Dear Friends of Saint Joseph School:

On behalf of the Saint Joseph School Board, it is my pleasure to present you with the updated Strategic Plan (2010-2015).
Using the Archdiocese of Hartford’s “Common Threads” publication, including the “We Will” statements, the school board and committees have worked on creating the plan since September 2010.  The work included writing objectives, action steps and timelines for the goals, resulting in the final document.

We were given many tools with which to work.  In addition to guidance from the Office of Catholic Schools and “Common Threads”, committees used the following resources:
• Saint Joseph School mission statement, history, philosophy
• Strategic Plan 2005-2010
• Saint Joseph School Advancement Plan
• Saint Joseph School Technology Plan
• Policy Manuals for Office of Catholic Schools and Saint Joseph School
• Parent Satisfaction Survey (2009-10)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Recommendations

The Saint Joseph School Board is a consultative board to Father Shawn Daly and Principal Kathy Spencer.  While the school falls under policy guidelines directly from the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Office of Catholic Schools, the responsibilities of the school board include:
• Adoption and review of the school’s mission statement;
• Formulation and implementation of an Advancement program;
• Adopting and review of the school’s operational budget;
• Evaluation of the Board, School Mission Statement, Goals, Policies and Principal;
• Planning – creating and updating a 3-5 year strategic plan.

I encourage you to read through the plan, noting the various committees, core values, goals, objectives and action steps.  It is through these avenues that we will continue to lead Saint Joseph School into the future, while educating the whole child…spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.  You can trust that with our committee driven structure, the plan will continue to be reviewed and modified as needed.

Many thanks are extended to the Saint Joseph School Board and all Committee members who worked together to create this document. We welcome any feedback that you may have regarding the long term plan.  If you are interested in serving on any committee, please contact any school board member, Father Shawn Daly or Principal Kathy Spencer.

We pray for God’s continued guidance and blessings as we move forward in making Saint Joseph School the leading Catholic elementary school in central Connecticut.

Sincerely,

Rosanne P. Ford
Saint Joseph School Board Chairperson

The Saint Joseph School Five Year Strategic Plan is a blueprint of our hopes, dreams – and plans –for the students whose families trust us to provide their children with the best possible Catholic education. Our goal is to ensure that every Saint Joseph School graduate is prepared not only to succeed in high school, but also to succeed in life as spiritually strong individuals committed to serving God by doing their best to make our world better for everyone.

This plan is not, and never will be, completed. The many men and women who crafted this document intend it to change and grow along with the needs of our school; acknowledging our success in meeting various goals and, just as importantly, setting new goals that build upon our achievements. The success of this plan depends entirely on the commitment of the Saint Joseph School community to not only work together to meet the various goals described here, but also to continuously review and update this plan as needed. We welcome your involvement! Please let us know what you think of our efforts and let us know what you can do to help Saint Joseph School be the best it can be now and for generations to come.

The Five-Year Strategic Plan encompasses six major areas: Advancement, Curriculum, Parish Relationships; School Board, Administration, and Nominating. Each section of the plan was developed by committees whose membership included representatives of the Saint Joseph School Board, teachers, parents and parishioners who have an interest and expertise in the various issues under consideration. Please take a few minutes to read this summary. Those interested in more in-depth information, including the process used to develop various facets of the plan, are invited to follow the links.
 

Father Shawn T. Daly, Pastor                                                                              Mrs. Kathy Spencer, Principal
 

• We will cultivate a welcoming environment for current and prospective families as well as the broader community.
Saint Joseph School is committed to identifying, and working to remove possible barriers to reaching this goal, such as language differences, and seeking creative ways to attract new families to our school, keeping them engaged in our community, and retaining them. To that end, the school advancement office is creating and distributing marketing materials, school administrators are implementing and expanding the Advisor Family and Parent Ambassador programs, and the school administration, faculty and school board are working together to host open houses and other special events to educate prospective families. Also, the school promptly responds to any inquiries and urges parents and students to talk about the many positive aspects of our school. The success of our efforts will be measured by, among other things, our enrollment numbers and retention rates.

