Standard VII: INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL & RESOURCES The elementary school’s instructional/learning media program serves as a major resource for the school’s total education effort. The school’s instructional/learning media program may be housed separately, or it may be dispersed in decentralized resource centers.
Instructional materials, equipment, and community resources are selected to support the curriculum and the instructional program of the school. A wide variety and diversity of print, non-print and manipulative materials are provided to accommodate individual differences in pupils. There is evidence that the school addresses the need for students to be familiar with the various kinds of instructional technology.
7.01 Materials and equipment are selected on the basis of their potential to fulfill the philosophy/mission statement and to support curriculum areas. Yes
Clarify: The school meets the Philosophy and Mission of the School Guides in all sections of curriculum.
7.02 Instructional/learning materials and equipment are recommended through cooperative staff action.
Yes Clarify: The teachers at St. Patrick are consulted before new equipment is purchased
7.03 All instructional/learning materials are selected with consideration for the appropriate treatment of racial and ethnic groups and the avoidance of sex stereotyping. Yes Clarify: All instructional materials are selected with consideration given to all ethnic groups and sexual stereotypes.
7.04 The school budget includes expenditures for books (exclusive of textbooks) magazines, and audio-visual and computer equipment/materials. No
Clarify: The school budget is too small to accommodate purchases of magazines, or DVD’s, and book sets. All fiction and non-fiction books are purchased through book fairs or when funds are allocated by PTO.
7.05 Classroom materials and equipment are adequate in quality and quantity to meet the needs of students and the objectives of the school program. Yes Clarify: All classroom materials meet the teachers and students needs.
7.06 The materials/resources are easily accessible to all students. Yes
Clarify: The media center and reading/writing workshop are available for teacher and student use each day of the school year.
7.07 The instructional materials and equipment are evaluated annually.
No Clarify: Instructional materials are reviewed on an as needed basis. When the Diocese changes the curriculum, textbooks and related instructional materials are accessed in relation to their value to the newly adopted curriculum
7.08 The collection of instructional/learning materials is classified and catalogued according to a recognized and accepted system, is updated annually, and made available to all staff members.
Yes
Clarify: Teachers are required to inventory and track the whereabouts of all classroom textbooks.
The Media Center has an automated card catalog system that tracks the circulation of all the books in the school library along with DVD and VHS instructional materials.
The classroom teachers track their textbooks using their own system of organization that varies with individual preference.
7.09 Resources available in the community are utilized when this would enhance the learning of students and the educational objectives.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high) Clarify: Students at St. Patrick School take advantage of as many educational opportunities as possible, given our location. Here are just a few of the field trips we have visited recently: the Recycling Center, Flat River Outreach Ministries, St. Mary’s Pregnancy Resource Center, Schneider Manor retirement community, Grand Rapids Symphony, Aquinas College Theater, Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, Klackle Orchards, the Van Andel Museum, the Ford Presidential Museum, Kent ISD, the airport and many more sites.
Several classrooms participate and receive benefits from the Junior Achievement Program. Many students participate in Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Girls Challenge program (an all-girls religious focused club). flourishes here at St. Patrick School. The Student Council has worked with several businesses in the area. The students took money earned through fundraisers and purchased fabric at a local variety store. Parishoners volunteered to come in twice a week to help the students sew blankets with the material that was purchased. The blankets were donated to a local Pregnancy Resource Center and were given to expectant mothers as part of a layette.
Student Council also participated in a drive to collect teddy to be sent to Haiti. A local dry cleaners donated their services to clean the used teddy bears. The students worked with another non profit group and collaborated their efforts. Policies and procedures for these activities are implemented.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: Every field trip requires the principal’s approval, an itinerary for the trip, and bus transportation reservations. Parents must sign permission slips and send in field trip costs to school, before students are allowed to leave the school building and participate in a field trip..
