DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SUMMIT

 

 

 

SUMMARY DOCUMENT

 

A.        INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

 

The background to the Catholic Schools Summit can be summarized in an article by the Superintendent of the Toledo Diocesan Schools written in May, 2004:

Certainly change “is in the air” in our Diocese of Toledo.  Necessary changes both in some of our parishes and in some of our schools seem inevitable.  It is important to consider present circumstances as opportunities.  We have opportunities to control change instead of letting it simply happen to us.

 

The way to deal with inevitable change is to plan well for the future.  My thirty six years in Catholic education (with stops in Sandusky , Tiffin , and Toledo ) have seen many changes.  We’ve gone from typewriters to computers and from a largely Religious faculty to a largely lay faculty.  But the constant has always been the sound Catholic knowledge and values we instill in our students.  Our Catholic schools continue to be the very best way to pass on our faith to the future Catholic Church.

 

But as we do planning to chart the future of our schools , we are confronted with situations that have grown to be major challenges.  For example, changing demographics and increasing financial problems are more pronounced than ever before…

 

Because of this changing landscape of Catholic education, planning for the future has become more of a necessity than ever.  Thus, the idea of a “Catholic Schools Summit” was born.  This two-day event in November of 2005 proved to be very significant for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Toledo.

 

Nearly 400 of the key leaders from each school in the diocese attended the Summit .  Bishop Blair was also an active participant.   Dr. Steven H. Cady, a member of the graduate faculty in the College of Business at Bowling Green State University , was the facilitator for the Summit . Dr. Cady’s Ph.D. is in Organizational Behavior with a support area in Research Methods and Psychology from Florida State University .  A “Design Team” made up of stakeholders from around the diocese (pastors, principals, teachers, parents, and high school students) planned the details of the Summit .

 

As we did the initial planning, we were encouraged by the statement issued in the summer of 2005 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled “Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium.”  This statement reinforced the Bishops’ strong support of our Catholic schools .

 

B.        PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES OF THE SUMMIT

 

Purpose:

“To come together as a whole Diocese to design the future of our Catholic Schools.”

 

Outcomes:

  • To create a common understanding of the educational crossroads facing the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Toledo with respect to enrollment, finances and other issues.
  • To foster a sense of unity among the Catholic schools that creates an environment of cooperation with a common purpose.
  • To leave with a sense that we have been open to, guided by, and rejuvenated by the Spirit.
  • To leave with the knowledge that we have been part of the decision-making process.
  • To leave with the conviction that there is a viable strategy for success which creates hope for the future and that there are clear steps laid out to ensure that we are faithful to the vision.

 

 

 

C.                    STRATEGY DOCUMENT

 

As indicated above, one outcome was to come to a consensus of the present situation and then to develop a diocesan-wide strategy to use in the future.  This effort with nearly 400 Catholic school leaders representing many different stakeholders was never attempted in our diocese before.  It produced very intense work and a real synergy over the two days. The resulting “Strategy Document” will serve as a basis for future planning for our schools across the diocese.

 

The Strategy Document consists of a Mission , a Vision, Principles, and system-wide Goals all of which will apply for all of our schools .  In addition, some “action-steps” were proposed to accomplish the goals.  The core elements of the Strategy Document are listed below:

 

MISSION

 

Through Christ, we come together as a Catholic community to immerse our students in profound, holy learning that calls them as Disciples of Christ to embrace the Kingdom of God , thereby transforming the world.

 

VISION

 

A Catholic school is the preferred choice for all Catholic families and others who embrace our mission.

 

 

 

PRINCIPLES

 

Working together as a whole Catholic School Community, we

  • model and integrate our Catholic faith and traditions;
  • support the role of parents/guardians as primary educators of their children;
  • pray as individuals and as a whole community;
  • nurture and love each student and each other as an image of God;
  • teach virtues that not only develop character, but are a call to Holiness;
  • pursue the fullness of Truth that is revealed in Christ and through the created world;
  • live the role as minister of the Gospel;
  • answer God’s call to Holiness by developing and living out Christian virtues;
  • value stewardship as a vital way of expressing our Catholic faith and supporting our Catholic schools .