• We will work with the Office of Catholic Schools and the community to ensure that effective advancement efforts are made at the local level to create mission-driven methods of fund-raising.
Tuition does not cover the entire cost of educating Saint Joseph students. In addition to tuition, Saint Joseph School relies on fundraising conducted by the Home and School Parent-School Association, the efforts of the school’s advancement office, support from alumni and donations by friends of our school. Keeping our school financially healthy depends on the generosity and hard work of many people and, to that end, it is critically important to create and maintain excellent relationships with friends of our school, and to continue to develop creative fundraising ideas and programs.
Ongoing efforts include: formalizing a “wish list” of school needs, and their costs, that may appeal to donors, and appropriately referencing the Saint Joseph School Mission Statement in thank you letters and other communications to current and prospective donors. The “wish list” will be included in the annual appeal letter and in other communications with current and prospective donors. The success of our efforts will be measured, among other things, by school financial reports.

• We will seek increased visibility and support in area parishes without schools so that our schools are more accessible to all those seeking a Catholic education.
We will identify area churches, including non-Catholic churches, that do not have schools and make them a focus of our recruitment efforts. Our efforts will include sharing marketing materials and forming relationships with these parishes and encourage them to refer potential families to Saint Joseph School. Also, we will continue to encourage current Saint Joseph School families to promote our school within their circles of influence, such as their workplaces, civic organizations to which they belong, and their families and friends. Our success will be measured by, among other things, our enrollment figures and inquiries regarding our school.

• We will pursue grants and corporate support in the local community for our school.
We will educate the public about all Saint Joseph School has to offer by providing information and marketing materials to local service clubs, civic organizations and businesses, and by hosting open houses, tours and meetings for their members. We will continue to inform parents and parishioners of the Matching Gift program offered by many employers and streamline the process to make donating to our school easier. We will continue to cultivate local contributors to our school, especially those with a history of supporting Catholic elementary schools.

• We will implement an aggressive advancement program for our school that utilizes best practice processes for marketing and development.
Our goal is to promote the strengths/benefits of Saint Joseph School via a strategic marketing and communication program (such as the OCS marketing tool kit) supported by the school and parish community. To that end, we will continue to maintain, update and improve the Saint Joseph School website (www.sjs-meriden.org), and look into the feasibility of providing links between the school and Saint Joseph parish websites. Also, we will establish a Marketing Committee to include members of both the school and business communities, and look for ways to improve our alumni/school newsletter as a marketing/development tool.

• We will collaborate with other schools and with the Office of Catholic Schools on how best to obtain the necessary funding to meet the strategic needs of our schools.
We will continue to send representatives to the “Casual Conversations” sessions offered by Office of Catholic Schools in order to share ideas and best practices. Furthermore, we will collaborate with other schools in other types of meetings/workshops offered by the Office of Catholic Schools in order to pursue networking opportunities. The success of our efforts will measured, by among other things, our financial reports.

• We will enhance our school’s presence in the broader community via newsletters, local media, parish bulletins, an effective Web site, community service and involvement in the life of area parishes.
We will identify the Saint Joseph School targeted audience, and aggressively increase the visibility of the school in those areas. Our efforts include: identifying resources to evaluate the school website, and recommend/implement revisions; evaluating the newsletter and other communication tools, and implementing revisions and assessing time and means of distribution. To that end, Saint Joseph School is negotiating with a web design firm and working with an outside consultant to complete a video to be posted on our website and used as a marketing tool. Marketing materials, including design, will be reviewed and revised as necessary each year.

• We will develop outreach efforts to promote the benefits of Catholic school education for a more diverse audience, including people of other faiths, cultures and socioeconomic status.
We have created, and will update as necessary, a brochure illustrating the strengths/benefits of Saint Joseph School for both Catholic and non-Catholic families, highlighting the diversity of our school population and our commitment to respecting the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of all of our students. All of our outreach/marketing efforts, including the website, newsletters, video, open houses, community meetings and programs will reflect this commitment.  We will formally evaluate and, as necessary, revise our efforts to meet this goal on an annual basis.

