S T R A T E G I C

P L A N N I N G

S U M M A R Y

Inspired by Faith. Driven by Excellence. M OUR

N AN ISSIO

D VIS ION GUIDE ALL D

Emphasizing Academic Excellence and

Catholic Values

Sustaining

Fiscal Strength and Responsibility

ION

S

Promoting

Partnership and Participation

Our vision is to cultivate faithful servants and inspired leaders who are motivated and well equipped to influence the world for Christ.

Utilizing Technology to Support and Advance our School

ECI S

Ensuring our Environment is Maintained, Safe and Secure

Having Engaged and Collaborative Leadership Organizations

Prince of Peace Catholic School is devoted to instilling strong Catholic values, fostering a life of faith and servant leadership, providing a challenging academic environment, and inspiring each student to shine to the fullest extent of his or her God-given potential. For more information regarding our vision, mission and goals, please visit popschool.net

Facts Students score at the top 20 percent in all Nationally standardized tests

92-95% of POP students go to Catholic High Schools

Full student enrollment for the past five years

Excellent teacher and student retention

Strong Faith Community

Increased inquiries about Prince of Peace from prospective families

Parent Quotes “…true community that works together to raise better human beings in Christ.” “…excellent academics, terrific parental support and teachers/educators who are personally committed to the school…” “…the collective efforts of parents and teachers produce an unparalleled academic and personal growth experience. ” “Our strong belief is that the parent-school partnership improves education, ensures strong fiscal stewardship, strengthens families, builds community support, and increases student achievement and success.”

For more information regarding our vision, mission and goals, please visit popschool.net

Prince of Peace Catholic School Strategic Improvement Plan – Execu ve Summary 2013-2016

Dear Prince of Peace Catholic School families,

We are pleased to present to you the 2013 – 2016 Executive Summary of the Strategic Plan. Over the past school year, the administration, faculty, staff and parents have thoughtfully evaluated the school’s areas of strength and identified areas in need of improvement.

This comprehensive plan was created with the objective of continuing to provide a path of academic excellence for our students while maintaining an environment based on strong Catholic Values. It is our mission as a Catholic school to help students recognize their Godgiven potential, to guide and encourage students to achieve their potential, and to inspire them to live a life of faith and servant leadership. We would like to thank all of the people that spent many hours building this plan that will lead our school into the future. We look forward to watching Prince of Peace Catholic School continue on the path of success while growing even stronger through the execution of our strategic planning initiatives. Sincerely,

Rev. Tom Cloherty Chad Evans

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I. Mission: Prince of Peace Catholic School is devoted to instilling strong Catholic values, fostering a life of faith and servant leadership, providing a challenging academic environment, and inspiring each student to shine to the fullest extent of his or her God-given potential. (Mission Revised July 2013, Benchmark 6.2.1)

II. Vision: We cultivate faithful servants and inspired leaders who are motivated and well-equipped to influence the world for Christ. (Revised October 2013, Benchmark 6.2.2)

III. School Profile and History: The Prince of Peace Catholic Community was founded in 1991 to serve as a Parish home for Catholics living in the Plano area. Through the leadership of Monsignor R. James Balint, the Prince of Peace Catholic School opened in the fall of 1991 with 39 students. Construction on the current facilities was completed in 1994. The Prince of Peace Catholic School is under the direction of the Catholic School system of the Diocese of Dallas. The Texas Catholic Conference Education Department approved by the Texas Education Agency accredits the school.

The school serves students from pre-school age 3 thru 8th grade. There are 3 classes, with approximately 75- 80 children, per grade. The total school enrollment averages 820 students. In 2007, the school was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Historically, Prince of Peace Catholic School has been blessed with parents actively supporting our students through various support organizations such as the School Advisory Council, the Parent Volunteer Organization, POP DADs and the Booster Club. The efforts of these stakeholders continue to provide an invaluable service that is an integral partnership to the success of the school.