7.10 The school has a TECHNOLOGY PLAN which includes the following (Clarify each point):
¨ Professional development for administrators and teachers Yes. On-going full staff development is provided for teachers and administrators. ¨ Instructional TV No. Replaced by video streaming available through the Intermediate School District ¨ Computer lab facility Yes. Our computer lab was installed in 2002. It has 27 working stations a digital projector, scanner and both black and white laser and color inkjet printers. ¨ Computer lab networking Yes. The computer lab has hard-wire high speed internet. The middle school has wireless access. ¨ Individual classroom computer / video / multi-media instruction Yes. All classrooms have two computers networked to our school server. The Readers'/Writers' Workshop has a bank of 6? computers that are also networked to the school server. ¨ Building-wide computer networking Yes. All classrooms and offices have access to the internet and are for the most part on one network. The Parish offices and Principal’s office maintain a separate network. ¨ Media center information networking Yes. All classrooms have the same software as in the computer lab. There are only a few programs unique to the computer lab where the instruction is unique to the technology curriculum. Students are able to work on projects from any workstation in the building without lose or interruption. ¨ Media center check out / inventory technology Yes. Our Media center has an automated circulation system to track the location of books and instructional materials.
¨ Administration computer network & communication system with constituency Yes. ¨ Use electronic mail and web browser applications Yes. Regular staff communication travels by email and wiki. Our school web site is currently under construction. ¨ Software for lab and classroom environments Yes. Our students have access to the most current software in the market. Last year computers were furnished with more memory and Microsoft 2007 Office Suite, as well as Worldbook Online and Facts4Me. I expect next year to continue to offer these software programs, along with a few additional offerings. ¨ Filtering devices Yes. The computer lab is current with adequate filters that are reviewed monthly or as the need arises.
Standard VII: INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL & RESOURCES (continued)
7.11 The technology plan has received state approval.
No
Clarify: The technology committee is currently finalizing a technology plan which will then be submitted to Kent ISD in Winter 2009 – 2010. Upon approval by KISD, technology plan will be forwarded for approval to state.
7.12 The school media collection consists of a balance of print, non-print, and electronic media adequate in quality and quantity to meet the needs of the curricular program.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: Our school library continues to grow and change to meet the needs of the students and their curriculum. This year we purchased the Accelerated Reading Program and through the educational endowment fund we have a certified teacher working with students twice weekly to increase their reading comprehension. In addition to the AR Program, we have a monthly service through Junior Library Guild to provide us with middle school books to encourage older students to read.
7.13 In religious schools, books of a religious nature are sufficient in quality and quantity and are on a recommended reading list for various grade levels.
Yes.
Clarify: Every year we try to increase our non-print materials to keep pace with changing trends. Last year our library purchased $750.00 in new religious DVD’s and another $200.00 in religious books.
7.14 The library is located in the school building and is open throughout the school day.
Compliance: Yes
Clarify: The library is located in the middle of the school and is staffed full-time by the Library and Computer teacher. Students have daily access to materials and computers.
7.15 Appropriate instructional materials and equipment for each specialized area of the school’s program are provided in the amount and types needed to accomplish the stated instructional objectives.
Level of implementation: 2 (high)
Clarify: Our classrooms and media center are well-equipped with computers, however, there is a need for more Elmo Document readers and wall-mounted TV’s. An equipment upgrade in these areas would assist in the delivery of lessons and make it easier for students to see the materials presented. In every other way the school meets the Diocesan standards.
Summary for Standard VII:
A. Identify your school’s strengths in regard to this standard.
Our program strengths are: Computer Lab has current Microsoft Office 2007 and an OS of 2000 XP additional memory was also added to each work station making them faster and more able to run several programs at a time.
Purchased a one-year subscription World Book Online
Purchased a one-year subscription Facts4Me.com for 3-6th grade students
Video-streaming is available through the Intermediate School District. Plans are being discussed to subscribe to Learn 360 at district pricing.
Accelerated Reader was implemented and students are being coached and monitored on a weekly basis.
Elmo Document Reader in on a mobile cart along with a laptop computer and digital projector.
Two new wikis were established. One for students and one for teachers
Follett Software tracks book circulation and manages the Library resources.
Purchased a one-year subscription from Junior Library Guild to increase by three books per month the offerings to middle school students.
