Ursuline Academy Strategic Plan: Imagine the Possibilities

The Ursuline Academy

Strategic Plan 2009

Imagine the Possibilities‌

Vision Statement Ursuline Academy will attain recognition as one of the best schools in Massachusetts for young women, characterized by the Ursuline tradition of academic excellence and personalized educational experiences. To realize this vision, we must rise to the challenge of seven Strategic Initiatives.

Strategic Initiative I: Mission Integration Strategic Initiative II: Academics Strategic Initiative III: Student Life Strategic Initiative IV: Athletics Strategic Initiative V: Fine Arts Strategic Initiative VI: Technology Strategic Initiative VII: Facilities

Mission Statement Ursuline Academy is a Catholic school for young women that provides a college preparatory education rooted in the traditions and values of St. Angela Merici: • Excellence in education; • Respect for the uniqueness of the individual; • Development of the whole person; • Community and family spirit; • Cultivation of leadership qualities; • Willingness to serve others, as embodied in its motto,

SERVIAM

History of Ursuline Academy The mission of Ursuline Academy is rooted in the vision and charism of St. Angela Merici, a woman truly unique for her time.

In the mid-sixteenth century, God sent a vision to a devout and willing woman of faith as she returned from a long pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Though we may never know what message St. Angela Merici received from God, it was in good time and with clear vision that she established a small Company of women who made every effort to provide education and guidance to young women. During those times, education for women was generally reserved for wealthy classes or nuns, and Angela recognized that to foster young women in mind and faith was to acknowledge her call from God. Active and devoted lay persons found her an inspiring leader, deeply faithful to the Church, and filled by the Spirit with a confidence in women’s own capability. Angela read the “signs of the times” and carried forth a mission that would honor education in all things, for women of all circumstances. She created the Ursuline Order and made it her life’s mission to serve those seeking spiritual and educational guidance. Her vision for young women was expressed through her life’s work, and is confirmed by the present Ursuline Constitutions: “Our Ursuline tradition of education offers a Christian vision of the person and the world; enables young women to view their culture in the light of faith and to be a gospel leaven, that is, to be leaders actively engaged in the concerts of their own ‘marketplace’, creatively involving themselves in the restructuring of a more just society.”

St. Angela Merici created the Ursuline Order to serve as a beacon of hope for young women, and in turn set fire to a mission that continues to bring light to students around the world. True to Angela’s spirit, the order retains its devotion to the vision and principles of educational excellence while honoring innovation and exercising flexibility to meet the needs of changing times. As opportunities for young women continue to multiply, it is our responsibility to preserve the Ursuline mission by meeting the advancements and challenges of tomorrow with enthusiasm.

Long ago, Angela asked her Company “to take great care that the good directions given you are observed in earnest” and in the same breath added, “If, with change of times and circumstances, it becomes necessary to make fresh rules or to alter anything, do it with prudence, after taking good advice.” – Last Legacy The legacy of St. Angela Merici serves as a strong foundation upon which we continue to build. It is with confidence in our legacy that we present a blueprint for the future of Ursuline Academy.

History Ursuline Academy provides young women with a well-rounded academic program rooted in the values and traditions of a strong Ursuline tradition: excellence in education, respect for the uniqueness of the individual, development of the whole person, community and family spirit, cultivation of leadership qualities and willingness to serve others, as embodied in its motto, Serviam.

The fundamental goal of an Ursuline education is to infuse this mission into all aspects of daily life and to instill in students an appreciation for service and a commitment to learning.

Ursuline Academy’s uniqueness lies in its ability to maintain this important balance between a rigorous academic program and the total development of the student’s heart, will and intellect.

H Strategic Initiative I

H Strategic Initiative II

Ursuline Academy will distinguish itself as an exemplary Catholic School through the lives of its students, faculty and alumnae living out the mission teachings of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline order.

Ursuline Academy will reflect excellence throughout its challenging and well-integrated academic curriculum designed to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Rationale

Rationale

“Exercise pleasantness toward all, taking great care what you have commanded may never be done by reason or force. For God has given free will to everyone, and therefore never forces anyone – but only indicates, calls and persuades.”

