St. Agnes Catholic School Long Range Plan 2007-2008

81 Pages·2010·0.2 MB·English

St. Agnes Catholic School Long Range Plan 2007-2008

Table of Contents
2007 - 2008

Page

A. Catholic Identity ........................................................................... 1

B. Enrollment ................................................................................. 11

C. Curriculum ................................................................................. 16

D. Staffing ..................................................................................... 27

E. Plant and Facilities ....................................................................... 36

F. Finances .................................................................................... 41

G. Development and Public Relations ..................................................... 46

H. Ownership/Governance .................................................................. 53

I. Relationship of School to the Community ............................................. 58

J. Technology ................................................................................. 65
Attachments are located at the end of each section.
i.
A. CATHOLIC IDENTITY
2007-2008
Historical Background
St. Agnes Parish was established by Bishop James Ryan on October 1, 1888. It was the
fifth Catholic parish in Springfield, at that time a city of some 33,000 people. The
new parish was to serve the area south of Carpenter St. and west of the main line of
the Chicago and Alton Railroad and contained 180 families.

The cornerstone of the first church was blessed August 25, 1889 almost exactly 100
years before the blessing of the cornerstone of our present church, held on August 27,
1989. The first Mass in the original church was celebrated by Father James Howard
on May 4, 1890. Father Howard served as pastor for some 42 years, until his death on
June 16, 1930. By that time, the parish had grown to 400 families.

The first school was built and began in September, 1897 in a framed building of the
former Seventh Day Adventist Day Church located on the corner of Spring and Monroe
Streets. There were also two rooms at 311 W. Capitol for the first and second grades.
The remaining grades were in the two story house at Spring and Monroe where the
Odd Fellows Building once stood. The school was staffed by three Springfield
Dominican Sisters. Five boys and one girl made up the first Graduation class in 1902.
A new school was completed in 1913 on the corner of Capitol and Pasfield at a cost of
$54,000.00. This building served the parish until the present school building opened
in the fall of 1981.

The relationship between the Dominican sisters and St. Agnes Parish and School has
continued to the present day. However, between 1996 and 2003, the school was
under the leadership of a lay principal. In 2003 the Dominicans resumed the
leadership.

Under the leadership of Monsignor Patrick Wright the formal move to the present site
at 251 N. Amos Avenue was accomplished in November, 1981. The move began on the
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nights of November 5th and 6th and was completed by Saturday, November 7th. Classes
began on Thursday, November 12th, 1981. Four additional classrooms were added in
1988. During the summer of 2006 reconstruction within the building allowed for
additional classrooms, an Art Room, Speech and Language Room and the addition of a
preschool program.

In the Fall of 2006 the St. Agnes School celebrated “25 Years on Amos Avenue.”
Celebrations and Open Houses were held for parish and school families. A pictorial
history was displayed documenting Graduates, activities and events of the past
twenty-five years. Alumni and former staff returned for an All School Liturgy and a
program in the gym.

Proposed Mission Statement
As a Catholic educational community, St. Agnes School is created, supported and
nurtured by the Parish. St. Agnes School’s mission is to provide an environment
where each student can discover personally the presence and message of God while
developing all aspects of his/her growth-spiritually, morally, intellectually,
emotionally, physically and socially. Children learn the gospel message through
instruction, prayer, service and mutual respect in a Catholic faith community.

St. Agnes School serves primarily the families of St. Agnes Parish on Springfield’s
northwest side, but is open as class size permits to families of other denominations
who accept its philosophy, regardless of race, creed or national origin.

Philosophy
St. Agnes School is a center of education, a service to the parish and an expression of
faith of the people of St. Agnes Parish. As a Christian educational community, St.
Agnes is committed to providing an environment where human knowledge is not only
imparted but also enlightened and enlivened by an active faith. Community is at the
heart of every Catholic School, not simply as a concept to be taught, but as a reality
to be lived.
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The family depends on the school to provide a quality education for each child. The
purpose of the school is to build upon the foundation that began at home. St. Agnes
School is committed to the development of the whole person. The teacher views the
child as he/she is, a unique composite of body and soul, not yet mature, but in the
process of growing - spiritually, morally, intellectually, emotionally, physically and
socially.

This growth is enthusiastically encouraged by the faculty as they try to provide a
quality education for each child in a comfortable, enjoyable, organized atmosphere.
These efforts presuppose parental understanding and approval and require parental
cooperation with classroom teachers. The aim of St. Agnes School is not to supplant
parents, but to help them fulfill their obligations.

And so, St. Agnes School strives to help parents in the God-given task of educating
their children, working as partners in this awesome undertaking. Together, it is
hoped that parents, teachers and students will work to make St. Agnes School a
Catholic Community that will help everyone grow in the love of God and others so
that students will be better prepared to meet the demanding challenges of today and
tomorrow.