B. Identify your school’s concerns in regard to this standard.
Classroom book sets are worn and need to be replaced.
Two more Elmo document readers would benefit the writer’s workshop and in at least one other classroom.
Technology plan’s completion by December 2009
A digital camera and replacement of a server back-up are slated for replacement soon. The previous units were stolen.
C. State your recommendations for improvement or growth.
Efforts to upgrade the computer lab will continue in the form of on-going grant requests and fund raising efforts. We are currently in the third year of our fund-raising cycle and have completed 50% of our goal. A date for the labs replacement has not yet been set.
Building security system and telephones in the classrooms would insure a safer environment for students and staff.
If being re-accredited: How is the content of this self-study standard different from the last one?
Required Exhibits for Standard VII: § Inventory of instructional hardware § Technology plan
Standard VIII: STUDENT SERVICES Education encompasses every area of the student’s development. The school, therefore, is concerned with the quality and variety of services offered to the students.
8.01 The school has established procedures for the identification and diagnosis of pupils having unique intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and/or learning needs. Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: St Patrick School follows its local public school district’s (Lowell Area Schools) procedures known as “Student Opportunities for Success,” a.k.a. S.O.S. process, for helping to identify and respond to unique student learning needs. S.O.S. procedures begin with the documentation of problematic areas by the student’s teacher. Documentation and observation forms are submitted to LAS special education department. Teams are formed out of teacher, principal, student’s parents, LAS public school special education consultant/leader, and any other required professionals (doctors, therapists, counselors). Teams normally meet once per month to evaluate and identify effective teaching strategies and behavioral interventions. If numerous strategies and interventions prove ineffective, the team normally comes to consensus for conducting further diagnostic testing for the purpose of qualifying for Special Education resources and to developing an official Individual Education Plan.
8.02 Students having unique needs receive professional assistance either through the school or other appropriate agencies.
Level of implementation: 2 (high)
Clarify: Students with special learning requirements are integrated into a robust network of specialists (speech therapists, occupational therapists, autism consultants, etc.) – depending on what their special needs are. These specialists work with the student weekly with a written updates to help facilitate ongoing practice. The ability to address unique learning needs is limited to those resources available from the LAS public school district in this regard.
8.03 The school has a planned program of health services, including written policies and procedures, which govern its operations.
Level of implementation: 3 (moderate/somewhat)
Clarify: A planned program of health services is followed (need a copy of this to include). 100% of the faculty and support staff have received adult and child CPR training and are American Red Cross certified. 50 % of faculty and support staff have received first aid training and are American Red Cross certified.
8.04 The school maintains health records for each pupil including immunization records as required by law.
Compliance: Yes Clarify: St. Patrick School maintains health records for all students within each student’s cumulative records file. New students are not seated in classroom without health appraisal and immunization report. 100% on all student immunization reports and submits all immunization reports to health department in timely fashion: Preschool records submitted on Oct 1; Young 5, Kindergarten, 6th grade, and all new student records submitted on Nov 1st and Feb 1st.
8.05 State regulations for dispensation of medication are followed.
Compliance: Yes
Clarify: The St. Patrick School secretaries maintain a log book for the dispensation of all medications. Medicines are dispensed in accordance with directions on prescription. No over-the-counter medicines are dispensed without written authorization and directions from the student’s legal custodial parents. Medicine that is dispensed to students while in school are observed by a second adult and logged into logbook.
8.06 A well-balanced program provides opportunity for student participation in a variety of activities including service opportunities, special interest clubs, physical activities, student government, and cultural affairs.
Level of implementation: 2 (high)
Clarify: The school maintains a well-balanced program for student participation in various clubs, physical activities, student government, and cultural affairs to the extent of what the school’s population will support. Current academic clubs such as Science Olympiad and Odyssey of the Mind are available to students of different ages. Band and Spanish clubs have been offered in the past. Student Council meets frequently on Friday afternoons, at lunch recess, and after school. Students participate in social club activities like the knitting club, or service activities like the sewing club (which sewed blankets for babies during Lent). St. Patrick School also attempts to field GRACEAC sponsored sports teams each season. When there is not enough students to form a team, students will merge with other Catholic and Christian school sports teams. In addition to school sponsored clubs, some classes form their own clubs – such as the 1st and 2nd grade sledding club. An effort is made to augment school specific activities with promotional literature and informational materials about other local activities that are not provided at St. Patrick School, but which foster growth in the desired areas.