The true test of a successful Ursuline Academy graduate comes not before her graduation day; rather, in her first year as a college student. Was she able to produce well-written research papers in good time? Did she utilize the study skills she mastered in high school to break down and retain advanced subject matter? Did she display leadership qualities in a group, or even a class? Did she extend herself to others and form friendships in unlikely places? Did she help others?

These words of St. Angela Merici indicate that her goal was not to force the divine mission on young women; rather, she hoped to set a strong example so that they may be encouraged to enter the world as confident and spiritual leaders.

In the same way, Ursuline Academy hopes to incorporate the spiritual experience and mission into all aspects of life at the school to further enhance the academic, athletic and social life of students. In making the mission more visible around the school, students will be more apt to make it their own. While it is clear that the Ursuline students understand the sacred mission of Serviam, it is more important that they be encouraged to live accordingly on a daily basis: in the classroom, on the athletic field, upon the stage or in the world.

Our Commitment

Our Commitment

With prayerful reflection, we intend to research and explore,

With prayerful reflection, we intend to research and explore,

to make certain that class size directly facilitates the lowest possible student-to-faculty ratio, therefore insuring consistent academic support.

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to extend the hours in the school day, which would accommodate additional educational and extracurricular opportunities.

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to further enhance professional development to consistently address interdisciplinary and technological progress.

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to enhance and/or develop prayer/reflection space to further support the spiritual development of our community.

to expand class offerings to enhance the curriculum while meeting or exceeding current standards for college preparatory programs.

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to expand our students’ spiritual and social horizons by forging relationships with brother schools, which may afford opportunities to collaborate in community-building efforts.

to expand religious and non-religious based curricula to embrace the tradition of St Angela and the Ursuline order.

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to provide educators and staff with opportunities for spiritual development so that they may transmit the message of Serviam to their students.

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to ensure that the divine and enduring legacy of St. Angela Merici is the focal point of academic, athletic and social life at Ursuline Academy – both physically and mentally.

Monthly liturgies, seasonal celebrations, prayer services and annual religious retreats are conducted to enhance spiritual development.

Groups like Students Offer Service and the Peer Ministry Program, and events like Mission Day, empower students to be socially conscious leaders in service. The Ursuline curriculum includes a challenging study of scripture, morality and ethics, and a devoted faculty has made it their mission to teach in accordance with Ursuline tradition.

Ursuline Academy has a long history of turning out bright, successful young women who are academically prepared to handle even the highest levels of academia. This preparation is rooted in the strong educational system that is consistently evaluated and improved by administrators and staff. Class size, scheduling, guidance, technology and course expansion are just a few of the criteria that require consistent attention. Evaluation of competitive academic institutions reveals that Ursuline is competitive, and as the standards for college acceptance increase, so should academic opportunities at Ursuline Academy.

to forge relationships with other academic establishments where our students might find opportunities to explore new or relevant subject matter.

History The Ursuline Academy curriculum is rooted in the mission of St. Angela Merici and the Ursuline Order, who made it their life’s work to empower women by educating them fully in mind and spirit.

Since 1947, when the first Ursuline class graduated from the Arlington Street campus, hundreds of young women have been graduated from Ursuline with the intellect to achieve and the courage to succeed in the world. Ursuline offers a diverse program of integrated and intensive courses designed to inspire thought, spark conversation and instill wisdom.

English, Science, Mathematics, History, Religion, Language and Arts classes are offered at multiple skill levels, ensuring that each student is supported in her academic pursuits. Classes are tactfully organized to allot time for extended study, academic assistance or extracurricular opportunities which provide students with outlets to explore beyond the classroom.

In recent years, technology has become a common resource for administrators, teachers, students and parents alike. To prepare students for college, Ursuline provides competitive academics, advanced placement and honors classes, and consistent advisement through the application process. Ursuline Academy has maintained its commitment to academic excellence and will consistently strive to enhance the learning experience for years to come.

History The unique value of an Ursuline Academy education lies in the development of the complete person − her heart, will and intellect. While academics are top priority for all students, each is encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that allow for personal growth and creative expression.

With the support of faculty moderators, the school sponsors various clubs, activities and athletic programs designed to foster self-esteem and discipline. Many of these activities are built into the school day, and allow students to break away from the text book for a period of communication and cooperation.

