integrity. community. excellence. - saint dominic academy dominic academy - 201… · integrity....

SaintDominicAcademy2018StrategicPlan

EducatingTomorrow’sLeaders

Integrity.Community.Excellence.

TableofContents

ExecutiveSummary.................................................................................................................1Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................1

Process............................................................................................................................................................................1

PlanComponents.......................................................................................................................................................2

NextSteps......................................................................................................................................................................3

OurVision................................................................................................................................4

OurMission.............................................................................................................................4

OurGoals,Objectives,Strategies,andActionSteps.................................................................5Goal1:PromoteandStrengthenCatholicIdentity......................................................................................5

Goal2:EnhanceTeachingandLearning..........................................................................................................8

Goal3:FosterStudentLife..................................................................................................................................10

Goal4:SecureLong-TermSustainabilityofSaintDominicAcademy..............................................12

Goal5:ImproveCommunicationandRelationships–InternallyandExternally......................14

Goal6:ExploreFuturePossibilities................................................................................................................16

AppendixA:HistoryofCommunityInput...............................................................................18

AppendixB:PlanInfrastructure.............................................................................................19

AppendixC:CommunityInputandEngagementSurveySummary.........................................21

AppendixD:ComfortVersusGreatness.................................................................................25

AppendixE:TimelineofStrategicPlanningProcess................................................................29

AppendixF:GlossaryofTerms...............................................................................................30

AppendixG:GoalsWorksheetsforImplementation...............................................................34

SaintDominicAcademy–2018StrategicPlan–EducatingTomorrow’sLeaders 1

ExecutiveSummary

Introduction SaintDominicAcademycommencedourStrategicPlanningProcessayearandahalfago.ThisPlanistheculminationofmuchdedicatedeffortbymembersofourschoolcommunityandinvolvedmanymeetings,surveys,andresearch.AttheheartofthisworkisacommitmenttoprovidingourschoolwithaVisionthatistiedtoourMissioninsuchawaythatSaintDominicAcademycontinuestobeaplacewhereitschildrenwillgrowinloveandknowledgeofcreation.IndevelopingthisPlan,ourChaplainoftencommentedonhowthisschoolasawhole,andinparticularitsstudents,exhibitedakindofgrittinessnotfoundinjustanyschool.Ourhistoryis,inasense,ahistoryofunderdogs,ofsucceedingwhenothershavecountedusout,ofrelyingonourfaithtoseeusthrough,andofusingthatfaithtohelpthoseinneed,bringingusfullcircleinourcommunity.ThisPlanis75yearsinthemaking,ifyoucountourbeginningasahighschoolin1941,or138yearsinthemaking,ifyoucountourbeginningasAsileNotreDamedeLourdes,thefirstdiocesanelementaryschoolinLewiston/Auburn.Thishistoryisthebackdropforthisdocument–ahistorythatremembersthestrengthsthatareapartofoursuccess,aswellasahistorythatlookstothefutureandforetellsatransformationthatwillleadtothenext75to138yearsandbeyond.OurintentionistoprovidetheverybestCatholiceducationalexperienceforourstudentsandfamilies.Weutilizedthisplanningprocesstodojustthatinawaythatwasmindfulofsustainingourfuture,growingourenrollmentcapacity,whileholdingdownourtuitioncosts.Ourapproachwastocollaboratewithandincludeasmanyvoicesaspossible.FirstwewantedtohearthebreadthofperspectivesfromourmanystakeholderstodevelopaPlanthatwasinformedbyandrespondedtothemanyviewpointsofourgreatercommunity.Thisprocessledtothedevelopmentofourmainareasoffocusforthecomingyears(see“Goals”under“PlanComponents”below).TheimplementationofthisPlanwillbetheresponsibilityoftheBoardandtheschool’sAdministrativeTeaminconjunctionwithschoolpersonnel,families,andcommunitymembersatlarge.Choosingathree-yearscopeforourplanningprocessincludedplandevelopment.Youwillnotesomeobjectiveshereinarealreadybeingaccomplishedandimplemented.Thisthree-yearblueprintwillbeadynamicprocessthatisadjustedasnewinformationcomesforth.

Process

• Pleasesee“AppendixA:HistoryofCommunityInput”forachronologyofourschool’sbackgroundofcommunityengagement.


• InNovember2014,the“PlantoPlan”Committeeformedtobeginthe2015StrategicPlanningInitiative.ConsultantLeighTillmanwashiredtofacilitatetheprocess.WithBoardapprovaloftheinitiative,webeganourStrategicPlanningProcess.

• First,weestablishedaStrategicPlanningCommitteechargedwithoverseeingthe

processandaStrategicPlanningTeamchargedwithrepresentingthecommunityandincorporatingcommunityinputintoourplanningprocess.Pleasesee“AppendixB:PlanInfrastructure”foralistofStrategicPlanningCommitteeandStrategicPlanningTeamparticipants.

• WecommencedourCommunityEngagementandInputphasetohearperspectives

fromourcommunity.o Bysurveyingourcommunityincludingstudents,parents,teachers,alumni,

parentsofalumni,andcommunitymembersatlarge,wedeterminedthekeyareastofocusoninourplanning.

o 1,156individualsaccessedthesurvey;905surveyswerecompleted.o See“AppendixC:CommunityInputandEngagementSurveySummary”fora

summaryofsurveyresults.

• TheStrategicPlanningTeamwaschargedwithincorporatingcommunityinputintodevelopingourVisionandMissionanddevelopinggoalstoaddressthekeyareashighlightedinthesurveydata.

• TheTeamthenworkedinTaskGroupstodevelopobjectives,strategies,andaction

stepsforeachgoal.

• TheStrategicPlanningCommitteeandStrategicPlanningTeamworkedtohoneideasandensurethatourworkalwaysreflectedcommunityinputandledbacktoourVisionandMission.ThefacultyandsupportstaffreviewedtheVision,Mission,goals,objectives,strategies,andactionstepsandprovidedfeedback.

• InadoptingthisStrategicPlan,wewillre-engageourschoolcommunitytoshare

howweincorporatedandrespondedtotheirinputthroughtheresultsoftheplanningprocess.

• ThePlaninfrastructure(outlinedin“AppendixB:PlanInfrastructure”)willbe

utilizedtoimplementthePlan,whichwillcontinuetobeassessedandadjustedthroughmonthlyfaculty,AdministrativeTeam,andBoardmeetings.

PlanComponentsInthis2018StrategicPlan,youwillfindournewVisionandMissionStatementsforourschool,aswellasourgoalsforthecomingyearsandsupportingappendicestoprovidefurtherinformationaboutandcontextforourprocess.


Goals

Theabove-outlinedprocessledtoourmainareasoffocusforthecomingyears.The

followinggoalsarethebackboneofourStrategicPlan:

• PromoteandstrengthenCatholicidentity;

• Enhanceteachingandlearning;

• Fosterstudentlife;

• Securelong-termsustainabilityofSaintDominicAcademy;

• Improvecommunicationandrelationships–internallyandexternally;and

• Explorefuturepossibilities.

“AppendixG:GoalsWorksheetsforImplementation”isprovidedtosupporttheenactment

andaccomplishmentofour2018StrategicPlan.

NextSteps

• See“AppendixB:PlanInfrastructure”fortheaccountabilityandoversightstructure

goingforward.

• Weseestrategicplanningasanongoingprocess–theschoolwillcontinuetoplan.

ContinuedassessmentandadjustmentinfrastructureisbuiltintoourPlantoensure

thatthisisalivingdocumentandthatdecisionsandactionsareandremainboth

relevantandpertinent.


OurVisionSaintDominicAcademyistheschoolofchoiceforeducatingchildrenwhoaresolidlygroundedinCatholicvaluesandarewellpreparedtolive,lead,makedecisions,andserveothersinachangingworld.

OurMission

SaintDominicAcademyinspiresstudentswitharigorousandcollaborativelearningenvironmentwhereintegrity,community,andexcellencearegoalsthatsupportastrongcampusministryandreligiousinstruction,adedicatedandqualifiedfacultyandsupportstaff,challengingacademicprograms,innovativemethodologiesandlearningstrategies,distinctiveco-curricularactivities,competitiveathletics,andqualitysupportservicesallofwhicharebuiltonCatholicvalues.


OurGoals,Objectives,Strategies,andActionStepsThroughourStrategicPlanningProcess,SaintDominicAcademyhaslaidastrongfoundationtorenewandsecureitscriticalroleasapreeminentinstitutionofCatholiceducationintheDioceseofPortland.IntheCatholictradition,faithseekstounderstand-notonlyinthethingsofGod,butalsothethingsofthisworld.WiththisStrategicPlan,SaintDominicAcademyreaffirmsitscommitmenttopursuethehigheststandardsofacademicexcellence.Furthermore,itidentifiesarobustandholisticapproachtoeducationbygroundingitsMissioninthefourpillarsoftheDominicanorder:Study,Prayer,Community,andService.

Study:VeritasVitae,‘TheTruthofLife’,isourschoolmotto.Howdoweensurethatourprogramofstudyisdirectedtowardthetruthandwisdom,notjustthememorizationoffactsandfigures?Prayer:Throughretreats,liturgies,andopportunitiesforprayer,howdowenurturelivelyfaith,spiritualdepth,andreflectivenessinourstudents?Community:Inthedailylivesofstudentsoncampus,onthesportsfieldsandrinks,andinvariousextracurricularactivities,howdoweemphasizeleadership,integrity,sportsmanship,culturalawareness,andhealthyfriendship?Service:Howdowepromoteawarenessofandinspireactivecompassionfortheneedsofthepoorandoutcastamongourstudentbody?

AfterathoroughStrategicPlanningProcess,theSaintDominicAcademy’sStrategicPlanningTeamrecommendsthefollowinggoals,objectives,strategies,andactionstepsbeimplementedoverthenextthreeyearsinordertoensurethevitalityandeffectivenessofSaintDominicAcademy’sVisionandMission.

Goal1:PromoteandStrengthenCatholicIdentityObjective1:Beginasharedvaluesprocessthatengagesstakeholderstoarticulatetheessenceofourschoolculture.Strategy1:Introducetheconceptof“ComfortVersusGreatness”(seeAppendixD).Thisconceptsurfacedthroughthedevelopmentofobjectivesandstrategiestowardthegoalofarticulatingafour-foldDominicanCatholicculturalidentityasthefoundationofallaspectsofschoollife.

ActionStep1:Determineprocesstobeusedforidentifyingsharedvalues.ActionStep2:Meetwithvariousstakeholdersusing“ComfortVersusGreatness”asastartingpointfordiscussinghowtoarticulatetheCatholicidentityofSaintDominicAcademy.


ActionStep3:SynthesizevariousdiscussionpointsintoastatementthatreflectstheCatholicidentityofSaintDominicAcademy.

ActionStep4:UtilizeoutcomesofstakeholdersharedvaluesdiscussionstodevelopabrandingstrategytodeterminetheSaintDominicAcademybrand.

Strategy2:TellstoriesthatconnectouridentitywithactivitiesoccurringatSaintDominicAcademy.

ActionStep1:Developadetailedplantodiscover,record,andpromotethestoriesofalumniandcurrentstudents.ActionStep2:Highlightthosewhohavedemonstratedheroicfaith,self-sacrifice,leadership,andgenerosityofheartovertheyears.Thesestorieswillbetoldthrough:

a. Schoolpublicationsandnewsletters;b. ParishbulletinsandtheHarvestMagazine;c. TraditionalmediaoutletsincollaborationwithDaveGuthrointheDiocesan

PublicRelationsDepartment;andd. Socialmedia.

Objective2:Defineacomprehensivereligiousformationprogramforstudents.Strategy1:Ensurethatretreats,communityservice,andreligiousinstructionarecarriedoutaccordingtoacomprehensiveandinterrelatedreligiousformationprogramthattakesintoaccountandaddressesthefourpillarsoftheDominicancharism.

ActionStep1:Reviewreligiousinstructionprogramtoensurethat:

a. ThearticulatedCatholicidentityisinbalancewithacademicinstruction,retreats,andserviceopportunitiesand

b. Worship/prayerispresentedtostudentsateveryageasreflectedintheCatholicIdentitySectionoftheCommissiononIndependentSchools(CIS)oftheNewEnglandAssociationofSchoolsandColleges(NEASC)accreditationprocess.