8.07 Appropriate materials and facilities are available for students who have exceptional needs.
Level of implementation: 3 (moderae)
Clarify: The use of ITBS scores for grades 3-8 helps our school identify students who possess exceptional abilities and achievement within specific subject areas. St. Patrick School teachers and parents work closely together to identify and facilitate a customized learning program to foster advanced learning opportunities for students with exceptional needs. Gifted and talented students are moved to a learning level consistent with their aptitude in the subject areas where they excel. Teachers often employ learning activity enhancements and differentiated instructional skill levels for these students, or the teachers work with them in an independent study course for their specific gifted areas. Last year, the 8th grade teacher developed a semester long independent cross-curricular study project for a gifted student transitioning from 7th to 8th grade. In past years, students who were gifted in math were advanced to the next grade level of math – the classroom teachers collaborated together for planning when they taught their corresponding math classes. Gifted students also gain valuable leadership experience in the classroom as they work with their peers.
THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS ARE ONLY REQUIRED FOR THE MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL SELF-STUDY:
8.08 The school offers a balanced athletic (male/female) program with qualified personnel and adequate facilities and supplies.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: St. Patrick School participates in Grand Rapids Area Catholic Elementary Athletic Council (GRACEAC) league sponsored sports programs for each season. GRACEAC provides the network for our 5th – 8th grade students to participate in a variety of athletic activities – both as full teams (5/6 volleyball and 5/6 girls basketball) and as individuals on other school teams (7/8 volleyball with OLC and 7/8 boys basketball with Rockford Christian) – as supported by our current school population. Track, baseball and softball are offered in the spring.
8.09 The guidance services provide counseling, appraisal, staff consulting, referral, academic and occupational planning, and follow-up activities. Level of implementation: 3 (moderate)
Clarify: Although there are no school in-house guidance services, the LAS public school district does provide short term guidance services in the way of clinical psychologists and social workers for diagnostic screening and recommendation of courses of action for behavior intervention. The general school environment facilitates an “open door climate” for student needs in terms of counseling services. Toward this end, the pastor, principal and teachers all provide informal services to student and collaborative dialogue with parents. Several professional venues from the surrounding community, such as the Franciscan Life Process Center, Integrative Educational Partners, and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, provide alternative formal guidance services.
8.10 The school provides the necessary facilities, clerical help, and materials for effective guidance and counseling services. The space provided for guidance services ensures the confidentiality factor. Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: There are several private meeting rooms available within the school and Parish Center. Rooms are easily scheduled through the parish secretary. The principal’s office is equipped with a therapy rated white noise generator to ensure confidentiality and prevent interviewees / counselees from being overheard.
8.11 The school provides for standardized testing programs (PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.) Compliance: Yes
Clarify: St. Patrick School participates in the Diocese of Grand Rapids sponsored ITBS standardized testing program scheduled during late fall of each school year.
Summary for Standard VIII:
A. Identify your school’s strengths in regard to this standard.
¨ Well defined S.O.S. procedures and program helps facilitate unique learning needs ¨ Flexibility in size allows for close evaluation of student needs and facilitates the development of unique learning programs for each student’s learning objectives ¨ Ability to flexibly foster advanced learning needs ¨ Participation in GRACEAC provides greater access to athletic programs and an expanded network of schools for those programs
B. Identify your school’s concerns in regard to this standard.
¨ No formally defined process for gifted, talented students
C. State your recommendations for improvement or growth.
¨ Evaluate and document a process to identify and facilitate development of students performing at a level above their grade level.
If being re-accredited: How is the content of this self-study standard different from the last one?
