St. James’ Episcopal School strategic plan: 2013-2018
It is my great privilege to introduce to you the Strategic Plan for St. James’ School for 2013-2018.
Few projects we have undertaken as a board have been more exhilarating and rewarding. Imagine spending a year with a group of brilliant people committed to our beloved school, articulating our collective dreams and then building a strategy to make those dreams a reality. That is what this Strategic Plan does; we have dreamed our dreams and have now articulated them so that we are ready to go to work for the next five years.
Keeping pace with education in the 21st century is not an easy task, but it is our mandate. We are committed to offering the finest elementary and preschool program in Los Angeles while not losing site of the moral and ethical roots so central to our Episcopal roots and the mission of St. James’ Church.
My most sincere thanks to Debbi David, for her continued vision and expertise; Dr. Brenda Bass-Roper, for chairing the Strategic Plan Committee; the full Board of Trustees, whose volunteerism exceeds any reasonable expectation; Mary Nichols, Senior Warden of St. James’ Church, and Father Tom Discavage, Interim Rector and Priest in Charge of St. James’ Church for their partnership and guidance; and of course our brilliant and inexhaustible faculty and staff.
Finally, a word of thanks to all the parents and students of St. James’ School who continue to inspire us and make our work so rewarding and worthwhile. With your help and support, we can make our dreams a reality.
Heidi McLean President, Board of Trustees
Dear St. James’ Family…
A strategic plan is a lighthouse by which our journey toward greatness is guided. To build such an edifice…a beacon towering and bright enough to beckon a tall ship
intentional discourse among us that is so essential to our intellectual and spiritual lives.
safely home…. is a far more complex task than one might at first imagine. Our work
Imbued with the spirit of our founders and that of the Church from which we sprung
began a year and a half ago. Amidst a swirl of data, a maelstrom of educational
some 46 years ago, we have listened and read, studied and discerned, written and
research, academic commentary from multiple and often conflicting sources, and
edited. And today we celebrate the completion of our work. Within the pages of this
the sometimes disparate voices of the world’s great educators, we faced an almost
document you will find our strategic plan.
insurmountable task with no lack of trepidation. We agreed that we could only be guided through the chaos by the north star of our own Mission Statement, the “drinking
Now the heavy lifting of creating a vision is behind us; the hard work of actualizing it
gourd” of our Core Beliefs, our school’s Episcopal traditions, and by the civil and
lies ahead. Between those two phases, we take this moment to breathe, to center our
minds and hearts, and perhaps to petition the heavens for divine assistance in accomplishing the tasks that will inevitably challenge both our ingenuity and commitment. God’s grace will be the invisible support that sustains us in realizing the goals of our strategic plan. Your assistance, however, will be a far more palpable source of strength and inspiration. This strategic plan reflects the voices of the community it serves; completing the work it demands will require the full participation of that community. If ever the sweat equity of a whole village were required to raise its children, it is in this endeavor. We need you if we are to succeed; you need us to achieve our goals if your children are to experience the full impact of our hopes and dreams for them. We are united in an inextricable symbiotic coalition and focused on a singular outcome.
Join us then as we heave the obstacles from the path and clear the brush from the road ahead. Point out the dangerous shoals for us and push us back from the rocky crags that threaten to ensnare us. The St. James’ lighthouse stands tall and ready to illumine the pilgrimage ahead. In partnership with you, we shall run the course, sail deep and confident into the seas ahead and, safe at last, we shall reach our ultimate destination triumphant.
Let the journey begin!
Deborah David Head of School
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Michael Riley, Current Parent and Parent of a 2013 Graduate
St. James’ ranks at the absolute highest level by any measurable standard. But the reasons we feel so lucky to be part of the school are the things you can’t really measure. It’s the people that make up St. James’ and our family’s relationship with the school community as a whole that has made the last seven years so amazing. I couldn’t imagine my boys anywhere else.
History The Reverend Dr. Samuel D'Amico founded St. James’ Episcopal School as a mission of St. James’ Episcopal Church in 1968 to provide a high-quality elementary education, grounded in the Christian faith, for families in the parish neighborhood. Joseph DeBell, a St. James’ parishioner and an advocate of youth causes including schools and scouting, donated the original school building, a humble apartment on Gramercy Place, which was large enough for the four Kindergarten students and one teacher. Each year from 1968 until 1974, a grade level was added until the school welcomed students in Kindergarten through Grade Six. From the beginning, the school offered a challenging academic program within a caring environment. Kindergarten candidates were screened for admission and evaluated annually for academic progress. Students worshipped together and received regular religious instruction.