ActionStep2:Holdmonthlymeetingsto:

a. Identifycurrentinstruction,retreats,andliturgicalandservicepracticessothatacompletepictureisformedconcerningcurrentofferings;

b. Determinewhichcomponentsmeetthenewfocusandwhichdonot;andc. Developacomprehensiveplanforuseduringthe2016-2017schoolyear.

Strategy2:EnsurethatthearticulatedCatholicidentityisbuiltintothePre-K–12retreatprogramwithafocusonleadership.

ActionStep1:AworkinggroupcomprisedoftheChaplain,religionteachers,andretreatplannerswilldesignanewcomprehensiveCatholicRetreatandCharacterBasedLeadershipProgramforgrades7–12.ThegroupwillseekinputandfeedbackfromthefacultyandtheAdministrativeTeam.


ActionStep2:FormaRetreatLeadershipTeamthatwillmeetwiththeChaplainanddesignatedschoolsupportstafftoplanandcarryouttheretreatscheduleforthecomingyear.

Objective3:Increaseprayerandfaithformationamongsupportstaff.Strategy1:Offeropportunitiesforavailablepersonneltopraytogetherbeforethestartofeachschoolday.Strategy2:Beginalleventswithprayer,includingatthebeginningofassembliesandmeetingsandbetweenSaintDominicAcademystudentsandcoachesbeforegames.

ActionStep1:Addalinetopersonnelandstudenthandbooksstatingthateventswillbeginwithprayer.ActionStep2:Createtemplate/examplesofprayersforusebyeventleaders.

Strategy3:Holdannualstaffretreat.

ActionStep1:HoldinitialgatheringofstaffduringthemonthofAugusttospirituallyprepareforthenewschoolyear.

Strategy4:Identifygroupsthatwouldbenefitfromfaithdiscussionsincludingallgradelevels,clubs,AssistantChaplains,andothers.

ActionStep1:Organizeopportunitiesforreflectionanddiscussion.

Objective4:Developfurtheropportunitiesforstudentleadership,peerministry,andcommunityservice.Strategy1:ContinuetodevelopClassroomMinistries,StudentPastoralCouncil,StudentServiceCouncil,andAssistantChaplainPrograminordertoexpandstudentinvolvementandleadershipinliturgies,retreats,andcommunityservice.

ActionStep1:Developastructureofmonthlystrategizingsessionsofstudentandfacultyleaders.ActionStep2:ExplorethefeasibilityoffundingaCampusMinisterpositiontocollaboratewiththeChaplainincarryingouttheCampusMinistry.

Strategy2:Createanevaluationprocesssothatstudentscangivefeedbackregardingtheeffectivenessofinitiatives.


ActionStep1:Developasurveyorsimilarpollingtooltoaskquestionsthatinformappropriatemodificationsinfutureyears.

Objective5:Provideopportunitiesforfamiliesandcommunitymemberstocelebrate,beenriched,andgrowinfaith.Strategy1:Invitefamiliesandcommunitymemberstoallliturgiesandspecialprograms.

ActionStep1:Coordinateandsynchronizeactivitiesfromthemeetingnotesofgroupsthroughouttheschoolcommunityandincludeallactivitiesintheschoolcalendar.ActionStep2:Reviewcalendaronthefirstdayofeachweektoplantheschool’snecessarycommunicationsfortheweek.

Strategy2:Supportastrongfamilyfaithforfamiliestoshare.

ActionStep1:Developopportunitiesforfamiliestobothlearnaboutandpracticeactivitiesthatleadtoadeeperfaithlife.ActionStep2:Holdone“HowTo”eventpersemesterthatdetailshowfamiliescanimplementthesepractices.

Goal2:EnhanceTeachingandLearningObjective1:AchievecandidacyforaccreditationrecognitionfromtheCommissiononIndependentSchools(CIS)oftheNewEnglandAssociationofSchoolsandColleges(NEASC).Strategy1:MeetwithNEASCCIStodiscussparticipationintheaccreditationprocess.

ActionStep1:ContactNEASCCIStoscheduleameeting.Strategy2:OrganizeandpromoteaninformationalmeetingwithNEASCCISrepresentativesforallfaculty,administrativeandsupportstaff,interestedparents,andSaintDominicAcademyBoardmembers.

ActionStep1:PriortoSeptember2,scheduleNEASCCISrepresentativestomeetwithfaculty(3:00p.m.),Board(4:30p.m.),andparents(6:30p.m.).

Strategy3:SeekBoardapprovaltobegintheprocessofachievingrecognitionofCandidateforAccreditation(CatholicSchoolsEdition)statuswiththeNEASCCIS.

ActionStep1:IncludearequestforapprovalofaNEASCCISAccreditationapplicationintheApril/MayBoardmeetingagenda.


Strategy4:EstablishanAccreditationSelf-StudyCommitteetoseekrecognitionofCandidateforAccreditation(CatholicSchoolsEdition)statuswiththeNEASCCIS.TheAdministrativeTeamwillappointthechairandco-chairandwillrecruitmembers.

ActionStep1:AnnouncetheneedtoformanAccreditationSelf-StudyCommittee(ASSC).

ActionStep2:Appointthechairandco-chair,recruitmembersfromfacultyattheLewistonandAuburncampuses,administrativestaff,Board,andthepublicfortheASSC,anddevelopameetingcalendar.ActionStep3:BegintheprocesstoseekrecognitionofCandidateforAccreditationstatus.

Objective2:Prioritizeprofessionaldevelopmenttoensureteachersarehighlyqualified.Strategy1:EstablishaProfessionalDevelopmentTeam(PDT)consistingofthreeelectedfacultyfromtheLewistonCampus,threeelectedfacultyfromtheAuburnCampus,achairperson,andaco-chairtoprovidethenecessaryleadership.ThePDTwill:

ActionStep1:Meetmonthlytoplanandassessitswork.ActionStep2:RequestthateachfacultypersonidentifythemodeofprofessionaldevelopmentthatwouldbemosthelpfultohisorherteachingassignmentandprovidethePDTwiththisinformation.ActionStep3:PrepareanongoingProfessionalDevelopmentPlan,basedonfacultyresponsesandseekAcademyleadership,Boardapproval,andbudgetsupport.ActionStep4:ProvidetheAdministrativeTeamandBoardwithbi-monthlyreportsofprofessionaldevelopmentactivitycompletedorinprogress.

Objective3:Designcurriculumenhancements.Strategy1:ExpandthescopeandmissionoftheAcademicCommitteeinlightoftheaccreditationprocess.

ActionStep1:Concurrentwiththeaccreditationself-studyprocessandbeyond,analyzecurrentcurriculumandstudentachievementatalllevelsincludingallNWEAgrowthdata,PSATresults,andSATresults.ActionStep2:Investigatebestpracticesandprogramsthatencourageandchallengeallstudentsatalllevelstoachievetheirpotential(i.e.STREAM,TEALlabs,BlueRibbon,DualEnrollment,AdvancedLearning,andothersimilarprograms).ActionStep3:ForwardfindingsandrecommendationstotheAdministrativeTeamregardingprogramenhancements,modifications,andchanges.Seekappropriatebudgetsupport.


Goal3:FosterStudentLife Objective1:ContinuetopromoteaCatholicschoolenvironmentthatsupportsChrist-centeredinterpersonalrelationships,teacheseffectivecommunication,andpromotesappropriatesocialandacademiccopingskills.Strategy1:DevelopadisciplinepolicysuchasVirtue-BasedRestorativeDisciplinetonurtureasenseofcommunityandthesocial,emotional,andcollaborativeneedsofstudents.

ActionStep1:AttendatrainingworkshoponVirtue-BasedRestorativePracticestoconsiderthisasapossibleapproachtoestablishingasenseofcommunityandpromotingempathyin

thelivesofstudents.

ActionStep2:Integratethisorasimilarprogram(thatmeetstheobjective)intotheschoolcommunitywithprofessionaldevelopmenttrainingsessions.Implementationofthis

programwillbedoneinphaseswithfullimplementationin3–5years.

Strategy2:Createameasuringtooltoreviewathleticandco-curricularofferingsandbasedonfindingsofthisreview,addorsubtractofferingstoenhanceprogramming.

ActionStep1:Createasurveyorotherpollingmethodtodeterminethesustainabilityandcontributionofeachprogramtotheenhancementofstudentlife.

Strategy3:Promotethemoralandethicaluseofsocialnetworkingandpersonaltechnology.ActionStep1:AppointaTechnologyUseCommitteemadeupofstaffateachcampustoresearchbestpracticesofDigitalCitizenship,principlesofCatholicsocialteaching,and

othercurrentresearchoftechnologyuseinschoolsthatenhanceslearning.

ActionStep2:UtilizetheresultsofthisresearchtoestablishaComprehensiveTechnologyProgramthatincludescriteriaandexpectationsforstudentuseoftechnologyandfocuses

onresponsible,moral,andethicaluseoftechnology.Learningoutcomeswillbecustomized

forthedifferentagelevelsoftechnologyusers.

ActionStep3:TrainteachersandstaffontheestablishedComprehensiveTechnologyProgramtoensureaunifiedapproachtotechnologyusethroughoutallclassroomsand

campuses.

ActionStep4:Integratetheconceptsofthenewtechnologyprogramintothestudenthandbook,allclasses,retreats,clubmeetings,andothervenuestoreinforcethemessagesof

safetyandetiquetteintechnology.

Objective2:Enrichthecultural,spiritual,andrecreationalexperiencesofstudents.

Strategy1:Planastudentsummittoexploreandidentifyactivities,programs,andservicestoprovidehealthycultural,spiritual,andrecreationalopportunitiesthatpromoteahealthypeer

climateamongallstudents.


ActionStep1:Invitestudentleaders,faculty,supportstaff,parents,andotherstakeholderstothesummit.Developaneedsassessmentsurveytogatherinputfromstudents,parents,andfacultyregardingprioritiesandinterestsforactivities,programs,andservicesthatwillenhancetheSaintDominicAcademyexperience.ActionStep2:Makerecommendationsforadditionstoandmodificationsofschoolofferingsthatencourageinvolvementbyallstudentswithinanenvironmentwherestudentsfeeltheybelong.Recommendationswillbebasedontheneedsassessmentsurveyresultsandwilltakeintoconsiderationcurrentactivities,programs,andservicesoffered.Optionsforconsideration:

a. Peermentors(inandbetweencampuses);b. Aleadershipteammadeupofhighschoolstudentstobridgefriendships

betweenandwithingrades(highschool);c. Familyandfriendevents(i.e.barbeques,movienights,fielddays,dances,etc.);

andd. Monthlystudentsocialnights(i.e.semi-professionalgames,skiing,iceskating,

bowling,etc.).ActionStep3:PresenttherecommendationstotheAdministrativeTeam,faculty,Board,students,families,andotherconstituentsforreview,revision,andapproval.ActionStep4:IntegratetheapprovedrecommendationsintotheexistinginfrastructureandincludeintheschoolActivitiesCalendartoallowforagreaterinstitutionalawarenessofactivitiesateachcampustofosterstudentlife,increaseawareness,minimizeconflicts,andclarifypriorityeventsandactivitiesfortheschool.

Strategy2:DevelopaComprehensiveCommunityServiceProgram.

ActionStep1:EstablishaCommunityServiceExploratoryCommittee(CSEC)composedoftwofacultymembersfromtheLewistonCampus,twofacultymembersfromtheAuburnCampus,arepresentativeofCampusMinistry,classrepresentatives,andparents.

a. Identifychairandco-chairtoprovidecommitteeleadership.ActionStep2:Reviewandevaluateallcurrentcommunityserviceeffortsandrequirements,Pre-K–12,includingallgrade/classroom,co-curricular,andathleticteamactivities.ActionStep3:Identifycommunityserviceexperiencesthatareandwillbemostmeaningfulandgaininsightintowhatisworkingandwhatisnotthrough:

a. Surveys;b. Focusgroups;c. Sitevisitsofparishesandnon-profits;andd. Personalcommunicationsofstudents,parents,faculty,andtheAdministrative

Team.ActionStep4:Developameaningful,comprehensive,andworkabledraftCommunityServiceProgramforPre-K–12studentsthatwillfocusonserviceactivitieswithinthesurroundingcommunity.


ActionStep5:Seekcommentsonthedraftprogramfromfaculty,theAdministrativeTeam,students,parents,andconstituents.