 Curriculum

• We will work with the Office of Catholic Schools to nurture the journey of faith with educational and formational programs that extend over the continuum of early childhood through secondary education.
Saint Joseph School will provide a religious education program that offers continuity for students from one year to the next. Our goals include continuing a “buddy program” that provides opportunities for collaboration and friendship among students of different ages and faiths. Each grade in the school will participate in at least one religious based activity with their assigned buddy grade each year. Participation will be measured by the completion of an accountability form by each homeroom teacher. The number of religious activities pursued under this program is to increase each year.

• We will provide opportunities for teachers to form collaborative teams to share ideas, best practices, and creative teaching methods.
The Saint Joseph School Board will support the principal in the process of forming collaborative educational teams by, among other things, forming a Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) planning committee to support and advise the principal in development of effective PLC’s. This committee will meet as needed, at a minimum twice a year.

• We will implement an Archdiocesan, standards-based curriculum to ensure that each student meets or exceeds the expected performance outcomes and that learning objectives flow seamlessly from grade to grade and course to course, safeguarding against gaps and redundancy in the learning process.
Our goal is to provide teachers with the time they need to discuss and exchange ideas for closing gaps and eliminating redundancies within the curriculum across the grades in our school.
 

• We will train and motivate educators to employ technology throughout the curriculum.

Our goals include: providing ongoing in-service opportunities for teachers and staff to update their technological skills; assisting teachers in planning technology projects that support and enhance their curriculum; and recognizing educators’ successes in implementing technology into their curriculum. We will work to achieve these goals by inviting the school technology integration coordinator and other presenters to plan professional development sessions to train faculty and staff on the use of new technology applications. Teachers will complete self-assessments in order to better understand their level of skill and comfort with technology and to assist in planning and implementing appropriate training sessions.
 

• We will invest in upgrading technology on a regular basis so that our students are fully prepared to become responsible contributors to our changing global society.

The Saint Joseph School technology committee will continually review and revise the technology plan, hardware and software to adjust for teaching students not only what to use but how and why to use evolving information technology.
 

Parish Relationships

• We will ensure that the school’s mission statement embraces its Catholic identity, including Christian humanism, Christian relationships and global solidarity, as well as the unique charism of the institution.
The Saint Joseph School Board will establish a committee of parents, students, faculty, and representatives of the school board and Parish Council to review the school’s mission statement annually, identifying the inclusion or exclusion of the characteristics of Christian humanism, Christian relationships and local and global solidarity, as well as the unique charism of the institution. Furthermore, we recognize parents/guardians as the primary educators of their children.

• We will actively integrate the school community, including parents, into the ongoing life of the parish.
Our goals include promoting the integration of religious instruction, active participation in weekly Mass attendance, and service to other parish community activities, and increasing social activities for the youth of the school and parish. To that end, we will provide school and religious education families, including Confirmation students, with a list of possible seasonal outreach projects and social activities within the parish community each year. We will provide information about these events by issuing printed notices and updating information on our website.
 

School Board

• We will create, execute and maintain a multiyear strategic plan for our school that is reviewed and updated annually.
Saint Joseph School Board goals include: identifying needs of the school; recruiting individuals from diverse backgrounds/constituencies to assist with planning; setting realistic goals, objectives, action steps, timelines and measurement tools to track success; annually reviewing plans and evaluating progress, and making needed changes.

• We will work with the Office of Catholic Schools (OCS) to encourage our school board to assume a leadership role in planning, advancement, marketing, and financial and facilities management to ensure a healthy & safe learning environment for our students.
The Saint Joseph School Board is committed to keeping its members, our Principal and Pastor informed of partnering/training opportunities with OCS in order to match school needs with OCS resources. The board will continue to implement a committee driven structure, and encouraging all board members to serve on at least one committee; and match the needs of the school board with individuals who have an expertise and/or strong interest in those areas.

