School name Santo Nino Regional Catholic School, Santa Fe Presentation of the Visiting Committee Report to School Administration, Faculty, Staff and Shareholders Date:

Welcoming Prayer Prayer to Santo Nino Almighty and Everlasting God, Lord of heaven and earth. Who revealed Yourself to the little ones, grant me, I beseech You, reverently to honor thy holy mysteries of your Son, the Child Jesus, and to follow Him humbly as a Nino Santo, so that I may come to the Eternal kingdom promised by You to little ones. Through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Introductions Introductions of Visiting Committee members Terry Lopez, Principal Holy Cross Catholic School Paul Horton, Principal St Charles Catholic School Mary Helen Schulte, Teacher St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Sch. Daniel Castillo, Teacher Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School Rebecca Hodges, Teacher Holy Cross Catholic School Patricia Vesely, Superintendent Diocese of San Bernardino

Thank you! Administration Faculty Staff Shareholders (board, parents, etc.) Students Evidence Hospitality VC Committee

Report of Findings Chapter 1: Picture of school Report of Findings Chapter 1: How the Self Study was conducted: The document clearly told the story of the 10 year history of this school that serves the seven parishes of Santa Fe and one in Pecos. The school used a comprehensive and timely process, involving a significant number of shareholders. This was the first WCEA accreditation experience for the school. The only challenge was completing the work in light of some staff turnover and addressing a significant issue.

B. Involvement and Collaboration of Shareholders Data was disaggregated, analyzed, and used to inform the Self Study process. Drafts of the Self Study were submitted to the WCEA Commissioner and the chair of the Visiting Committee for input. The mission statement was reviewed and its revision is an important part of the Action Plan. Communication to shareholders was thorough and regular.

Chapter 2: Context of the school School profile: Santo Nino Regional Catholic School is the only Catholic elementary school in Santa Fe, New Mexico, serving students in grades preschool through 6th and eight parishes. The school was built in 2006 to address the changing demographics, shifts in neighborhoods, and aging school buildings of the elementary schools Pertinent data was provided, such as an understanding of the unique nature of the school as a regional model, survey information, and changes in socio-economic situations. Information was sought from a broad group including the staff, parents, students, and multiple advisory and consultative boards and councils that serve this school and the children of Santa Fe.

Chapter 3: Quality of the School Program: Assessment of the School’s Catholic Identity: The entire school environment reflects the Catholic School Identity. Santo Nino’s religious formation includes immersing the students in daily prayer and service projects, carrying out the mission of Jesus. The school has a weekly Mass for the students where the children are highly engaged as musicians, cantors, ushers, lectors, and altar servers. Their zeal for the Holy Mass is evident by their level of responsibility and participation. The school’s Catholic Identity permeates the total educational experience and is strong and thriving, as seen in the daily interactions of students, parents, faculty and staff.

B. Defining the School’s Purpose: The school’s mission statement reflects the lived reality of the school. The newly designed SLEs underpin their focus on the whole child while bringing a stronger reflection to their Catholic Identity and academic standards that were not part of the BeAttitudes. Archdiocesan curriculum standards define the spiritual and academic purposes of the school and set high expectations for all students.

C. Organization for Student Learning to Support High Achievement of All Students This school has been effective in using its organizational structures to support the school’s mission. They have created an environment that focuses on the high achievement of all students. The school environment is designed to maximize learning and support the child. The support staff is highly respected and appreciated for their dedication, their open and welcoming nature, and their love for the children. The classrooms are reflective of a healthy, structured environment, conducive to the learning experience, safe and enriching.

D. Data Analysis and Action to Support High Achievement of All Students: The school has been highly effective in data collections and analysis. The school has been effective in the use of data analysis, trends, etc. as a basis for improving student learning. Multiple and varied forms of assessment are utilized to measure individual student growth. Academic success is currently based on the DIBELS, Scantron, STAR Testing, and ongoing classroom assessments. They are highly effective in using the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and common core standards in their curriculum planning and instruction, which is evident in their lesson plans and classroom conversations.

E. High Achievement By All Students Toward Clearly Defined SLE’s and Curriculum Standards: Catholic Identity Standards are fully integrated throughout the entire curricular program. The school gives recognition for exemplary behavior and academics. To encourage student accountability, the students in grades 3-6 take responsibility for their learning through the use of a Master Binder. The school expectation is that the students will achieve 85% or better mastery in core subject areas. Progress is measured through the application of summative and formative assessments. The school is aware that not all students are reaching this goal, and have set up resources such as Homework Club, small group activities, diversified instruction, and after school tutoring programs.

