SBPS State of the School 2024

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St. Benedict Preparatory School State of the School 2024

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 Strong, vibrant parish schools will go through transitions. We know things don’t always stay the same.

Just like the course of life, there are high points, low points, phases of increase and phases of decrease.

While there are periods of success and periods of challenge, it is always essential to have a vision, stick to the mission and “not grow weary of doing good” for it is in perseverance in faith that successes will come.

Chicago Catholic schools have been impacted by the pandemic, demographic shifts, economic influences as well as teacher shortages.

Amid all this, St. Benedict Preparatory School, with the help of the School Advisory Board, has been planning for a successful future. Over the past two years, much of our work focused on envisioning a post-pandemic future for SBPS and creating a new strategic plan: Aspirations 2028. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve published the State of the School, but there have been so many developments, and there is so much being planned, that we feel it is important to bring this publication once again to our school families and partners. This State of the School is being published in tandem with the new tuition rates for the 2024-25 school year.

Many school parents make a significant financial commitment to send their child(ren) to St. Benedict Preparatory School. We want our families to know that we are committed to keeping parents wellinformed about where their tuition dollars are going, as well as the vision and plan for the school.

We are planning for the coming 2024-25 school year. Part of the planning involves creating a realistic budget that projects the cost of quality, Catholic education. There is a lot to consider when setting tuition and determining the school financial goals. Our goal is to continue the success of school programs, implement the new school strategic plan all the while promoting our successes and accomplishments. We have also been addressing the physical plan needs and plan to continue this during the coming year.

There have been many improvements made over the past years at SBPS thanks to the dedicated staff, supportive parents, caring pastors and generous donors and parishioners. There are many successes which we are excited to share with our stakeholders.

Please enjoy this year’s State of the School 2024!

Ms. Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School

St. Benedict Preparatory School

Making Catholic Education Affordable at SBPS ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL HAS ADOPTED THE TUITION COVENANT FINANCIAL MODEL. ESSENTIALLY THIS PLAN ENCOURAGES CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO: • • •

Base tuition on what it actually costs to educate a child (this is the standard rate) Provide financial assistance to families who demonstrate need (our Financial Aid Grants) Ask families who can afford the cost of this education to pay full cost or at least contribute the difference in costs between parishioner tuition and the per-pupil cost (Annual School Fund)

Families who demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply for a Financial Aid Grant. This grant is awarded to families with students in grades K-8. These grants award families up to forty percent of the amount of tuition. There are many factors considered in this process : income earned; number of children in Catholic schools or college; single parents; death of a spouse; loss of work; disability; etc.

Families need to complete an application and submit it to SBPS by Thursday, March 28th. Applications are available through the school website. The financial assistance form allows parents to explain any special circumstances that need to be considered. Families with more than one child in Catholic schools are encouraged to apply for the Financial Aid Grants. The goal is to support families of any size to afford a Catholic education for their children. Financial assistance awards will be awarded in April so that parents can make their decisions regarding reenrollment for next year.

OTHER FACTORS IMPACTING THE 2024-25 COST OF EDUCATION AT ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL: • • • • •

Approximate 5% Health Insurance Increase; Approximate 4% Increase in property/casualty insurance costs Approximate 4% wage increase for staff and teachers (wage increases set by Archdiocese) Increase in electrical costs and other utilities such as water and Internet Added mandatory operational expenses from Archdiocese

We value all that our parishioner families do for the parish and school. You make our community vibrant and dynamic. Membership as an engaged parishioner at St. Benedict Parish requires that families give of their time, talent and treasure to support its many ministries. This participation is essential to the life and the lifegiving of the parish. It is because of this participation that St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School will extend the $1,100 parishioner grant for each family, plus an additional $1,000 for each sibling. A family with three students K-8 is receiving a parishioner grant of $3100 in tuition discounts.

Please understand that being a parishioner at St. Benedict Parish means more than just completing the parish application. Since parishioners are given the benefit of lowered tuition, they are expected to attend Mass regularly, volunteer in parish or school ministries and support the parish financially according to the means of the family. Family participation in parish activities is essential for the growth and vitality of the school. This is the essence of stewardship.