In 1981, St. James’ Episcopal School moved to its current location on St. Andrews Place. The DeBell Hall building, funded by Joseph DeBell, the St. James’ parish, and the Ahmanson Foundation, was designed for fourteen classrooms (two sections at each grade level). The school reached its full capacity of 308 students in 1984 and was known in the community primarily for its strong academic program, unpretentious atmosphere, diverse student body reflecting the vast diversity of Los Angeles, and outstanding choir and music program.
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Saint James’ has been my home away from home. Teaching children has been a life well-spent.
Paru Kammula, 44-year veteran of the school and current 1st Grade teacher
In 1997, commercial property known as Belden's, was razed to create a playing field for the school. In 2001, an additional building was added, including a multipurpose hall, library, technology room, science laboratory, and larger classrooms. The square footage of the school doubled while the number of students remained the same.
In 2009, The Leonetti/O’Connell Family Foundation and
document cameras, all of which are vehicles by which
Financial assistance in excess of $750,000 annually
parents contributed to the creation of a state-of-the-
students can comfortably travel through cyberspace
continues to ensure the socially and economically diverse
art Science Lab with cutting-edge equipment that led to
researching and collaborating in higher level thinking
community St. James’ School cherishes and for which it
the implementation of a robust S.T.E.M. program uniting
and problem-solving.
The technologically sophisticated
was founded. In 2012, the school appointed a Director of
science, technology, engineering and math in an engaging
interactive Spanish curriculum builds new levels of oral
Service Learning to perpetuate the school’s commitment to
and rigorous course of study.
proficiency in the upper levels, while the Performing Arts
raising yet another generation of children who will feed
program established in 2013 opens the frontiers of band,
the hungry, clothe the naked, and share their bounty with
musical theater, Shakespeare, and dance to students at
the poor. An aquaponics garden created on the roof of St.
every grade level. The school’s choir remains a beautiful
James’ Hall in 2013 speaks to the school’s commitment to
tribute to gentle learning and refined musical tastes.
sustaining the environment that has so richly supported the
In 2011, an Art Room renovation made possible by the Ahmanson Foundation and parent support set the stage for a dynamic and expanded art program including digital arts, ceramics, and two- and three-dimensional pieces of unique vision and individuality displayed throughout the school. In the fall of 2012, a sleek new St. James’ Pre-School building opened its doors on Gramercy Place to 60 students including a brand new Junior Kindergarten, bringing the school population to its current population of 362 students.
St. James’ Technology program boasts the most modern equipment including smart-boards, cameras, tablets, multimedia devices, desktop computers, projectors, and
school for nearly half a century. The school has met the needs of a changing population and responded to market signals and current educational
Saint James’ children are regarded as upstanding citizens
research to adjust its program over time, but the bedrock
and fine scholars; they are eagerly sought after by the city’s
foundations of the school remain unchanged. Committed
best middle schools. St. James’ School continues to thrive and
to maintaining its racial and ethnic diversity, an endowment
develop students capable of facing the challenges of the
established in the new millennium swelled to more than
21st Century with courage and conviction. Its graduates are
$1,500,000 with the arrival of foundational gifts to
prepared spiritually, physically, mentally, and morally to lead
support tuition assistance from the Wells family and the
the world into a better, brighter tomorrow.
March family, which in turn inspired significant contributions from many other members of our community .
St. James’ is a fantastic school. This is LA, so keep it a secret or it will be packed tomorrow! You will have to apply before your child is even conceived. Stephen Bedikian, Parent of a 2012 Graduate
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Kim Swann, Board Member and Parent of 2013 Graduate
St. James’ is the place that I dropped off a shy, sweet kindergartner
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and six years later picked up a well-rounded, thoughtful, world
aware citizen. My daughter grew and blossomed each year with the graceful guidance of the wizards known as the St. James’ faculty.
MISSION STATEMENT St. James’ Episcopal School is a diverse, joyful and i attention to the needs of each child, we strive to instill in our students intelle
inclusive community of learners. With a focus on academic excellence and ectual curiosity, compassion for others and respect for all of God’s creation.
n t s e a d nd T u t S ea
• As an Episcopal parish school, we are committed to common worship, teaching the basics of Christianity and of the Anglican tradition, understanding and respecting all faith traditions, and community service.
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• We rejoice and marvel in the magnificence of God’s creation.
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• Everything we teach and do is the curriculum.
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• As part of God’s creation, we are called to community, to mutual respect, and to living out our values.