• We will empower every person in our school community to embrace the role of Ambassador, utilizing positive word of mouth as a powerful advancement tool.
Members of the Saint Joseph School Board will involve administration, faculty, volunteers, staff, students, parents, grandparents, parishioners and alumni in advancing the mission of Saint Joseph School. As individuals, we will take advantage of opportunities to educate the public about our school, and encouraging others in the school and parish community to do the same. We will continue to support ongoing efforts to promote our school, and encourage the exploration and implementation of new ideas.
 
 

Administration

• We will seek collaboration of thought and sharing of resources among our Catholic schools.
Our principal will collaborate with area Catholic elementary school leaders to plan effective PLC’s (Professional Learning Communities) to allow for the sharing of skills, strategies, experiences, and talents among teachers. Furthermore, the principal will work with the Meriden Board of Education to find a no-cost solution to provide bus transportation on early dismissal days to allow for weekly PLC meetings.

• We will display key symbols of the Catholic faith within our school and, when possible, hire qualified personnel who are ordained in the Roman Catholic Church or are members of consecrated religious communities.
Our immediate goal is to seek estimates for a new sign for the front of the building to promote our school and its activities and programs. Also, the principal will select an annual school theme that is consistent with and supportive of our Catholic faith. The 2010-2011 theme, as suggested by Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford, Mr. Dale Hoyt, is “Celebrate your student’s aspirations!” This theme will be used on written materials used by Saint Joseph School and the School Board. The school will continue to proudly proclaim our Catholic faith by the prominent placement of religious symbols throughout our school and provide our children with qualified teachers.

• We will work with the Office of Catholic Schools to attract, retain, and reward professionally qualified, committed teachers, administrators, and staff.
Saint Joseph School administration and the school board will support teachers in their efforts to obtain their state certifications or Masters’ degrees, and our principal will seek funding sources to pay for their college courses.  Professional development opportunities will be discussed with individual teachers as a part of the teacher annual review in June.

• We will educate parents and other members of the school community in order to build an effective lobby for additional local, state and federal funding on behalf of Catholic school education.
Our goal is to develop a deeper relationship between Saint Joseph School parents and Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents. Among other things, the head of this organization will be invited to address members of the Home School Association, and we will encourage communication and collaboration between the two groups by posting information and memos from the Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents on the Edline parent portal.
 
 

Nominating

• We will establish committee-driven school boards whose membership is drawn from a multitude of constituencies, including but not limited to priests, religious, parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners, friends and business leaders

The Saint Joseph School Board will provide ongoing and frequent opportunities for new members to join and/or work on our various committees. Our continued success depends on new ideas, and the commitment of a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and experience to share their time and expertise.

Advancement Committee

Committee: Advancement

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal: 
We will…cultivate a welcoming environment for current and prospective families as well as the broader community.

Goal #: 1

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

1. To identify possible barriers, such as language;
2. To identify creative ways to draw families to SJS, engaging and retaining them.
Action Steps:
1. Create and distribute marketing materials targeting the barrier groups (language);
2. Provide a welcoming atmosphere through peer mentors and peer families;
3. Open Houses and other special events to educate prospective families (High School Information Night);
4. Prompt replies to any inquiries.

TOOL: Inquiries, Enrollment numbers, Retention rates

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Review/revise events annually (removing ineffective ones and trying new approaches);

Other action steps ongoing.
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will…partner with the Office of Catholic Schools and the community to ensure that effective advancement efforts are made at the local level to create mission-driven methods of fund-raising.

Goal #: 2

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

      1. To assess the SJS Strategic Plan in relationship to revenue generation to support
         the school;
      2. To formalize a “wish list” with appropriate dollar suggestions that may have appeal
          to certain givers.
 

Action Steps:
1. In “thank you” messages to donors, refer to appropriate sections of the SJS mission statement.
2. Include “wish list” information in Annual Appeal letters and other communications with current and potential donors.

TOOL: Financial reports

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Begin both immediately, and then ongoing.
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will…seek increased visibility and support in area parishes without schools so that our schools are more accessible to all those seeking a Catholic education.

Goal #: 4

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

To identify area churches without schools (both Catholic and non-Catholic) for future recruitment focus.