The school has many community-building events that enrich its relationships with its supporters. Over 95% of our families traditionally participate in our Annual Fund that bridges the financial gap between our tuition and the cost of providing our Catholic education. We have an annual Fall Festival that unites the parish and school with an evening of family activities. At Christmas break, we host a luncheon for our alumni that reunites them with friends and teachers. In January, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week commencing with the Heart and Soul party, where the entire parish, including the school parents, faculty, and staff, join to celebrate our school and raise funds for special projects of the school. We complete the year with our annual Grandparents’ Day. Over 500 grandparents and special friends join us for a day of events and classroom time with students.

Prince of Peace competes in academic competitions to challenge our students and highlight their talents and achievements. In the past years the school demonstrated exceptional results in the PSIA and St. Patrick academic fairs. These and many more opportunities such as Robotics, Chess, and Science Clubs allow our students to demonstrate their academic Reviewed December 2013- 2

success. The arts are celebrated at our school during Fine Arts Night, an annual musical, as well as band and choir. Eighty-four percent of our students transition to local Catholic high schools, such as John Paul II, Jesuit, Ursuline, and Bishop Lynch.

Prince of Peace is an active participant in the Dallas Parochial League (DPL) athletic program. We participate in the following sports: football, soccer, baseball, softball, golf, swimming, basketball, volleyball, cheer, track and cross-country. From the time the school opened in 1994, we have earned 64 championships. We have a very active and enthusiastic Booster Club that provides �inancial support and school spirit for our students’ athletic endeavors.

Through our charitable initiatives with our sister parish, Nuestra Senora de Las Mercedes in El Progresso, Honduras, we strive to instill social justice as an important part of life. These initiatives include prayer, �inancial giving, and acts of service performed by our students to bene�it our sister parish, the associated orphanage, and the nutrition center that trains the families in caring for their children. Furthermore, servant leadership has been an integral part of our Catholic curriculum starting at our preschool level and continuing with required service hours for our junior high school students. In addition we offer service clubs, such as Beta Club and National Junior Honor Society.

Prince of Peace Catholic School offers its students a comprehensive learning experience where spiritual growth is integrated into academic learning and daily life lessons. The school continues to provide a strong foundation for students to move forward and succeed in high school, college, and beyond. IV. Executive Summary:

In 2012, under the direction of Principal Chad Evans, the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (“National Standards and Benchmarks”) were adopted for assessing the school and setting goals to ensure we remain an excellent Catholic school. The National Standards and Benchmark assessment tools assess the following four areas that in�luence the success of our mission and vision:

1. Mission and Catholic Identity: mission and its use, religious studies, faith formation, and adherence to the mission. 2. Governance and Leadership: School Advisory Council, leadership groups, and school administration.

3. Academic Excellence: curriculum, faculty and staff, and school-wide programs.

4. Operational Vitality: �inance, human resources, facilities, technology, communications/marketing, development, and enrollment.

A Planning Committee was formed to utilize the assessment tools to evaluate the school’s strengths, identify areas for improvement, and craft a workable strategic improvement plan. The Planning Committee consists of: • • •

Principal Chad Evans with the support of the Pastor, Fr. Tom Cloherty The School Advisory Council The Development/Admissions Director

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•

The Communications/Marketing Director

Responsibilities of the Planning Committee were the following: • Identify the means of gathering data/information • Establish and lead sub-committees • Comply with deadlines • Identify limitations and strengths • Involve the five committees led by Advisory Council members and the two Lead Faculty and Staff Committees in the planning process • Assist the Principal in writing the plan • Determine the avenue for communicating the final report • Create, assist, and monitor the implementation of the Plan

