Brockton Catholic Schools
Questions
& Answers
WHAT IS THE 2010 INITIATIVE?
The 2010 Initiative began 18 months ago and is focused on
improving, strengthening and revitalizing the Archdiocese of Boston’s
Catholic schools. The Archdiocese firmly believes that the most
effective plan is one, which draws upon the collective experience of
principals, pastors and local stakeholders working with professional
education experts, consultants and practitioners in the community.
The Archdiocese is committed to creating a long-term system that will
evolve, grow and develop to meet the needs of its students and the
community.
HOW IS IT GOING TO HELP BROCKTON CATHOLIC
SCHOOLS?
The Brockton schools are going to be one of the first regions to
implement the 2010 Initiative. The schools will be realigned and
managed under new management structure consisting of a regional board
and a regional director. This new management will provide greater
resources in the areas of curriculum, staff, technology, and finances
that will ensure the long-term viability of these schools.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PARISH SCHOOL IDENTITY THAT WE
CURRENTLY HAVE?
The new school system will still have an integral relationship with
the local parishes. The Pastors and city Clergy will continue to play
a critical role in ensuring that the Catholic identity and mission is
maintained and that spiritual formation remains a central priority in
our Catholic schools.
WHAT CHANGES ARE BEING MADE TO THE 3 CATHOLIC
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN BROCKTON?
The Brockton plan calls for creation of one school system located on
two campuses. Currently there are three schools serving K-8 (St.
Edward, St. Casimir, and Sacred Heart). The lower campus would be
housed at a newly expanded and upgraded St. Edward’s, serving
Pre K-Grade 3. The upper campus would be housed at a newly renovated
St. Colman School and serve Grades 4-8.
HOW MANY CLASSROOMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS
IN BROCKTON?
St. Edward’s will add three Pre-K classrooms, two Kindergarten
classes, as well as three first, second and third grade classrooms.
At the upper campus, St. Colman will offer two classrooms each for
grades 4-8.
WILL MY CHILD BE ASSURED A
SEAT?
We have the capacity to enroll all current students with the new
campuses.
WHEN WILL THESE CHANGES
HAPPEN?
We are planning on implementing these changes for next year school
-September (2007).
WHO WILL RUN THE TWO CAMPUSES?
All three Principals were offered opportunities to hold management
positions in the new schools and we are still in discussion. Final
resolution of the Principals will be announced this spring.
IS THIS GOING TO COST ME MORE
IN TUITION?
Tuition
will be determined after further consultation. Discounts for
families registering more than one child will be available as will
financial aid to those who qualify.
WHAT WILL STONEHILL’S
ROLE BE?
Stonehill College has committed to partner with the Brockton new
school initiative focusing on the areas of curriculum, staff and
teacher training as well as management. Stonehill has begun working
with the local Brockton team to assess how best to integrate its
efforts into the Brockton 2010 Initiative so that our schools will
provide a better academically enriched program.
HOW DOES THIS IMPACT
CURRICULUM?
The plan calls for optimum class size as well as duplication of
grades. This will afford the educators and the students the
opportunity for programmed and spontaneous interaction previously not
possible.
HOW DOES THIS IMPACT THE
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAMS?
The only impact will be a positive one. In that the student
population served is not changing (only their location will change),
the breakfast/lunch programs will continue and hopefully expand due
to the renovated kitchens at both school buildings. Better meals for
the students!
WILL FINANCIAL AID BE
AVAILABLE?
Yes.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TEACHERS?
WILL THEY ALL HAVE JOBS?
The assessment process for all the teachers is an annual process and
we will continue that process in the spring. We will be hiring new
teachers and/or re-assigning current teachers based on the number of
classes and students enrolled as well as the teachers that will be
needed to staff the new Pre-K, full time art, music and language
programs.
HOW DOES THIS IMPACT
TRANSPORTATION FOR MY CHILD?
We are in early discussion with the transportation services of the
city and plan to ensure one pick up in the morning for all students
for both campus’s and one drop off.
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