Action Steps:
1. Create a contact list of area churches to share marketing materials, and form relationships with them to obtain referrals of potential families;
2. Encourage current SJS families to promote the school in their circles of influence (work, hobbies, volunteer commitments, etc.).

TOOL: Inquiries; Enrollment figures.
 

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Both ongoing
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will…pursue grants and corporate support in the local community for our school.

Goal #: 5

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

1. To increase awareness of St. Joseph School and its strengths and benefits among key community members and businesses in the city;
2. Increase awareness of the Matching Gift program;
3. Create workable strategies to identify funding opportunities.

Action Steps:
1. Introduce SJS to residents & businesses by hosting Open Houses, tours, meetings and providing information to local service clubs and organizations;
2. Inform parents/parishioners of the Matching Gift programs, & streamline process;
3. Concentrate on local funders, especially those with a history of gifts to Catholic elementary schools.

TOOL: Financial reports, Inquiries

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

1. & 2. – Ongoing
3.  Begin by Nov. 1st, 2010

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility    Advancement

State Goal: 
We will… We will implement an aggressive advancement program for our school that utilizes best practice processes for marketing and development.

Goal #: 2

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

1. To promote the strengths/benefits of SJS via a strategic marketing and communication program supported by the school and parish community;
2. To promote/market the school electronically by maintaining the SJS website (www.sjs-meriden.org).

Action Steps:
1. Establish a Marketing Committee including members of both the school and business communities;
2. Promote SJS strengths, the “Top Ten”, newsletter, etc.;
3. Investigate a link between the school and parish websites, to promote and complement each other and increase activity at each site.

TOOL: Financial reports, Inquiries, Enrollment.

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Review and revise website annually (begin October, 2010) and complete by Feb. 2011.

Other action steps ongoing.

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility    Advancement

State Goal: 
We will…collaborate with other schools and with the Office of Catholic Schools on how best to obtain the necessary funding to meet the strategic needs of our schools.

Goal #: 3

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

To continue to send representatives to the “Casual Conversations” sessions offered by OCS during the summer, where ideas and best practices may be shared.

Action Steps:
1. Investigate/collaborate with other schools in meetings/workshops offered by OCS in addition to “Casual Conversations”;
2. Utilize all OCS resources such as workshops and meetings for networking opportunities.

TOOL: Financial Reports

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Ongoing.

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility    Advancement

State Goal: 
We will…enhance our school’s presence in the broader community via newsletters, local media, parish bulletins, an effective Web site, community service and involvement in the life of the parish(es).

Goal #: 4

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

To identify the SJS targeted audience, and aggressively increase the visibility of the school in those areas.
 

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)
1. Identify resources to evaluate the website, and recommend/implement revisions;
2. Evaluate the newsletter and other communication tools, implement revisions and assess time and means of distribution.

TOOL: Inquiries, Enrollment.
 

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Negotiations currently underway with a design firm (Oct. 2010);

Video to be completed by Spring, 2011; Marketing materials to be reviewed/revised annually.

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal: 
We will…develop outreach efforts to promote the benefits of Catholic school education for a more diverse audience, including people of other faiths, cultures and socioeconomic status.

Goal #: 3

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

To create/update a brochure illustrating the strengths/benefits of SJS, marketing to families (both Catholic and non-Catholic) with supporting materials directed to non-Catholics and diverse populations.

Action Steps:
1. Identify diverse groups/organizations, utilizing them as an additional vehicle to deliver (i.e. via the brochure) the SJS message, including doctors’ offices, Chamber of Commerce, pre-schools, businesses, etc.;
2. Utilize the SJS Parent Ambassadors;
3. Meet/greet and/or brief presentations at pre-schools;
4. Display brochures in the church, at entrances or on bulletin boards;
5. Utilize SJS bookmarks, and a video currently being created.

TOOL: Enrollment numbers; Retention rates.

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Brochure currently being updated with professional assistance, on or before Nov 5, 2010; to be reviewed and revised annually thereafter.

Other action steps ongoing.

Committee: Curriculum Committee

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will partner with the Office of Catholic Schools to nurture the journey of faith with educational and formational programs that extend over the continuum of early childhood through secondary education.