The School Advisory Council with the approval of the Principal formed seven committees to address opportunities for growth and resolutions. Those committees are: • Lead Faculty and Staff Committee for Mission and Catholic Identity • Lead Faculty and Staff Committee for Academic Excellence • Advancement Committee • Facilities Committee • Finance Committee • Technology Committee • Policy Committee In October 2012, the Planning Committee began to meet and discuss the strategic plans from the past 10 years. The goals from these past strategic plans were assessed for historical awareness and progress. The Planning Committee identified assumptions and mandates, with Principal Evans and Fr. Cloherty making the final decisions on all strategic planning efforts. The school’s mission and vision were initially assessed in November 2012 and throughout the process of developing this plan. In January 2013, the planning assessment process expanded to include involvement from our faculty, staff, and stakeholders. A parent survey was created to gather information to assist the Planning Committee in determining the direction of the strategic plan. The results were used to indicate the perceptions of our stakeholders regarding the school’s Mission and Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence, Governance and Leadership, and Operational Vitality. The results of the evaluations from each of these groups were consolidated. The evaluations, as well as the parent comments, identified current evidence as to the state of the school, including its strengths and opportunities for growth. Each of the seven committees utilized the findings to create resolutions. Each resolution led to goals, thus creating the strategic improvement plan.

The strategic improvement plan is a three-year plan with rolling milestones that the Planning Committee reviews each spring. During this annual assessment process, the Planning Committee will note accomplished milestones and add new opportunities for

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growth. Therefore, the improvement plan is dynamic in nature because completion of some planning goals may initiate new goals to be added during the annual review process. Using the National Standards and Benchmarks as the foundation for our strategic improvement plan, the Planning Committee will assess the school in its entirety every three years. V. Summary of the Strategic Planning Goals A. Mission and Catholic Identity Letting our Mission and Vision guide all decisions Strategic Goal 1: Increased emphasis on the mission and vision being at the core of all decisions and planning from the parish, administration, teachers, staff, and school leadership organizations. (Addressed in Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4) a. Mission The Prince of Peace Catholic School is dedicated to fulfilling a mission of providing education to children in an environment that emphasizes Catholic values and faith formation, academic excellence, and the importance of service to the community. The faculty, staff, administration, and support organizations firmly commit to the objectives set forth in the school’s mission statement, and strive to ensure that their actions on behalf of the school shall be in advancement of the school’s mission. In order to be able to assess fidelity to the school’s mission, communication of the school’s mission statement and the ideals it represents is of critical importance.

Summary of Goals: 1. Administration, with the help of the School Advisory Council and the Communications Director, will ensure an annual review of the school’s mission. 2. All planning efforts, at all levels will be aligned with the school’s mission. 3. At the direction of the principal, the mission will be effectively communicated to all constituents (constituents are those involved with the school which may include parish members, parents and guardians, school children, faculty, and staff).

b. Catholic Identity The Prince of Peace Catholic School is a place that teaches the Catholic faith and instills Catholic values. The Prince of Peace Catholic School recognizes the role of each individual in the body of Christ to grow the kingdom of God. We strive to educate and promote Catholic values in our curriculum. We provide opportunities to live our Catholic values and faith outside the classroom for the students and adults in our school community. We strive to integrate acts of charity in our community by encouraging student participation in service projects on a consistent Reviewed December 2013- 5

basis. Our administration, faculty, and staff understand and appreciate the importance of role modeling faith and service to our students.

Summary of Goals: 1. Administration will increase inspiring symbols of our faith throughout the school. 2. Administration will create a committee of lead faculty and staff for addressing Catholic identity. This will ensure: a. Positive, healthy relationships among the faculty and staff and in student and teacher relationships with the understanding that God is love and we encounter Christ in those relationships. b. Increase awareness within the community of our commitment to service. • Publicize all school-led service activities completed throughout the year. • Publicize service opportunities for families. • Publicize extra-curricular service achievements by our students, highlighting the high-caliber, service-minded students we educate. c. Awareness of the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching and resources to incorporate those themes across the curriculum. d. Development of innovative techniques for teaching religion that will engage students and enable them to take ownership of their faith formation. e. Opportunities are provided for faith formation for the staff. f. An increased partnership with the school and parish to communicate faith formation opportunities for school families. g. Reflections of our Catholic faith in the Fine Arts program. h. Recognition by our students of their membership in the Body of Christ through conscious, active participation in the liturgy and thus the parish community.