 

GOALS

 

1) Every family that wants a Catholic school education has access to it.

2) The Formative Outcomes are understood, supported and evident. (See Appendix)

3) The curriculum challenges students to achieve their personal best academically.

4) Students are challenged to reach their fullest potential created in the likeness of God.

5) Catholic schools attract, develop, and retain highly qualified dedicated people of faith as employees who support our mission.

6) Catholic school employees receive just wages, benefits, and an appropriate retirement program.

7) Enrollment is at 100% of capacity.

8) Innovative and practical ways are in place to collaborate across parish lines and between elementary and secondary schools .

9) Students, graduates, and families are active in the faith life of their parish/faith community.

10) The financial status of all schools in the Diocese is viable.

11) It is the responsibility of all Catholics in the Diocese to support our Catholic schools .

12) Continuous strategic planning on a diocesan level ensures the future of Catholic schools .

13) Catholic schools actively pursue ways to provide education to students with special needs.

D.        NEXT STEPS

 

Our next steps involve three parts:

1.     To present the work done at the Summit to a wider audience of Catholic school stakeholders.  We need to explain to more people what we accomplished at the Summit and try to convey the enthusiasm for the mission, vision, principles, and goals that were developed.

2.     To develop and implement specific action steps needed to accomplish the goals listed above.  This effort was begun at the Summit , but the work should now be done at regional levels.  Some goals may be combined and altered slightly to meet the needs of a particular region of our diocese.  Likewise, the action steps may be different in different regions of our diocese.  So this work will best be done at a more local level.

3.     To provide ongoing reporting to all stakeholders.  A timeline is listed below.

 

The process used for the next two steps indicated above will be done regionally.  The Catholic Youth and Schools Services (CYSS) office will coordinate and facilitate meetings for local school leaders, many of whom were not able to attend the Summit .  From January through April of 2006, regional meetings will be held around the diocese.  Schools will be asked to send their school councils and other appropriate leaders to the regional meeting in their area.  At these regional meetings, the “next steps” will be addressed.  In addition, further steps may be developed based on regional needs.

 

To assist at the regional and at the local level, a “workbook” is being produced that will provide a template to assist local leaders.  This workbook will provide steps and suggestions that will enable local leaders to use the work done at the Summit and inform even more stakeholders about the strategy developed at the Summit and the next steps regarding implementation locally.

 

While action steps for some goals may be more appropriate at the local level, some issues need to be addressed at the diocesan level.  For example, Bishop Blair is very interested in addressing the goals relating to the overall funding of our Catholic schools and issues regarding new configurations of schools .

 

 

 

E.                    COMMUNICATION TIMELINE

 

Ongoing communication with Summit participants and all of our Catholic school stakeholders is very important.  We will continue with articles in the Catholic Chronicle, and bulletin and newsletter communications through our parishes and schools .  Information will also be updated on our web site:  www.cyss.org

 

The schedule for specific reports will be:

 

1.     2006 Winter and Spring Reports:  Based on feedback received at the regional meetings, CYSS will report on progress made in implementing the Summit Strategy:

a.      Principals and Pastors/Pastoral Leaders will be invited to a meeting on Friday, April 28 in Findlay to get an update.  This will also be an opportunity to provide further input.

b.     An updated report will be made to the Bishop’s Education Council at their May 3 meeting.

c.      Periodic written updates will be provided for use in parish bulletins and school newsletters.

 

2.     August 8, 2006 Leadership Institute:   Pastors/Pastoral Leaders and Principals will hear a status report at this time.  Based on that report, suggestions may be made to change some processes used for implementation or make adjustments to the goals based on new information or needs.

