|
| ||
|
Operational Standards Standard I: Philosophy, Mission, Beliefs, and/or Objectives Sacred Heart Catholic School, an elementary school for boys and girls in grades Pre-K through Eighth Grade, clearly defines its mission, beliefs, goals and objectives in the Parent-Student Handbook which is distributed each new school year. The roles of the Pastor, Principal, teacher, parent and student are clearly defined. Other policies and procedures that are supported by the Sacred Heart School Community include a policy for absence, admissions, transportation, books, curriculum, discipline, parent-teacher conferences, computer lab, dress code, homework, religious exercises, health care, respect and reverence, safety patrol, visitors and school yard regulations. Educational programs and extra-curricular programs (in conjunction with the C.Y.O.) are clearly stated so that every student has an opportunity to participate. Parents offer informed support of the philosophy, identity and life of the school through the Home and School Association. The Home and School Association assists the Principal, Pastor and faculty in coordinating goals and objectives that are expected to be supported by the Sacred Heart School Community. Policies and procedures set forth in the current Parent-Student Handbook are reviewed at the start of the new school year, in the classroom with the students and during Back-to-School Night with the parents. A signed parental agreement is returned stating that parent and child have reviewed the contents of the handbook. Standard II: Governance and Leadership The Pastor, assigned by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the Principal, assigned by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, are responsible for the administration and governance of Sacred Heart School. Guided by the policies and guidelines of the Office of Catholic Education and Pennsylvania State requirements, the Pastor and Principal work together in creating an educational environment where teacher and student experience support and encouragement for the task of learning. Consistent and open communications during weekly meetings between Pastor and Principal provide opportunities for evaluating school staff, school resources and educational programs. The sharing of information impacting on the existing school community and future plans facilitates wiser decision making. The Principal’s consistent observation and communication with the school staff, both individually and as a group, promotes a united vision and cooperative spirit.
Standard III: Organizational Design and Staff The organizational structure of Sacred Heart, headed by our Pastor and our Principal provides the starting point for our faculty and staff to carry out our philosophy, our mission, and our beliefs. Our philosophy that Jesus is the reason for our school, and that He is the master teacher in each classroom is evident at the beginning of each day with faculty prayer and the entire school reciting our Peace Prayer and our School Pledge together. This philosophy is integrated in our belief that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light of our school. Our educational programs begin with our pre-school program and are built upon through the eighth grade. Our support teams form the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (Reading, Speech and Counseling) work closely with our teachers and our Instructional Support Team. Our Pastor and Principal meet weekly to discuss issues concerning the improvement of our school. Information form these meetings is reported to faculty and staff as appropriate. Our Principal communicates daily with teachers in morning meetings and in weekly memos. Our Principal visits every classroom weekly, signing plans and observing teacher interaction with students. A formal evaluation is completed each year using the archdiocesan evaluation form. After this evaluation, the teacher and Principal meet to discuss strengths and weaknesses. Improvements are presented in a positive manner, and signed copies are filed in the teacher’s professional file. Our Pastor and our Principal are friendly, supportive and ever present for the faculty. Our monthly faculty meetings provide time for all curriculum coordinators to report on current issues and to monitor pacing of individual subject areas. Our teacher binder clearly lists and defines the responsibilities of all faculty members. Our Principal, who lists workshops and courses and provides qualified substitutes when needed, encourages the professional growth of the teachers. Our administration and staff have an excellent relationship which is promoted through Prayer Partners and our Sunshine Club. Our faculty and staff celebrate various holidays together and work together in a cooperative manner for the betterment of Sacred Heart School. Standard IV: Educational Programs The faculty and the staff of Sacred Heart School strive to create a Christ-centered environment that welcomes and encourages each student to learn and to grow both spiritually and academically in a curriculum that prepares them for this millennium. The faculty guides each student spiritually by strengthening their Catholic Christian foundation through classroom religious instruction, daily spiritual readings on the public address system, celebrating First Friday Mass, participation in prayer services, and seasonal celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation. Emphasis is also placed on student service throughout the school and parish community. Religion corners are the focal point when entering each classroom. Religious enrichment classes are provided in grades kindergarten to four. Special sacramental programs prepare the students for the reception of Reconciliation and Eucharist in second grade and Confirmation in sixth grade. The academic curriculum, which strives to educate the whole child, is directed by the guidelines offered by the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education together with the instructional guides of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Using these guidelines, each teacher develops lessons to meet the needs of the whole student. The faculty uses a variety of teaching methods and instructional tools to meet the learning styles of all students. Technology at Sacred Heart is critical to enhancing curriculum development and stimulating instruction for the students and faculty. The recent induction of a PC platform in the computer lab, computerization of the library, and the use of SMART boards continue to show Sacred Heart’s commitment to educating students for the new millennium. There is consistent updating of textbooks and instructional materials. Curriculum coordinators monitor the needs of teachers and students and make appropriate recommendations for educating the students of Sacred Heart to their fullest potentials. Teachers are
encouraged to attend professional development
seminars and in-services to extend their capacity to
teach and ensure that students at Sacred Heart
receive the best possible education. Continuing
education courses are documented in the teacher’s
professional file. The In addition to school tuition and parish subsidy, Sacred Heart’s educational programs are funded form a variety of resources. Grants form the Connelly Foundation, IBM Employee Matching Grant Program, PA Link to Learn, Title VI funds and Home and School Association’s fund-raisers ensure that each student is educated with the most updated curricular materials and programs. Additional funding resources enable the faculty to create an environment that recognizes varied learning styles and needs.
Standard V: Learning Media Services and Technology Learning media services and technology greatly enhance the teaching and learning processes at Sacred Heart School. Students spend one period a week in the computerized school library under the direction of a full-time librarian. Students are able to select trade books as well as conduct research using both print and Internet materials. Through the online Access PA database, students can access libraries and their resources throughout Pennsylvania. Two computers in each classroom, a networked computer lab, and a laptop for each teacher provide students and teachers with adequate access to technology. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum. Students receive technology instruction in the computer lab on a weekly basis. The technology teacher works in conjunction with the classroom teachers to develop lesson plans combining grade specific technology standards and subject curriculum. Two SMART Boards are available for teacher use. The teachers use the SMART Boards to display PowerPoint presentations, educationally supportive websites, and interactive software. Televisions and VCRs in each classroom allow the teachers to present appropriate videos and TV documentaries that reinforce learning. The classroom computers are also hooked up to the TV screen allowing the teacher to mirror text or websites form the computer desktop. Standard VI: Student Services Sacred Heart provides a variety of services to our children to optimize their preparation for learning. Haverford Township provides a nurse for two afternoons and one morning each week. This is supplemented by parent volunteers who are or have been in nursing. Students are screened for height, weight, vision, hearing, scoliosis, and color blindness as per Pennsylvania state regulations. A list of all students with serious health issues is given to all teachers each year. Each classroom is equipped with a first aid kit to handle cuts and scrapes. Fire drills are held regularly. Primary grades receive visits form the local fire company. Although the majority of students walk to school, transportation services are arranged through Haverford Township, Upper Darby Township and Philadelphia. Food services are offered and prepared by parents. Students have pretzels, snacks, milk and juice offered daily. Hot lunch is available most Fridays. Students are accepted at Sacred Heart with regard to race, creed, or nationality. Presently, there is one class for each grade. Through the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, students are offered support in Reading, Math, and Speech on Monday and/or Wednesday. Academic and personal counseling are also available each Wednesday and Friday morning. Students with special needs are presented to the Instructional Support Team for evaluation. The IST Team, along with teacher and parents, develops goals and a plan to help each child reach his/her fullest potential. Educational and psychological testing is available. Students with the designated evaluation may have the curriculum modified and grading adapted. Standard VII: Student Life and Student Activities Sacred Heart School provides and encourages a variety of student life activities that enable the child to grow spiritually, culturally, academically and socially. Opportunities for spiritual growth are readily recognized in membership in such groups as the altar servers, children’s choir, lectors and cantors. Music claims title to at least one cultural chamber of the heart of any school. At Sacred Heart, we have a music program that includes instrumental instruction and band performance. Academic offerings highlight such activities as Heartlight Newspaper, forensics, yearbook, computer club, science fair, and Good Writer’s Club. Good student government contributes to the firm foundation of the school community, and so student leadership is granted guided expression through its student council and mission representatives. Believing that sound minds in sound bodies contribute to the overall good health of the corporate body, the school participates in CYO sports which include football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, track, cross country, and cheerleading. A very active service club makes visible among the student body the necessity to go beyond self to the extension of self to others. Monthly collections for the poor, the making and distribution of sandwiches for the less fortunate, regular active presence at Don Guanella Home for the mentally challenged, and visits to the IHM Sisters at Camilla Hall, the Community Nursing Home for the Sisters of IHM, attest to the fact that the students of Sacred Heart School are aware of a larger life reality and of their responsibility to do what they can to make life better for others. Akin to the service club is the efforts of the cross country team that ran a 5K Race for the Cure and another 5K race for Merry Place, a recently restored local community park. All of this is notable because it demonstrates awareness beyond self, a quality that is commendable. Adding yet more to the spirit of the school community are the memorable yearly events such as Field Trips, a Christmas Show, Spring Slay, All Saints Presentations, Living Rosary, and Living Stations of the Cross that draw parishioners at large into school activities. And, finally, student activities find a nurturing and encouraging environment in the family activities sponsored by the Home and School Association. Occasions such as the Halloween Family Night, Family Pizza Bingo, and the Annual School Picnic contribute to a parish family setting that gives acknowledgement and lends support to the total school program. The CYO-sponsored Red and White Day adds the proverbial icing to the cake by calling the school/parish communities together to enjoy and to celebrate the gift of one another. Standard VIII: Facilities The school facilities consist of two school buildings. The original or “old” school, which was built in 1928, is located on the West Side of Manoa Road between Wilson Avenue and Shelbourne Road. This building currently houses a cafeteria on the first floor that is used for the school lunch program as well as other parish activities. Plans are being developed to renovate the second floor of this building for greater parish use. The current or “new” school building was built in 1960. This three-story building on the East Side of Manoa Road houses all of the classrooms and instructional facilities currently in use. A full-size gymnasium with a stage area make up the ground floor of this structure while classrooms and offices are located on the second and third floors. Major improvements to the building during the recent years have included new windows for the entire building, new carpeting in ten classrooms and new stage curtains for the gym, and new furniture in computer lab. An on-site maintenance man who is available during school hours form Monday to Friday skillfully maintains the school facilities. A part-time cleaning staff that works after school hours is responsible for keeping the facilities so beautifully. Two Weil McCllean boilers that are serviced every year supply gas-fired hot water heat to the building. The controls for this system are checked twice a year by the Honeywell Company. Fire extinguishers are located throughout the school. These are inspected, serviced and tagged annually. The fire alarm system, installed in 2001, consists of both audio and visual alerts. All rooms are equipped with two heat alarms and the building is equipped with front and rear exits. Standard IX: Health and Safety School security and safety are paramount to the successful operation of Sacred Heart School. The faculty and staff provide a healthy environment throughout the school for teaching and learning. Under the guidance of the Principal, each teacher creates a safe atmosphere within her classroom. Entry doors to the school building are locked at all times. Visitors to the school must first alert the main office by ringing the intercom bell. A security system with video monitor and intercom allows the main office to screen those visitors entering the building. Upon entrance, there is a sign-in book for all visitors at the desk in the lobby, which is monitored by volunteers. Any student leaving the building during the school day must report to the main office. A parent or guardian must sign out the student, recording the time and reason for leaving. If the child returns, he or she must sign back in at the main office. Sacred Heart School has an emergency dismissal plan to be used in case of inclement weather or any other emergency that deems it necessary for all students to be dismissed form the building. Parents, at the start of the school year, complete an emergency dismissal form that states contact phone numbers and specifies emergency forms of transportation for their child. The school permits students to leave by bus, car, or walk. The original form is kept in the main office and a copy is given to the class homeroom mother who completes the emergency phone calls. No student will be dismissed without making direct contact with one of the persons listed on the emergency form. The school also has in place a “Crisis Emergency Plan” that is initiated by the Haverford Township Police for a specific Delaware County emergency. The school has regular fire drills. The local fire department conducts inspections of the building and the alarm system. The parish maintenance staff maintains cleanliness and repairs of the building. Standard X: Finances The financial resources of the school are received form tuition and form the very generous support of parishioners who are committed to Catholic Education. All of the fund-raising proceeds for school purposes are dedicated solely to the operation of or improvements to the school. The business practices of the school and church instill confidence in the organization’s ability to manage fiscal resources in accord with the archdiocesan budgeting and accounting guidelines. Standard XI: Assessment of Student Learning Assessments at Sacred Heart are a valuable tool for both teacher and student. Students are assessed using traditional pencil and paper tests (both textbook generated tests and teacher created tests), projects and presentations, book reviews, portfolios, and observation. Every student form kindergarten through eighth grade has a portfolio of in- progress and published pieces. Writing assignments and oral presentations in the upper grades are graded using rubrics. In sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students are expected to self-critique their efforts before submission to the teacher. In addition to classroom assessments, Terra Nova test results are also evaluated. These evaluations allow teachers to adapt instruction based on the needs of the students. Students with particularly low standardized test scores may be recommended to the IST Team for further evaluation. Tests are sent home to be reviewed by parents. There are three report cards and three progress reports sent home, as well. Faculty working departmentally meet regularly to discuss student effort and progress. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for all students after the first report card and as needed thereafter. Our graduates’ successes can be seen by the high percentage of students who achieve honors in high school (public, archdiocesan, and private). It should also be noted that the majority of Sacred Heart’s graduates go on to college. Standard XII: Planning The Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia develops strategic, long-range and operational plans that continuously seek to improve the educational programs and services. Such plans focus on enhancing performance and organizational growth and engendering continuous improvement across all aspects of school organization throughout the diocesan school system. As a part of this system, Sacred Heart School maintains consistent implementation of these strategic plans. Through in-services and follow-up workshops and publications, the Principal and the faculty are made knowledgeable of the plans themselves and effective ways to implement them in our school. On the local level, curriculum coordinators and committees work in conjunction with the Principal to formulate improvements in our educational programs. Within the parameters of diocesan policies and procedures and curriculum guidelines, plans to improve our individual programs are identified. Externally validated processes, such as standardized tests, assist the Principal and curriculum coordinators in analyzing student performance on national, diocesan and local levels. Such findings, in conjunction with analyses form visitation reports form the Office of Catholic Education and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, identify specific areas/programs where improvements are necessitated. Improvements in instructional and organizational practices are then established that insure the integrity of our school’s philosophy and mission statement.
|
||
|
Sacred Heart Catholic School Any suggestions or comments, please email them to the webmaster. | ||