Ursuline Academy will embrace and encourage co-curricular activities as a means to engage students and faculty in the inner spirit of the school as well as in the life lessons, friendships and educational opportunities created through student life services and activities.

Ursuline Academy will strive to integrate the physical and social health of our students though competitive athletic programs offered within our educational environment designed to develop well-rounded individuals.

Rationale

Rationale

Ursuline Academy is committed to fostering excellence in the classroom and beyond. Administrators and faculty are constantly working to improve and enhance a day in the life of the Ursuline student, so that she may reach her full potential. An in-depth analysis of life at Ursuline Academy was conducted by faculty, students and parents who were willing to reveal key features of the experience that necessitate improvement: student empowerment and leadership, the college counseling process, atmosphere enhancement, alumnae involvement, family support, functionality of utilities, student safety, and communication lines amongst faculty, administrators, students and parents. Colleges are growing increasingly competitive and seek well-rounded, able leaders to fill the seats of their freshmen classes. It is crucial for the Ursuline student to build her confidence and brand her individual talents at an early age, so that she will have a strong voice as a woman and a leader. To consistently improve life for the Ursuline students is to provide them with the resources and support they need to confidently enter the world.

Ursuline was certainly ahead of its time by providing athletic opportunities for young women; however, there has been a significant increase in the standards of high school athletics in the past decade. Where once it was commendable to simply have a program in place, it is now essential for high schools to produce well-trained, collegiate-worthy athletes. While determination and hard work must come from the athletes themselves, it is up to the school to provide a sturdy program by hiring experienced coaches and trainers, improving facilities and technology and providing necessary equipment and uniforms. The assessment of various other private, Catholic institutions indicates that improvements to the athletic program do not need to interfere with the mission of the school or academics. The ability of a school to offer additional opportunities which encourage leadership while developing athletic skills is essential to supporting a diverse student body. The success of an athletic program is reflected in the consequential success of its student athletes, and those achievements contribute to the overall reputation of the school. Therefore, it is important for Ursuline to consistently advance, organize and expand its competitive athletic program while ensuring the physical and mental health of the student body.

Our Commitment With prayerful reflection, we intend to research and explore to consistently improve and expand online resources to allow for effective communication between parents, students, faculty and alumnae.

to enhance/expand classroom space to feature interactive technology and modern amenities.

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to execute social and/or academic opportunities to facilitate meaningful relationships with young men from area schools.

to expand and leverage outside facilities to adequately support and consequently expand athletic programs. to consider the benefits of institutionalizing funding to support athletics, while sequentially establishing ways to increase fan/booster support.

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to create friendly environments where students can socialize and study.

to construct a wellness/athletic complex to benefit all members of the Ursuline community.

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to make a financial commitment to consistently upgrade technological and educational tools to meet the highest of academic standards.

With prayerful reflection, we intend to research and explore

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to encourage students who wish to contribute to the effort of improving student life on campus.

Our Commitment y

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While current students are certainly benefiting from the many opportunities afforded by Ursuline, there is an ongoing effort to also connect with alumnae who may be eager to increase involvement with their alma mater.

H Strategic Initiative IV

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In the spirit of Serviam, students are also encouraged to devote extra time to community service initiatives. A select group of students work as peer ministers and encourage younger students to deepen their relationships with classmates, while strengthening their personal faith.

H Strategic Initiative III

to maintain an enduring athletic program by hiring an appropriate number of experienced coaches and trainers, each of whom is expected to act as a role model to students.

History Over three decades ago, the stipulations of Title IX delineated the standards for athletic programs across the country and consequently encouraged numerous high schools to evaluate their extracurricular opportunities for female students.

With or without federal funding, schools abruptly modified their programs in the interest of the students, and to remain competitive. At that time, Ursuline Academy and many other single-sex educational establishments were ahead of the game, as they had no option but to execute athletic opportunities for interested students.

It was years before Ursuline athletes saw tough competition, simply because they were fortunate to have a well established single-sex athletic program from the start. With teamwork and individual effort, Ursuline athletes have set school records and won awards including Boston Globe Singelais, All-Scholastic Awards and MIAA Team Academic Excellence and Sportsmanship Awards.

Currently, the school offers five fall sports, three winter sports and five spring sports for student athletes of all abilities to enjoy.