Goal #: 2

Objective:
To establish a religious education program that provides continuity for students from one year to the next.

Action Steps:

Develop a “buddy program” that develops collaboration between students of different ages or faiths.
• Complete, at least, one religious based activity per year. Each grade will complete the activity with their assigned buddy grade. (i.e. Stations of the Cross)
• Distribute an accountability form to track religious based activities, per homeroom teacher as a measurement tool.

Timeline:

This goal is to be established by the end of the 2011/2012 school year.
Each year, the number of activities should increase and lead to further religious involvement between different age groups throughout the school.
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity    Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will provide opportunities for teachers to form collaborative teams to share ideas, best practices, and creative teaching methods.

Goal #: 1

Objective:
To support the principal in the process of forming collaborative educational teams.

Action Steps:

Form a PLC planning committee to support and advise the principal in development of effective PLCs.  Measurement tool:  list of meeting dates with PLC planning committee.

Timeline:

This goal will be completed on a cyclical basis.  The PLC planning committee will meet as needed, with a minimum of twice a year.

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity    Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will implement an Archdiocesan, standards-based curriculum to ensure that each student meets or exceeds the expected performance outcomes and that learning objectives flow seamlessly from grade to grade and course to course, safeguarding against gaps and redundancy in the learning process.

Goal #: 4

Objective:
To provide time to allow teachers to discuss individual curricular areas to close gaps and redundancies throughout the grade continuums in their own school as well as throughout the district.

Action Steps:

Discuss continuums from year to year, teacher to teacher, using portfolios and standards-based lesson plans as models during scheduled PLCs.  Measurement tool:  list of PLC dates in which the topic is being addressed.

Timeline:

This goal will be completed on a cyclical basis.  The portfolio should be finalized at the end of each school year and should be checked twice a year by the principal.
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity    Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will train and motivate educators to employ technology throughout the curriculum.

Goal #: 5

Objective:

1. To provide ongoing in-service opportunities for teachers and staff to update their technological skills.

2. To assist teachers in planning technology projects that support and enhance their curriculum.

3. To recognize educators on their successes in implementing technology into their curriculum.

Action Steps:

1. The technology integration coordinator will plan professional development sessions to train faculty and staff on the use of new technology applications.

2. Educators will be given a self assessment to complete in order to better understand where their level of skill and comfort with technology stands. This will then be used by the TIC to plan appropriate professional development sessions.

3. Use of ISTE self-evaluation assessment.
Timeline:

Professional development opportunities will be available through out the school year.
Teacher self assessment will be administered in the spring to allow the TIC time to evaluate the data and plan for PD opportunities for the following school year.
 
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity    Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will invest in upgrading technology on a regular basis so that our students are fully prepared to become responsible contributors to our changing global society.

Goal #: 6

Objective:
To revise and update the existing technology plan.

Action Steps:

The Committee will continually review and revise the technology plan,
hardware and software to adjust for teaching students not only what to
use but how and why to use evolving information technology.  Measurement tool:  revised technology plan posted annually.

Timeline:

The committee will review the technology plan on a yearly basis.

Committee: Parish Relationships

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will ensure that the school’s mission statement embraces its Catholic identity, including Christian humanism, Christian relationships and global solidarity, as well as the unique charism of the institution.

Goal #: 1

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To action verb…

1. To review the school’s mission statement annually, identifying the inclusion or exclusion of the characteristics of Christian humanism, Christian relationships and local and global solidarity, as well as the unique charism of the institution.
2. To recognize the parents/guardians as the primary educators of their children.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)
1. Form a committee of parents, students, faculty, Parish Council members, and School Board members to review and revise the mission statement, if needed, by March 1st of each year.
2. Tool: An attendance sheet and minutes from the Mission Statement Revision Meeting will be submitted to the School Board by May 1st of each school year.

