Vision Survey Update

The Middletown Christian School Board began the process of a new vision plan by engaging an outside consultant to review all aspects of the school and then present any recommendations to the Board. This process began last spring with individual interviews of Board members and administrative personnel. A detailed survey was sent to all teachers (including the ELC), after which a series of collaborative conversations were held to delineate and expand upon their feedback. Parents were surveyed electronically; each response was thoroughly evaluated and became a significant part of the overall vision document. High school students were also given a survey to complete, which helped us better understand their perspectives.

All of the data was combined and presented to the school board. This led to the following considerations and improvements:

Personnel:

  1. Hired a Human Resource Manager to deal directly with all aspects of personnel.
  2. Hired a Fine Arts Coordinator to oversee all fine arts programs, specifically to organize and recruit the needed resources for each event.
  3. Restructured the principals and added a third (K-4, 5-8 and 9-12).
  4. Surveyed surrounding public and private schools’ pay for employees (K-12 and preschools). In each case, we were noted to be middle/average for private schools and low for preschools.
  5. As a result, the board instituted pay increases for all employees appropriate for each department.

 

Academics:

  1. Established a STEM task force composed of faculty and administration to analyze our K-12 curriculum (including the computer program) and make recommendations for changes within the 25/26 school year.
  2. Consider revising the high school schedule to include double bells for science (and/or other classes) to have labs.
  3. Provide Bible electives in high school classes such as apologetics, creation/flood studies, comparative religions, etc.
  4. Evaluate the class schedule to see if there could be a separate high school Bible class for each grade level.
  5. Consider reorganizing music classes and choir with beginner and advanced levels in middle/high school.
  6. Look at options for offering foreign language studies in middle school.
  7. In the next several years, hire a curriculum coordinator who would direct needed changes, streamline classes, and be an instructional coach for all teachers.  Before then, consider finding an instructional coach.

 

Athletics:

  1. Consider additional avenues to enhance the finances of the Athletic Department.
  2. Develop a more comprehensive yearly budget that includes money needed for each sport (travel expenses, uniforms, gym rental, application fees, banquets, etc.).
  3. Prioritize hiring coaches with experience in their sport who are interested in coaching long-term, when possible.
  4. Refinished the school gym floor this summer and exploring the ability to replace gym seating in the next 3-4 years.
  5. Refinishing the Howard Sears Fieldhouse (HSF/church gym) floor within the next year. Replaced doors, installed new lighting, painted walls and rails, and stabilized the HVAC system for the HSF gym.
  6. Expanded the trophy case for the main lobby, and moved the donor recognition board to the cafetorium lobby.
  7. Developing a vision for the land the church owns (athletic fields, etc.).
  8. Considering the expansion of summer athletic camps.

 

Student Conduct:

  1. The most noted issue throughout all interviews/surveys, including the students, was discipline and the balance of giving grace while maintaining an effective learning environment.
  2. Working on consistent enforcement and continuing to discipline with a Christ-like manner and focus.
  3. Adjusted report slips to include two tiers. Reviewed this change with students and parents at the beginning of the school year.
  4. Updated the after-school detention policy: removed electronics and added a reflection paper.
  5. Will review the Statement of Cooperation and make recommendations to strengthen the parents’/students’ understanding of expectations and rules.

 

Building Resources:

  1. Developing a long-term plan to address more room for offices and classes.
  2. Placed a new awning over the main entrance.
  3. Addressed student concerns of gaps in bathroom stalls by installing a covering over the gap.
  4. Upgraded classroom resources based on individual teacher requests: more shelving in the art room, cello holders, additional instruments, and consistent temperature heater for storage in the music room.
  5. Consulted with ELC teachers as to which laptop brand/model will best meet their needs; purchased those devices from donations.
  6. Moved the fine arts trophy case to the cafetorium lobby.
  7. Completed the blacktop sealing/patching project in conjunction with the church this summer and fall.
  8. Will be upgrading the landscape area in the front of the main building.