F. Instructional Methodology to Support High Achievement for All Students: Santo Nino is effective in its efforts to achieve Catholic values throughout the school. The Visiting Committee observed research-based methodologies and instructional strategies in most classrooms. An example of this includes Restorative Justice techniques practiced in 6th grade to address perceived conflicts between students. Teachers are incorporating more STEM activities in their instructions. Computer-based programs are also used to meet the needs of all learners, and the school realizes that they will need to continue to update their Technology Plan to keep with changes in the 21st century.

G. Support for Student Spiritual, Personal, and Academic Growth The school is highly effective in providing numerous programs and service learning opportunities that are rooted in Catholic values. The school provides several opportunities to participate in service projects centered on helping the poor, service field trips; parish organized giving, and prayer service. The school provides extracurricular programs that are rooted in and assist students in achieving the Schoolwide Learning Expectations such as sports, the marimba players, choir, and guitar lessons. The students expressed their enthusiasm for these activities. Parents expressed a deep appreciation for the Extended Care program, providing both before and after school care with homework help and planned activities for a reasonable price. The school owns a full sized school bus, and provides free transportation from six of the eight parishes to and from the school. This service is deeply appreciated by the parent community and considered crucial in retaining school enrollment.…

H. Resource Management and Development to Support High Achievement of All Students The school is highly effective in developing, implementing, and monitoring a financial management system to support Catholic identity and high achievement of all students. The school follows all diocesan financial policies and procedures, including monthly reviews of the financial reports. s The school is a good steward of funds provided by the eight supporting parishes, fundraiser proceeds, endowment interest, and archdiocesan funding to ensure a sustainable and viable future for the school. The Finance Council is already discussing what plans need to be in place when the facilities require capital upgrades.

Chapter 4: The Action Plan Design and Alignment of the Action Plan with the Self Study Findings Add rating: Schoolwide Significant Accomplishments as determined by Visiting Committee 1. The establishment of a strong Catholic Identity demonstrated through multiple and varied opportunities for prayer and worship, outreach to the community through service projects, a focus on developing faculty and parent faith formation to better journey with students and families, and the reception into the Catholic faith of several staff members and students; 2. Formation of a strong, dedicated staff which helps create a warm, nurturing community environment. 3. Institution of a schoolwide positive behavior program based on the BeAttitudes, with recognition by the HALO program and Distinguished Disciple Awards; Increased disaggregation, analysis and use of assessment data to impact curricular programs and student achievement, using Scantron, DIBELS and STAR assessments;

Continued… 5. Improved achievement in reading and writing with the implementation of 6+1 Writing Program and rubrics; and the provision of multiple instructional strategies and resources to address all students with varying needs and abilities; 6. Implementation of dedicated Goal Teams to focus on Catholic Identity, reading, writing, and math strategies and achievement, as well as curriculum alignment; 7. Collaboration among a wide range of boards and councils to represent the eight parishes served by the school and other shareholder groups; 8. Establishment and implementation of strong financial practices that demonstrate good stewardship of tuition, donation and fundraising income.

Capacity to Implement and Monitor the Action Plan This is the first WCEA accreditation visit for Santo Nino Regional Catholic School. The school undertook the evaluation process, through the development of a Self Study, very seriously. Adequate time was allocated to this endeavor. The Action Plans, once adjusted for overarching goals, thoroughness, additional strategies, and more complete timelines, will serve as a road map for future growth of the school and service to the children of Santa Fe. The Visiting Committee believes that all shareholders of Santo Nino Regional Catholic School are dedicated to Catholic education for the children of Santa Fe. The committee sees no reason that the revisions of the Action Plan would not be made. All structures are in place to complete the goals and strategies for future growth.

Summary Thoughts The Visiting Committee found our visit to Santo Nino Regional Catholic School to be a richly rewarding experience. We observed a strong community of administrators, faculty, staff, and parents dedicated to the spiritual enrichment and academic excellence of their children. We found many opportunities to affirm the school’s programs and direction for the future. We believe this school’s initial accreditation experience has been positive, and will serve as one of many models for other schools within the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as they join the Western Catholic Educational Association system of Catholic schools.

Next steps Justification Statement – Visiting Committee sends an evaluative report to the WCEA Commission Recommendation – all schools receive six years with some requirements. The VC recommends a status which is not official until the Commission meets. Review by WCEA Elementary Commissioners Notification – not until following the Commission meeting in May, 2017