Administrator's Perspective: Our New School Mission Statement

A couple of weeks ago the "School Vision Committee" met for the first time. There were 14 motivated people in attendance ranging from parents, teachers, grandparents, and parishioners. We had a great meeting where we discussed the following aspects of the school; a) current state, b) strengths, c) weaknesses, and d) aspirations. From this initial meeting we were able to draft the first version of our new mission statement:

"St. Francis School educates accountable future leaders through a strong supportive community by developing the whole child while keeping Christ at the center of achieving academic excellence.”

As the school administrator, allow me to decompose this statement and explain what it means to me. 

First let's look at the beginning, "St. Francis School educates accountable future leaders...". 

Parents who send their children to our school want their children to be held accountable. This means parents expect teachers and staff to set high standards (both academically and behaviorally) and do what is necessary to help their children achieve both. Doing what is necessary includes discipline and redirection. I am not referring to any forms of corporal punishment here (i.e. rulers on hands or backsides). What I am referring to is what I feared most as a child, which was a call home to my parents! Using my experience as a middle school teacher for almost a decade I can honestly say this fear of getting a call home is almost non-existent. There were many instances when I called home to discuss a behavior issue in the classroom and the parent would take their child's side and blame me. However, there were other instances when I called home and the parent apologized for their child's behavior and it never happened again. We have parents who are the latter in this type of situation. 

Parents in St. Francis School also understand their children are not perfect. Parents should expect a call or two home regarding either their children's academic or behavior performance (My parents may have gotten a few of those calls from Ms. McCoy...). The home is where the behavior is really addressed. How can parents address a behavior with their child if they are not made aware of it? This is why trust and respect between parents and staff is vital to run a highly successful school.

As this accountability aspect is ingrained in our students, they will become future leaders to their middle school and high school classmates in our community. It is well known that a strong foundation is the most important phase of constructing a building and we use this comparison quite often. So, although it is cliche, this foundation of accountability early on in a child's life can be the springboard to a more enjoyable and successful school experience in middle and high school. 

Let me explain what the middle of the statement means to me. "A strong supportive community" means exactly that. St. Francis School has a supportive parish that believes in our mission and always has. Parents and family members of current and/or past students support this school. Our Ellsworth and surrounding communities have supported us for 75 years. We need to only look back at how successful our Gala was to be reminded of how much support we have from everyone I have just mentioned.

I am very passionate about the next part of the mission, "developing the whole child". As humans, we must nurture our mind, body, and spirit. If we choose to neglect one of these, we will not become the best version of ourselves. My wife and I want our children to become the best versions of themselves. St. Francis School provides this opportunity for our children. Students are learning to read, write, and to become critical thinkers. They have ample recess and physical education time to promote activity and good health. Last but certainly not least students are able to profess their faith and learn more about Jesus with their peers daily. I know St. Francis School helped lay my spiritual foundation (along with supportive parents). I believe students here have such an advantage because we can support their spiritual needs. Our goal is to help provide “spiritual armor" to our students so they may have the courage to stand up to a secular world.

Father Olson directs us to "Make Jesus Famous" in our daily actions. We “keep Christ at the center of” everything we do. Students start their day with morning prayer, have religion class, attend Mass, pray before their lunch, and end the day with afternoon prayer. The teachings of Christ permeate the walls of St. Francis School.

So what does "achieving academic excellence" mean? It means we will not settle for average. We believe all students can learn and think critically. The higher the bar is set the more apt students are to achieve it. The same sentiment is true for the contrasting statement that the lower the bar is set the more apt students are to settle there. Students are given the tools and encouragement to nurture a growth-mindset and a continued love of learning. All of this is made a reality by the work of qualified and compassionate teachers.