B. Governance and Leadership

Having engaged and collaborative school support organizations and leadership teams Strategic Goal 2: A school advisory council and supporting school organizations that actively collaborate with and provide resources and support to the leader/leadership teams to ensure that the school achieves its maximum level of excellence and fulfills the objectives set out in its mission statement. (Addressed in Standard 5, 6) a. Governance The Prince of Peace School Advisory Council (SAC) shall assist the leadership of the school by serving as a consultative board to provide input on school matters, act as a liaison between the leadership and all stakeholders, and oversee the school’s efforts to provide an excellent academic education and spiritual development. The SAC Reviewed December 2013- 6

endeavors to streamline the school’s policies and the policies of the school’s support organizations to promote and encourage the continuity, sustainability, and consistency with respect to the school’s dedication to fulfilling its mission.

Summary of Goals: 1. Efforts by the SAC and administration will be made to recruit and/or encourage applications for the School Advisory Council for members that reflect and represent the rich diversity of our parents. 2. The SAC and administration shall review the school’s handbook to ensure the policies and objectives set forth therein are consistent with the school’s mission and Diocesan policies. 3. Groups, councils, or organizations that materially impact the school’s operations or policies, including the SAC, PVO, and Booster Club (“School Groups”), shall have Bylaws that set forth term limits for its officers (and members, where appropriate) and contain a clearly defined succession plan for its leadership team. 4. The PVO, Booster Club and school groups other than the SAC shall submit their Bylaws to the SAC for review to determine fidelity to the school’s mission and policies. 5. The SAC shall submit its Bylaws to the principal, pastor, and Diocesan superintendent for review to determine fidelity to the school’s mission and policies. 6. The school newsletter and website will communicate the school’s mission statement and the leadership succession plans and tenure limits on School Groups’ officers/members. 7. The School will invite the Bishop to at least one school function per year. 8. The School and SAC will invite the Superintendent to at least one school function and one SAC meeting per year. 9. The current and outgoing members of the SAC shall work with the new oncoming SAC members to ensure that the new members have a solid understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the SAC and its members so that the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible. 10. The SAC shall establish criteria, objectives, goals, benchmarks, and/or other criteria on which it can perform a meaningful annual selfevaluation to identify strengths and areas of needed improvement. 11. At least annually, the pastor and principal shall identify areas of improvement for the SAC and tasks to be accomplished by the SAC in the upcoming year. 12. The tasks accomplished by the SAC in the prior year and the tasks identified to be accomplished by the SAC in the upcoming year shall be communicated to stakeholders via the school website, newsletter or other medium intended to reach as many stakeholders as possible. 13. The administration shall seek to identify appropriate training courses, sessions, seminars, or other opportunities that the SAC members may attend in order to enhance the SAC members’ abilities to serve the school. Reviewed December 2013- 7

b. Leader/Leadership Teams The Prince of Peace Catholic School Principal, administration, and leadership teams commit to the implementation of the school’s mission and vision. The leader/leadership team is in close communication with the Diocese to ensure that the following of mandated expectations and guidelines continue and that our mission and vision are in alignment with the Diocesan mission and vision for Catholic schools. The Principal, in partnership with the parents/guardians, shall endeavor for advancements in academic excellence while integrating the Catholic faith in each student. The Principal works closely with the School Advisory Council and other school leadership organizations to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of operation. Summary of Goals:

1. The leader/leadership teams will ensure: a. The integrity of the school’s mission and vision. b. Communication of the mission and vision to all constituents. c. Improved communication among all leadership organizations. d. Effective communication with faculty and staff.