State of the School 2024

We are dedicated to ensuring that all students are meeting their adademic potential, no matter where they begin. We measure our progress in this area by conducting i-Ready Diagnostic Assessments three times througout the school year. Teachers utilize the assessments to determine how to best personalize each student’s learning and monitor progress.

100%

86%

80%

84% 74%

70%

69% 69%

50% 40% 30%

ST. BEN’S

60%

66% 53%

30%

61%

ST. BEN’S

90%

67%

26%

20% 10% 0% St. Ben’s

MATH

READING Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools students

State of Illinois Students

Bell

Coonley

Audubon

Although our students significantly outperform statewide reading and math proficiency levels, our goals are set much highter to insure all students are growing academically.

86% of our students are on/above grade level for reading and 84% for math.

According to the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), only 30% of Illinois students are meeting proficiency standards for reading and 26% for math.

You can also see how our students compare to local CPS schools.

St. Benedict Preparatory School

55%

INCREASING STUDENT PROFICIENCY OVER TIME Not only have we achieved gains in the percentage of students reaching proficiency in both reading and math, we have also seen the percentage of students falling seriously behind decrease each of the last three years.

MATH

READING 100% 90%

80%

82%

84%

3%

2%

2020/21

2021/22

84%

77%

78%

1%

2%

2%

1%

2022/23

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Students at or above grade level

Students at risk ( 2+ grades behind )

State of the School 2024

Learn Fearlessly PROGRESS iReady Scores GRADE

SUBJECT

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

6th

Reading

62

68

83

6th

Math

70

78

90

7th

Reading

75

71

85

7th

Math

81

72

80

8th

Reading

63

70

75

8th

Math

70

75

78

These graphs show the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade level benchmarks. Students perform better the longer they are with us. In the middle school years, achievement really comes from students hard work and perseverance. We are blessed to have a student and faculty culture that values learning and growing.

Investing in a K-8 SBPS education pays off. When we look at the middle school’s test scores, we can see achievement continues to blossom. In a competitive high school market, students must test well to get into the top schools.

The next chart shows the success and growth of the same cohort of students as they travel through the middle school years.

Proof is in High School Acceptances: Of the members of the Class of 2024 who tested at a Catholic High School, 97% got into their top choice.

Middle School Progress 2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

Class of 25 Reading

N/A

68

85

Class of 25 Math

N/A

71

75

Class of 24 Reading

62

71

75

Class of 24 Reading

70

71

78

St. Benedict Preparatory School

Why Catholic Education? Why a St. Benedict Catholic Education?

SBPS

Bell

Coonley

Audubon

Waters

Blaine

McPhereson

Jahn

Parent Involvement in School

99

65

76

75

79

61

58

38

Socialization of New Teachers

99

24

81

85

41

20

31

29

Teacher-Parent Trust

99

24

56

89

65

51

48

46

Student Responsibility

91

61

69

63

72

62

41

36

Parent Influence on Decision Making in Schools

83

59

56

61

73

64

36

58

Human and Social Resources in the Community

78

83

89

N/A

71

83

50

56

Quality of Student Discussion

72

31

51

7

65

42

10

29

Peer Support for Academic Work

71

64

59

N/A

57

59

43

43

Student Peer Relationships

68

65

69

N/A

58

69

34

53

Rigorous Studay Habits

65

59

37

N/A

35

76

11

32

Teacher Safety

62

37

40

56

40

52

38

35

Reflective Dialogue

61

33

54

42

44

18

5

10

School Commitment

60

35

19

51

44

56

24

28

Safety

59

58

65

N/A

46

55

24

56

Program Coherence

58

22

45

64

51

48

27

24

Teacher-Principle Trust

57

35

1

42

28

47

11

46

Parent Supportiveness

55

42

62

N/A

38

79

1

1

Quality Professional Development

52

35

24

54

45

39

29

28

Instructional Leadership

51

25

10

50

32

36

11

19

Collaborative Practices

46

21

45

56

43

27

5

23

MEASURES

With the 5 Essentials Survey data, we can measure the important “soft” markers of school strengths.

As you can see from the chart above comparing SBPS to most of the local public schools – there is something that stands out about Catholic education. Our community – students, staff and parents – are united in a common set of values and expectations. Grounded in faith and united in mission, the St. Benedict community creates a safe, caring, supportive environment where collaboration, commitment and high expectations translates into excellence. Yes, a Catholic Education costs more than a public education – but your children are worth it!