ActionStep6:FinalizetheCommunityServiceProgramanddevelopanimplementationstrategy(i.e.acalendarofactivitiesandin-serviceworkshopsforfaculty,students,and

families).

Objective3:Createopportunitiesforallstudentstodevelopleadershipandcollaborativeskills.

Strategy1:Supportschool-wideprogramsthatteach,model,andreinforceleadershipandcollaborativeskills.

ActionStep1:DirectandprovidesupportstaffdevelopmenttotheAthleticDepartmenttoreinstateNotreDame’s“PlaylikeaChampionToday”programtoreinforceandcultivate

healthyleadershipandcharactertrainingthroughouttheathleticprogram.

ActionStep2:IncorporategreateropportunitiesformentoringandleadershipskillbuildingbetweentheLewistonandAuburncampuses(i.e.“BuddyProgram”).

ActionStep3:Surveyfacultyandsupportstaffatbothcampusestoidentifythewaysinwhichtheycurrentlynurtureandcultivateleadershipinstudentsbothwithinandoutside

oftheclassroom.Thesurveyshouldalsosolicitideasastohowtraininginleadershipcould

bestrengthenedthroughouttheschool.

Strategy2:Beginanewleadershipmentoringprogram.ActionStep1:Collaboratewithfaculty,supportstaff,andcommunityleaderstodevelopaprogramthatconnectsstudentswithlocalcommunityleadersinwaysthatfosterpositive

guidanceinleadershipandservice.

Goal4:SecureLong-TermSustainabilityofSaintDominicAcademyObjective1:Growenrollment,reduceattrition,andaddressaffordability.

Strategy1:Identifyreasonsforsocialattrition.

ActionStep1:Createaprocesstoidentifydissatisfiedfamiliesbeforestudentswithdraw.Lookforwaystoinvolveallconstituentgroupsincludingparents,faculty,

students,coaches,andstaff.

ActionStep2:Createmethodstocollectdatabothfromfamilieswhowithdrawaswellasthosewhomaybeconsideringwithdrawing.

ActionStep3:Analyzedata.


Strategy2:Workwithfacultytoassessseveralinnovativemethodologiesandlearningstrategiesthattheschoolisconsidering(i.e.STREAM,TEALlabs,etc.)todeterminecostofstaffdevelopmentandprogramenhancements.

ActionStep1:Researchinnovativemethodologiestoconsider.ActionStep2:Calculatecoststoimplementandbeginprofessionaldevelopmentandutilization.ActionStep3:Determinepriorityanddeveloplong-rangefundingprojections.

Strategy3:Developarelationshipwithareacolleges,realestateagencies,hospitals,andothercommunityagenciesandbusinesses.Meetwithhumanresourcesofficialsanddistributepromotionalmaterialsatleasttwiceayear.

ActionStep1:Makealistofappropriatecontacts,agencies,andbusinesses.ActionStep2:Developrelationshipswithentrypointsandbusinessesthatsupportprofessionalsmovingtothearea.ActionStep3:Strategicallyplacemarketingmaterialsattheselocations.

Strategy4:Developalistofappropriatealumniandcommunityeventsthatcelebrateaccomplishmentsandoffereducationalprogrammingoncampusforfamiliesandothergroupstobedetermined.

ActionStep1:Formacommitteetoplanandexecutethe75th/138thanniversaryevents.ActionStep2:Holdthefirstoftheseeventsduringthe2017schoolyear.

ActionStep3:Proposefutureeventswithapproximatecostandresourcesneededforevaluationoffeasibilityandaffordability.ActionStep4:EvaluatetheAdvancementDepartmenttoimproveresourceutilization.

Strategy5:StrengthenintegrationwithparishesoftheDioceseandhighlighttheevangelizingnatureofSaintDominicAcademy.

ActionStep1:Meetindividuallywithpastorsbi-annuallytoelicitsupport.

Strategy6:Increaseincomesources,improvenettuition,andmaintainanemphasisonourcommitmenttoaffordability.

ActionStep1:RecommendaPre-K–12tuitionmodelthataccountsforactualcostofeducationandprovidesadequatefinancialaidtomeettheneedsofcurrentfamilies.


ActionStep2:WorkwiththeDiocesanDevelopmentOfficeonstrategiestoincreaseendowmentparticipationincludingplannedgiving,grants,andbequests.ActionStep3:Revisethecorporatesponsorshipprogram.ActionStep4:Determinethefeasibilityofacapitalcampaignfortuitionassistanceaswellaswaystoincorporategrowingtheendowmentintoschoolfundraisingefforts.

Objective2:Enhancefacultyandsupportstaffcompensation.Strategy1:Retainandattractqualifiedteachers.

ActionStep1:Implementasalaryscalebasedonyearsofexperience.

ActionStep2:Consideradditionalcriteriaforcompensation(i.e.professionaldevelopment,preparation,andperformance).

Objective3:EstimatethefinancialimpactforthefacilitiesandoperationalneedsidentifiedinthisStrategicPlanandpresenttoBoard.Strategy1:FormaSpecialProjectsCommittee(SPC)toexplorefinancialbestpracticesandnewsourcesofincomeandpresenttotheBoard.Newsourcescouldinclude:

a. Increasingtheuseofgroundsandfacilities;b. Expandingtransportationservices;c. Exploringextendedlearningopportunities;d. Outsourcingofservices;ande. Exploringalternateenergysources.ActionStep1:PrepareareportofprioritizedfindingstopresenttotheBoard.

Goal5:ImproveCommunicationandRelationships–InternallyandExternallyObjective1:Implementanactiveandeffectivecommunicationplan.Strategy1:AdoptanInteractiveCommunicationsPolicythatwillincludebestpractices.

ActionStep1:Reviewadraftpolicyandplanforfinalization.ActionStep2:PolicyandplanwillgototheBoardforfinalapproval.

Objective2:Enhanceandpromoteproactivecommunicationamongstallstakeholders.Strategy1:Ensurecommunicationwithallfamiliesthroughouttheschoolyear.


ActionStep1:ByAugust1ofeachyear,sendaparentinformationletterhomeinthemailthatwillconsistof:

a. Schoolcalendar;b. Schoolsupplylist;c. Uniforminformation;d. WelcomeletterfromthePrincipal;e. Newsupportstaffbiographies;andf. Linktostudenthandbookwithinstructionstoreturnsignaturepage.

ActionStep2:Allnewfamilieswillreceiveawelcomepacketattimeofenrollment.ActionStep3:Establishaprocessforparentstocommunicateneeds,includinganeedforinformationwhentechnologyisunavailable.

ActionStep4:HoldanannualtownhallmeetingwiththeAdministrativeTeamandparentsatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.ActionStep5:Establishandmonitoraprocesstofollow-upwithnewfamilieswithinthefirstmonth,includinga“WhatYouNeedtoKnow”socialevent.ActionStep6:PostapprovedBoardmeetingminutestothewebsitetoenhanceBoardcommunicationandtransparency.ActionStep7:Createagrievancepolicythatincludesalineofresponsibility.

Strategy2:EnsurecommunicationamongschoolpersonnelandBoard.

ActionStep1:KeepschoolpersonnelandBoardinformedandabletocollectivelycommunicatemessagestostudents,families,andthecommunity.ActionStep2:ByAugust1ofeachyear,sendaschoolpersonnelinformationletterhomeinthemailthatwillconsistof:

a. Schoolcalendar;b. Schoolsupplylist;c. Uniforminformation;d. WelcomeletterfromthePrincipal;e. Newsupportstaffbiographies;andf. Linktostudenthandbookwithinstructionstoreturnsignaturepage.

Strategy3:Ensurecommunicationwithalumniandcommunity. ActionStep1:Provideregularupdatesandpressreleasesandmaintainasocialmedia

presence.Objective3:Enhanceinformationandmessaging.Strategy1:Continuetodevelopcommunicationavenues.


ActionStep1:EnsureRenWebisusedasadatabasetokeepup-to-datecontactinformation(i.e.email,phone,etc.)forallfamilies.

ActionStep2:Improvecommunicationandrelationshipsutilizingavarietyofcommunicationmodes(i.e.socialmedia,RSSfeeds,parentportal,website,school-wide

familymeetings).

ActionStep3:ContinuetoutilizeSaintDominicAcademy’sFacebookpage.Publicizeotherpagesthatmayapplytostudents(i.e.BoosterClub,FriendsofSt.Dom’s,etc.).

ActionStep4:Revampthewebsitetocreateacohesiveanddynamiclookandfeel.ActionStep5:ProduceadynamicvideotourofbothcampusesandshareitonthewebsiteandtheYouTubechannel.

Goal6:ExploreFuturePossibilitiesObjective1:DevelopaCapitalImprovementCampaignthatincorporatesSaintDominicAcademy’sCatholicvalues.

Strategy1:FormaCapitalProjectTaskGroup(CPTG),reportingtotheFinanceCommittee,tooverseetheconsideration,design,andconstructionofacomprehensivelistofBoard-approved

capitalprojects,whichincludebutarenotlimitedto:

a. RelocatetheElementarySchooltotheAuburnCampuswhichwouldallowSaint

DominicAcademyto:

• Bringfamiliestogetherasoneschool;

• Creategreateropportunitiesformentoringandinteractionsamongallage

groups;

• Improvethetransitionthroughthegrades;

• Maintainageappropriategroupingswithaseparatebuilding;

• Improvelogisticsandresourcemanagement;

• CreateacentralofficeseparatingtheJuniorHigh/HighSchoolandElementary

Schoolbuildings;and

• Createmeetingspaceswitheasyaccessfromthemainparkinglotfor

communitygroups,individuals,andgroupsaffiliatedwithSaintDominic

Academy.

b. Expandtheathleticfieldsto:

• Enableallsportsteamstopracticetogetherandprovidethesafetyand

convenienceofnotleavingcampus;

• Enhancetheprobabilityofexpandedsportsofferings(i.e.football,track);

• Createanareawithpicnictablestocongregate,viewgames,andseethe

scoreboardsfromacentrallocation;and

• Createwalkwaysbetweentheterracedfieldsforbetteraccessformobility-

impairedfamiliesandguests.

c. RedesigncampusgroundsandparkingtoallowSaintDominicAcademyto:

• Usetrees,landscaping,andwalkwaysforanenjoyablewalkingexperience;

• Developuniformsignagetoguidevisitors;and


• Separatevehicleandpedestriantraffictothegreatestextentpossiblewithaneffectivetrafficflowandconveniently-locatedsidewalksalongsidetheparkinglots.

d. Constructanauditoriumtoaccommodate:• Theexpansionofaperformingartsprogramand• Theofferingofabroaderselectionofclassestostudentsandprogrammingthat

willdrawamorediversestudentbody.e. Buildaresidencehallto:

• Attractnonlocal(i.e.international,outofstate)studentsand• DevelopprogramstoattractHighSchoolPostGraduates(PGs),5-dayboarders,

andsummercampers.

ActionStep1:Developacomprehensivelist.ActionStep2:Forallpotentialprojectsonthelist,research,developspecifications,prioritize,andpresenttotheFinanceCommittee.

