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Back to School Focuses on 20/20 Vision for Catholic Schools

Back to School Focuses on 20/20 Vision for Catholic Schools
For Immediate Release
Contact: Maria Zone
Director of Communications Archdiocese of Hartford (860) 541-6491

Back to School Focuses on 20/20 Vision for Catholic Schools

Hartford, Conn. – (Aug. 29, 2013) The Office of Catholic Schools (OCS), in conjunction with the 54 elementary schools and nine high schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford, has recently completed a strategic plan of action for all those involved in Catholic school education entitled, “20/20 Vision: an Eye on Our Future.” Progress on the objectives of this strategic plan will move forward in 2013-2014, promising an exciting and productive year as students head back to the classrooms.

According to Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. Dale R. Hoyt, the 2013-2014 goals include offering administrators, faculty, staff, school board members, and volunteers a series of webinars that will cover trending and need-to-know topics such as: best practices for classroom assessment and grading; school retention; school safety; the benefits of social media; and managing school finances.

Other aspects of the “20/20 Vision” strategic plan to be implemented during the coming year include these initiatives: strengthening the formation, leadership and effectiveness of school boards; continuing the development of partnership initiatives with the University of Saint Joseph and Albertus Magnus College; providing parish schools with comprehensive financial standards; and enhancing the Archdiocesan marketing campaign that promotes the network of Catholic schools.

To enhance school operational vitality as encouraged in “20/20 Vision,” the OCS will host “Catholic Schools Welcome Week” from January 26 to February 2, when every Catholic school in the Archdiocese will open its doors to prospective families. By focusing attention on all of the schools during the same week, the OCS believes it can better spotlight the benefits of Catholic school education. While all schools will offer visit opportunities during “Welcome Week,” prospective families will have many chances to explore area Catholic schools throughout the year.

Superintendent Hoyt also credits the dedication of administrators and teachers for providing excellence in teaching and learning, a major focus in “20/20 Vision.” Recent standardized test scores of the Iowa Assessments indicated that elementary students in the Archdiocese of Hartford were above grade level equivalencies; and high school graduates surpassed the College Board’s college and career benchmarks as supported by the Advanced Placement (AP) Tests and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), beginning their road to success and life-long learning.

Archbishop Henry J. Mansell is proud of all of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese and sees a promising future. “Research has proven that Catholic schools provide a uniquely powerful education for the child’s spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth, and the ‘20/20 Vision’ strategic plan will guide the Archdiocese as it continues to strengthen that education,” he said.

Since mission formation and evangelization is also a key factor in the strategic plan, a special initiative has been created, keeping things playful and entertaining for students. A “Fun in Faith” Contest will be launched when students return from summer vacation, inviting them to demonstrate through written or visual projects how they have fun living out their faith. Entries will be judged by grade level, and earn the winning students scholarship prizes.

The “20/20 Vision” strategic plan recognizes the primary role that leadership and governance plays in Catholic school education. Acknowledging the importance of that factor, Superintendent Hoyt named Cary Dupont, President at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol as the 2013-2014 Distinguished Archdiocesan Catholic School Administrator. Dupont is known for his passionate focus on academic excellence and faith formation, and for incorporating best practices that sustain school viability. Under Dupont’s leadership, enrollment grew 11.7% from the opening of school in 2011 to 2012, with a similar increase expected at the opening of this school year.

According to Dr. Hoyt, these are just a few of the facets of the “20/20 Vision” strategic plan intended to facilitate the growth and secure the future of Catholic schools.

“It is clear that when we create a purpose and vision and formulate a clear and workable plan that Catholic school transforms the lives of the students who are nourished in mind, heart, and soul,” said Superintendent Hoyt. “2013-2014 promises to be an auspicious and exhilarating year for the schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford!”



To read the 20/20 Vision Ministerial Plan, Click here.





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