History In accordance with Ursuline tradition, Ursuline Academy is committed to the development of the whole person, and therefore recognizes the importance of nurturing a community in which students have opportunities to foster unique talents and interests. For years, the school has maintained a Fine Arts Program that provides Music, Dramatic and Visual Arts instruction through various curricular and extra-curricular opportunities.

Ursuline Academy hopes to manifest a stronger interest in the arts delivered through diverse extracurricular opportunities which are rooted in the arts, designed to encourage students to discover, develop and demonstrate their talents and interests as well-rounded, creative individuals.

Ursuline Academy will enhance and expand student learning opportunities, improve communications throughout its internal and external communities and maximize productivity throughout the administration, faculty and staff through a strategic technology plan that will ensure a state-of-the art technology environment.

Rationale

Rationale

Ursuline Academy is dedicated to providing a strong curriculum that will equip each student intellectually and practically to pursue higher education and to respond confidently to the challenges that lie ahead. Ursuline has certainly succeeded in this endeavor and is known for developing intelligent and confident young women who are well-prepared for the challenges of a university program. However, in examining the current dynamics of higher education, it is clear that it has evolved to include countless opportunities for young women to thrive in subjects not necessarily derived from text books. Communications, dramatic and visual arts, music composition and art history are among the most popular of majors at even the most distinguished universities, and it is important for high school students to develop their creative talents early so that they may have the opportunity to ripen their skill at a higher level. The assessment of various other private schools reveals that the Fine Arts Program at Ursuline Academy is competitive; however, there are certain steps that need to be taken to organize and expand the program to benefit current students while attracting those creative-minded prospective students. By implementing a department head and reinventing the program to include a wider array of courses alongside core programs, students will find opportunities to explore new ideas and flourish inside the classroom and beyond.

While Ursuline has taken many steps to improve communication and enhance the classroom experience, there are still many ways to improve. The internal review of competitive private schools in the Greater Boston area reveals that technology training has become increasingly prominent in the general curriculum. Also, it has become essential for faculty members to receive regular instruction so that they can better serve as leaders. In order for Ursuline Academy to exceed current standards, a comprehensive technology plan must be established to ensure the following: an effective communication network for all constituencies, increased use of communication networks by all, well-trained faculty who are able to utilize the latest software, improved internet access and server security, infusion of technology to enhance classroom experience and creative utilization of space to expand resources.

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to ensure that the appropriate hardware, software and interactive/ multimedia resources are installed and ultimately incorporated into classroom instruction.

to seek grants from various organizations to ensure that arts programs are enhanced with adequate resources.

to constantly seek ways to advance technologically, in all areas.

to implement a department head or director to reorganize and expand the programs that are in place. to cultivate relationships with area schools to increase participation in the arts and provide opportunities to form healthy friendships.

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to find or create adequate space to accommodate fine arts programs, and to outfit these spaces with appropriate resources.

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to ensure that our faculty will continue to receive ongoing technological instruction, so to remain current.

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to provide faculty with the latest software tools so that they can more effectively utilize interactive tools in the classroom.

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to consistently improve communication with the entire Ursuline community by updating/maintaining online communication portals, such as Edline and UrsulineAcademy.net.

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to expand current course offerings, and perhaps the school day, to include additional opportunities to foster creative interests.

With prayerful reflection, we intend to research and explore

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With prayerful reflection, we intend to research and explore

Our Commitment y

Our Commitment

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There are many opportunities to play a part in the arts at Ursuline Academy; however, the attention awarded to current programs is somewhat limited and the organization often falls to a restricted number of willing moderators. The Fine Arts Program has survived for many years, and there is now an opportunity to make it thrive.

H Strategic Initiative VI

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Those interested in music are encouraged to join one of two singing groups, or an instrumental ensemble. While Visual Arts is available to seventh and eighth graders weekly, upper school students are encouraged to take a senior art elective or to join an extracurricular club. Those interested in Drama participate in two annual productions, or exercise similar talents in Dance or Speech Club.

The Humanities Club provides students with an introduction to the performing arts by inviting interesting performers with varying talents to entertain students, as well as organizing outings to Boston productions.