State of the School 2024

Learn Fearlessly PERFORMING ARTS ALIVE AT

Strings

1ST-8TH GRADE

106

students

Ben Child

3RD

Band

4TH-8TH GRADE

60

students

s

T SBPS

Drama

6TH-8TH GRADE

56

nedictine dren’s Choir

D-8TH GRADE

30

students

students

Lead Responsibly FOSTERING LEADERSHIP Numbers of Student Leaders LITURGY COMMITTEE - 82

SERVICE COMMITTEE - 13

HOUSE LEADERS - 23

STUDENT COUNCIL - 35 ES/34 MS

St. Benedict Preparatory School

Parents Answer the Call HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

2023 FUN RUN RAISED $144,000+ 2023 GARAGE SALE RAISED $37,000+ 2023 ANNUAL SCHOOL FUND RAISED $250,000+

2024 GALA GOAL - $300,000 THANK YOU COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND DONORS! THE SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD WILL BE SEEKING NEW MEMBERS SOON Areas of expertise and interest needed: Facilities & Construction, Marketing, Communications, Diversity & Inclusion, and Catholic Education. Email to learn more at sbpsadvisoryboard@stbenedict.com.

State of the School 2024

Serve Joyfully ATHLETICS Student Athletes

Coaches

FALL Football - 25 Cross country - 126 Girls Volleyball - 82

FALL Cross Country - 8 Football - 2 Girls Volleyball - 10

WINTER Boys Basketball - 118 Girls Basketball - 83 Dance - 14

WINTER Boys Basketball - 24 Girls Basketball - 18 Dance - 1

SPRING Baseball - 48 Track - 30 Boys Volleyball - 41 Girls Volleyball - 81

SPRING Baseball - 3 Track - 6 Boys Volleyball - 5 Girls Volleyball - 10

BITTY SPORTS Running Club - 70 Basketball - 160 Cheer - 48

BITTY SPORTS Running Club - 1 Head coach with 6-10 parent volunteers each day Basketball - 42 Cheer - 3

State of the School 2024

School Culture THE BUZZ AROUND THE BLOC What our Teachers are Saying “I feel responsible that all students learn.”

- 90%

“I feel loyal to this school.”

- 92%

“I would recommend this school to parents seeking a place for their child.”

- 90%

“I usually look forward to each working day at this school.”

- 90%

“Teachers respect other teachers who take the lead in school improvement efforts.”

- 94%

“My teacher helps me catch up if I am behind.”

- 88%

“I feel it’s important to pay attention in class” - 96%

“I feel it’s important to try hard to get good grades.”

- 98%

“My child regularly talks to me about their school day.”

- 92%

“I support some or all of the school fundraising programs.”

- 96%

“I feel respected by my child’s teacher .”

- 98%

res

What our Students are Saying “I feel safe with my teachers at this school.”

- 98%

“I feel safe in my classroom.”

- 92%

“I f to

What our Parents are Saying “I am likely to recommend our school ” - 99%

“I am satisfied with the education my children are getting at our school.”

- 93%

St. Benedict Preparatory School

to

CK

“Teachers feel spected by other teachers” - 94%

“Administration makes clear to the staff the leadership’s expectations for meeting instructional goals.”

- 92%

“Administration has provided me with the support I need to improve my teaching.”

- 92%

feel it’s important o attend school every day.”

- 98%

“My teacher expects everyone to work hard.”

- 98%

“The teacher wants us to become better thinkers, not just memorize things.”

- 93%

“The teachers do their best o help my child learn.”

- 97%

“Teachers have my child’s best interest in mind.”

- 96%

“I am comfortable sharing my concerns with teachers at the school.”

- 96%

“The administration looks out for the personal welfare of the faculty members.”

- 96%

“The school makes me aware of the important information and news about the school.”

- 100%

State of the School 2024

“The administrators at this school are effective managers who makes the school run smoothly.”

- 9o%

School Culture Catholic Identity - What Parents and Students are Saying We believe our faith-based approach to education not only contributes to greater academic outcomes, but also provides the next generation with the skill set and moral compass to achieve a fulfilling, successful tomorrow. We measure our progress on Catholic identity initiatives through a supplemental survey to the annual 5Essentials Survey.