Appendices


AppendixA:HistoryofCommunityInput

• November1995–StrategicMarketingServices(PanAtlanticConsultants)AwarenessStudycommissionedbytheDiocese

o Objectives–evaluateperceptions,measurelevelofinterest,usedatatodevelopstrategicplanusingfocusgroupsandtelephonesurveys

o 3focusgroups(parents,students,andparishioners)conducted;32totalrespondentsand101telephoneinterviewsofstudents(andtheirparents)ingrades8to10

o ThestudyledtoaStrategicPlanfinalizedonJune6,1996• October1997–MeitlerConsultants,Inc.DataReportofMaineCatholicSchools

gatheredobjectivedatafortheDioceseinthefollowingareas:o Communitydemographictrendso Catholicschoolenrollmento Parishtrendso Financialdatao Schoolstaffandsalarydata

• November1998–CommunityCounselingServiceCo.,Inc.FeasibilityandPlanningStudythatledtothedecisiontobuildanewhighschool

o Objective–provideadetailedplanandstrategyforaproposedcapitalcampaign

o 109individualsinterviewedo Initialfinancialgoalof$2.5to$3.5million–finalraised:$13million

• December2009–MeitlerConsultantsPlanforLewiston/AuburnAreaCatholicSchoolscommissionedbytheDiocese

o Objective–ensurethatthemissionofCatholiceducationwillbeaccomplishedinstronginstitutionsoflearningforgenerationstocomethroughthedevelopmentandexecutionofastrategicplan

o Analyzedeachschool’senrollmenttrends,marketsharepotential,andfinances

o 2,238surveysmailedtoarea(Lewiston/Auburn,Augusta,andBrunswick)schoolsandparishfamilies

o DecisionwasmadetomergeTrinityCatholicSchoolwithSt.DominicRegionalHighSchooltoformSaintDominicAcademy

• January2014–PartnersinMissionLimitedMarketingStudyrequestedbySuperintendentandBoard

o Objective–plannextstepsformarketingandrecruitmentandask,“WhydoparentsandstudentschoosetocometoSaintDominicAcademy?”

o 26attendeesinterviewedin5focusgroupsofparentsateachlevel(elementary,middle,andhighschool),alumni,andparentsnotaffiliatedwithSaintDominicAcademy

o Recommendedevaluationofadmissions,communications/marketing,transportation,technology,tuition,president/principalmodel,andtuitionassistancepractices


AppendixB:PlanInfrastructure

PlanDevelopmentSaintDominicAcademywasdeliberateandthoughtfulinselectingaStrategicPlanningCommitteeandaStrategicPlanningTeamthatarecomprisedofrepresentationfromallthestakeholdergroupsinourschoolcommunity.StrategicPlanningCommittee

• JanetJoseph–Ex-OfficioBoardChair–Audiologist(retired)• MarjorieClifford–BoardMember,Educator(retired)• DonaldFournier–President• LauraMichlig–ManagerofCommunicationsandMarketing• RichardH.Lee–Educator,RetiredCollegeAdministrator

StrategicPlanningTeamRomanCatholicDiocese

• JimKing–SuperintendentofCatholicSchoolsSaintDominicAcademyBoardMembers

• MelanieHatfield–Chair–PhysicalTherapist(retired)• JanetJoseph–Ex-OfficioChair–Audiologist(retired)• JamesFortin–Secretary–AssociateSeniorStructuralEngineer,Harriman

Associates• SeanAndrews–Finance,BedardPharmacy• MarjorieClifford–Educator(retired)• PhilipJean–AssociateExecutiveDirector,EricksonLiving,LindonPonds• KateKeaneyCornelio–GroupAccountExecutive,BGAFinancial• MarkLee–AssociatePrincipal,HarrimanAssociates• CathyMurphy–SpeechTherapist• PeterRoy–President,LepageBakeries• DavidTwomey,Jr.–ChiefFinancialOfficer,RomanCatholicDioceseofPortland• NeilWard–GeneralManager,Maine’sBestOrganicPetTreats,Inc.

SaintDominicAcademyAdministrationandFaculty

• DonaldFournier–President• DonaldBilodeau–Principal,LewistonCampus


• JolineGirouard–Principal,AuburnCampus

• MariannePelletier–DirectorofEnrollment

• CarlYoung–DirectorofOperationsandFinance

• WayneZimmerman–DirectorofAdvancement

• JamesBoulet–AssistantPrincipal

• LauraMichlig–ManagerofCommunicationsandMarketing

• Fr.SeamusGrisbach–SchoolChaplin,CampusMinistry

• ElizabethDunn–Teacher,Grade4-LewistonCampus

• PatriciaHamilton–Teacher,Jr.HighScience–AuburnCampus

CommunityMembers

• DanielA.D’AuteuilJr.,Esq.–Attorney,Isaacson&Raymond,PA

• CarolynKasabian–ChiefFinancialOfficer,St.Mary’sRegionalMedicalCenter

• JenniferLachance–CertifiedPublicAccountant,ProactivePhysicalTherapy

• RichardH.Lee–Educator,RetiredCollegeAdministrator

StrategicPlanningProcessFacilitation

• LeighTillman–FacilitatorandTrainer,LeighTillmanFacilitation

AccountabilityandOversightforPlanImplementation

• The2018StrategicPlanincludes:

o NewVisionandMissionStatements;

o Goalsinkeyfocusareas;and

o Objectives,strategies,andactionstepsthatidentifytimelinesand

responsibleparties.

• StrategicPlanningTeamendorsedthePlanandrecommendeditforBishop

approval.

• TheacceptedPlanwassenttotheMaineCatholicSuperintendentofSchoolsfor

Bishop’sreviewandapproval.TheBishopapprovedthe2018StrategicPlan.

• ThePlanwillbeimplementedbythePresidentandBoardaccordingtoestablished

timelines.

• ThePresidentwillcheckwithresponsiblepartiesforparticulartasks,submit

monthlyprogressreportstotheExecutiveCommitteeoftheBoardand

SuperintendentofSchools,anddiscussprogress.

• AdjustmentstothePlanwillbepresentedbythePresident,Board,and/or

Superintendent.ThePresidentwillberesponsibleforcarryingoutthese

adjustments.

• ThePresidentwillbeheldaccountableforprogressorlackthereofthroughBoard

andSuperintendentevaluation.


AppendixC:CommunityInputandEngagementSurveySummary

OverviewTheStrategicPlanningCommitteedevelopedanin-depthsurveytolearnstakeholderperceptionsofSaintDominicAcademy.ThesurveyincludedquestionsaboutSaintDominicAcademy’sacademics/curriculum,tuition,perceptioninthecommunity,whyparentsandstudentschoosetheschool,fundraising,services,buildings/grounds,athletics,financialstability,andfutureideasfortheschool.Approximately1,150stakeholdersparticipatedinthesurvey,includingstudents,parents,teachers,supportstaff,parentsofalumni,alumni,non-SaintDominicAcademyparents,parishmembers,andcommunitymembers.ThesurveywasadministeredoverathreeweekperiodbothonlineviaSurveyMonkeyandthroughpapercopiesdistributedtoparishmembers.Themethodologyofcollectedinputanalysisincludedadetailedreviewofallresponsesbothbystakeholdergroupsandcommunity-wide.“Weighted”orrankingquestionsweretalliedintotablesandcharts.Inputwassortedbymultiplecategoriesincludingspecificstakeholdergroupdata,overallnumbers,andqualitieslistedinascendinganddescendingorders.Thiswasfollowedbyadetailedreviewofallopen-endedquestionsandcommentsreceived.

SWOTAnalysisBelowisabriefSWOT(Strength,Weakness,Opportunity,Threat)analysisbasedonresultsfromallthosesurveyed(approximately1,150).

Strengths:• Family-orientedcommunity• Catholicvalues• DailyPledgeofAllegiance• Qualityofeducation• Safeenvironment

Weaknesses:• Multi-campusschool/Lewistoncampus• Relianceontuition• Integration/stayingcurrentwith

technology• Highschoolelectives• SchoolAdministration(non-teaching

staff/employees)


Opportunities:• Technologyupgrades• Widerselectionofhighschoolelectives• Improvedteacherandschool

communications• Newelementarybuilding/expansionof

Auburncampus• Predictabletuition/multi-student

discount

Threats:• Tuitioncosts• Transportation• Teachingmethodsfallingbehindpublic

schools• Decreaseinmonetary

support/donations• 25%offamiliesareonly“somewhat

committed”tostayingatSaintDominicAcademy

MajorThemesAllfamilies(students,parents,alumni,andparentsofalumni)saidthemostimportantreasontheychoseSaintDominicAcademywasbecauseofthestrongacademics.Thisisfollowedbythesafe/familyenvironment.Avalues-basededucationwasalsoratedasareasontoattendSaintDominicAcademy.AllstakeholdersstatedthatthereputationofSaintDominicAcademywasveryfavorable.ParentsandstudentsbothsaidthequalityofeducationatSaintDominicAcademyexceedswhatisofferedatcharterandothernon-publicschools.Communityinvolvementthroughserviceprojectsisvaluedbybothstudentsandparents.

NumerouscommentsweremadeaboutthepositiveatmosphereoftheLewistonCampus.Parentsstressedhowmuchthey(andtheirchildren)lovetheteachers.

Tuitionisthenumberonereasonwhynon-SaintDominicAcademyfamiliesdonotattendSaintDominicAcademy.StrengthsStakeholdershighlightedthefollowingstrengthsofSaintDominicAcademy:thefamily-orientedcommunity,Catholicvalues,thesafetywithintheschool,andthequalityofeducation.Thesestrengthswerealsoreiteratedinopen-endedquestionsandcomments.WeaknessesWeaknessesweresimilaracrossallstakeholdergroupsandincludetechnology/integrationoftechnology,lackofastrongadministration(proactivelyaddressingandtakingconcernsseriously),andrelianceontuitionforoperatingcosts.Ineffective/outofdateteachingmethods,teachers/administratorsover-lookingcheating,andlackofteacher/administrationcommunicationwereidentifiedasproblemareas.Theconcernthatcertainfamiliesreceive“special”treatmentwasraisedbystudents,parents,andnon-SaintDominicAcademyparents.


Opportunities

Opportunitiesconveyedincludeupgradestotechnology,awiderselectionofelectives(i.e.

musicandarts),holdingtuitioncostsdown,andtheLewistonCampus(eitherupgradesora

newbuilding).Similartotheweaknessescategory,technologyneedswereratedasthefirst

andsecondopportunityinallstakeholdergroups.Parentsandstudentsstatedthegrading

systemshouldreturntothepreviousscale(A:90-100,B:80-89,etc.).Inputalsoidentified

opportunitiestoimprovetheschoolenvironmentintheareasofdisciplineand

communicationsthroughopenfeedbackandsuggestions.

Threats

Threatsconveyedrangefromfinancialconcerns(includingtuitioncostsanddecreased

financialsupportthroughdonations)tooutdatedteachingmethods(seecontradictions

below).Aquarterofallfamiliesenrolledstatedtheyareonly“somewhat”committedto

stayingatSaintDominicAcademyforreasonsnotspecified.Lackoftransportation

(includingLewistonbuses)wasathemethatappearedthroughoutopen-endedquestions.

Amajorityoffamilieshavetodroptheirstudent(s)offatschool.

Contradictions

Afewstrengthswerealsorated/perceivedbysomerespondentsasweaknesses.These

include:

• Tuitioncosts:numerousstakeholdersconveyedconcernforcostlytuitionanda

continuedincreaseinratescouldultimatelymeanfamilieswouldhavetowithdraw.

However,approximatelyhalftheparents(andnon-SaintDominicAcademyparents)

reportedthatthetuitionrates(Pre-K–12)areaffordablewithassistance.

• Strongacademicswaslistedaseitherthefirstorsecondreasonwhyfamiliesattend

SaintDominicAcademy;non-SaintDominicAcademyparentsalsolistedtheschool

ashavingahighqualityofeducation.However,parents,students,andalumnialso

expressedperceptionsofout-of-dateteachingmethodsaswellasstandardsfalling

behindthoseofthepublicschools.

• WhilemanystatedSaintDominicAcademyhasasafe/familyenvironment,a

numberofcommentsweremadebystudentsandparentsthroughoutthesurvey

aboutbullyingandnothingbeingdoneaboutitbyteachersandtheadministration.

Summary

Whileitisdifficulttosummarizethedataofover1,150people,belowisaverybriefand

condensedsummary.