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• All our efforts aim to enhance each student’s confidence, curiosity, creativity, intellectual integrity, competence, character, and ability to think critically. • Learning is its own reward. • Teachers best motivate students through encouragement, inspiration, respect, and love. • Teachers recognize each student’s individual gifts and inspire children to do their best. • By accepting responsibility for their own learning and through diligent work, students develop self-respect and intelligence. • Along with our emphasis on strong intellectual preparation, we help our students become empathetic, actively compassionate people who will use their talents in service to others. • We learn to value different cultures by engaging with one another. • We continually evaluate the curriculum for relevance, quality of intellectual content, and intrinsic interest.
CORE BELIEFS
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• We are mindful of the global and ethical implications of what we do.
• We all work toward awareness of our responsibilities to our larger communities. • We strive to develop an informed, hopeful view of our roles in the world.
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• We commit to being good stewards of God’s gifts.
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• In an urban setting, we rejoice in the gifts and challenges of our diversity.
• A wholesome, unpretentious atmosphere helps children develop a sense of balance and a realistic view of the world.
• Each family’s commitment to the mission of the school plays a vital role in the education of our children.
• By virtue of being a member of the St. James’ School community, one is also part of the St. James’ Church community and invited to benefit from all it offers.
Goal 1 21 Century Teaching and Learning st
The skills of creation, innovation and collaboration increasingly separate students who are prepared to confront the complex life and work environments of the 21st century from those who are not. Our efforts at achieving true academic excellence in this millennium must include greater emphasis on all aspects of critical thinking, creative problem solving, communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
Objective Through informed curriculum choices, differentiated instruction, and a powerful program of professional development, we will infuse these skills and understandings into the following instructional areas:
• Science
• Technology
• Mathematics
• Verbal Communication/Writing
• Fine and Performing Arts
Goal 2 Enhancement of Buildings and Grounds
The maintenance, enhancement, adaptation and expansion of our facilities is critical to our relevancy for current and future generations of students.
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Chris Cook, Parent and Director of Advancement
St. James' reminds me of a wonderful old house: one with great bones, enormous character and history, having touched so many families that have lived here over the years. Today, our home has
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all of the modern amenities, upgrades and an amazing crew to provide us with the very best, without sacrficing one iota of what
We will, in consultation with St. James’ Church, plan and complete
makes this home so amazing.
a major project that will maximize the beauty and utility of
the entire campus which addresses the need for parking, a
performing arts space, improved athletic facilities, and a physical environment that otherwise supports and enhances our 21st Century teaching and learning objectives.
Objective
Goal 3 Financial Sustainability
We must ensure strong financial management of our affairs, in order to sustain and enhance the longterm financial health of the School while maintaining programmatic excellence, ethnic and economic diversity and competitive tuition levels.
Ensure financial sustainability by securing the resources necessary to meet our objectives, keeping enrollment strong, expanding our operating reserves, building our endowment, seeking to increase annual giving (including a focus on alumni) and keeping our goals tied to financial metrics where possible.
Objective
Goal 4 School/Church Synergy
We will sustain and foster a vibrant, mutually supportive environment between St. James’ School and St. James’ Church that strengthens both institutions and enables them to work together for the spiritual and educational benefit of all members of the larger community.
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Olivia Kazanjian, St. James’ Parent
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The children at St. James’ learn to think outside of themselves. They volunteer in their community and think globally. This place grows whole people.
Deepen the conversation with the larger community of St. James’ School and St. James’ Church to identify and implement programs and activities that the school and church can pursue together so to strengthen our shared community.
Objective
Board of Trustees 2012-2013 Heidi McLean, President Liza DeVilla Ameen Brenda Bass-Roper Cary Berger Corie Brown John Daum The Rev. Thomas Discavage Ingrid Finley-Scott Mark Hutchins Jung Eun Kim The Rev. Paul Kowalewski Jeffrey Lane David Lee Michael Lyons Heidi McLean Gia Paladino-Wise Cathy Robbins Robert Ronus Karen L. Stevenson Kevin Yoder
Strategic Planning Committee Brenda Bass-Roper, MD, Chair Cary Berger Debbi David Karl Hoagland Jeffrey Lane David Lee Paul Lee, MD Heidi McLean Karen L. Stevenson Kevin Yoder Marilyn Wells
Brenda Bass-Roper, Former St. James’ Parent and Current Board Member
We feel incredibly blessed to have found St. James’. In addition to providing my children with a stellar elementary school education in a diverse and nurturing environment, my family developed life long friendships with other families and the spirit of the school reinforced in us the value of being a good person.
Nurturing Spiritual and Emotional Wellbeing We have an ongoing commitment to immerse our students in a community, both within and beyond the classroom, that is attentive to the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of each child, so that every student has the skills to meet life’s challenges with courage, curiosity, and compassion.
St. James’ Episcopal School 625 S. St. Andrews Place Los Angeles, CA 90005 (213) 382-2315 www.sjsla.org