St. Mary School System Mission:
St. Mary, a Christ-centered community rooted in Catholic tradition, empowers students academically, encourages selfless sacrifice, and nurtures learners to become a positive influence on others.
St. Mary continually works toward our mission in multiple ways to create a vibrant student body that is growing in faith, knowledge, and
numbers. Below are specific areas that the school system will focus on during the 2023-2024 school year to develop students that will be a
positive influence on others.
Top Priorities for the 2023-2024 School Year
School Safety
Objective -
To evaluate and implement safety measures to protect all students, staff, and visitors.
In-Progress:
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Options for reconfiguring the visitor entry points at both school buildings are being reviewed, with funding partially secured for this
project.
- The elementary school is working on adding film on glass doors and windows to allow viewing from the inside only.
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Information and requirements have been gathered from the Paducah Police to determine if a School Resource Officer (SRO) is the best
option for St. Mary. Information on that process will be shared as it becomes available.
Progress to date in 2023:
- St. Mary Safety Committee formed.
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New monitors were added for better viewing and access of visitors at both the elementary/preschool and middle/high school buildings.
- Additional signs and room numbering for emergency response were updated or added as needed.
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Internal procedures for classroom safety, ongoing safety drills, and providing emergency bags for every classroom were completed.
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After consulting with our local law enforcement agencies, changes will be made to building access. Over the summer, staff/volunteer access
was changed to a monitored key fob entry to prevent the sharing of codes.
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The Kentucky State Police provided Active Threat Training to all faculty and staff over the summer. We hope we will never need any
of these skills, but it is crucial to be prepared.
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All 6th - 12th students have received age-appropriate basic First Aid, CPR, and AED training. The plan is to continue this each
year, with an annual review of the skills. Teachers and staff will have their First Aid/CPR and emergency event training prior to
the start of the new school year.
Strategic Plan
Objective -
Create a long-term strategic plan through stakeholder participation centered on Catholic Identity and “best practices”
that engage the St. Mary School community to identify key issues and set the future direction by defining strategic goals and
objectives.
In-Progress:
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April 2023- Partners in Mission (https://www.partnersinmission.com/) was contracted
to facilitate the strategic planning process for St. Mary School System.
- August 2023 - Strategic Planning process began.
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To ensure large-scale stakeholder involvement and complete thorough research, the strategic planning process is expected to take nine
months.
Maintenance/Repairs System-Wide
Objective -
Invest time and resources into maintenance and repairs across the campus.
In-Progress:
- Fall of 2023- Repair/rebuild the Middle/High School HVAC.
- During 2023-24 School Year- New sound systems in the elementary gym, middle/high school gym, and Commons area installed.
- October 2023 - New auxiliary Gymnasium to be completed.
- Fall 2023 - Repair and update gymnasium bleachers.
Further Strengthen Learning Resource Programs in All Schools
Objective-
Recognizing that Catholic Education should be available to as many students as possible, we seek to further grow and strengthen
resource programs for students who need greater academic support and provide additional enrichment for accelerated learners.
In-Progress:
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Continue staffing our Learning Support Specialists, Accelerated Learning Program, Reading Specialist position, and Resource Teachers
across the system.
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Continue partnership with Inclusions Solutions (https://inclusionsolutions4kids.com/)
to provide teacher coaching and professional development to create approaches to support all learners.
- Fund specific trainings and materials needed to support differentiated learners throughout all grades.
Focused System-Wide Professional Development
Objective -
Ensure teachers and staff have the individual and system-wide professional development needed to empower students academically.
In-Progress:
- Fund high-quality professional development specific to teacher and staff needs.
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In line with new Diocesan requirements, all teachers will have their Basic CREDO Certification and, when required, be working towards
their Advanced Certification.
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Implement specific training to ensure teachers and staff fully understand and utilize the extensive new technology within the
classrooms.
