|
|
|
Principal
 ContactsLocationPreschoolKindergartenSpecial ProgramsMission PhilosophyFacilityTuition & FeesMisc. InfoOctober 5, 2009 Principal’s Message State of the School Message, October 2009 Dear Parents, Parishioners, and Extended Community of Good Shepherd, Since 1963, Good Shepherd Catholic School has been providing a quality education, rooted in Catholic values. During these economic times, Good Shepherd School enrollment has remained stable with an increase in the K-8 program from 164 students to 179 students. At the beginning of the 2009-2010 School Year, 26 students from 22 new families were welcomed at New Family Orientation in August! Catholic Traditions The theme for 2009-2010 is “One Body, Many Parts,” adapted from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. The Catholic faith is not only taught in religion class, but is integrated into the entire curriculum. Faith is a journey, and Good Shepherd School is the guide for this journey. As followers of Christ, the faculty models serving with humility. Both Resurrection and at St. Joseph Parishes have provided the opportunities for students to become music ministers, altar servers, and lectors. Monthly masses are celebrated at the school. Students in grades three through eight are responsible for one liturgy per year. Other celebrations include devotion to the Blessed Mother and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Academic Excellence
Technologically Current Last year, the “Tuesday Envelope” became a weekly electronic newsletter to meet the school’s goals of saving paper and efficient communication. In addition, Good Shepherd is implementing its new online RenWeb system for progress reports, report cards, parent communication, and database management. The Good Shepherd webpage at www.gsschool.org is updated regularly and a popular source of information. These changes have been embraced by the families and staff with positive feedback, in spite of the occasional headaches that accompany any new technology. Financially Sound In recent years, the administration and staff have had to make difficult decisions about spending. However, 2008-2009 saw a significant increase in preschool enrollment and a tuition increase from the previous year. Additionally, the local school district provided subsidies for professional development with Title IIA funding. Consequently, Good Shepherd ended the 2008-2009 fiscal year with an unofficial $12,000 surplus. The surplus will be placed in savings until the long-term goals are put into action. New social studies textbooks and supplemental reading materials were purchased with the funds we received from the annual appeal during the fall of 2008. The Future In 2007, Good Shepherd received a six-year accreditation with a review in three years from the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA). This year, all parishioners and families are reviewing the nine strategic plan goals with an emphasis in communication, curriculum, and enrollment. With the help of the Endowment Trust and increasing enrollment, the future of Good Shepherd appears bright. Some future goals include: review of teacher salaries to maintain the quality of the staff; upgrades to the 45-year-old facility; and an increase in our financial assistance to recruit more students from our diverse community and retain current families. All of these things are possible with the support of a hopeful community! In
Christ, © 2010 Good Shepherd Catholic School |
In
an effort to help all students be
successful, the teachers are available
four afternoons per week for homework
help in grades 2 through 8.To meet the
unique needs of diverse learners,
teachers are receiving regular
professional development. Some of the
topics include the Theory of 