The elementary school’s instructional/learning media program serves as a major resource for the school’s total education effort. The school’s instructional/learning media program may be housed separately, or it may be dispersed in decentralized resource centers.
Instructional materials, equipment, and community resources are selected to support the curriculum and the instructional program of the school. A wide variety and diversity of print, non-print and manipulative materials are provided to accommodate individual differences in pupils. There is evidence that the school addresses the need for students to be familiar with the various kinds of instructional technology.
7.01 Materials and equipment are selected on the basis of their potential to fulfill the philosophy/mission statement and to support curriculum areas.
Yes
Clarify: The school meets the Philosophy and Mission of the School Guides in all sections of curriculum.
7.02 Instructional/learning materials and equipment are recommended through cooperative staff action.
Yes
Clarify: The teachers at St. Patrick are consulted before new equipment is purchased
7.03 All instructional/learning materials are selected with consideration for the appropriate treatment of racial and ethnic groups and the avoidance of sex stereotyping.
Yes
Clarify: All instructional materials are selected with consideration given to all ethnic groups and sexual stereotypes.
7.04 The school budget includes expenditures for books (exclusive of textbooks) magazines, and audio-visual and computer equipment/materials.
No
Clarify: The school budget is too small to accommodate purchases of magazines, or DVD’s, and book sets. All fiction and non-fiction books are purchased through book fairs or when funds are allocated by PTO.
7.05 Classroom materials and equipment are adequate in quality and quantity to meet the needs of students and the objectives of the school program.
Yes
Clarify: All classroom materials meet the teachers and students needs.
7.06 The materials/resources are easily accessible to all students.
Yes
Clarify: The media center and reading/writing workshop are available for teacher and student use each day of the school year.
7.07 The instructional materials and equipment are evaluated annually.
No
Clarify: Instructional materials are reviewed on an as needed basis. When the Diocese changes the curriculum, textbooks and related instructional materials are accessed in relation to their value to the newly adopted curriculum
7.08 The collection of instructional/learning materials is classified and catalogued according to a recognized and accepted system, is updated annually, and made available to all staff members.
Yes
Clarify: Teachers are required to inventory and track the whereabouts of all classroom textbooks.
The Media Center has an automated card catalog system that tracks the circulation of all the books in the school library along with DVD and VHS instructional materials.
The classroom teachers track their textbooks using their own system of organization that varies with individual preference.
7.09 Resources available in the community are utilized when this would enhance the learning of students and the educational objectives.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: Students at St. Patrick School take advantage of as many educational opportunities as possible, given our location. Here are just a few of the field trips we have visited recently: the Recycling Center, Flat River Outreach Ministries, St. Mary’s Pregnancy Resource Center, Schneider Manor retirement community, Grand Rapids Symphony, Aquinas College Theater, Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, Klackle Orchards, the Van Andel Museum, the Ford Presidential Museum, Kent ISD, the airport and many more sites.
Several classrooms participate and receive benefits from the Junior Achievement Program. Many students participate in Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Girls Challenge program (an all-girls religious focused club). flourishes here at St. Patrick School.
The Student Council has worked with several businesses in the area. The students took money earned through fundraisers and purchased fabric at a local variety store. Parishoners volunteered to come in twice a week to help the students sew blankets with the material that was purchased. The blankets were donated to a local Pregnancy Resource Center and were given to expectant mothers as part of a layette.
Student Council also participated in a drive to collect teddy to be sent to Haiti. A local dry cleaners donated their services to clean the used teddy bears. The students worked with another non profit group and collaborated their efforts.
Policies and procedures for these activities are implemented.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: Every field trip requires the principal’s approval, an itinerary for the trip, and bus transportation reservations. Parents must sign permission slips and send in field trip costs to school, before students are allowed to leave the school building and participate in a field trip..
7.10 The school has a TECHNOLOGY PLAN which includes the following (Clarify each point):
¨ Professional development for administrators and teachers
Yes. On-going full staff development is provided for teachers and administrators.