ForthoseinvolvedwithSaintDominicAcademy(parents,students,personnel,alumni,and

parentsofalumni)thequalityofeducationwasrankedasthenumberonereasonfamilies

chooseSaintDominicAcademy,followedcloselybythesafe/familyenvironment.These

traitsareacknowledgedbynon-SaintDominicAcademyfamiliesandcommunitymembers


throughtheirperceptionofSaintDominicAcademyhavinga“favorable”reputationinthegreatercommunity.Allgroupsidentifiedtheneedforupdatesattheschool.Respondentspointedtolaggingtechnologyandsuggestedthatteachingmethodscouldbemoreeffective(i.e.hands-onversuslearningoutofabook).Theyidentifiedtheneedforawiderselectionofelectives,andmadesuggestionsincludingthearts,technology(i.e.codingandprogramming),andlifeskillcourses(i.e.moneymanagement).AlumnistatedtheychoosenottosendtheirchildrentoSaintDominicAcademybecausetheteachingmethodsarethesameas20+yearsago.Respondentssaidtuitionistoohigh,butisaffordablewithassistance.Parentswantedpredictabletuitionincreases,multi-studentdiscounts,and“grandfathered”pricing(tuitioncostsandgradelevelincreaseswillnotchangeforcurrentfamiliesastuitionincreasesfornewfamilies).Parentsandteachersstressedaconcernabouttherelianceontuitionforthecostofoperations,statingtuitionwillincreaseasthecostsofday-to-dayoperationsrise.Thiswillultimatelyleadtoatuitionthatisunaffordabletomanyandmaydecreaseenrollment.Manynon-SaintDominicAcademyfamilieswouldlovetoattendiftuitionwerelowerandmorefinancialaidwereavailable.Studentsandparentsbothfeelthereisalackofcommunicationfromtheschoolregardingimportantinformation.Whenitemsarecommunicated,itisoftenatthelastminute,notallowingparentstotakeaction.Parentsprefermoreupdatesandsufficientnoticeonupcomingandimportantevents.TheyalsowanttheParentPortaltobeupdateddailybyteachers.Amajorityofparents,teachers,supportstaff,alumni,andparentsofalumniwanttoseefairwagesandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforteachers.Thisgroupisalsoinfavorofaone-campusschool,withsomerespondentsofferingtofundandrecruitfundingforthebuildingofthenewschool.


AppendixD:ComfortVersusGreatness

“Theworldoffersuscomfort,

Butwearenotmadeforcomfort,

Wearemadeforgreatness.”

OurHeritage:Franco-AmericanCatholicGrit

SaintDominicAcademyisaschoolbuiltupandsustainedbytheFranco-AmericanCatholics

whohavecalledLewiston/Auburntheirhomeforoveracentury.Afterworkinglonghours

inthemills,ourforbearerslaboredevenhardertoensurethattheirchildrenwouldnotbe

limitedbyapooreducation,butwouldbegiventheassistancetheyneededinschools

focusedonhelpingthemdeveloptheirGod-givengifts.Throughtheirefforts,manyCatholic

schoolswerebuiltinLewistonandAuburn,wheretheythrivedfornearlyacenturyunder

thewatchfulcareofhundredsofmenandwomenreligious,amongwhomwerebrothersof

theSacredHeart,Dominicanpriests,brothersandsisters,andcountlessotherreligious

communities.Supportedbydedicatedfamilies,thesemenandwomenreligiousallowed

CatholicschoolsinLewiston/Auburntobeinstrumentalinhelpingtensofthousandsof

childrenreceiveaneducationthatpreparedthemtomakeoutstandingcontributionstoour

Churchandsociety.

WhatcharacterizedourcommunitythencontinuestobethedrivingforcebehindSaint

DominicAcademytoday:adeepandsteadfastfaith,thedeterminationtomakegooduseof

thegiftsGodhasgivenus,andadeepcompassionforotherswhoarelessfortunatethanwe

are.Wecametothiscountrywithnothing,butthroughGod’sgraceandmuchsacrifice,we

wereabletodoalotofgoodforourfamilies,ourChurch,andourcommunity.Thisiswhat

SaintDominicAcademycontinuestoteachourchildren:nottoseekacomfortableoreasy

lifeortakethethingstheyhaveforgranted,buttoworkhardandbegenerouswiththegifts

thatGodhasgiventhem.AsPopeBenedicthassaid:“Christdidnotpromiseaneasylife…

Rather,heshowsusthewaytogreatthings,thegood,towardsanauthentichumanlife.”1

Thisauthenticity,characterizedbythegreatnessoflivesdedicatedtoserviceofGodand

neighbor,iswhatweknowleadstofulfillmentandmeaninginthislife,andtoeternalpeace

andjoyinthenext.

TheWorldOffersUsComfort

Societytodayoftenoperatesaccordingtoprinciplesthatareatoddswithwhatourfaithand

heritagehaveinstilledinus.Insteadofrecognizingthehumangreatnessfoundinself-

sacrificeandhardwork,ourcultureoftenexaltsthosewhohaveeasilycomeintowealth

andnotorietyandwhoselivesarefilledwitheverypleasureandcomfort.Theallureofself-

indulgenceisdifficultforyoungpeopletoresist,becauseitseemstopromiseaneasywayto

1PopeBenedictXVI,AddresstoGermanPilgrimsatInauguralCeremony,April2005


fulfillment.Voiceseverywheremarketnewhighsandformsofescape.SimpleBand-Aid

solutionsareproposedtocomplexanddeepproblems.Newformsoftechnologyreinforce

theimpressionthathumilityandpatiencearenotnecessary,thatlovecanbefoundwithout

sacrifice,thatgreatachievementscanbemadewithouthardwork,andthatthepoorand

sufferingcanbecaredforwithoutgettingourhandsdirty.Themodernworldencourages

ustobelievethatcharitableactivityisdonethroughtheclickofamouseratherthanthe

messyandchallengingexperienceofservinganotherhumanpersonface-to-face.

PopeFrancis,inhisapostolicletterEvangeliiGaudium,summarizedthesituationwell:“Manytrytoescapefromothersandtakerefugeinthecomfortoftheirprivacyorinasmall

circleofclosefriends,renouncingtherealismofthesocialaspectoftheGospel.Forjustas

somepeoplewantapurelyspiritualChrist,withoutfleshandwithoutthecross,theyalso

wanttheirinterpersonalrelationshipsprovidedbysophisticatedequipment,byscreensand

systemswhichcanbeturnedonandoffoncommand.Meanwhile,theGospeltellsus

constantlytoruntheriskofaface-to-faceencounterwithothers,withtheirphysical

presencewhichchallengesus,withtheirpainandtheirpleas,withtheirjoywhichinfectsus

inourcloseandcontinuousinteraction.TruefaithintheincarnateSonofGodis

inseparablefromself-giving,frommembershipinthecommunity,fromservice,from

reconciliationwithothers.TheSonofGod,bybecomingflesh,summonedustothe

revolutionoftenderness.”2

ButWeAreNotMadeForComfort

Evenasourculturepromisesusfulfillmentthroughself-indulgenceandathousand

distractions,wecanseethatpeoplearenotsatisfied.Somanytodaysearchformeaning,for

apurposegreaterthanthemselves,forrealandlastingintimacyandcommunity.They

knowintheirheartofheartsthatthesefacetsofauthentichumangreatnesscannotbe

foundwithoutsacrifice;thatwisdomandlovearenotcheapproductsthatcanbepurchased

online,butarethefruitofcountlesshoursofselflessanddisciplinedhardwork.

Withinthissocietysearchingformeaning,purpose,andsalvation,theChurchonceagain

proposesthegoodnewsoftheGospel.St.JohnPaulIIworkedtoteardownthebarriersto

faiththathavebeenbuiltupovercenturiesofweakness,sin,corruption,andscandalinthe

Church.ThePopecontinuallyproclaimedthatthefailingsofthefollowersofChristmust

notdistractfromtherealityofwhoJesusisandwhatheoffersus.“ItisJesusinfactthat

youseekwhenyoudreamofhappiness;heiswaitingforyouwhennothingelseyoufind

satisfiesyou;heisthebeautytowhichyouaresoattracted;itishewhoprovokesyouwith

thatthirstforfullnessthatwillnotletyousettleforcompromise;itishewhourgesyouto

shedthemasksofafalselife;itishewhoreadsinyourheartsyourmostgenuinechoices,

thechoicesthatotherstrytostifle.ItisJesuswhostirsinyouthedesiretodosomething

greatwithyourlives,thewilltofollowanideal,therefusaltoallowyourselvestobe

groundeddownbymediocrity,thecouragetocommityourselveshumblyandpatientlyto

improvingyourselvesandsociety,makingtheworldmorehumanandmorefraternal.”3

2PopeFrancis,EvangeliiGaudiumno.883PopeJohnPaulII,WorldYouthDayVigilofPrayer,August2000


WeAreMadeforGreatness“Donotconformyourselvestothisagebutbetransformedbytherenewalofyourmind,thatyoumaydiscernwhatisthewillofGod,whatisgoodandpleasingandperfect.”4InspiredbythelifeandteachingofJesusChristandsustainedbyhisgrace,SaintDominicAcademyseekstoovercomethetemptationofmodernsociety:tobecontentwithaneasy,superficial,selfish,andmundanelife.Instead,westrivetohelpstudentsandtheirfamiliesliveaccordingtothehighestaspirationsofthehumanheart,todiscoverandgraduallyembodythegreatnessforwhicheachofushasbeenmade.Thismissionofourschoolissummarizedwellbythephrase“MadeforGreatness.”

MadebyGod.

Tosaythatweare“made”remindsusthatthereisaGod;thatwearenotthegodsofourownlittleworlds,butthatwearecreatureswhodependuponhimforeverythingweareandhave.Wearepartofabiggerplan,alargerpurposethanourownlimiteddesiresanddreams.

Forapurpose.WearenotmadebyGodtosimplyoccupyspaceinhisuniverseforashortspanofyears.Godhasaplanforthehumanraceandforeachofus–aplanthathehasrevealedinJesusChrist.Whenwecometoknowthisdeeperplan,thenwebegintounderstandhowandwhywearemade,tounderstandourselves,andtounderstandthepathtotruehumanfulfillmentandgreatness.

Greatness:ourcalling.Christ’sexampleofselflesslove,courage,andfaithfulnessrevealsthetruegreatnessforwhichwearemadeandthepaththatleadstoaholy,fulfilled,andmeaningfullife.ThisfundamentalChristianinsightiswhatunderliesallaspectsofourschool.

AnEducationInspiredbytheFourDominicanPillarsofGreatnessFollowingthelifeandteachingofSt.Dominic,theDominicanorderhaslongspokenoffourpillarsoftheircharism:study,prayer,community,andservice.Collaboratingwithparents,theteachersandstaffguidestudentstodiscovertheirtruegreatnessthroughtheiractiveengagementofthesefourpillarsduringtheirtimeatSaintDominicAcademy.

Study–“VeritasVitae”–“TheTruthofLife”isourschoolmotto.Weseektofullyengagethetruthabouteachareaofhumanknowledgeintheclassesweoffer,ratherthansimplypreparingstudentstomemorizeanswersfortests.Googlecanspitoutanswers.Weseektoimparttoourstudentsathirstforknowledge,theabilitytoreasonlogically,andthecapacitytothinkcritically.Thesearequalitiesthatcanonly

4Romans12:2


becultivatedthroughskilledmentoringanddisciplinedstudy,qualitiesthatwill

servethemwellinwhateverfieldofstudyorcareerGodsetsbeforethem.

Prayer–Weofferopportunitiestodevelopgreaterinteriority,tocontemplate

questionsofpurposeandmeaning,todevelopastrongmoralcompass,andtofind

balanceinlife.ForthosestudentswhoareCatholicorChristian,wehelpthemto

deepenandenrichtheirknowledgeandexperienceofJesusChristandhisChurch

throughreligiousstudies,prayer,Massandthesacraments,andcountlessother

liturgicalandspiritualopportunities.Throughallaspectsoflifeatourschool,we

worktoinspireanunderstandingthat‘madeforgreatness’means‘madefor

holiness.’

Community–Westrivetopromotehonesty,integrity,discipline,athleticism,

healthyliving,artisticandculturalawareness,etiquette,andpracticalleadership

abilities.Oursportsprogramisguidedbytheprinciplesof“PlayLikeaChampion,”

thehighlyacclaimedprogrampioneeredbyNotreDameUniversity,ensuringthat

ourteamsembodytruegreatnessonthefieldoricerink.Wepromotedozensof

extracurricular,cultural,andartisticopportunitiesforourstudentstobecomefully

integrated,well-roundedpeople.

Service–Inourschool,wecultivateanawarenessthatourlivesareprofoundly

connectedtothelivesofothers,andthatallofushaveadutytocareforthosewho

arepoor,vulnerable,ormarginalized.InspiredbythewordsofChrist,weoffer

countlessopportunitiesforstudents,staff,andfamiliestocometogetherforcauses

greaterthanthemselvesandtoreachoutincompassiontothoseinneed,

particularlythroughdirectcareofthosewhoaremostlocaltous.Forus,

communityserviceismorethanatranscriptbuilder,itisapassionandawayoflife.