H Strategic Initiative V

History Ursuline Academy has taken those crucial steps to remain technologically competitive, and has established a working foundation for a technology plan that will advance the school over the next decade. The up-to-date computer lab, a feature of the new science wing, is a place for students to improve keyboard and design skills. The foreign language lab allows students to sharpen verbal and retention skills with the latest interactive software.

Recently, there has been a push to put educational technology into the hands of teachers, parents and students alike. The first step was to introduce Edline, an online Ursuline community that allows teachers to post grades, parents to gather information about their child, and students to find educational resources provided by teachers.

Faculty members received laptop computers and hands-on technical support to make for a smooth transition. Once the teachers were comfortably connected, interactive white boards were installed into various classrooms to provide interesting and interactive content in the classroom.

In 2008, Ursuline launched a state-of-the-art website that is maintained on a daily basis, providing timely information for current parents and students, connecting alumnae through an online community and attracting prospective students with intriguing content.

H Strategic Initiative VII Ursuline Academy will create and provide attractive, accessible and competitive facilities to support its enrollment, academic, athletic and extra-curricular needs through a strategic space utilization plan supported by capital improvements and exceptional ongoing maintenance.

H H H H H A Call to Action…

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Rationale History In 1957, The Ursuline Order acquired a picturesque twenty-eight acre estate in the quiet back woods of Dedham, Massachusetts, and built a modest school to accommodate their students. Just above the campus sat a beautiful brick mansion, which the Ursuline Sisters creatively transformed into a Convent that has remained in pristine condition.

With prayerful reflection, we intend to research and explore to develop and maintain state-of-the-art facilities which will effectively support academic, social, athletic and religious life.

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to implement environmentally friendly practices in regard to the daily up-keep and future creation/expansion of facilities.

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to utilize currently occupied space effectively, while simultaneously seeking opportunities to renovate/expand to meet long term goals.

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While consistent movements have been made to maintain the school and grounds, there are now plans in place to enhance student life through the reorganization, expansion or improvement of indoor and outdoor facilities.

Our Commitment y

Since the opening of the school, many have worked to ensure that the school and grounds remain aesthetically pleasing and that existing space be properly utilized to accommodate the students on campus, and the Sisters at home.

Ursuline Academy’s building and grounds have always been extremely clean and wellmaintained. While there are certainly not enough acres to accommodate large or multiple expansion projects, the school has utilized its space well and was able to add a state-of-the-art science wing and additional classroom space in 2002. This process took a great deal of planning, as it was the first expansion venture since the school was built; however, the benefits have outweighed the costs and many Ursuline students have and will benefit from the improvement.

It is true that the two long hallways of Ursuline Academy have barely changed since the first graduating class walked through them. However, it is often said that one should not fix something that is not broken, and many Ursuline students take great pride in the history of their school building and its modest yet inviting appearance. Over the years, changes have been made to the school that have significantly improved the academic, social and athletic life of the students without losing the ‘je ne sais quoi’ of the original campus. This fact alone demonstrates that by prioritizing short and long term needs and following through, the school will be able to improve in a step by step fashion that will not disrupt life for students, teachers or the Ursuline sisters. An external review of competitive private schools reveals that Ursuline is somewhat behind in technology integration, athletic and performing arts facilities, and perhaps even multifunctional common spaces. Therefore, the school is working to improve life for its nearly four hundred students by proactively addressing maintenance and ground issues, reorganizing classroom and study space, utilizing areas of the school that are currently not practical and developing a comprehensive site plan to allow future expansion and improvement of facilities.

to update common spaces, such as the lobby, locker room and senior lounge to create welcoming and functional environments for students and guests.

The time has come… for Ursuline Academy to sustain our superior academic programs, to nurture and develop our talented and dedicated faculty and to engage our committed parents and highly accomplished alumnae community.

It is within our power to secure our place among the best schools for young women in the country. This plan provides a road map to guide us toward that goal.

Together, we begin the first steps on that collective journey.

Imagine the possibilities!

Rosann Whiting, President Mary Jo Gorman Keaney ’82, Principal (2009–) Sister Mercedes Videira, O.S.U., Principal (1986–2009) David Putnam, Chairman of the Board Marianne LeBlanc ’86, Strategic Planning Chair

Ursuline Academy Inspiring young women to achieve their full potential

85 Lowder Street • Dedham, MA 02026