In light of the philosophy, St. Agnes School Staff strives to achieve the following goals:

Spiritual
• To create a Christian Community where the student can personally discover the
presence and message of God.
• To instill deep love and reverence for the Liturgy through teaching, example
and experience.
• To actively search out, support and participate in activities which render
service to the parish and world community.
Moral
• To help the student become aware of alternatives and consequences before
making a choice in thought or action and to be responsible for those choices.
• To develop an attitude of concern for one another.
• To provide the student with opportunities to translate into practical action his
or her ideals of service.
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Intellectual
• To provide experience geared to each child’s ability.
• To help each student develop the power to think critically, reason
independently and solve problems.
• To provide an atmosphere in which each child’s creativity and inquisitiveness
can be nurtured.
Emotional
• To help the student develop a positive self image.
• To create a classroom atmosphere in which each child is accepted.
• To provide learning situations in which students develop the ability to deal with
their feelings toward themselves and others.
Physical
• To provide exercise and activities which foster a healthy development of body
and mind.
• To provide extra-curricular activities which promote good sportsmanship,
school spirit and a feeling of unity within St. Agnes School.
Social
• To promote opportunities for growth in responsible leadership and citizenship
by instruction, example and encouragement.
• To develop an appreciation for the dignity of the human person, whatever age,
race, sex or creed, through study and experience.
• To give guidance in the right use of leisure by exposure to music, drama, art,
sports and other skills.

Liturgies
The faculty and the children interact and plan weekly, seasonal and special liturgies
to which all parents are invited. These include Grandparent’s Day, Christmas Eve,
Catholic Schools Week, Holy Days, First Communion, Confirmation and Graduation
with music, readings, signs and symbols that coordinate with the theme. The faculty
begins each school year with a Eucharistic Celebration. Students and their families
are strongly encouraged to participate in the school and weekend liturgies.

Prayer Life
The Principal leads daily prayer on the public address system using various forms of
prayer. Daily prayers are led in the classrooms by the staff and students. Students
pray the Prayer Before Meals in the cafeteria daily. A school prayer booklet has been
developed for use in Preschool through eighth with each grade level responsible for
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the memorization of required prayers. An area in each classroom is designated as a
prayer corner. Students are encouraged to present their own prayer intentions in the
classroom. A prayer booklet in the school office is used for general intentions. These
intentions are prayed for by the school family. All Springfield Catholic Athletic
Association (S.C.A.A.) sporting events begin with an athlete’s prayer. Art classes
begin with a prayer for artists.

Prayer services are celebrated at various times of the year with the students as a
student body and within individual classrooms. During the season of Advent the
students gather in the gym for a weekly Advent wreath lighting. Penance services are
held during Advent, Lent and for First Reconciliation.

Emphasis is given throughout the year to Mary. In September the children celebrate
Mary’s birthday with birthday cake. During the month of October emphasis is given to
praying the rosary. Each student has a rosary at school. Some classes make rosaries.
Throughout the year classes pray the rosary as part of their classroom prayers. Each
May students participate in a traditional May Crowning ceremony.

Eucharistic adoration on First Fridays and Stations of the Cross during Lent are
encouraged as individual class prayers. Confirmation students participate in a day of
retreat.

Spiritual Formation/Catechesis
Students/Family
St. Agnes Parish second grade students receive religious preparation for the
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Parish eighth grade students receive
religious preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. As part of the Sacrament of
Confirmation, the eighth grade students attend a spiritual retreat. Required parental
meetings are attended by the parents and teachers of the students who are receiving
these Sacraments. St. Agnes School students in grades three through eight attend an
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Advent Penance service and students in grades two through eight attend a Lenten
Penance service.

A school religious library is maintained with videos, DVDs and books available to
parents and students.

Teach
Teachers and staff are offered the opportunity and funding to attend religious
education workshops provided by the Diocese. Catechesis training is a part of faculty
and departmental meetings throughout the school year. During the 2007-2008 school
year the faculty and staff will be studying the National Directory for Catechesis.
Teachers and staff attend the Diocesan Regional conferences and Diocesan Adult
Education Conference (DAEC). An annual retreat for spiritual renewal is held each
spring. Monthly faculty meetings begin with a prayer service.

Symbols of Being a Catholic School
Those who enter St. Agnes School are welcomed with a plaque that speaks of the
focus of our Catholic school. “Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the
center of this school.” Religious statues, banners and pictures are displayed
throughout the school. Each classroom has a religious bulletin board, crucifix,
bible, statue of Mary and a rosary.

School uniforms identify students. Many items of clothing are marked with school
logos, “Catch our Spirit”.