“Anauthenticfaith–whichisnevercomfortableorcompletelypersonal–alwaysinvolvesa

deepdesiretochangetheworld,totransmitvalues,toleavethisearthsomehowbetterthan

wefoundit.”5

Theworldhaschangedinsomanywayssinceourfamiliesunitedwithpriestsandreligious

tobuildupthefirstCatholicschoolsinLewiston/Auburn.Andyetthefaithandprinciples

thatguidedthosemenandwomenisasrelevantandneededinourworldtodayasever.In

aculturethatpromotesfindinggreatnessinhollowandsuperficialfantasiesofgrandeur

andcomfort,SaintDominicAcademyremainsrootedinthetruesourceofhumangreatness:

afaiththatteachesustofollowtheexampleofChristbygivingourlivesinselflessserviceto

Godandneighbor.Regardlessofreligion,gender,race,orbackground,allmenandwomen

aremadeforthisgreatnessrevealedtousinJesusChrist.WeareallchildrenofGod.We

areallmadeinhisimageandlikenessandplacedonthisplanetforapurpose.AtSaint

DominicAcademy,westriveeachdaytohelpourstudentsdiscover,appreciate,andlivethe

greatnessforwhichtheyhavebeenmade,agreatnessthatwillenablethemtoliveauthentic

andmeaningfullivesonearthandonedayfindeternalpeaceandjoyinheaven.

5PopeFrancis,EvangeliiGaudiumno.183


AppendixE:TimelineofStrategicPlanningProcess

• PlantoPlanMeeting–anadhoccommitteedevelopedaplanningprocesswiththe

facilitatorandtheBoardapprovedtheproposedplanningprocess–November/December2014

• StrategicPlanningCommitteeformedandCommunityEngagementandInput

Surveydeveloped–December2014/January2015

• CommunityEngagementandInputperiod–February/March2015

• CommunityEngagementandInputreporting–April2015

• ThreeStrategicPlanningTeamSessions–April/May2015

• AdhoccommitteeworkandStrategicPlanningTeaminputtohoneVision,Mission,andgoals–JuneandAugust2015

• Teamhiatusforschoolbreak–July/August2015

• TaskGroupsworkedongoals,objectives,andstrategies–September/October2015

• AdministrativeTeamandTaskGroupshonedgoals–November/December2015

• StrategicPlanningCommitteecompiledPlancomponents–December2015/January

2016

• StrategicPlanningCommitteesentcompiledPlancomponentstotheStrategicPlanningTeam,BishopDeeley,faculty,andsupportstaffforreviewandfeedback–March/April2016

• StrategicPlanningCommitteeincorporatedfeedbackandfinalizedtheDRAFT

StrategicPlan–April/May2016

• StrategicPlanningTeamSessionFour–2018StrategicPlanreview,StrategicPlanningTeamendorsement,andrecommendationtotheBishopforapproval–May2016

• Bishopapprovalreceived–October2016

• Announcementof2018SaintDominicAcademyStrategicPlanandcommunity

messagingandengagement–November2016

• 2018StrategicPlanimplementationandoversight–ongoing


AppendixF:GlossaryofTermsAccreditation–aprocessofvalidationinwhichcolleges,universities,andotherinstitutionsofhigherlearningareevaluatedAdministrativeTeam–thepresident,principals,anddirectorsofenrollment,advancement,andfinance/operationsAssistantChaplainProgram–students(currentlygrades11and12)selectedtoserveasleadersinthepastoralministryoftheschoolCampusMinister–parents,teachers,coaches,orotheradultsassociatedwithSaintDominicAcademywhoworkwiththeChaplaintoplanandcarryoutCampusMinistryactivitiesandwhoserveasadvisorsonthestudentpastoralandservicecouncilsCampusMinistry–thearticulation,nurturing,andbuildingupoftheCatholiclife,mission,andidentityoftheSaintDominicAcademycommunitythroughcollaborationwithadministration,faculty,students,families,andthebroadercommunityCampusMinistryPastoralCommittee(CMPC)–meetsquarterlytodiscussandevaluateeffortstobuildupandsustainCatholicidentityintheschoolandanypastoralneedsandchallengesthatarise.Membership:Chaplain,President,Principalsofbothcampuses,DeanofStudents,teachers,coaches,andparents(teachers,coaches,andparentsareapproachedbytheChaplainorPresidentafterconsultationandaskedtoserveonthecouncilfor2yearterms)CandidateforAccreditation–theinitialstageofaschoolthatisseekingaccreditationCatholicCulture–thefindingofmeaningthroughrelationshipsthatarenourishedbythecurriculumandlifeoftheschoolCatholicIdentity–theprovidingofauthenticCatholicteaching,opportunitiesforcommunityworshipandparticipationintheSacraments,andpromotionofevangelizationandservicetothecommunityCatholicSocialTeachings–arichtreasureofwisdomaboutbuildingajustsocietyandlivinglivesofholinessamidstthechallengesofmodernsocietyClassroomMinistries–responsibilitiesofdailyactivitiesincludingprayerandservicetotheclassroomthatrotatethroughouttheschoolyear“ComfortVersusGreatness”–anideologydevelopedbytheschoolChaplain,Fr.SeamusGriesbachthatsurfacedthroughtheCatholicIdentityTaskGroup’sdiscussionofGoal1oftheStrategicPlan(seeAppendixD)


CommissiononIndependentSchools(CIS)–oneoffourCommissionsoftheNewEnglandAssociationofSchoolsandColleges,accreditsawiderangeofprivateschoolsinthe

sixstatesofNewEngland.CurrentlytheCommissionworkswithover600schoolsin

variousstagesoftheaccreditationprocess.

CommunityInputandEngagement–theprocessofsurveyingthatutilizedsurveymonkey.comandfocusgroupstodeterminetheschool’sstrengthsandopportunities

DifferentiatedTeachingStrategies–teachingthesamematerialtoallstudentsusingavarietyofinstructionalstrategies

DigitalCitizenship–theideaofusingdigitaltechnologyandsoftwareinarespectfulmanner

DominicanCharism–thefollowingofthelifeofSt.Dominicthroughfourpillars:study,prayer,community,service

DualEnrollment–highschool-agedstudentsareabletotakecollegelevelcoursesforbothhighschoolandcollegecredit

HarvestMagazine–Diocesanmagazinethat“makesJesusknownbybringingtheGospelmessagetothepeopleofGodandservingasaninstrumentofteaching,communication,and

communitybuilding,aswellasallowingandencouragingtheresponsiblediscussionof

issueswithinthediocese”

NewEnglandAssociationofSchoolsandColleges(NEASC)–establishesandmaintainshighstandardsforalllevelsofeducation–frompre-kindergartentothedoctorallevel.Itis

anindependent,voluntary,nonprofitmembershiporganizationthatconnectsandserves

over2,000publicandindependentschools,technical/careerinstitutions,colleges,and

universitiesinNewEnglandplusInternationalSchoolsinmorethan65nationsworldwide.

Agloballyrecognizedstandardofexcellence,NEASCAccreditationatteststoaschool’shigh

qualityandintegrity.NEASCiscomprisedoffourcommissions,whodecidemattersof

accreditationinthecontextofresearch-drivenstandardsreviewedbytheirmembership.

NorthwestEvaluationAssociation(NWEA)–assessmentforlearningthatdifferentiatesinstructionforeverystudent,pinpointsinterventionandenrichmentneeds,accelerates

students’academicgrowthandachievement,andmaximizesclassroominstructionaltime,

staffresources,andbudget

PlayLikeAChampionToday–aUniversityofNotreDame-basedinitiativefocusedonpromotingapositivesportscultureforallyoungpeople

ParentPortal–anonlineprogramthatautomatestheseamlessflowofinformationbetweenschooladministration,teachers,andparents

Pre-K–12–thecurrentgradespanofSaintDominicAcademy,pre-kindergartenthroughseniorinhighschool

ProfessionalDevelopmentTeam(PDT)–ateamofteachersandadministratorsthatresearchesbestpracticesandcoordinatesopportunitiestoaidteachersintheirinstruction


ProjectBasedLearning–ateachingmethodinwhichstudentsgainknowledgeandskillsbyworkingforanextendedperiodoftimetoinvestigateandrespondtoanengagingandcomplexquestion,problem,orchallengePSAT/NMSQT–thePreliminarySAT/NationalMeritScholarshipQualifyingTest(PSAT/NMSQT)isastandardizedtestadministeredbytheCollegeBoardandcosponsoredbytheNationalMeritScholarshipCorporation(NMSC)intheUnitedStatesRenWeb–theschool’sdigitalinformationprogramthatholdsstudentandfamilydata,includingcontactinformationandgradesSAT–astandardizedtestwidelyusedforcollegeadmissionsintheUnitedStates.Itwasfirstintroducedin1926,anditsnameandscoringhavechangedseveraltimes,beingoriginallycalledtheScholasticAptitudeTest,thentheScholasticAssessmentTest,thentheSATI:ReasoningTest,thentheSATReasoningTest,andnowsimplytheSAT.SocialMedia–digitalcommunicationusedtocreateandshareinformationStakeholders–parents,teachers,staff,alumni,parentsofalumni,donors,sponsors,volunteers,andcommunitymembersStrategicPlan–adocumentwrittentodefinedirectionandmakedecisionstoguidepracticesStrategicPlanningCommittee–thegroupofpeoplewhohelpedguidetheprocessofstrategicplanningStrategicPlanningTeam–therepresentativegroupofpeoplewhocollaborativelywrotetheStrategicPlanSTREAM–anacronymforamethodologyofteachingscience,technology,religion,engineering,art,andmathinmulti-disciplinaryunitsofinstructionStudentPastoralCouncil–ledbyAssistantChaplainsandassistedbyCampusMinistersundertheguidanceoftheChaplain,theStudentPastoralCouncilworkstoservefellowstudentsinbuildingupandsustainingtheCatholiclifeofSaintDominicAcademyStudentServiceCouncil–ledbyAssistantChaplainsandassistedbyCampusMinistersundertheguidanceoftheChaplain,theStudentServiceCouncilworkstoplanandcarryoutvariousserviceprojectsthroughouttheyearTaskGroups–thegroupsformedbytheStrategicPlanningTeamtodiscussanddevelopthesixmajorgoalsintheplanTechnology-EnabledActiveLearning(TEAL)Labs–teachingformatthatmergeslectures,simulations,andhands-ondesktopexperimentstocreatearichcollaborativelearningexperienceVeritasVitae–Latinfor“TruthofLife”


VirtualHighSchool–aprogramofcoursesofferedbyanonlineconsortiumofschoolsthatprovidescourseselectionsoutsideofSaintDominicAcademy’sstandardslateofcoursesVirtuesBasedRestorationPractices–aschoolcultureanddisciplinaryprocessdevelopedbytheDioceseofSt.Louis,Missourithatoffersteachers,parents,students,andschools,awaytocultivatevirtuewhilerepairingharmfrombullyingandotherhurtfulbehaviors


AppendixG:GoalsWorksheetsforImplementation

Goal1:PromoteandStrengthenCatholicIdentity

Objective1:Beginasharedvaluesprocessthatengagesstakeholderstoarticulatetheessenceofourschoolculture.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Introducetheconceptof“ComfortVersusGreatness”(seeAppendixD).This

conceptsurfacedthroughthedevelopment

ofobjectivesandstrategiestowardthegoal

ofarticulatingafour-foldDominicanCatholic

culturalidentityasthefoundationofall

aspectsofschoollife.

ActionStep1:Determineprocesstobeusedforidentifyingsharedvalues.

ActionStep2:Meetwithvariousstakeholdersusing“ComfortVersusGreatness”asastartingpointfordiscussinghowtoarticulatetheCatholicidentityofSaintDominicAcademy.

ActionStep3:SynthesizevariousdiscussionpointsintoastatementthatreflectstheCatholicidentityofSaintDominicAcademy.

ActionStep4:UtilizeoutcomesofstakeholdersharedvaluesdiscussionstodevelopabrandingstrategytodeterminetheSaintDominicAcademybrand.

Strategy2:TellstoriesthatconnectouridentitywithactivitiesoccurringatSaint

DominicAcademy.

ActionStep1:Developadetailedplantodiscover,record,andpromotethestoriesofalumniandcurrentstudents.

ActionStep2:Highlightthosewhohavedemonstratedheroicfaith,self-sacrifice,leadership,andgenerosityofheartovertheyears.Thesestorieswillbetoldthrough:

a. Schoolpublicationsandnewsletters;

b. ParishbulletinsandtheHarvestMagazine;

c. TraditionalmediaoutletsincollaborationwithDaveGuthrointheDiocesanPublicRelations

Department;and

d. Socialmedia.


