ark of angels montessori preschool annual report for the school … · 2015-08-13 · ark of angels...

Ark of Angels Montessori Preschool

St. Croix Catholic School and

Ark of Angels Montessori Preschool

Annual Report for the School Year 2011- 2012

“See, I am doing something new!” Isaiah 43:19

The Lord has been busy at St. Croix Catholic School in the last year! He’s kept us busy with new opportunities

for Mrs. Epperly and new faces here at SCCS as well as many new initiatives to further challenge our students

academically, socially, and spiritually. I have loved being welcomed to my new family and am so grateful to Mrs.

Epperly for making the transition so smooth. She accomplished a great deal during her time here from which

our families have benefitted greatly.

I have been extremely impressed by our students as I have come to know them in the past year. Not only are

our students able to accept the challenging curriculum, they are able to retain their genuineness. We see them

becoming more of themselves, their best selves whom God created them to be, rather than a cookie cutter

person of the student next to them. These differences are celebrated at St. Croix Catholic and students are able

to receive the differentiated instruction unique to their learning abilities while appreciating those of others.

This appreciation of others doesn’t just happen naturally. Our students are led through this process with guid-

ance from dedicated teachers. Our faculty has committed to implementing The Responsive Classroom® school-

wide, which creates an environment in which students learn to interact in a manner that is respectful of the dig-

nity of each person. This respect will allow our students to succeed in so many areas of their lives.

At St. Croix Catholic, we pray regularly for our benefactors and recognize that so much of what we do and ac-

complish would not be possible without the assistance of generous family and friends who believe in the im-

portance of Catholic education. We are grateful for the opportunity to share with you the ways God has

blessed us through your prayerful and financial support. May God continue to bring about the good work He

has begun!

A Message from Sister Mary Juliana, O.P.

Educating the Whole Child . . .

Mind, Body, and Spirit

A Change in Leadership for SCCS

After 11 years as Principal of St. Croix Catholic School, Mrs. Cressy Epperly

left in June of 2011 to take a position as Principal of St. Rose of Lima Catho-

lic School. She was honored at a reception attended by many, current SCCS

students and their parents as well as a great number of alums - all whom will

remember her time at SCCS fondly.

In May of 2011, SCCS students, families and teachers first met Sister

Mary Juliana, O.P. when she visited for a day. She took over as Principal

in July of the 2011 - 2012 school year. Although sisters from the Domini-

can Order of St. Cecilia had been teaching at SCCS for several years, Sr.

Mary Juliana is the first to take on the position of Principal.

Enrollment

SCCS began the 2011 - 2012 school year with 357 students enrolled in kindergarten through 8th grade

and 64 students in the Ark of Angels Preschool program.

SCCS welcomed 32 new kindergarten students and 27 new students in grades 1 - 8.

Catholic Identity

K - 8th grade students attend All-School Mass once a week.

The whole school joins in prayer at the beginning and at the end of the school day.

Primary grade teachers have been trained in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.

Our First Annual All-School Faith Rally was held during Catholic Schools Week.

Community Outreach

The Service Marathon has become an established SCCS tradition. In the spirit of a true Marathon, stu-

dents each completed 26 acts of service.

Primary students entertained at Linden Healthcare Center, Intermediate students cleaned up St.

Michael’s Cemetery, and Middle School students participated in a community Rake-A-Difference Day.

Faith families worked together on a service project during the First Annual Faith Rally.

Curriculum

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) focus was integrated into all grade levels.

The Reading and Language Arts curriculum was reviewed by faculty.

Technology

We began the year with SMART Board technology in 12 classrooms.

A professional promotional video was created to spread the word about SCCS.

In the spring of 2012, SCCS was awarded $37,500 in grants for S.T.E.M. programming and materials to

be used during the upcoming 2012 - 2013 school year.

Financial Development

We held a successful Marathon - we surpassed our school goal of $75,000 and raised $82,248.

The Light Their Way Dinner raised $55,450 for Tuition Assistance.

The Endowment Fund balance at the end of the 2011 - 2012 fiscal year was $803,000. Total distribu-

tions to the school’s operating budget since the inception of the Fund in the year 2000 have reached

over $100,000.

A Development Director was hired to enhance the sources of income for SCCS and Ark of Angels.

Recognition

Our Minnesota Nonpublic School Accrediting Association accreditation was renewed.

Highlights 2011 - 2012



Thirty-five students graduated from St. Croix Catholic School on June 4, 2012.

