Strategic Plan for OLV 2003-2008

This Strategic Plan was developed thorugh the collaborative efforts of members from our administration, School Board, Parish School Association, faculty, staff, and parents. Together we have shaped this plan so that it may serve to be a living document which will continue to challenge and affirm us as we strive forward into the future.

We also acknowledge that since this plan involved a number of dedicated and talented people, so will its implementation. Every person is being called to bring this plan into reality.

OLV Mission Statement

We, the administration, faculty and staff of Our Lady of Victory School encourage each child to develop a personal relationship with God.

We, with the cooperation of parents and the community, will prepare them for the problems and pressures of today's society.

We believe that all children are unique and capable of learning and developing to their full potential.

Strategic Goal 1: Catholic Identity

Our Catholic values and teaching are integrated into all aspects of the school environment including curriculum, fundraising and activities.
Strategic Objectives:

• Help students recognize everyone has something to contribute and the importance of giving of yourself -- your time, talent and treasure.
• Instill responsibility and respect for the church and our environment as is evidenced in our service activities.
• Strengthen understanding that Catholic values transcend all areas of their lives as is promoted via a multitude of lessons, projects and activities.
• Strengthen the connection between school, home and parish through the use of community activities.

Strategic Goal 2: Educational Planning, Curriculum and Instruction

Our Lady of Victory School is committed to academic excellence through its strong instructional programs, long term planning, enrichment programs and family oriented support services.
Strategic Objectives:

• OLV will acquire Middle States accreditation by 2004. Note: This goal has been realized; The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools announced in November of 2004 that Our Lady of Victory School has been awarded accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools effective for a ten-year period.
• Promote and offer greater involvement and partnership with the colleges in the community with sensitivity to the specialties each institute offers.
• OLV will strive to continually update and maintain technology within the individual classrooms and computer lab.
• OLV will continue to make available present programs such as Parents as Reading Partners (PARP), drama club, musical instrument lessons and library club while exploring the potential of future endeavors.
• OLV administration and faculty will continue to review and update textbooks, methodology and curriculum assessment through in-service and other venues of professional development on an annual basis.

Strategic Goal 3: Student Enrollment, Recruitment and Retention

Effort will be made to promote Our Lady of Victory School as it is committed to the complete development of its students academically, spiritually, physically and as members of the community through the consistent dedication of its students, faculty, administration and parish family.
Strategic Objectives:

• Entrance and exit interviews will be conducted to determine why new families have enrolled into and why others have left our school
• The administration, faculty and School Board will promote our spiritual and academic strengths through the accomplishments of our students and alumni in newsletters, parish bulletins and other media sources.
• The administration, faculty and staff will create an environment that promotes the retention of all students as willb e evidenced in enrollment treds and the results of routine satisfaction surveys.
• The administration, faculty, staff and School Board will strive to promote the opportunities available to students at OLV through efforts of outreach to the local community, including businesses, preschools/day cares, parishes without schools and through other media outlets.
• OLV will promote the opportunities for increased shcool programs and activities provided by the addition of the new OLV Parish Center to our physical plant.

Strategic Goal 4: Development, Public Relations and School in Community

We will cultivate development opportunities through building relationships between teh school and community while utilizing effective public relations to enhance its perception of the value of a Catholic education.
Strategic Objectives:

• Build upon the strength of current family involvement while concentrating efforts to identify and cultivate succession for leadership roles within the volunteer pipeline.
• Assess the feasibility of a comprehensive strategy for families to offset the current pledge commitment through participation.
• Design and utilize a donor database to track history and coordinate solicitation as to maximize all development efforts.
• Expand the role of the Development Committee to serve as a resource for the School Board, Parish School Association and school sponsored activities.
• Identify grant programs and coordinate with faculty and staff for leverage opportunities.
• Coordinate recruitment efforts through community outreach to parishes without schools and other child care providers.

Strategic Goal 5: Governance and Staffing

Under the support and directions of the Diocesan School Office, OLV School recruits, enhances and maintains a dedicated and well staffed Catholic elementary school. The administration, faculty and staff provide witness to the Gospel through their lives and serve as role models for the children within the school community.
Strategic Objectives:

• Insure that all full time teachers hired are certified in one of the U.S. states and working towards full certification in New York State according to the Department of Education guidelines.
• Provide a variety of professional growth opportunities for adminitration, faculty and staff and continue to develop a mentoring program for new employees.
• Integrate better the mission, goals and activities of the School Board, Parish School Association and Pastoral Council in order to allow for better leadership, and support of each other to benefit the school community.

Strategic Goal 6: Finance and Facilities

Tuition will be maintained at a level to insure a quality Catholic school education that is available to all families in accordance with the budgeting structure and process. A recently renovated school building, the dedication of a new church and the continuation of a three-year building process will serve to enhance programming and the individual needs of our community.
Strategic Objectives:

• Continue efforts to establish and maintain an endowment fund which will be utilized to defray tuition costs for qualified families.
• The school will promote the availability of the Diocesan Lally Tuitition Assistance Fund as a means to assist all families within our school.
• Formulate a plan to educate school families and the greater community about the goals of fundraising efforts and their necessity in support of the school's financial viability.
• Develop profitable and effective means of utilizing the new multi-purpose facility in support of the school.
• Develop a plan to maintain the physical plant via a capital improvement budget line item.