¨ Instructional TV
No. Replaced by video streaming available through the Intermediate School District
¨ Computer lab facility
Yes. Our computer lab was installed in 2002. It has 27 working stations a digital projector, scanner and both black and white laser and color inkjet printers.
¨ Computer lab networking
Yes. The computer lab has hard-wire high speed internet. The middle school has wireless access.
¨ Individual classroom computer / video / multi-media instruction
Yes. All classrooms have two computers networked to our school server. The Readers'/Writers' Workshop has a bank of 6? computers that are also networked to the school server.
¨ Building-wide computer networking
Yes. All classrooms and offices have access to the internet and are for the most part on one network. The Parish offices and Principal’s office maintain a separate network.
¨ Media center information networking
Yes. All classrooms have the same software as in the computer lab. There are only a few programs unique to the computer lab where the instruction is unique to the technology curriculum. Students are able to work on projects from any workstation in the building without lose or interruption.
¨ Media center check out / inventory technology
Yes. Our Media center has an automated circulation system to track the location of books and instructional materials.
¨ Administration computer network & communication system with constituency
Yes.
¨ Use electronic mail and web browser applications
Yes. Regular staff communication travels by email and wiki. Our school web site is currently under construction.
¨ Software for lab and classroom environments
Yes. Our students have access to the most current software in the market. Last year computers were furnished with more memory and Microsoft 2007 Office Suite, as well as Worldbook Online and Facts4Me. I expect next year to continue to offer these software programs, along with a few additional offerings.
¨ Filtering devices
Yes. The computer lab is current with adequate filters that are reviewed monthly or as the need arises.
Standard VII: INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL & RESOURCES (continued)
7.11 The technology plan has received state approval.
No
Clarify: The technology committee is currently finalizing a technology plan which will then be submitted to Kent ISD in Winter 2009 – 2010. Upon approval by KISD, technology plan will be forwarded for approval to state.
7.12 The school media collection consists of a balance of print, non-print, and electronic media adequate in quality and quantity to meet the needs of the curricular program.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: Our school library continues to grow and change to meet the needs of the students and their curriculum. This year we purchased the Accelerated Reading Program and through the educational endowment fund we have a certified teacher working with students twice weekly to increase their reading comprehension. In addition to the AR Program, we have a monthly service through Junior Library Guild to provide us with middle school books to encourage older students to read.
7.13 In religious schools, books of a religious nature are sufficient in quality and quantity and are on a recommended reading list for various grade levels.
Yes.
Clarify: Every year we try to increase our non-print materials to keep pace with changing trends. Last year our library purchased $750.00 in new religious DVD’s and another $200.00 in religious books.
7.14 The library is located in the school building and is open throughout the school day.
Compliance: Yes
Clarify: The library is located in the middle of the school and is staffed full-time by the Library and Computer teacher. Students have daily access to materials and computers.
7.15 Appropriate instructional materials and equipment for each specialized area of the school’s program are provided in the amount and types needed to accomplish the stated instructional objectives.
Level of implementation: 2 (high)
Clarify: Our classrooms and media center are well-equipped with computers, however, there is a need for more Elmo Document readers and wall-mounted TV’s. An equipment upgrade in these areas would assist in the delivery of lessons and make it easier for students to see the materials presented. In every other way the school meets the Diocesan standards.
Summary for Standard VII:
A. Identify your school’s strengths in regard to this standard.
Our program strengths are: Computer Lab has current Microsoft Office 2007 and an OS of 2000 XP additional memory was also added to each work station making them faster and more able to run several programs at a time.
Purchased a one-year subscription World Book Online
Purchased a one-year subscription Facts4Me.com for 3-6th grade students
Video-streaming is available through the Intermediate School District. Plans are being discussed to subscribe to Learn 360 at district pricing.
Accelerated Reader was implemented and students are being coached and monitored on a weekly basis.
Elmo Document Reader in on a mobile cart along with a laptop computer and digital projector.
Two new wikis were established. One for students and one for teachers
Follett Software tracks book circulation and manages the Library resources.
Purchased a one-year subscription from Junior Library Guild to increase by three books per month the offerings to middle school students.