Sr. Mary Juliana, Principal of SCCS, presented diplomas to the candidates. Several of the graduates shared very

touching testimonials of the academic strength, strong foundations of faith, and enduring friendships they devel-

oped during their years at St. Croix Catholic School.

Members of the local chapter of the American Legion presented student Legion Awards to graduates Molly

Frisch and Colin Corcoran in recognition of their exemplary reflection of citizenship, courage, honesty, service,

faith, leadership, and academic excellence.

Each year, the school also recognizes the graduat-

ing student attaining the highest cumulative grade

point average over his or her three years of mid-

dle school. This year graduating student Mary

Keyes achieved this honor. She was presented

with the Saint Thomas Aquinas Award for her

outstanding academic achievement.

Congratulations to the 8th grade graduating class

of 2012 and our brand new alums!

Graduates



Developing Leaders

An often repeated comment by teachers at Stillwater secondary schools and area Catholic high schools is

similar to, “I can always pick out the St. Croix Catholic alumni. They are always respectful, prepared and

comfortable in leadership roles.”

Developing confident and compassionate leadership qualities is a focus as students progress through their

9 years at St. Croix Catholic School. By the time students reach 8th grade, they should be comfortable in

their role as school leaders. They lead daily school prayer, serve as role models for younger students, and

new this year, plan and facilitate a day-long Faith Rally.

An early experience for 8th graders this year was an early October leadership retreat. The theme of the

retreat was Spiritual Leadership. Two of the students wrote about the experience, “We participated in

team activities, learning how to communicate effectively. During the team activities, we worked with people and

learned how to become better leaders by letting others speak and share their ideas. . . The retreat was a beautiful

experience and the principles we learned will be with us always. We are looking forward to our leadership role at

the All-School Faith Rally in February.”

Hours of planning by the 8th grade class culminated in a successful and highly moving experience during

the Faith Rally in February including Mass, Adoration, Rosary, Skits and Service Projects.

CCS began

the 2011—

2012 school

year with 357stu- dents

enrolled in grades K - 8 and

64 students in the Ark of

An- gels Preschool program.

First Annual Faith Rally



Leading the Way with S.T.E.M. As the 2011 - 2012 school year began, SCCS teachers were making plans to introduce a new integrated

approach to educating our youth to better meet 21st century challenges and opportunities. S.T.E.M., the

integration of science, technology, engineering, and math, focuses on real-world, authentic problems. Re-

search tells us that students learn best when encouraged

to construct their own knowledge of the world around

them. It is through integrated S.T.E.M. education that this

type of learning can occur.

Current research in project-based learning demonstrates

that projects can increase student interest in science,

technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.) because they

involve students in solving authentic problems, working

with others and building real solutions.

St. Croix Catholic School introduced the innovative Pro-

ject Lead the Way S.T.E.M. program beginning in January of 2012. We were the first Catholic school in

the state of Minnesota to offer the comprehensive Project Lead the Way program in grades K-8, which

has proved so successful in other states and countries.

During the spring of 2012, the award of $37,500 of grant money to further the S.T.E.M. program with a

new computer lab, teacher training opportunities, and equipment, ensured that the next school year will

be an exciting time for students.

On Friday, February 3, 2012, St. Croix

Catholic families participated in their first

Catholic Schools Week Faith Rally. The day

began with Mass and continued throughout

the day with Eucharistic Adoration, service

projects, skits about Saints, and a Living Ro-

sary. The event was a fitting conclusion for

Catholic Schools Week. The activities were

planned and led by SCCS 8th grade students

and featured a guest, Father James Cuddy,

O.P.

CCS began the 2011—2012 school year with 357students enrolled in grades K - 8 and 64 students in the Ark of Angels Preschool

program.

Honoring Dedicated Teachers



Over the course of the 2011 - 2012 school year, SCCS honored five long time teachers who retired after

many years of dedicated commitment to our school. Three of these teachers, Mrs. Gwen Buck, Mrs. Ann

Daniels, and Mrs. Karen McDermott, retired in June of 2011 and were recognized with a Mass and recep-

tion in late September 2011.

Mrs. Gwen Buck - Mrs. Buck dedicated much of her professional life to teaching our

children at SCCS. She joined the teaching staff in 1975, teaching both the fourth and

sixth grades and substitute teaching for several years while her own children were

young. She is remembered best for her generosity, welcoming attitude and ready smile.

SCCS has been blessed by Mrs. Buck’s over thirty-five years of service. Mrs. Buck con-

tinues to be a familiar face at SCCS as she is once again doing some substitute teaching.

Mrs. Ann Daniels - Commitment defines retiree Mrs. Ann Daniels. She began her

teaching career at St. Croix Catholic School in August of 1970, never dreaming that

she’d still be reaching St. Croix students several decades later! Initially spending four

years in a first grade classroom, Ann moved to second grade for the remainder of her

tenure—thirty seven years—where many a student recall her dedication in preparing

them for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Mrs. Dan-

iels continues to do volunteer tutoring of students at SCCS.

Mrs. Karen McDermott - Following the lead of those that came before her, Mrs. Ka-

ren McDermott dedicated herself to the SCCS community and children over a lifetime.

In 1981, she was hired to teach fifth grade, moving on to fourth grade nine years later

and remaining there until retirement. Students who were lucky enough to call Mrs.

McDermott their teacher often mention her kindness and her creativity. Mrs. McDer-

mott is also filling a much needed position of substitute teacher at SCCS.

In June of 2012, we said good-bye to Mrs. Carole Lynch and Mrs. Corky Thomas.

Known and loved by hundreds of graduates and their families, Mrs. Carole Lynch, Middle

School Religion teacher, reflects, “It has been a joy teaching at St. Croix Catholic School

the past 25 years. It’s a privilege to teach at a school whose dedicated staff integrates the

Catholic faith with high academic standards. The SCCS Community will always hold a spe-

cial place in my heart. I will treasure the many blessings I have received from SCCS staff,

students and parents.”

Mrs. Corky Thomas started at St. Croix Catholic in 1981, teaching 6th grade. As SCCS

moved to a Middle School format, Mrs. Thomas became the science teacher for all of

Middle School, and later moved to fill a 5th grade teaching position. Known for her love

of hands-on learning, Mrs. Thomas led countless field trips and inspired and maintained

the beautiful gardens at the south end of the school. Mrs. Thomas is now enjoying time

with her grandson.

Financial Strength of SCCS Ensures a Bright Future

2011-2012 Financial Overview

63%

24%

4%

3%3%

1% 1% 1%

SCCS / Ark of Angels Revenues

Tuition & Fees Parish Subsidies Marathon Net SCRIP

Light Their Way Dinner Endowment Distribution Technology Fund Other Fundraising

Total Revenue$1,988,295

72%

9%

7%

9%

2% 1%

SCCS / Ark of Angels Expenses

Personnel - Admin & Teaching Operating Expenses

Custodial & Repairs Operating Reserve Replenishment

Instruction -Technology Endowment Investment Activity - Unrealized

Total Expenses$1,987,888

St. Croix Catholic School and Ark of Angels Preschool are blessed to have a vibrant community of

supporters. SCCS donations and SCRIP proceeds in 2012 were favorable to the Fiscal 2012 Budget.

These unbudgeted revenues, several successful SCCS administrative cost-saving initiative have result-

ed in a much-needed replenishment of previously-depleted SCCS operating reserves.

Thanks to the community of SCCS supporters and administrative efficiencies in 2012, teacher sala-

ries were unfrozen and the targeted investment in learning technologies and quality curriculums have

increased.

Thoughtful and effective stewardship of resources is a responsibility taken very seriously. Despite a

challenging economy, 2012 is the fourth consecutive year of SCCS/Ark of Angels Preschool achiev-

ing its operating budget. Many Thanks.

St. Croix Catholic School and Ark of Angels Montessori Preschool

The Year in Review

The SCCS Student Council orga-

nized the collection of Opera-

tion Christmas Child gift boxes.

225 boxes were collected!

E D U C A T I N G T H E W H O L E C H I L D . . .

M I N D , B O D Y , A N D S P I R I T

Volunteers kept busy even

during the summer helping

to spruce up the garden.

The Annual Endowment

Golf Tournament was a

big success.

Meeting your teacher

and Principal on the first

day is always exciting.

August

Students found creative

ways to raise Service

Marathon funds.

The Knights soccer team

finished a successful season.

The First Annual Faith Rally

was an experience that no

SCCS student will ever forget.

February

After School Chess Club

was a popular winter extra-

curricular activity for all

ages.

The 5th grade Math Team

had some very impressive

meets this spring.

April

Grandparents Day gave

students a chance to share

their school with special

people in their lives.

May

The SCCS Band and Orches-

tra concluded the year with a

concert.

Warm weather means the

Ark of Angels preschoolers

can enjoy the playground

more often!

September

October November December

January March

June

July

ark of angels montessori preschool annual report for the school … · 2015-08-13 · ark of angels...

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