty to identify tasks appropriate for delegation.

Objective 3: Ensure Adequate Prep Time

The administration will review for the need for a regular substitute to ensure that teachers don’t lose prep time because they are needed to substitute

Strategy: