Strategic Plan



Academy Of The Most Blessed Sacrament
Franklin Lakes, NJ
September, 2006


MISSION STATEMENT
The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament, motivated by the love of Christ and committed to the pursuit of excellence, fosters a rich, safe technological environment where students receive a superior education and reach their maximum potential. The dedicated staff and caring atmosphere guide the students to become mature, socially aware, moral individuals capable of living in a changing, complex society.

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PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
The philosophy of the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament is based on the Gospel teaching of Jesus Christ, the greatest educator. Faculty and students proclaim His message by Christian living, building a community that demonstrates His commandment of love, and rendering service to the parish, the Church, the country and the world.

We are concerned with the student as a child of God and as a child of society. Our goal is to develop the total person, spirit, intellect, social, emotional and physical, so that he or she can think, speak and act in accordance with the example and teaching of Christ in His Church.

1. We will contribute to the child’s spiritual development by:
   • providing a Christian atmosphere that instills in the child the desire to seek the truth.
   • striving to create a faith community in which each child lives and grows in order to attain his or her full potential.
   • providing opportunities for the child to participate in liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations.


2. We will foster the child’s intellectual development by:
   • employing teachers who are specialized and qualified in major school areas.
   • providing the means for our students to develop a positive self-image in an atmosphere of inquiry and discovery that will inspire them to attain a mastery of the curriculum equal to their potential.
   • providing each student with fundamental knowledge and usable skills sufficient to prepare him/her for life.
   • ensuring that appropriate, up-to-date technology is both available and integrated into the curriculum and instruction.
   • providing both remediation and enrichment to students according to their needs.


3. We will foster the child’s emotional development by:
   • passing on the Christian message of the Gospel and leading our students toward a mature personal relationship with Jesus Christ and others.
   • emphasizing Gospel values within the daily curriculum and life of the school.
   • providing an atmosphere of care, concern, and sharing among teachers and students.
   • expecting students to perform to their best ability.
   • conferring regularly and continuously with parents to create a partnership of concern around students.


4. We will facilitate the child’s social development by:
   • providing opportunities for our students to integrate religious truths and values with life in contemporary society.
   • extending the interest and concern of our students beyond themselves into the total community, thereby fostering in them a sense of responsible freedom and a desire to acquire those qualities of heart and mind necessary for effective service to others.
   • sponsoring and providing experiences that widen student horizons so that they will have a deep respect for cultural differences.
   • encouraging students to participate in parish, community, and civic life.
   • instructing and encouraging students to practice social civility in varied social situations.


5. We will expand the child’s physical development by:
   • providing a quality physical education program, taught by a qualified instructor.
   • providing additional use of the gym, playground, and field facilities.
   • encouraging active participation in athletic programs.
   • providing instruction and encouragement that fosters healthy life styles.

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STRATEGIC PLAN

Area Of Focus: Catholic Identity

The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament believes it is essential to enhance the Catholic identity of the school in order to maintain the existence of a Catholic faith community.

1. We will maintain a clear Catholic identity among the students, faculty, and staff.
   Objectives:
   • Teachers will provide opportunities to pray throughout the day.
   • AMBS will provide evidence of the Catholic faith and traditions through visual displays, group assemblies, and traditional activities.
   • Staff members will be encouraged to model the Gospel values and will continue to work to achieve and/or update catechist certification as required by the RCAN Office of Catechetics.
   • Liturgies will comply with the liturgical calendar and provide students active participation.
   • Students will be instructed on the proper etiquette for Mass attendance and other liturgical functions.
   • Students will be instructed on the protocol to use with clergy and other Church representatives.
   • RCAN approved textbooks will be used for classroom instruction.


2. We will ensure that personnel and students will model to the parish community the values inherent in a program of Catholic education.
   Objectives:
   • Alumni, parents, clergy, and religious will share the benefits of receiving a Catholic education with the community at large, especially during the events of Catholic Schools Week.
   • Community members will be invited into the school to participate in religious programs.
   • Sessions on the teachings of the Catholic Church will be provided for parents and other adults in the community.


3. We will provide opportunities for children to perform Christian service and experience prayer, liturgy, and reflection.
   Objectives:
   • Venues for providing Christian service will be explored and sampled in order to expose students to a variety of charitable outreach experiences.
   • Children will be encouraged to explore the vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
   • Opportunities will be provided for students to explore the meaning of the vocation of the laity.
   • Students will be taught the meaning of stewardship and Christian service.
   • Weekly attendance at Sunday liturgy will be stressed.
   • Families and students will be taught the importance of giving support and service to their parish.

Area Of Focus: Finances

The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament believes in the necessity of responsible stewardship in the area of finances and of accountability for the resources used to provide a quality Catholic education.

1. We will develop a long-range financial plan that ensures self-sufficiency over the next 3-5 years in accordance with Archdiocesan standards.
   Objectives:
   • Launch and maintain the school’s first rolling three-year enrollment and infrastructure plan.
   • The finance committee will work with the principal to identify the purpose and means of establishing an endowment fund.
   • The finance committee will investigate, in conjunction with the building and grounds committee and the principal, the feasibility of launching a capital campaign.


2. We will help develop the school’s annual budget and help ensure its optimum performance.
   Objectives:
   • The finance committee will meet with Archdiocesan administrators quarterly during the 2004-05 school year in order to witness changes to financial reporting and monitoring systems, provide any related input, and prepare for the school’s return to self-administration.
   • There will be agreement as to who leads creation of the budget (finance committee or principal).
   • The finance committee will draft the 2006-2007 budget in concert with Archdiocesan administrators. This will provide the opportunity to clarify the goals of quality education, professional environment, physical infrastructure, value for money, and level of parish investment.
   • The board will provide an annual report.


3. We will help ensure ample funding for the school’s physical supplies and infrastructure, including classroom equipment and computers.
   Objectives:
   • This will be addressed in the annual budgeting process.
   • A gift catalogue will be developed and administered by the principal.
   • Working with the buildings and grounds committee, the finance committee will agree upon priorities and raise non-tuition funds via a capital campaign or other form of pledge program.


4. We will help ensure ample funding for development of the school’s teaching and other staff.

Objectives:
• This will be addressed in the annual budgeting process.
• The establishment of a professional development foundation will be explored, in cooperation with the curriculum committee.


5. We will help ensure ample funding for the development of each student.
   Objectives:
   • This will be addressed in the annual budgeting process.
   • A tuition assistance program will be institutionalized utilizing an approved individual to operate and oversee the program.
   • In conjunction with the curriculum committee, a summer school program will be explored for the purpose of providing educational enrichment, and of presenting current faculty and staff the opportunity to supplement their income.

Area Of Focus: Buildings and Grounds

The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament believes that in order to provide a quality Catholic education, the buildings and grounds of the school must be safe, clean and conducive to the learning process.

1. We will evaluate and improve, if necessary, the cleanliness of the school and grounds.

Objectives:
• Determine the staffing or outside service requirements necessary to maintain an appropriate cleaning schedule for both during the day and after school.
• Teachers, staff, parents, and students will be instructed on ways to maintain the cleanliness of the school.
• Groups outside the immediate school community will be instructed and encouraged to maintain the cleanliness and order of the school.


2. We will evaluate and improve, if necessary, the security of the school and grounds.
   Objectives:
   • A new security system, employing state of the art visual systems, will be installed at all entryways.
   • Monitors for the system will be installed at several sites.
   • A system of identification badges will be instituted.
   • Adults will be present at school entryways at the beginning of the school day.
   • Multiple cameras and monitors will be installed in the playground and parking areas.
   • Disaster plans will be updated and distributed for various scenarios; e.g., fire, power failure, hostage situations, biological and/or chemical attacks or accidents.
   • A security plan will be developed and distributed to all parents and students.


3. We will develop and distribute a policy on the utilization of the school building and grounds.
   Objectives:
   • The policy will include security procedures.
   • The policy will direct groups on procedures for cleanliness of the facilities.
   • Expected behavior will be delineated.
   • Adherence to Archdiocese guidelines requiring sufficient insurance coverage by groups using the school building and grounds will be expected.


4. We will maintain and update the entire facility.
   Objectives:
   • A lifecycle analysis of the total school building, including HVAC systems will be undertaken.
   • An inventory of all equipment, including computers, projectors, etc, will be taken in order to analyze life expectancy and schedule replacement.
   • A maintenance program of all interior and exterior finishes, including regular painting, rug replacements, and ceiling tiles, will be developed.
   • An energy audit will be conducted to discover more efficient uses of oil, gas and electricity.
   • Utility bills will be studied and monitored to determine the opportunity for energy grants or the need for upgrades.


5. We will make efficient use of the space allocated for use by the school.
   Objectives:
   • The gymnasium will be developed into an all-purpose room to be used by the entire parish.
   • The gymnasium will be furnished with a large automatic movie screen, audiovisual equipment, a wireless environment, and updated stage lighting.
   • The nurse’s office will be relocated and moved to the front of the school building. The nurse’s office will be equipped with a glass door, a bathroom, a changing area, an examination table and an area large enough for paramedics to work.
   • The need for a computer lab will be assessed and procedures for its use will be determined.
   • The library will be reviewed to determine if updating is required for future needs.
   • The necessary upgrade of the cafeteria will be determined and an action plan created.
   • The most efficient use of the art/music room will be investigated and it will be made part of a wireless environment.
   • Alternative uses of the basement will be investigated in order to determine its use for storage of emergency supplies and other alternative uses.
   • The basement will be sealed against water and mold and security systems will be installed.


6. We will recommend to the parish on an ongoing basis, changes and building improvements in anticipation of their support and financial assistance.
   Objectives:
   • Reports will be made detailing the need for changes and upgrades, the benefits of the changes, and the present and long-term costs.
   • Improvements and alterations to the building will be voted on by the Advisory board and forwarded to the pastor and finance committee of the parish.
   • All changes, improvements and upgrades will be for the sole purpose of improving the entire educational experience for all children of the parish and the continuing Catholic educational experience for adult parishioners.