Objective2:Defineacomprehensivereligiousformationprogramforstudents.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Ensurethatretreats,communityservice,andreligious

instructionarecarriedoutaccordingtoa

comprehensiveandinterrelatedreligious

formationprogramthattakesinto

accountandaddressesthefourpillarsof

theDominicancharism.

ActionStep1:Reviewreligiousinstructionprogramtoensurethat:a. ThearticulatedCatholicidentityisinbalancewithacademicinstruction,retreats,andservice

opportunitiesand

b. Worship/prayerispresentedtostudentsateveryageasreflectedintheCatholicIdentitySectionof

theCommissiononIndependentSchools(CIS)oftheNewEnglandAssociationofSchoolsandColleges

(NEASC)accreditationprocess.

ActionStep2:Holdmonthlymeetingsto:

a. Identifycurrentinstruction,retreats,andliturgicalandservicepracticessothatacompletepictureis

formedconcerningcurrentofferings;

b. Determinewhichcomponentsmeetthenewfocusandwhichdonot;and

c. Developacomprehensiveplanforuseduringthe2016-2017schoolyear.

Strategy2:EnsurethatthearticulatedCatholicidentityisbuiltintothePre-K-12

retreatprogramwithafocuson

leadership.

ActionStep1:AworkinggroupcomprisedoftheChaplain,religionteachers,andretreatplannerswilldesignanewcomprehensiveCatholicRetreatandCharacter-BasedLeadershipProgramforgrades7–12.Thegroup

willseekinputandfeedbackfromthefacultyandtheAdministrativeTeam.

ActionStep2:FormaRetreatLeadershipTeamthatwillmeetwiththeChaplainanddesignatedschoolsupportstafftoplanandcarryouttheretreatscheduleforthecomingyear.


Objective3:Increaseprayerandfaithformationamongstaff.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Offeropportunitiesforavailablepersonneltopraytogether

beforethestartofeachschoolday.

Strategy2:Beginalleventswithprayer,includingatthebeginningofassemblies

andmeetingsandbetweenSaintDominic

Academystudentsandcoachesbefore

games.

ActionStep1:Addalinetopersonnelandstudenthandbooksstatingthateventswillbeginwithprayer.

ActionStep2:Createtemplate/examplesofprayersforusebyeventleaders.

Strategy3:Holdannualstaffretreat. ActionStep1:HoldinitialgatheringofstaffduringthemonthofAugusttospirituallyprepareforthenewschoolyear.

Strategy4:Identifygroupsthatwouldbenefitfromfaithdiscussionsincluding

allgradelevels,clubs,Assistant

Chaplains,andothers.

ActionStep1:Organizeopportunitiesforreflectionanddiscussion

Objective4:Developfurtheropportunitiesforstudentleadership,peerministry,andcommunityservice.

Strategy ActionSteps

Strategy1:ContinuetodevelopClassroomMinistries,StudentPastoral

Council,StudentServiceCouncil,and

AssistantChaplainPrograminorderto

expandstudentinvolvementand

leadershipinliturgies,retreats,and

communityservice.

ActionStep1:Developastructureofmonthlystrategizingsessionsofstudentandfacultyleaders.

ActionStep2:ExplorethefeasibilityoffundingaCampusMinisterpositiontocollaboratewiththeChaplainincarryingouttheCampusMinistry.

Strategy2:Createanevaluationprocesssothatstudentscangivefeedback

regardingtheeffectivenessofinitiatives.

ActionStep1:Developasurveyorsimilarpollingtooltoaskquestionsthatinformappropriatemodificationsinfutureyears.


Objective5:Provideopportunitiesforfamiliesandcommunitymemberstocelebrate,beenriched,andgrowinfaith.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Invitefamiliesandcommunitymemberstoallliturgiesandspecial

programs.

ActionStep1:Coordinateandsynchronizeactivitiesfromthemeetingnotesofgroupsthroughouttheschoolcommunityandincludeallactivitiesintheschoolcalendar.

ActionStep2:Reviewcalendaronthefirstdayofeachweektoplantheschool’snecessarycommunicationsfortheweek.

Strategy2:Supportastrongfamilyfaithforfamiliestoshare.

ActionStep1:Developopportunitiesforfamiliestobothlearnaboutandpracticeactivitiesthatleadtoadeeperfaithlife.

ActionStep2:Holdone“HowTo”eventpersemesterthatdetailshowfamiliescanimplementthesepractices.


Goal2:EnhanceTeachingandLearning

Objective1:AchievecandidacyforaccreditationrecognitionfromtheCommissiononIndependentSchools(CIS)oftheNewEnglandAssociationofSchoolsandColleges(NEASC).

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:MeetwithNEASCCIStodiscussparticipationintheaccreditationprocess.

ActionStep1:ContactNEASCCIStoscheduleameeting.

Strategy2:OrganizeandpromoteaninformationalmeetingwithNEASCCIS

representativesforallfaculty,

administrativeandsupportstaff,interested

parents,andSaintDominicAcademyBoard

members.

ActionStep1:PriortoSeptember2,scheduleNEASCCISrepresentativestomeetwithfaculty(3:00p.m.),Board(4:30p.m.),andparents(6:30p.m.).

Strategy3:SeekBoardapprovaltobegintheprocessofachievingrecognitionof

CandidateforAccreditation(Catholic

SchoolsEdition)statuswiththeNEASCCIS.

ActionStep1:IncludearequestforapprovalofaNEASCCISAccreditationapplicationintheApril/MayBoardmeetingagenda.

Strategy4:EstablishanAccreditationSelf-StudyCommitteetoseekrecognitionof

CandidateforAccreditation(Catholic

SchoolsEdition)statuswiththeNEASCCIS.

TheAdministrativeTeamwillappointthe

chairandco-chairandwillrecruitmembers.

ActionStep1:AnnouncetheneedtoformanAccreditationSelf-StudyCommittee(ASSC).

ActionStep2:Appointthechairandco-chair,recruitmembersfromfacultyattheLewistonandAuburncampuses,administrativestaff,Board,andthepublicfortheASSC,anddevelopameetingcalendar.

ActionStep3:BegintheprocesstoseekrecognitionofCandidateforAccreditationstatus.


Objective2:Prioritizeprofessionaldevelopmenttoensureteachersarehighlyqualified.

Strategy ActionSteps

Strategy1:EstablishaProfessionalDevelopmentTeam(PDT)consistingof

threeelectedfacultyfromtheLewiston

Campus,threeelectedfacultyfromthe

AuburnCampus,achairperson,andaco-

chairtoprovidethenecessaryleadership.

ThePDTwill:

ActionStep1:Meetmonthlytoplanandassessitswork.ActionStep2:RequestthateachfacultypersonidentifythemodeofprofessionaldevelopmentthatwouldbemosthelpfultohisorherteachingassignmentandprovidethePDTwiththisinformation.

ActionStep3:PrepareanongoingProfessionalDevelopmentPlan,basedonfacultyresponsesandseekAcademyleadership,Boardapproval,andbudgetsupport.

ActionStep4:ProvidetheAdministrativeTeamandBoardwithbi-monthlyreportsofprofessionaldevelopmentactivitycompletedorinprogress.

Objective3:Designcurriculumenhancements.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:ExpandthescopeandmissionoftheAcademicCommitteeinlightofthe

accreditationprocess.

ActionStep1:Concurrentwiththeaccreditationself-studyprocessandbeyond,analyzecurrentcurriculumandstudentachievementatalllevelsincludingallNWEAgrowthdata,PSATresults,andSATresults.

ActionStep2:Investigatebestpracticesandprogramsthatencourageandchallengeallstudentsatalllevelstoachievetheirpotential(i.e.STREAM,TEALlabs,BlueRibbon,DualEnrollment,AdvancedLearning,and

othersimilarprograms).

ActionStep3:ForwardfindingsandrecommendationstotheAdministrativeTeamregardingprogramenhancements,modifications,andchanges.Seekappropriatebudgetsupport.


Goal3:FosterStudentLife

Objective1:ContinuetopromoteaCatholicschoolenvironmentthatsupportsChrist-centeredinterpersonalrelationships,teacheseffectivecommunication,andpromotesappropriatesocialandacademiccopingskills.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:DevelopadisciplinepolicysuchasVirtue-BasedRestorativeDisciplineto

nurtureasenseofcommunityandthesocial,

emotional,andcollaborativeneedsof

students.

ActionStep1:AttendatrainingworkshoponVirtue-BasedRestorativePracticestoconsiderthisasapossibleapproachtoestablishingasenseofcommunityandpromotingempathyinthelivesofstudents.

ActionStep2:Integratethisorasimilarprogram(thatmeetstheobjective)intotheschoolcommunitywithprofessionaldevelopmenttrainingsessions.Implementationofthisprogramwillbedoneinphaseswithfull

implementationin3–5years.

Strategy2:Createameasuringtooltoreviewathleticandco-curricularofferingsandbasedonfindingsofthisreview,addor

subtractofferingstoenhanceprogramming.

ActionStep1:Createasurveyorotherpollingmethodtodeterminethesustainabilityandcontributionofeachprogramtotheenhancementofstudentlife.

Strategy3:Promotethemoralandethicaluseofsocialnetworkingandpersonal

technology.

ActionStep1:AppointaTechnologyUseCommitteemadeupofstaffateachcampustoresearchbestpracticesofDigitalCitizenship,principlesofCatholicsocialteaching,andothercurrentresearchof

technologyuseinschoolsthatenhanceslearning.

ActionStep2:UtilizetheresultsofthisresearchtoestablishaComprehensiveTechnologyProgramthatincludescriteriaandexpectationsforstudentuseoftechnologyandfocusesonresponsible,moral,and

ethicaluseoftechnology.Learningoutcomeswillbecustomizedforthedifferentagelevelsoftechnology

users.

ActionStep3:TrainteachersandstaffontheestablishedComprehensiveTechnologyProgramtoensureaunifiedapproachtotechnologyusethroughoutallclassroomsandcampuses.

ActionStep4:Integratetheconceptsofthenewtechnologyprogramintothestudenthandbook,allclasses,retreats,clubmeetings,andothervenuestoreinforcethemessagesofsafetyandetiquetteintechnology.


Objective2:Enrichthecultural,spiritual,andrecreationalexperiencesofstudents.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Planastudentsummittoexploreandidentifyactivities,programs,and

servicestoprovidehealthycultural,

spiritual,andrecreationalopportunitiesthat

promoteahealthypeerclimateamongall

students.

ActionStep1:Invitestudentleaders,faculty,supportstaff,parents,andotherstakeholderstothesummit.Developaneedsassessmentsurveytogatherinputfromstudents,parents,andfacultyregardingpriorities

andinterestsforactivities,programs,andservicesthatwillenhancetheSaintDominicAcademyexperience.

ActionStep2:Makerecommendationsforadditionstoandmodificationsofschoolofferingsthatencourageinvolvementbyallstudentswithinanenvironmentwherestudentsfeeltheybelong.Recommendationswill

bebasedontheneedsassessmentsurveyresultsandwilltakeintoconsiderationcurrentactivities,

programs,andservicesoffered.Optionsforconsideration:

a. Peermentors(inandbetweencampuses);

b. Aleadershipteammadeupofhighschoolstudentstobridgefriendshipsbetweenandwithingrades

(highschool);

c. Familyandfriendevents(i.e.barbeques,movienights,fielddays,dances,etc.);and

d. Monthlystudentsocialnights(i.e.semi-professionalgames,skiing,iceskating,bowling,etc.).

ActionStep3:PresenttherecommendationstotheAdministrativeTeam,faculty,Board,students,families,andotherconstituentsforreview,revision,andapproval.

ActionStep4:IntegratetheapprovedrecommendationsintotheexistinginfrastructureandincludeintheschoolActivitiesCalendartoallowforagreaterinstitutionalawarenessofactivitiesateachcampustofoster

studentlife,increaseawareness,minimizeconflicts,and

clarifypriorityeventsandactivitiesfortheschool.

Strategy2:DevelopaComprehensiveCommunityServiceProgram.