B. Identify your school’s concerns in regard to this standard.
Classroom book sets are worn and need to be replaced.
Two more Elmo document readers would benefit the writer’s workshop and in at least one other classroom.
Technology plan’s completion by December 2009
A digital camera and replacement of a server back-up are slated for replacement soon. The previous units were stolen.
C. State your recommendations for improvement or growth.
Efforts to upgrade the computer lab will continue in the form of on-going grant requests and fund raising efforts. We are currently in the third year of our fund-raising cycle and have completed 50% of our goal. A date for the labs replacement has not yet been set.
Building security system and telephones in the classrooms would insure a safer environment for students and staff.
If being re-accredited: How is the content of this self-study standard different from the last one?
Required Exhibits for Standard VII:
§ Inventory of instructional hardware
§ Technology plan
Standard VIII: STUDENT SERVICES
Education encompasses every area of the student’s development. The school, therefore, is concerned with the quality and variety of services offered to the students.
8.01 The school has established procedures for the identification and diagnosis of pupils having unique intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and/or learning needs.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: St Patrick School follows its local public school district’s (Lowell Area Schools) procedures known as “Student Opportunities for Success,” a.k.a. S.O.S. process, for helping to identify and respond to unique student learning needs. S.O.S. procedures begin with the documentation of problematic areas by the student’s teacher. Documentation and observation forms are submitted to LAS special education department. Teams are formed out of teacher, principal, student’s parents, LAS public school special education consultant/leader, and any other required professionals (doctors, therapists, counselors). Teams normally meet once per month to evaluate and identify effective teaching strategies and behavioral interventions. If numerous strategies and interventions prove ineffective, the team normally comes to consensus for conducting further diagnostic testing for the purpose of qualifying for Special Education resources and to developing an official Individual Education Plan.
8.02 Students having unique needs receive professional assistance either through the school or other appropriate agencies.
Level of implementation: 2 (high)
Clarify: Students with special learning requirements are integrated into a robust network of specialists (speech therapists, occupational therapists, autism consultants, etc.) – depending on what their special needs are. These specialists work with the student weekly with a written updates to help facilitate ongoing practice. The ability to address unique learning needs is limited to those resources available from the LAS public school district in this regard.
8.03 The school has a planned program of health services, including written policies and procedures, which govern its operations.
Level of implementation: 3 (moderate/somewhat)
Clarify: A planned program of health services is followed (need a copy of this to include). 100% of the faculty and support staff have received adult and child CPR training and are American Red Cross certified. 50 % of faculty and support staff have received first aid training and are American Red Cross certified.
8.04 The school maintains health records for each pupil including immunization records as required by law.
Compliance: Yes
Clarify: St. Patrick School maintains health records for all students within each student’s cumulative records file. New students are not seated in classroom without health appraisal and immunization report. 100% on all student immunization reports and submits all immunization reports to health department in timely fashion: Preschool records submitted on Oct 1; Young 5, Kindergarten, 6th grade, and all new student records submitted on Nov 1st and Feb 1st.
8.05 State regulations for dispensation of medication are followed.
Compliance: Yes
Clarify: The St. Patrick School secretaries maintain a log book for the dispensation of all medications. Medicines are dispensed in accordance with directions on prescription. No over-the-counter medicines are dispensed without written authorization and directions from the student’s legal custodial parents. Medicine that is dispensed to students while in school are observed by a second adult and logged into logbook.
8.06 A well-balanced program provides opportunity for student participation in a variety of activities including service opportunities, special interest clubs, physical activities, student government, and cultural affairs.
Level of implementation: 2 (high)
Clarify: The school maintains a well-balanced program for student participation in various clubs, physical activities, student government, and cultural affairs to the extent of what the school’s population will support. Current academic clubs such as Science Olympiad and Odyssey of the Mind are available to students of different ages. Band and Spanish clubs have been offered in the past. Student Council meets frequently on Friday afternoons, at lunch recess, and after school. Students participate in social club activities like the knitting club, or service activities like the sewing club (which sewed blankets for babies during Lent). St. Patrick School also attempts to field GRACEAC sponsored sports teams each season. When there is not enough students to form a team, students will merge with other Catholic and Christian school sports teams. In addition to school sponsored clubs, some classes form their own clubs – such as the 1st and 2nd grade sledding club. An effort is made to augment school specific activities with promotional literature and informational materials about other local activities that are not provided at St. Patrick School, but which foster growth in the desired areas.
