Ascension Parishioners,
Our school community continues to thrive in its dedication to our mission: Developing Christian Thought Leaders. This mission is evident in the culture of our school, where our students display kindness, thoughtfulness, resilience, and a genuine desire to grow both academically and spiritually. Their actions reflect a commitment to living out their faith daily, which is an inspiration to all of us.
On November 19, our second graders received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in a beautiful celebration of God’s mercy and love. This milestone is a profound moment in their faith journey, as they experience the healing power of forgiveness and grow closer to Christ. We are so proud of these students as they take this significant step in their spiritual lives, supported by their families and the Ascension community.
A special thank you to our amazing PTO and everyone who made Trivia Night a huge success! This event raised over $9,000, which will directly fund technology upgrades for our classrooms, new curriculum materials, and professional development opportunities for our dedicated teachers. Your generosity and enthusiasm make it possible for us to continue providing an excellent education rooted in faith and values.
In October, the Archdiocese School Support Team spent the day at Ascension, meeting with stakeholders, observing classes, and reviewing our progress. Here is a summary of our goals, findings, and areas for improvement:
Mission and Catholic Identity
- Findings: The mission, “Developing Christian Thought Leaders,” is embraced by all, fostering faith-filled actions and a strong Catholic identity.
- Improvement: Strengthen the focus on Catholic identity alongside the broader Christian mission.
Governance and Leadership
- Findings: Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)—regular meetings where teachers collaborate and use data to improve instruction—are effective in promoting collaboration and supporting student growth.
- Improvement: Reintroduce Project-Based Learning (PBL) and expand classroom walkthroughs to ensure consistent differentiation.
Academic Excellence
- Findings: The Amplify curriculum is improving literacy and closing gaps, with positive feedback from teachers and parents.
- Improvement: Increase focus on differentiated instruction across all classrooms and integrate literacy goals into all subjects.
Operational Vitality
- Findings: Revitalized marketing materials, including the Open House booklet, are effectively highlighting our Catholic identity.
- Improvement: Expand marketing strategies to reach more families and raise awareness of Ascension in the broader community.
The team praised Ascension for its faith-driven mission, academic focus, and welcoming community. Please see the full report on our website at www.ascension-parish.com under “Accreditation,” and feel free to contact Terry at terry@ascension-parish.com with any questions!
As we journey through Advent, our students and teachers are embracing this season of hope and preparation with prayer, acts of service, and reflections on the coming of Christ. Inspired by our mission to “Develop Christian Thought Leaders,” we encourage our students to integrate faith and leadership in their daily lives, helping them grow spiritually and intellectually as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth. These activities guide us in staying focused on the true meaning of Christmas, even as we look forward to the excitement of the holiday break.
On behalf of the entire Ascension School community, I wish you and your family a joyful Advent season and a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for your continued prayers and support.