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.
• Form a committee of parents and students by February 1, 2011.
• Hold a meeting to review and revise the mission statement by March 1, 2011.
• Review the mission statement at the faculty meeting on March 16, 2011.
• Review the mission statement at the school board meeting on May 9, 2011.
• This action plan will be repeated annually. Dates for the years 2012-2015 will be determined in the fall of each year.
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will actively integrate the school community, including parents, into the ongoing life of the parish(es).

Goal #: 4

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)

1. To promote the integration of religious instruction, active participation in weekly Mass attendance, and service into other parish community activities.
2. To increase social activities for the youth of the school and parish.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)
1. Provide school and religious education families with a list of possible seasonal outreach projects within the parish community each year.
2. Provide school and religious education families with a list of social activities including, but not limited to, the community masses each year.
3. Provide Confirmation students with at least one religious/social activity each year to foster relationships among the Confirmation students and families from the school and the religious education program.

Tool: A complete list of the social activities and outreach projects offered to the youth of the school and parish communities will be submitted to the School Board by May 1st of each year.

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.
• Provide printed and electronic notices regarding seasonal outreach projects as they occur over the course of each year (2011-2015).
• Provide printed and electronic lists of social activities available to students and families as they occur over the course of each year (2011-2015).
• Provide Confirmation students with at least one religious/social activity by
      May 1st of each year (2011-2015).

Committee:  School Board

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility    Advancement

State Goal:
We will…create, execute and maintain a multiyear strategic plan for our school that is reviewed and updated annually.

Goal #: 1

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To:

1. Identify needs of the school
2. Recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds/constituencies to assist with planning.
3. Set realistic goals, objectives, action steps, timeline & measurement tool to track success.
4. Review annually and adjust as necessary.
Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)

1. Assemble planning committee (of #2 above) to assist in creation of long term plan from individuals from: Board, Parish, HSA, Community…
2. Secure meeting dates and timeline for completion of each task, including completion of plan.
3. Create plan & distribute to Board & post on website
4. Review each year, adding a year annually to make it a continuous 5 year plan
5. Ensure the plan drives school activities
6. Utilize the Advancement Director to support the plan

TOOL(s):  Strategic Plan itself, all Reports (enrollment, financials, etc.)
Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

9/13/10: Roll Out Strategic Plan Structure To Board
10/29/10: Committee Goals Deadline
11/8/10: Board Reviews Submitted Goals
1/10/11: Board Accepts Final Plan
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility    Advancement

State Goal:
We will…partner with OCS to encourage our school board to take a leadership role in planning, advancement, marketing, financial and facilities management to ensure a healthy & safe learning environment for our students.

Goal #: 5

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To:

1. Keep Board, Principal, Pastor informed of partnering / training opportunities with OCS to match school needs with OCS resources
2. Continue to implement committee driven structure, encouraging ALL board members to choose a committee to serve on.
3. Match needs of the school board with individuals representing such interests.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)

1. Provide training for Board, Principal, Pastor to familiarize them with responsibilities of the Board using the OCS Leadership Manual.
2. Create a succession plan for the board and officers, creating a list of potential board members representative of the school, parish and community, meeting the school / board needs with the talents of those individuals.
3. Access OCS Resources
4. Create “job description” for each committee with goals that match the strategic plan.

TOOL(s):  OCS Resources including the Leadership Manual and Common Threads
 

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Ongoing, Reviewing annually at least
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility    Advancement

State Goal: 
We will…empower every person in our school community to embrace the role of Ambassador, utilizing positive word of mouth as a powerful advancement tool.

Goal #: 6

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To action verb…

Involve administration, faculty, volunteers, staff, students, parents, grandparents, parishioners and alumni in advancing the mission of St. Joseph School.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)
To:
1. Promote the Ambassador program to all.
2. Involve all parties in recruitment and retention efforts.
3. Mentor new families – plan events for new families.
4. Brand the school throughout the community, celebrating and promoting successes
5. Continue the Peer Buddy System
6.New “Advisor” Families
7.Peer Responders
8.Letter Writing with SJS students and CCD students
9. Involve Students in Community Activities.

TOOL(s):  Enrollment Reports and Financials.
 

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Ongoing, Reviewing annually at least

Committee: Administration

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will…We will seek collaboration of thought and sharing of resources among our Catholic schools.