We believe that supportive environments encourage growth. We measure our progress in this area by conducting the 5Essentials Survey annually. This survey includes teachers, students, and parents, and was developed by the University of Chicago. Their research has shown that schools strong on at least three of the five essentials are 10 times more likely to improve student learning than schools weak on three or more.

“Masses and prayers at our school effectively engage the children and meet them where they are at in their faith journey.”

- 95% “Parents encounter teachers and staff witnessing the Catholic faith in their interactions with others.”

- 94%

“When we pray and go to Mass together at my school, students have many opportunities to actively participate ” - 92%

“Students are encouraged to explore their beliefs using critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate what they believe.”

- 94%

“My school teaches me about the value of love and respect for people of all races.”

- 95%

“We have a program of service activities that I can use to teach the children about how their faith connects to helping others.”

- 93%

St. Benedict Preparatory School

“Religious instruction is academically rigorous and rooted in Catholic catechetical teaching.”

- 98%

What Make SBPS Different

No additional instructional/book fee

20 Middle School

No mandatory service hours

Creative Writing Sportology Artificial Intelligence

Most school supplies included in tuition (only need to buy a few things during summer) (Tuition covers approx $320 per student)

No mandatory fundraising Field trips in PK-5 are included in the tuition

(approx $115 per student)

Middle School programming

(Electives, Advisory, Agora, Bengal Prep, House)

Inclusion Program, Full-Time Nurse and Counselor

State of the School 2024

Electives

(Inspirit AI – AI Education Program

by Stanford + MIT Graduates)

Community Outreach Theater Art Civil Rights Creative Writing Popular Literature Coding Journalism Gardening Dance Epic Engineering Geometry International Studies Forensics Communications Band Strings

Technology Makes a Significant Impact on Schoo What does the Annual Tech Fee go toward?

We are raising the Tech Fee this year for grades 1-8 to $325 per student. Did you know that SBPS spends on average $ $438 per student in grades 6-8? The tech fee only covers a portion of the per pupil expense such as the laptop and lea tion, safety and security measures, online subscriptions and Office 365. Online textbooks and technology personnel ar SBPS TECHNOLOGY SPENDING (see below for some of the largest categories for per pupil tech expense).

$87.51 per student

safety and security

$27.32 per student

student and staff productivity & communications

$54.80 per K-5 student iReady Platform

$40.51 per student

Internet and Te Infrastructure

As you can see, the cost of integrating technology in the educational experience for SBPS students comes with a sign did not exist 5 years ago. Schools need to employ important safety measures and the demands on the network have in years. With our eyes always on the future, we’ve been able to meet the ever-changing technology needs of education.

Each year, SPBS invests in our technology infrastructure and tools to enhance teaching, learning and communications nology is embedded into every part of our lives because it provides a wealth of benefits—efficiency, access, connectiv few. The same can be said for the benefits of technology in education when used as a tool for learning and teaching.

HERE ARE JUST 7 REASONS WHY TECHNOLOGY IS IMPORTANT IN A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION:

1. Access to information and resources such as digital libraries, online platforms and open educational resources.

2. Connects the classroom experience to the real world 3. Prepares students for the post-secondary school and the modern workplace – students learn digital literacy, inform collaboration and communication, creativity and innovation.

4. Global awareness and cultural exchange 5. Supports different types of learning styles 6. Teaches students how to be responsible online 7. Adds a fun factor to learning through educational games, online polls, coding and programming

St. Benedict Preparatory School

ol Budgets

$467 per student in grades K-5 and ase costs, accidental damage protecre NOT included in this total.

1

ech e

$246.00 per grades 1-8 student

Laptop lease, accidental damage protection, warranty and case

nificant price tag. Many of these costs ncreased significantly over the past

s, and student and staff safety. Techvity, and personalization, to name a

mation management,

S T. B E N E D I C T P R E PA R ATO R Y S C H O O L

Aspirations

2028

2023-2028 Strategic Plan Overview Summary To view our 5-Year Plan, please go to: stbenedict.com.

Learn Fearlessly. Lead Responsibly. Serve Joyfully.