Stewardship and Service
Students have opportunities to share their time and talent through weekly prayer
services and/or liturgies. Students may participate as readers, song leaders,
instrumentalists, and gift bearers. Students in grades five through eight are given
the opportunity to serve the parish as altar servers for school, week day and
weekend Masses. Students may also participate in the Sunday choir. Students in
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grades sixth, seventh and eighth who are members of the Singing Aces perform at
various community functions. Kindergarten and third grade students visit the
Dominican convent and Oak Terrace to perform seasonal songs.

St. Agnes students have various opportunities to volunteer their time to serve St.
Agnes Parish and School. These include the Parish Chili Supper, Parents’ Club
Carry-Out dinners, Parish Auction, Parish Chicken Dinner, Annual Parish Picnic and
Breakfast with Santa. Students in grades sixth through eighth partnership as Big
Brothers and Big Sisters with Kindergarten through second grades with fellowship,
service and ongoing support with each other. Eighth grade students participate in
service projects for their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. During
the 2007-2008 school year a formal service program has been initiated where each
class has adopted a community need as their focus for the year. Junior high
students participate in morning and after school patrol duties.
Mission Awareness
There are many programs offered at St. Agnes School that teach respect and
awareness for others around the world. St. Agnes School has 100% participation in
grades kindergarten through eighth for the Holy Childhood Association membership
drive. The HCA benefits from funds generated by the annual Mardi Gras
celebration, Lenten folders and non-uniform days. Representatives from grades
kindergarten through eight attend the annual Mission Mass. Each classroom has a
mission bank in which students are encouraged to contribute regularly to receive
different country stamps for the HCA Around the World program.

St. Agnes Student Council will sponsor multiple service activities this year to
benefit various charitable organizations in the community. These will include food
and clothing drives. St. Agnes School has adopted a foster child from India and
students support our sister parish in eastern Guatemala with special collections and
prayers. St. Agnes School has offered to students programs to save the rain forest
and programs for disability awareness.
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Catholic Social Teaching
St. Agnes students are encouraged to make positive life choices by following the
Gospel values. Sixth grade students participate in the Drug Awareness Resistance
Education (D.A.R.E.) program sponsored by the Springfield Police Department.
Students in grades kindergarten through eighth participate in our yearly Red Ribbon
Drug Prevention week activities. St. Agnes students participate in the diocesan Pro-
Life activities and rallies.

Students are made aware of different ethnicities and are offered a multi-cultural
perspective through Spanish classes and a Jr. High Spanish club. Students receive the
mission magazine “It’s Our World” that exposes children to different countries and
their culture. Resource speakers are invited to share their personal experiences
gained while living and/or visiting other countries.

Students support with prayer and financial aid various community, state and world
causes and disaster relief.

St. Agnes has recently initiated an all-school recycling program.

All parents volunteering to help within the school are required to attend the Diocesan
child sexual abuse prevention program, “Protecting God’s Children”. All faculty and
staff attend this same program.

Personal safety training is conducted each year for students in grades PreK-8 by the
Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault.
Religion Curriculum
St. Agnes School updates their Religion curriculum on a regular basis. Sadlier’s We
Believe program was adopted in 2004. The Benzinger Family Life program was
adopted in 2001. Traditional prayers are learned following a scope and sequence
in a Prayer Booklet that has been created for St. Agnes. (See Attachment A-1)
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Students in grades six, seven and eight are required to purchase a Bible for
classroom study and reference. Each student in grades three, four and five are
provided a classroom Bible. Scriptural references are used in the classroom
instruction. Bible stories are introduced and taught in grades preschool through
two. Videos, DVDs, saint kits and religious manipulatives are used in classroom
instruction. Catholic traditions, church rituals, gestures, symbols and signs are a
part of religious instruction.

Vocation and Ministry Awareness
As part of our Catholic Identity, students are exposed to many vocation and ministry
opportunities. The presence of a religious administrator is a constant reminder of the
importance of vocation and ministry in our school. Close proximity of the Dominican
convent allows for student/religious interaction. Various religious orders visit St.
Agnes School. A yearly program for vocation awareness is provided for grades three
through eight by the Dominican Sisters. Dominican Sisters from the Motherhouse are
often invited to Open House and for visits to the classrooms. Vocation posters are
displayed and literature is made available to the students.

Celebration in Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week begins with students showcasing our Catholic identity by
participating in the weekend Masses. Families participate in the liturgies as greeters,
lectors, ushers, gift bearers and musicians. Jr. High students share their reflections
on the value of Catholic Education at St. Agnes School. The Sunday Masses are
followed by an Open House for parish and school families. Each day’s theme and
activities throughout the week is dedicated to world, community, family, students
and staff. Each school family participates in a family project to highlight the theme
of Catholic Schools Week. The faculty joins other school faculties in a joint volleyball
competition which is attended by parents and students from all area Catholic schools.
(See Attachment A-2)

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