8.07 Appropriate materials and facilities are available for students who have exceptional needs.
Level of implementation: 3 (moderae)
Clarify: The use of ITBS scores for grades 3-8 helps our school identify students who possess exceptional abilities and achievement within specific subject areas. St. Patrick School teachers and parents work closely together to identify and facilitate a customized learning program to foster advanced learning opportunities for students with exceptional needs. Gifted and talented students are moved to a learning level consistent with their aptitude in the subject areas where they excel. Teachers often employ learning activity enhancements and differentiated instructional skill levels for these students, or the teachers work with them in an independent study course for their specific gifted areas. Last year, the 8th grade teacher developed a semester long independent cross-curricular study project for a gifted student transitioning from 7th to 8th grade. In past years, students who were gifted in math were advanced to the next grade level of math – the classroom teachers collaborated together for planning when they taught their corresponding math classes. Gifted students also gain valuable leadership experience in the classroom as they work with their peers.
THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS ARE ONLY REQUIRED FOR THE MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL SELF-STUDY:
8.08 The school offers a balanced athletic (male/female) program with qualified personnel and adequate facilities and supplies.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: St. Patrick School participates in Grand Rapids Area Catholic Elementary Athletic Council (GRACEAC) league sponsored sports programs for each season. GRACEAC provides the network for our 5th – 8th grade students to participate in a variety of athletic activities – both as full teams (5/6 volleyball and 5/6 girls basketball) and as individuals on other school teams (7/8 volleyball with OLC and 7/8 boys basketball with Rockford Christian) – as supported by our current school population. Track, baseball and softball are offered in the spring.
8.09 The guidance services provide counseling, appraisal, staff consulting, referral, academic and occupational planning, and follow-up activities.
Level of implementation: 3 (moderate)
Clarify: Although there are no school in-house guidance services, the LAS public school district does provide short term guidance services in the way of clinical psychologists and social workers for diagnostic screening and recommendation of courses of action for behavior intervention. The general school environment facilitates an “open door climate” for student needs in terms of counseling services. Toward this end, the pastor, principal and teachers all provide informal services to student and collaborative dialogue with parents. Several professional venues from the surrounding community, such as the Franciscan Life Process Center, Integrative Educational Partners, and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, provide alternative formal guidance services.
8.10 The school provides the necessary facilities, clerical help, and materials for effective guidance and counseling services. The space provided for guidance services ensures the confidentiality factor.
Level of implementation: 1 (very high)
Clarify: There are several private meeting rooms available within the school and Parish Center. Rooms are easily scheduled through the parish secretary. The principal’s office is equipped with a therapy rated white noise generator to ensure confidentiality and prevent interviewees / counselees from being overheard.
8.11 The school provides for standardized testing programs (PSAT, SAT, ACT, etc.)
Compliance: Yes
Clarify: St. Patrick School participates in the Diocese of Grand Rapids sponsored ITBS standardized testing program scheduled during late fall of each school year.
Summary for Standard VIII:
A. Identify your school’s strengths in regard to this standard.
¨ Well defined S.O.S. procedures and program helps facilitate unique learning needs
¨ Flexibility in size allows for close evaluation of student needs and facilitates the development of unique learning programs for each student’s learning objectives
¨ Ability to flexibly foster advanced learning needs
¨ Participation in GRACEAC provides greater access to athletic programs and an expanded network of schools for those programs
B. Identify your school’s concerns in regard to this standard.
¨ No formally defined process for gifted, talented students
C. State your recommendations for improvement or growth.
¨ Evaluate and document a process to identify and facilitate development of students performing at a level above their grade level.
If being re-accredited: How is the content of this self-study standard different from the last one?