Area of Focus: Administration, Faculty, and Staff

The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament recognizes that education is dependent on the quality of the faculty, administration and staff. Steps will be taken to provide for their ongoing professional development and to maintain their awareness of the special nature of the Catholic school.

1. We will attract and retain quality teachers by keeping salaries and benefits competitive and commensurate with the principles of Catholic social teaching.
   Objectives:
   • An annual review of the criteria for increasing salaries will be completed.
   • An annual review of the criteria for starting salaries will be completed.


2. We will continue to recruit educators who are committed to teaching in a Catholic environment.

Objectives:
• A list of qualified teachers will be maintained.
• Advertisements will be included in church bulletins for recruiting new teachers.
• Catholic colleges will be used as sources for teacher replacements as needed.


3. We will provide for continuing education and development of administration, teachers, and support staff.
   Objectives:
   • Local Catholic colleges will be contacted to determine their ability to provide ongoing professional training.
   • New Jersey standards, including required hours for professional development, will be maintained.
   • The school budget will include funds for ongoing professional development.
4. We will ensure the presence of a supportive environment for our teachers and staff.
   Objectives:
   • Avenues for providing recognition for outstanding performance will be investigated.
   • Annual scholarships for teachers to pursue ongoing professional development will be instituted.
   • The possibility of a sabbatical program for teachers will be investigated.

Area Of Focus: Recruitment and Marketing

The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament Advisory Board sees the necessity of a program for marketing and recruitment to ensure that the school’s strengths and offerings are known and understood by the public.

1. We will share the success story of AMBS and find effective ways to relate it.
   Objectives:
   • Local media will be utilized in order to publicize successes of students.
   • Regular press releases will be sent to local media in order to keep the school in the public eye.
   • Videos of school activities will be created and distributed to local media outlets.
   • The school website will be updated regularly.
   • Local realtors and others will be provided with promotional material and encouraged to make the presence of the school known to newcomers.


2. We will create a recruitment package for prospective students and their families.
   Objectives:
   • A school DVD will be developed and distributed.
   • Print material will be developed and distributed.
   • Positive relationships with local Catholic high schools will be established in order to utilize possible resources.
   • Parents and others will be invited to view accelerated math and writing programs as well as other enrichment programs available at the Academy.


3. We will ensure the retention of students.
   Objectives:
   • An exit instrument will be developed.
   • Periodic surveys will be distributed to gauge parental attitudes about the school.


4. We will conduct an annual review of goals and objectives in the area of recruitment and marketing.
   Objectives:
   • Target recruitment numbers will be set and reviewed.
   • Data on enrollment will be maintained.
   • Exit interview and other exit data will be examined for planning purposes.

Area Of Focus: Curriculum and Programs

The Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament believes that its students deserve the best education possible using the latest technology available.  Integrating distinctly Christian values will ensure that students will reach their maximum potential and be equipped to meet an ever-changing, complex world.

1. We will continually update and implement a curriculum that fosters academic excellence for all students.
   Objectives:
   • The integration of Christian values into all areas of the curriculum will be required of all teachers.
   • Faculty and staff will create curriculum profiles and maps to ensure continuity of instruction throughout the curriculum.
   • Faculty and staff will provide excellent instruction in reading, writing, and study skills.
   • Skills in communication and public speaking will be provided.
   • A program of regular assessment, including programs required by the Archdiocese, will be used to measure the effectiveness of curriculum and instruction.


2. We will create programs to address the needs of individual students.
   Objectives:
   • Individual student needs will be assessed regularly and used to design programs to meet remedial as well as enrichment challenges.
   • Opportunities for tutoring, as well as enrichment, will be created.
   • Parents will be consulted regularly regarding the special needs of their children.
   • Liaisons with the local public school district will be maintained to ensure that state and federally approved remedial instruction and enrichment are provided.
   • The extra-curricular and co-curricular programs will reflect the needs as well as the interests of all the students.


3. We will ensure that students and teachers have the most appropriate technology for the curriculum.
   Objectives:
   • An inventory will be done to determine the current technology resources held by the school.
   • Research on the most effective uses of technology will be done to determine the present and future needs of the school in this area.
   • Teachers will integrate technology in their classrooms.
   • A regular program of technology updates will be instituted.
   • Students will be proficient in the use of technology and its application to everyday problems.


4. We will determine the appropriateness of the Aquinas Middle School program for the Academy.
   Objectives:
   • Research in the area of current young adolescent programs will be conducted so as to identify programs that are effective.
   • Programs geared specifically to the age group of young adolescents will be integrated into the Aquinas curriculum or other middle school programs.
   • We will continuously evaluate the effectiveness of our Middle School Program.
   • Promotional materials related to our Middle School Program will be developed and disseminated to interested parents.
   • A separate Middle School House will be held annually to spotlight the program to the community.