Director's Corner - Various Updates

It is hard to believe that the 2011-2012 academic year is almost over.  When was the last time we could say that the last day of school occurred not only prior to June 1^st, but also a week prior to Memorial Day.  Based on the many comments I have heard, all are excited and looking forward to a longer summer break, especially after a year with no breaks due to inclement weather.  Certainly my prayer is that your summer is filled with fun, relaxation and family time.

Pre-Registration Update

Our current enrollment count of actual pre-registered students for 2012-2013 is 1261. There are still 98 currently enrolled students whose families have not submitted a Pre-Registration Form for 2012-2013.  If all pre-register and we gain no additional new students through the summer, our first day enrollment count will be 1359 – an increase of 6 students over the 2011-2012 first day count.  From looking at our history over the past 5 years, we know that some of those who are currently enrolled will not pre-register and we will gain new students.  Of the 1261 pre-registered student, 126 are new.  We have averaged 159 new students over the past 6 years.  The indicators certainly are positive and potentially indicate an increase in enrollment over last year

I encourage all who have not yet pre-registered, to do so.  It is imperative that we utilize accurate enrollment counts as we make important decisions concerning budget and staffing for the 2012-2013 school year.   If there are questions or the need for any kind of information, please contact me or anyone at Central Office.  We are eager to be of assistance and to “count you in” for 2012-2013.

We continue to proactively provide potential new families with information about the benefits of partnering with Owensboro Catholic Schools.  I encourage you to continue sharing your positive OCS experience with your friends and neighbors.  Karen Gross (686-8896 and karen.gross@owensborocatholic.org) would love to hear from you about any families that might be interested so that she can personally follow-up with them.

2012-2013 Staffing Decisions

As we close out one year and look toward the next one, one area that is carefully reviewed is our staffing needs for the new academic year.  At its recent meeting, the Leadership Team thoroughly looked at each school and utilized the following factors before making its recommendations to Fr. Brad Whistle and the Education Council at its meeting on Monday, April 30^th:
Projected pre-registration enrollment counts by grade and school
Retiring Teachers
Teachers who will not be returning
Opportunities to best serve our students, their families and our staffs in each school

With the approval of Fr. Brad and the Council, the following positions have been posted on our website.  I ask your help in sharing this information with anyone you think might be interested in joining the OCS team.  Please have them contact Karen Taber in Central Office for more information (686-8896 and karen.taber@owensborocatholic.org).
OCES K-3 and 4-6 Campus – Guidance Counselor to serve jointly serve both schools
OCES K-3 Campus – Kindergarten Aide
OCES 4-6 Campus – 6^th Grade Teacher with emphasis in Science
OCMS - Two full-time teachers with certification in English, Math and/or Social Studies
OCHS – Three teachers with certification in Math, Chemistry, English and Social Studies

Please note:
The Guidance Counselor and two of the teacher positions at OCHS are new positions.  Adding a Guidance Counselor to the staff at the OCES K-3 and 4-6 Campuses is much needed and long overdue.  The goal is to start with one and at some point when the necessary resources are available to hire a second so that each school will be served by a Guidance Counselor.  This was viewed by all as a very positive step and enthusiastically approved

Two of the three teachers are new positions.  The need for these new teachers at OCHS is being driven by a projected significant increase in enrollment.  Current enrollment is 453 and we are projecting the enrollment in 2012-2013 to be near 490 students.  They are needed to provide necessary and appropriate class scheduling opportunities for our students in order to fulfill the OCS Mission of providing excellence in faith formation and academics at OCHS.

What exciting news for all in the OCS community!

Dates to Remember
OCHS Graduation – Sunday, May 13^th (2:00 PM at the SportsCenter)
OCES 4-6 Closing Mass/6^th Grade Completion – Monday, May 21^st (9:00 AM at Blessed Mother
OCMS Graduation – Monday, May 21^st (7:00 PM at Immaculate)
Last Day of School – Monday, May 21^st
Registration Event for 2012-2013  – Wednesday, July 25^th (12:00 to 6:00 PM at OCHS)
First Day of School (2012-2013 Academic Year) – Wednesday, August 8^th

I appreciate all you do to help us fulfill our mission of excellence in Catholic faith formation and academics.  As always, your comments and insights are important to me.  I can be reached via phone at 852-8028 and email at ken.rasp@owensborocatholic.org. 

God’s Peace!                                       

Ken R. Rasp