C. Academic Excellence

Emphasizing Academic Excellence and Catholic Values Strategic Goal 3: Sustain academic excellence and increase emphasis on instilment of Catholic values. (Addressed in Standard 7,8, and 9) As a part of the Diocese of Dallas, Prince of Peace Catholic School implements the Diocese of Dallas National Standards-Based Curriculum. In addition to the curriculum, teachers employ Robert Marzano’s research-based instructional design framework, The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction. This framework combines Dr. Marzano’s research on effective instructional practices, classroom management, and assessment. Through this planning framework, teachers share a common language of effective instruction creating a collaborative teaching environment in which every teacher cultivates the art and science of teaching. Teachers document their implementation of the curriculum as well as these research-based instructional practices in daily lesson plans. Continually improving their craft, Prince of Peace teachers create annual growth goals supported by ongoing professional development and professional learning communities. School-wide assessment practices such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) are administered annually to monitor student learning and curriculum effectiveness. Meeting the needs of a diverse population of students, Prince of Peace Catholic School’s Quest program, with a certified Gifted and Talented teacher, meets the needs of students with exceptional academic abilities. A Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) teaches the Take Flight Program to students diagnosed with dyslexia as well as students

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with reading difficulties. We have a diagnostician on staff that supports those students with learning differences. We also provide a STAR center that will support the individualized learning needs.

Prince of Peace Catholic School continues to increase the number and variety of technologies available to teachers and students. Currently, teachers use netbooks, smart boards (Mimeo), document/digital/flip cameras, projectors, and iPads. Additionally, a dedicated technology team assists teachers in implementing and integrating technology in their classrooms and curriculum. Prince of Peace Catholic School fosters the development of the whole child in a variety of ways. In addition to a weekly school Mass, teachers infuse Catholic morals and values into lessons and discipline. They work to create supportive and respectful classrooms and positive relationships. A dedicated counseling staff provides guidance services and wellness programs such as the Steps-to-Respect Anti-Bullying program and the Lifelong Guidelines of the Highly Effective Teaching Model. Prince of Peace students develop their gifts and talents through a wide variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. Academic contests such as Math Counts, PSIA, and Destination Imagination provide students with opportunities to excel creatively and academically. An extensive athletic program provides opportunities for students to participate in sports. Fostering positive home/school relationships, Prince of Peace Catholic School continually communicates with families through a weekly newsletter. A variety of organizations and committees are available for parents to partner with the school.

Summary of Goals: 1. The leader/leadership team will ensure: a. Professional development in and implementation of the best practices teaching framework, Marzano’s The Art and Science of Teaching. This comprehensive framework combines research-based instructional strategies, curriculum design and classroom management practices. b. Development of Professional Learning Communities for teachers’ continued professional growth. c. Professional development in and implementation of technology integration. d. Vertical and horizontal curriculum alignment. e. The monitoring of teacher effectiveness and feedback using iObservation (Marzano). f. The evaluation of existing behavior management programs and revise or rewrite as needed. g. The analysis of standardized and informal assessments to inform curriculum decisions. D. Operational Vitality

Sustaining faithful stewardship

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a. Finance Strategic Goal 4: Enhanced internal and external review of financials and creation of sound budgets to promote healthy financial stability. (Addressed in Standard 10) The Prince of Peace School Finance Committee, in complete alignment with the school’s Mission Statement and in cooperation with all other school committees, endeavors to achieve and maintain a high fiscal acumen, provide prompt and accurate financial reporting, and to engage in creative and insightful financial planning utilizing highly qualified external financial experts.

Summary of Goals: 1. Create a sound financial plan that includes methodology for financial planning as well as endowment investment fund strategies/policies including tuition assistance. 2. Prepare and complete a financial audit for 2014. 3. Collaborate with all departments of the school to ensure budget accountability. 4. Improve communication with constituents regarding cost per child and sources of funding.

b. Institutional Advancement Strategic Goal 5: Position our school as the leading choice among local parochial, private and public schools. (Addressed in Standard 13)

The Administration, with the support of the Advancement Committee, recognizes the close connection between communications, marketing, enrollment, and development. The successful and effective communication of our mission through internal and external marketing is critical for retaining existing stakeholders and attracting new stakeholders that believe and embrace our mission as a parochial school. Through the achievement of our mission and vision, our parents and community will aid in the support and growth of our school. Our goal is to create and implement an advancement plan that reflects our Catholic values, embraces the building of a strong foundation for our students, and supports our educational environment.