ActionStep1:EstablishaCommunityServiceExploratoryCommittee(CSEC)composedoftwofacultymembersfromtheLewistonCampus,twofacultymembersfromtheAuburnCampus,arepresentativeof

CampusMinistry,classrepresentatives,andparents.

a. Identifychairandco-chairtoprovidecommitteeleadership.

ActionStep2:Reviewandevaluateallcurrentcommunityserviceeffortsandrequirements,Pre-K-12,includingallgrade/classroom,co-curricular,andathleticteamactivities.ActionStep3:Identifycommunityserviceexperiencesthatareandwillbemostmeaningfulandgaininsightintowhatisworkingandwhatisnotthrough:

a. Surveys;

b. Focusgroups;

c. Sitevisitsofparishesandnon-profits;and


d. Personalcommunicationsofstudents,parents,faculty,andtheAdministrativeTeam.

ActionStep4:Developameaningful,comprehensive,andworkabledraftCommunityServiceProgramforPre-K-12

studentsthatwillfocusonserviceactivitieswithinthesurroundingcommunity.

ActionStep5:Seekcommentsonthedraftprogramfromfaculty,theAdministrativeTeam,students,parents,andconstituents.

ActionStep6:FinalizetheCommunityServiceProgramanddevelopanimplementationstrategy(i.e.acalendarofactivitiesandin-serviceworkshopsforfaculty,students,andfamilies).

Objective3:Createopportunitiesforallstudentstodevelopleadershipandcollaborativeskills.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Supportschool-wideprogramsthatteach,model,andreinforceleadership

andcollaborativeskills.

ActionStep1:DirectandprovidesupportstaffdevelopmenttotheAthleticDepartmenttoreinstateNotreDame’s“PlaylikeaChampionToday”programtoreinforceandcultivatehealthyleadershipandcharacter

trainingthroughouttheathleticprogram.

ActionStep2:IncorporategreateropportunitiesformentoringandleadershipskillbuildingbetweentheLewistonandAuburncampuses(i.e.“BuddyProgram”).

ActionStep3:Surveyfacultyandsupportstaffatbothcampusestoidentifythewaysinwhichtheycurrentlynurtureandcultivateleadershipinstudentsbothwithinandoutsideoftheclassroom.

a. Thesurveyshouldalsosolicitideasastohowtraininginleadershipcouldbestrengthenedthroughoutthe

school.

Strategy2:Beginanewleadershipmentoringprogram.

ActionStep1:Collaboratewithfaculty,supportstaff,andcommunityleaderstodevelopaprogramthatconnectsstudentswithlocalcommunityleadersinwaysthatfosterpositiveguidanceinleadershipand

service.


Goal4:SecureLong-TermSustainabilityofSaintDominicAcademy

Objective1:Growenrollment,reduceattrition,andaddressaffordability.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Identifyreasonsforsocialattrition.

ActionStep1:Createaprocesstoidentifydissatisfiedfamiliesbeforestudentswithdraw.Lookforwaystoinvolveallconstituentgroupsincludingparents,faculty,students,coaches,andstaff.

ActionStep2:Createmethodstocollectdatabothfromfamilieswhowithdrawaswellasthosewhomaybeconsideringwithdrawal.

ActionStep3:Analyzedata.Strategy2:Workwithfacultytoassessseveralinnovativemethodologiesand

learningstrategiesthattheschoolis

considering(i.e.STREAM,TEALlabs,etc.)to

determinecostofstaffdevelopmentand

programenhancements.

ActionStep1:Researchinnovativemethodologiestoconsider.

ActionStep2:Calculatecoststoimplementandbeginprofessionaldevelopmentandutilization.

ActionStep3:Determinepriorityanddeveloplong-rangefundingprojections.

Strategy3:Developarelationshipwithareacolleges,realestateagencies,hospitals,and

othercommunityagenciesandbusinesses.

Meetwithhumanresourcesofficialsand

distributepromotionalmaterialsatleast

twiceayear.

ActionStep1:Makealistofappropriatecontacts,agencies,andbusinesses.

ActionStep2:Developrelationshipswithentrypointsandbusinessesthatsupportprofessionalsmovingtothearea.

ActionStep3:Strategicallyplacemarketingmaterialsattheselocations.Strategy4:Developalistofappropriatealumniandcommunityeventsthatcelebrate

accomplishmentsandoffereducational

programmingoncampusforfamiliesand

othergroupstobedetermined.

ActionStep1:Formacommitteetoplanandexecutethe75th/138thanniversaryevents.

ActionStep2:Holdthefirstoftheseeventsduringthe2017schoolyear.

ActionStep3:Proposefutureeventswithapproximatecostandresourcesneededforevaluationoffeasibilityandaffordability.

ActionStep4:EvaluatetheAdvancementDepartmenttoimproveresourceutilization.


Strategy5:StrengthenintegrationwithparishesoftheDioceseandhighlightthe

evangelizingnatureofSaintDominic

Academy.

ActionStep1:Meetindividuallywithpastorsbi-annuallytoelicitsupport.

Strategy6:Increaseincomesources,improvenettuition,andmaintainan

emphasisonourcommitmentto

affordability.

ActionStep1:RecommendaPre-K-12tuitionmodelthataccountsforactualcostofeducationandprovidesadequatefinancialaidtomeettheneedsofcurrentfamilies.

ActionStep2:WorkwiththeDiocesanDevelopmentOfficeonstrategiestoincreaseendowmentparticipationincludingplannedgiving,grants,andbequests.

ActionStep3:Revisethecorporatesponsorshipprogram.

ActionStep4:Determinethefeasibilityofacapitalcampaignfortuitionassistanceaswellaswaystoincorporategrowingtheendowmentintoschoolfundraisingefforts.

Objective2:Enhancefacultyandsupportstaffcompensation.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Retainandattractqualifiedteachers.

ActionStep1:Implementasalaryscalebasedonyearsofexperience.ActionStep2:Consideradditionalcriteriaforcompensation(i.e.professionaldevelopment,preparation,andperformance).


Objective3:EstimatethefinancialimpactforthefacilitiesandoperationalneedsidentifiedinthisStrategicPlanandpresenttoBoard.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:FormaSpecialProjectsCommittee(SPC)toexplorefinancialbest

practicesandnewsourcesofincomeand

presenttotheBoard.Newsourcescould

include:

a. Increasingtheuseofgroundsand

facilities;

b. Expandingtransportationservices;

c. Exploringextendedlearning

opportunities;

d. Outsourcingofservices;and

e. Exploringalternateenergysources.

ActionStep1:PrepareareportofprioritizedfindingstopresenttotheBoard.

Goal5:ImproveCommunicationandRelationships–InternallyandExternally

Objective1:Implementanactiveandeffectivecommunicationplan.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:AdoptanInteractiveCommunicationsPolicythatwillinclude

bestpractices.

ActionStep1:Reviewadraftpolicyandplanforfinalization.ActionStep2:PolicyandplanwillgototheBoardforfinalapproval.


Objective2:Enhanceandpromoteproactivecommunicationamongstallstakeholders.Strategy ActionSteps

Strategy1:Ensurecommunicationwithallfamiliesthroughouttheschoolyear.

ActionStep1:ByAugust1ofeachyear,sendaparentinformationletterhomeinthemailthatwillconsistof:a. Schoolcalendar;

b. Schoolsupplylist;

c. Uniforminformation;

d. WelcomeletterfromthePrincipal;

e. Newsupportstaffbiographies;and

f. Linktostudenthandbookwithinstructionstoreturnsignaturepage.

ActionStep2:Allnewfamilieswillreceiveawelcomepacketattimeofenrollment.

ActionStep3:Establishaprocessforparentstocommunicateneeds,includinganeedforinformationwhentechnologyisunavailable.

ActionStep4:HoldanannualtownhallmeetingwiththeAdministrativeTeamandparentsatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.

ActionStep5:Establishandmonitoraprocesstofollow-upwithnewfamilieswithinthefirstmonth,includinga“WhatYouNeedtoKnow”socialevent.

ActionStep6:PostapprovedBoardmeetingminutestothewebsitetoenhanceBoardcommunicationandtransparency.

ActionStep7:Createagrievancepolicythatincludesalineofresponsibility.

Strategy2:EnsurecommunicationamongschoolpersonnelandBoard.

ActionStep1:KeepschoolpersonnelandBoardinformedandabletocollectivelycommunicatemessagestostudents,families,andthecommunity.

ActionStep2:ByAugust1ofeachyear,sendaschoolpersonnelinformationletterhomeinthemailthatwillconsistof:

a. Schoolcalendar;

b. Schoolsupplylist;

c. Uniforminformation;

d. WelcomeletterfromthePrincipal;

e. Newsupportstaffbiographies;and

f. Linktostudenthandbookwithinstructionstoreturnsignaturepage.


Strategy3:Ensurecommunicationwithalumniandcommunity.

ActionStep1:Provideregularupdatesandpressreleasesandmaintainasocialmediapresence.

Objective3:Enhanceinformationandmessaging.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:Continuetodevelopcommunicationavenues.

ActionStep1:EnsureRenWebisusedasadatabasetokeepup-to-datecontactinformation(i.e.email,phone,etc.)forallfamilies.

ActionStep2:Improvecommunicationandrelationshipsutilizingavarietyofcommunicationmodes(i.e.socialmedia,RSSfeeds,parentportal,website,school-widefamilymeetings).

ActionStep3:ContinuetoutilizeSaintDominicAcademy’sFacebookpage.Publicizeotherpagesthatmayapplytostudents(i.e.BoosterClub,FriendsofSt.Dom’s,etc.).

ActionStep4:Revampthewebsitetocreateacohesiveanddynamiclookandfeel.ActionStep5:ProduceadynamicvideotourofbothcampusesandshareitonthewebsiteandtheYouTubechannel.

Goal6:ExploreFuturePossibilities

Objective1:DevelopaCapitalImprovementCampaignthatincorporatesSaintDominicAcademy’sCatholicvalues.

Strategy ActionStepsStrategy1:FormaCapitalProjectTaskGroup(CPTG),reportingtotheFinance

Committee,tooverseetheconsideration,

design,andconstructionofa

comprehensivelistofBoard-approved

capitalprojects,whichincludebutarenot

limitedto:

ActionStep1:Developacomprehensivelist.

ActionStep2:Forallpotentialprojectsonthelist,research,developspecifications,prioritize,andpresenttotheFinanceCommittee.


a. RelocatetheElementarySchooltothe

AuburnCampuswhichwouldallow

SaintDominicAcademyto:

• Bringfamiliestogetherasoneschool;

• Creategreateropportunitiesfor

mentoringandinteractionsamongall

agegroups;

• Improvethetransitionthroughthe

grades;

• Maintainageappropriategroupings

withaseparatebuilding;

• Improvelogisticsandresource

management;

• Createacentralofficeseparatingthe

JuniorHigh/HighSchooland

ElementarySchoolbuildings;and

• Createmeetingspaceswitheasy

accessfromthemainparkinglotfor

communitygroups,individuals,and

groupsaffiliatedwithSaintDominic

Academy.

b. Expandtheathleticfieldsto:

• Enableallsportsteamstopractice

togetherandprovidethesafetyand

convenienceofnotleavingcampus;

• Enhancetheprobabilityofexpanded

sportsofferings(i.e.football,track);

• Createanareawithpicnictablesto

congregate,viewgames,andseethe

scoreboardsfromacentrallocation;

and

• Createwalkwaysbetweenthe

terracedfieldsforbetteraccessfor

mobility-impairedfamiliesand

guests.

c. Redesigncampusgroundsandparking

toallowSaintDominicAcademyto:


• Usetrees,landscaping,andwalkways

foranenjoyablewalkingexperience;

• Developuniformsignagetoguide

visitors;and

• Separatevehicleandpedestrian

traffictothegreatestextentpossible

withaneffectivetrafficflowand

conveniently-locatedsidewalks

alongsidetheparkinglots.

d. Constructanauditoriumto

accommodate:

• Theexpansionofaperformingarts

programand

• Theofferingofabroaderselectionof

classestostudentsandprogramming

thatwilldrawamorediversestudent

body.

e. Buildaresidencehallto:

• Attractnonlocal(i.e.international,

outofstate)studentsand

• DevelopprogramstoattractHigh

SchoolPostGraduates(PGs),5-day

boarders,andsummercampers.

integrity. community. excellence. - saint dominic academy dominic academy - 201… · integrity....

Documents