Goal #: 3

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To:
To improve student achievement by sharing skills, strategies, experiences and talents among the teachers from other Catholic schools.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)
a) The principal will collaborate with area Catholic elementary school leaders to plan effective PLC’s (Professional Learning Community) which will allow for the sharing of skills, strategies, experiences, and talents among teachers. An evaluation tool for PLCs is already required by OCS. We will use the same tool.

b) The principal will collaborate with the Meriden Board of Education to seek a no-cost solution for the need for transportation on weekly early dismissal days to allow for an increase of PLC days. Measurement of progress will be reflected by enabling weekly PLCs.
Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

a) Ongoing. For the 2010-2011 school year, 3 of the 5 scheduled PLC days are in collaboration with other Catholic schools. (September and October 2010 are with OLMC and the January 2011 PLC will be held with OLMC and St. Paul’s.)
b) The principals will discuss the possibility of early release on a weekly basis to support PLC’s in the year 2011-2012 with the Superintendent of Meriden Public Schools at a meeting in October 2010.
 

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will…display key symbols of the Catholic faith within our school and, when possible, hire qualified personnel who are ordained in the Roman Catholic Church or are members of consecrated religious communities.

Goal #: 5

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To:
To promote the Catholic Identity by use of traditional signs and symbols.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)
 

• a) The administration will seek estimates for a new sign for the front of the building, which will promote the school name and activities. Progress will be measured as successful when a new sign is installed.
• b) The principal will select yearly school themes that are consistent with and supportive of our faith. The theme will appear (at least) on all faculty meeting agendas.

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.
 

• c) Estimates will be gathered during 2010-2011.
• d) Annually, a new theme will be selected. The theme for 2010-2011, as suggested by Mr. Hoyt, is “Celebrate your student’s aspirations!”

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity    Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will…partner with the Office of Catholic Schools to attract, retain, and reward professionally qualified, committed teachers, administrators, and staff.
 

Goal #: 3

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To:
To support teachers in their efforts to obtain their state certification or Masters degree.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)

The principal will seek sources of funding to pay for college courses for teachers.
This goal will be measured by the number of teachers able to take college courses toward certification and/or Masters degrees.
Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

Professional development opportunities will be discussed with individual teachers as a part of the teacher annual review in June.

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity    Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal: 
We will…educate parents and other members of the school community in order to build an effective lobby for additional local, state and federal funding on behalf of Catholic school education.

Goal #: 2

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To:
To increase our school’s familiarity with the Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents.

Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)

a) The principal will invite the Director of the Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents to a Home and School Association meeting. This goal will be considered successful after Mr. Cattelan has addressed our H.S.A.

b) Links to and memos from the Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents will be posted on Edline, by the members of the office staff. This goal will be considered successful if links and memos are posted/updated consistently.

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

a) Mr. John Cattelan, Director of the Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents, will be invited to address the parents/guardians at the first regular Home School Association meeting, following the open house meetings, in fall 2011.

b) Ongoing.

Committee: Nominating

Common Thread core value? Y/N

If so, please indicate which one?
Catholic Identity      Quality Catholic Education      Accessibility      Advancement

State Goal:
We will…establish committee-driven school boards whose membership is drawn from a multitude of constituencies (ie., priests, religious, parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners, friends and business leaders).

Goal #: 6

Objective: (How will the goal be accomplished? There may be more than one objective.)
To:
To establish a regular opportunity for new members to join, and new ideas to be shared.
Action Steps: (Enumerate the steps necessary to reach the objective(s) listed above and the tool to measure progress.)

Members of the school board will be encouraged to attend workshops to promote the positive and effective operation of Catholic school boards.

Measurement tool: School board members who participated in workshops shall provide a brief summary at the next school board meeting. Emphasis shall be placed on issues relating to recruitment of new members and new ideas.

Timeline: (Indicate as specifically as possible the month & year that the committee expects to accomplish the objective(s) listed above. It may be helpful to add a date at the end of each of the above action steps for planning purposes.

a) Ongoing.