Holy Spirit School Report of Findings

Holy Spirit SchoolReport of FindingsMarch 21-23, 2012

Mission of Holy Spirit SchoolHoly Spirit School is dedicated to developing the whole child by providing a quality Catholic education in a safe and caring environment.

Philosophy of Holy Spirit SchoolAs a vital ministry of Holy Spirit Parish in the Diocese of Oakland, Holy Spirit School is an educational community rooted in Catholic faith and tradition. As a community, we recognize the parents are the primary educators of their children. We believe all students should be encouraged to develop intellectually, spiritually, morally, emotionally, socially, and physically in a safe and caring environment where the learning process is unique to each individual. We facilitate an awareness of global responsibility and promote service to the greater community by fostering cultural sensitivity and discipleship in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Accreditation Factor #1Holy Spirit School was highly effective in involvingall shareholders. All major shareholders were invited todiscussions. Parents and school board members wereprovided updates of the schools progress and anycomments were then relayed back to the committees toaddress. The school staff was assigned to a committeeand the individual committees led the discussions fortheir assigned chapter and assimilated the information.All major shareholders had access to the sections of theSelf Study and various drafts were presented forfeedback.

Pastor, Faculty, Students, Surveys, Advisory Board

Accreditation Factor #2Holy Spirit was highly effective in implementingtheir prior accreditation findings. In addressingthe prior accreditation findings, Holy SpiritSchool has accomplished improvements tostudent learning. All the findings of the VisitingTeam have been addressed. The school is alwaysstriving to evaluate where it is and how to moveforward to best ensure high achievement for allstudents.

Accreditation Factor #3Catholic IdentityHoly Spirit School has been highly effective inimproving the spiritual formation of the students, staffand the parents. The principal, faculty and staff arededicated to educating students in the teachings andtraditions of the Catholic Church. The facultyfocuses on teaching the faith across the curriculum andintegrating Gospel values into many aspects of dailylife.

Catholic Identity

Accreditation Factor #4The integration of the mission statement, SLEs, andstandards has been effective at Holy Spirit School. However, because the mission and philosophy are fairlynew, Holy Spirit School identified the need to regularlycommunicate the mission and philosophy with theparents and students. The teachers refer to the SLEswhen teaching, in class discussions, and in interpersonalproblem solving. Holy Spirit School has created SLErubrics for the various grade levels (Preschool, K-3, 4-8). Aplan will be developed to implement these rubricsperiodically throughout the year.

Student Learning ExpectationsChrist-Centered Person

Student Learning ExpectationsLife-long learner

Student Learning ExpectationsActive Responsible Citizen

Student Learning ExpectationsHealth Conscious Individual

Effective Communicator

Accreditation Factor #5Holy Spirit School has highly effective organizationalstructures to support the school's mission statementand high achievement for all students. Bydeveloping a new mission statement: Holy SpiritSchool is dedicated to developing the whole child byproviding a quality Catholic education in a safe andcaring environment, the organizational structureshave created a school focused on high achievementrich in the Catholic values.

Organizational Structures

Accreditation Factor #6Holy Spirit School is effective in usingsound assessment processes to collect data. Teachers recognize the need for further trainingon data analysis with respect to using the IRM togenerate more specific individualized reports ofstudent progress and class trends. Faculty wouldlike to enhance student learning through the use ofdata collection and analysis to identify areas forimprovement.

Data Analysis

Accreditation Factor #7Holy Spirit School is effective in providing achallenging, comprehensive and relevant curriculum foreach student. Diocesan curriculum and California statestandards make up the guidelines for developing lessonplans designed to assist students in successfulachievement goals. The SLEs are used in daily lessons andposted in some teachers' lesson plans. Holy Spirit Schoolhas created SLE rubrics for the various grade levels(Preschool, K-3, 4-8). A plan will be developed toimplement these rubrics periodically throughout the year.

Curriculum and SLEs

Accreditation Factor #8Holy Spirit School has been highly effective in providingteachers with various opportunities for professionalgrowth to incorporate research-based instructionaltechniques to improve student learning. The visiting teamobserved various teaching strategies including,cooperative learning, technology, hands-on, lecture, peertutoring, vocabulary activities, whiteboards, buddyprogram, pair-share, presentations, experiments andmuch more. Holy Spirit School teachers use multipleassessments to modify instruction/curriculum to help allstudents achieve the SLEs and curriculum standards.

Teaching Strategies

Accreditation Factor #9Holy Spirit School has been highly effective inproviding a wide variety of services, resources,and activities to help all students achieve at highlevels. For example, Holy Spirit studentsparticipate in classroom outreach programsbeyond their service hours. They also serve asAcolytes, Altar Servers, in the Choir and asJunior Vincentians.

Resources

Accreditation Factor #10Holy Spirit School has been highly effective in itsuse of proper bookkeeping and accountingprocedures as dictated and reviewed by the Dioceseof Oakland. The bookkeeper prepares monthlyfinancial reports that are reviewed monthly by thepastor, principal, Diocesan School DepartmentFiscal Controller, and the school board. Thesummary is available to parents in the school boardminutes which are posted on the school website.

AccomplishmentsStrong leadership and collaboration between pastor and principal.Dedicated faculty and staff who witness to and practice the Catholic faith.Smaller class sizes in math and language arts and use of instructional assistants to meet the needs of students. A strong sense of community!Revised mission statement and development of SLE rubrics.Significant parent involvement in the lives of the student and school.Acquisition and implementation of multiple technology resources.Proactive stance on bullying concerns.

Critical GoalsTo develop and utilize curriculum maps and planners in all subject areas and across grade levels.To expand professional development to improve instruction and assessments.To analyze data to drive school improvements and enhancements with a plan to implement SLE rubrics periodically throughout the year.To continue the school's mission in providing a safe and caring environment.To increase enrollment.

Accreditation Factor #11The Action Plan is highly effective in identifying andaddressing critical goals focused on improvingstudent learning. Holy Spirit School's previousAction Plan has been achieved and has providedfaculty and staff with the ability to set new goals. The goals set in this year's study will set Holy Spirit Schoolon a continuous improvement path. Goals set willprovide emotional and academic support to all studentsthrough accommodations and/or challenges dependingon the needs of the students.

Accreditation Factor #12Holy Spirit School is highly effective atmonitoring the Action Plan. Studentachievement will be monitored and faculty willarticulate on a regular basis. Administrators andfaculty will evaluate their plan on a regular basisthrough dialogue, meetings, reports and analysisof student achievement.

Leadership

Thank you!During our 3 day visit, the team found Holy Spirit School to be professionally rich and personally rewarding. We experienced a community where everyone is striving to provide a Catholic environment where quality education is a priority.

We wish to thank the principal, pastor, leadership team, faculty and students for your warm and gracious hospitality.

May Holy Spirit School be blessed with every success as you continue your school improvement!