St. Albert the Great Roman Catholic School’s annual State of the School Address took place on Tuesday, September 27, at the St. Albert the Great Church. School Principal, Edward Vittardi delivered the addressed, introduced by Pastor Fr. Edward Estok, who welcomed those who attended.
The presentation began with Vittardi introducing teachers, staff and PTO members. He then highlighted the school’s mission statement: “Our missions is to work with families, to educate each child, to know, believe, and live the Catholic faith and to continue life-long learning.”
St. Albert the Great School has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence twice. To continue that type of excellence, Vittardi talked about the goals for the 2016-17 school year, “the big C’s continued focus” on deeper compassion, Care and Concern, Consistency, Catholicity, Collaborative, Continuity, Cohesiveness, Creativity, Cooperativeness, Communion, Climate and Culture in an effort to be “second to none.”
The 2016-17 school year opened with continued significant enrollment, said Vittardi. The school is over 98% of capacity, with 801 students, ranging from Kindergarten through Grade 8. The Preschool opened with 115 students, to make a combined enrollment of 916 students; an increase of 70 students, 163 more than the 2013-14 school year. There is currently a waiting list for this school year in Grades 2, 4, 5 and 6. Vittardi went on to explain the enrollment process, which starts with a tour and is completed with a new family dinner. In addition to North Royalton, the school districts represented at St. Albert the Great school include Brecksville, Brunswick, Parma, Strongsville, Highland and others.
The funds that support the operation of St. Albert the Great school come from the following: 4% PTO, 26% ($900,000) Parish Support; 27% ($915,000) Public Funds; and 43% ($1.45 million) Tuition. St. Albert the Great tuition is $2,260, compared to the average diocesan tuition in 2015-16 is $4,209.00. More than 88% of schools in the diocese charge $3,000 and above. The cost per pupil expenditure in the diocese is 76.55%, versus 50.22% at St. Albert the Great.
Vittardi then talked of the 2015-16 test results. The Iowa Core Composite Test results showed the following results: Grade 1, 70; Grade 2, 74; Grade 3, 76; Grade 4, 79; Grade 5, 75; Grade 6, 66 and Grade 7, 71. The Ohio Writing Proficiency Test, with 55% of students at advanced proficiency, scored 98% for Grade 3, and 100% for both Grade 5 and 7. ACT Aspire 8th
Grade results were scored at 69 for Math, 76 for Reading, 67 for Writing, 81 for Science and 77 for English.
The measures taken to ensure the safety of students and staff were then discussed, to include the first diocesan Navigate System; on-time reporting of students via Smartphone; upgraded beepers for staff which allow for police notification with one touch; an updated Ohio Crisis Plan with training and the presence of a paid North Royalton Police Department presence for PTO. An ongoing safety and security committee is formed and the radio communication is established directly with the North Royalton Transportation Department and the North Royalton Police Department.
Vittardi was happy to report that the school received the Plain Dealer Top Work Places award in 2016; had eight staff members receive the Golden Apple award; and a variety of students who have been recognized as Every Day Saints and Honor Roll recognition. Over 98.6% of graduation students go to the high school of their choice, 75% of which are catholic high schools. Graduating students received over $385,000 in high school scholarships. Recognition was then given to a group of students for their individual efforts.
Vittardi highlighted the various efforts made in the spirit of charity and service, including: Grade 6 donated $800+ from the EconomMart and made blankets for Fairview Hospital; Grade 5 made blankets for Care on the Square; more than 50 care boxes were sent to the military and a Veteran’s Salute was hosted; hats, mittens and scarfs were supplied to Christ Child Society; hundreds of toys donated to Cops for Kids; Christmas toys and socks to St. Michael the Archangel outreach; Easter basket for servicemen; prayer cards for the sick of the parish; monthly food donations to Family Aid; donations to the El Salvador mission; Grade 2 makes cards for Send Love Today; participation in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts; over $5,000 donated to parish families and $5,419 to the American Heart Association.
The following permanent improvements have been made: copy room to former Manna room and Manna room moved to conference room; air conditioned clinic/nurse’s office; painting Manna room/ conference room and Grade 2 classrooms; Learning Center/Cafeteria walkway enclosed; Library tutoring room; Tutor room developed in breezeway; modular unit; restrooms to serve old and new modular units; new pre-school room; STEM Lab.
Looking to the 2016-17 school year includes a preschool addition and STEM Lab addition. STEM 2017 is a three phase plan that has begun, including an advisory team of twenty parents and staff. Phase one includes the STEM Hub/Z Space; Phase two includes professional development and Phase three includes infusion equipment. Grade five has been added to 6-8 for the iPad. A new policy of safety of children instituted with a secure filtering program. Internet Safety program returns. The school received a $30,000 Raskalb Foundation Grant, thanks to Dr. Ferris Anthony to help fund the Orton Gillingham Reading Program. The new year six year cycle of OCSAA Accreditation begins, with goals developed in catholic identity and academic achievement. Jon Peterson Scholarships have resulted in the addition of nine new staff members.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer