The visiting committee (made up of 1 principal from another diocese, 1 principal, 1 vice principal, and 2 teachers from the Diocese of San Diego) spent 3 days on campus with the Rectory meeting room as their home base to have confidential discussions.
For the past 3 years, faculty and all staff members have been working on what ended up being a 60 page document that explained everything we do at SMA (organized within the 4 domains of the NSBECS). In addition, we attached picture and print evidence, digitally, to prove all the content we wrote in the document. The committee interviewed the pastor, principal, business manager, PTG, students from all grade levels, and all faculty to ensure the document matches information gained from the interviews.
During those 3 days, a handful of busy moms were kind enough to provide the team with breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as various snacks to keep them energized. We are truly grateful for their generosity as well as the hospitality of the parish staff who offered space and made them feel welcome.
Here are their findings:
Domain 1: MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY Key Areas of Strength
Commitment to Catholic education and a robust learning environment * Total academic curriculum integrates faith * Youth minister also teaching religion to grades 6-8 * Strong partnership between school and church
Domain 2: GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP Key Areas of Strength
The school's leadership team has the academic preparation and experience background to serve a Catholic school community. Through interviews and observations, we noticed a shared leadership and support among staff *The Advisory Board and PTG is diverse and representative of the community * Leadership has been consistent in sharing the school's mission with the Advisory Board, PTG, and community
Domain 3: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Key Areas of Strength
SMA has a clearly articulated and rigorous curriculum implemented across all grade levels * Effective instruction is provided to all students as seen in data provided in assessments and SRG * Opportunities for continuous success are offered to students both for academics and extracurricular activities (addition of a Learning Support Director and program noted)
DOMAIN 4: OPERATIONAL VITALITY Key Areas of Strength
SMA ensures skilled and well-compensated staff through competitive salaries and professional development. * SMA demonstrated strong financial management through detailed documentation, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive view * Chromebooks and a budget proposal for IT services demonstrate tech support, with ongoing improvement plans documented
Here are the Critical Areas of Growth as identified by SMA:
*Ensure all students, parents, and faculty know the meaning of and live out the school mission.
*Create a strategic plan to outline SMA's long-term goals
*Improve behavior management program to support student success academically, emotionally, and socially
*Create common assessments for grades K-8
*Create a facilities, equipment, and technology management plan
SMA's Next Steps:
*Start working on action plan steps
*Submit annual reports to commissioner