Summary of Goals: 1. Create a comprehensive Advancement Plan that includes enrollment, development, communications, and marketing to improve data management, improve our position in the community, support enrollment, and strengthen relationships with our constituents. 2. Evaluate the admissions process for enhancements and improve access for new families to school information, tuition assistance program, and the application process. 3. Improve position in the marketplace and brand awareness in DFW area through increased internal and external marketing, open houses, and media publicity. Reviewed December 2013- 10

4. Communicate to families consistently on daily events, policies when required, opportunities, and successes. 5. Monthly assessment of progress to monitor goals and our budget. c. Human Resources Strategic Goal 6: Maintain excellence in all areas of human relations including policies that are in accordance with diocesan policies and which address position descriptions, professional development, accountability, succession and institutional planning. The Prince of Peace Catholic School has a Diocesan mandated Human Resource program that includes “human resource/personnel policies, that affect all staff and provide clarity for responsibilities, expectations and accountability.” 1. The Administration will update position descriptions, responsibilities and qualifications. 2. Curriculum Director will evaluate personnel for opportunities for professional development.

d. Facilities

Ensuring our Environment is Maintained, Safe and Secure Strategic Goal 7: Ensure the facility is being maintained to a high standard, and provides a safe and secure environment. (Addressed in Standard 12) The Prince of Peace School Facilities & Safety Committee endeavors to ensure a safe and enriching physical environment and well-maintained facilities to support the Mission of the School. The Committee will create and implement plans to develop, maintain, and renew the School's facilities, equipment and policies in alignment with the School's Mission and in cooperation with all other School committees and the Prince of Peace community.

Summary of Goals: 1. Assess the school facility, equipment, housekeeping services and safety and security measures. 2. Use the assessment to create a facilities plan that includes safety and security, housekeeping, engineering, and maintenance. 3. Collaborate with finance committee to ensure appropriate budgeting for current and future plans. 4. Implement the facilities plans with respect to “financial and environmental stewardship.” e. Technology

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Assuring Technology to Support and Advance our School Strategic Goal 8: Assure that dynamic technological resources are available and utilized to support our academic excellence and the changing needs of students and faculty. (Addressed in Standard 12) The Prince of Peace School Technology Committee endeavors to provide current technology to support the Mission of the School. The Committees will create and implement plans to develop, maintain, and renew the School's equipment and technology assets in alignment with the School's Mission and in cooperation with all other School committees and the Prince of Peace community. Summary of Goals: 1. Assess and recommend enhancements to the school’s networks and technology infrastructure. 2. Assess existing networking and policy to ensure a dynamic learning environment. 3. Evaluate replacement costs of current hardware, develop and implement a hardware refreshment policy and incorporate into school’s financial plan. 4. Communicate to all POP School constituents the use of technology. 5. Work in alignment with finance committee to ensure appropriate budgeting for current and future needs. 6. Implement the technology plan in accordance with “financial and environmental stewardship.”

VI. Vision for the Future: The Prince of Peace Catholic School, as the largest ministry of the parish, strives to create an academically challenging school that recognizes and fosters the unique development of each child through the use of Catholic virtues for the achievement of their God-given potential. Prince of Peace Catholic School instills servant leadership that will be embraced throughout their lives. Providing a strong foundation for academic growth and critical thinking, our students will be prepared for the challenges of college preparatory high school and beyond. Our vision for the future is that our students will become inspired leaders and faithful servants who are motivated and well equipped to influence the world for Christ. VII. Acknowledgement: Prince of Peace would like to acknowledge the Center for Catholic School Effectiveness, School of Education, Loyola University Chicago, in partnership with Barbara and Patrick Roche Center for Catholic Education, Lynch School of Education, Boston College for the creation of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools as well as the assessment tools that were utilized and have contributed to the language and organization used throughout this document.

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