 

3.     November, 2006:  Summit participants will be invited back to Sawmill Creek for a celebration of the progress being made!  (This will be a one-day event.)

a.      At that time we will also determine what additional steps need to be made.

b.     A “1st year report card” will be developed and distributed to show progress made in the implementation of the Strategy Document.

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

 

DIOCESE OF TOLEDO FORMATIVE OUTCOMES

 

FAITH-BASED DISCIPLESHIP:

Students will …

  • deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ;
  • actively experience a community of faith in the school and parish;
  • know and understand the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church;
  • be able to see the presence of God in the events and experiences of their lives;
  • make choices based on the Catholic faith;
  • appreciate and experience worship and prayer.

CHRISTIAN LIVING:

Through his/her Baptismal call to holiness, each student will strive to become…

  • a person of integrity;
  • a person of compassion and forgiveness;
  • a person of courage and justice willing to confront wrongs;
  • a person who respects self and others;
  • a person of service;
  • a person of collaboration.

INTRA-PERSONAL SKILLS:

Students will …

  • recognize how they learn;
  • know how to be reflective;
  • have personal care and respect for their body;
  • understand and appreciate their personal gifts;
  • demonstrate personal responsibility, understanding that choices have consequences;
  • be flexible.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE:

Students will…

  • demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic Social Principles;
  • understand how political systems work and their responsibility to participate in them;
  • recognize and challenge oppression and exploitation;
  • learn to contribute time, talent, and treasure for the good of others;
  • demonstrate an understanding of and respect for other cultures and languages.

CRITICAL THINKING:

Based on Christian values, students will…

  • evaluate and interpret what is seen, read, and heard;
  • make informed decisions;
  • develop and apply problem-solving strategies;
  • learn to question their world through higher-order thinking skills;
  • listen actively with the intent to understand;
  • clearly articulate thoughts and ideas.

CREATIVITY:

Students will…

  • exhibit an appreciation of the arts;
  • express ideas and talents in a variety of positive ways;
  • function in a variety of situations and environments;
  • recognize and respect others’ expressions of creativity;
  • be empowered to be creative;
  • recognize their creative gifts and talents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX

 

 

DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

FORMATIVE OUTCOMES

 

 

 

FAITH-BASED DISCIPLESHIP:

Students will …

  • deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ;
  • actively experience a community of faith in the school and parish;
  • know and understand the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church;
  • be able to see the presence of God in the events and experiences of their lives;
  • make choices based on the Catholic faith;
  • appreciate and experience worship and prayer.

 

 

CHRISTIAN LIVING:

Through his/her Baptismal call to holiness, each student will strive to become…

  • a person of integrity;
  • a person of compassion and forgiveness;
  • a person of courage and justice willing to confront wrongs;
  • a person who respects self and others;
  • a person of service;
  • a person of collaboration.

 

 

INTRA-PERSONAL SKILLS:

Students will …

  • recognize how they learn;
  • know how to be reflective;
  • have personal care and respect for their body;
  • understand and appreciate their personal gifts;
  • demonstrate personal responsibility, understanding that choices have consequences;
  • be flexible.

 

 

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE:

Students will…

  • demonstrate an understanding of the Catholic Social Principles;
  • understand how political systems work and their responsibility to participate in them;
  • recognize and challenge oppression and exploitation;
  • learn to contribute time, talent, and treasure for the good of others;
  • demonstrate an understanding of and respect for other cultures and languages.

 

 

CRITICAL THINKING:

Based on Christian values, students will…

  • evaluate and interpret what is seen, read, and heard;
  • make informed decisions;
  • develop and apply problem-solving strategies;
  • learn to question their world through higher-order thinking skills;
  • listen actively with the intent to understand;
  • clearly articulate thoughts and ideas.

 

 

CREATIVITY:

Students will…

  • exhibit an appreciation of the arts;
  • express ideas and talents in a variety of positive ways;
  • function in a variety of situations and environments;
  • recognize and respect others’ expressions of creativity;
  • be empowered to be creative;
  • recognize their creative gifts and talents.