St. Gabriel Parish

St. James Regional Catholic School 

 

  
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Frequently Asked Questions ...

about the regionalization of our Parish School.  If you have a question about the implementation process of the new St. James Regional Catholic School that is not covered here, please email Fr. Sam at frverruni@stgabrielnorwood.org.  We will try to get you an answer and add your question to our FAQ's.

 Thank you for your patience and support as we all go through this process together!

The implementation Committee

updated 2/7/2012

  School Name:

Saint James Regional Catholic School

 School Colors:

Navy Blue and Battleship Grey

 Mascot:

Bulldog

  When will the New Principal be hired?

We have received four resumes of potential principals for St. James Regional Catholic School.  Father Bellopede and Fr. Sam will begin interviewing these candidates over the next few weeks.  The name of the new principal will be announced as soon as a decision is made. 

Current principals from any of the schools that are involved in closing or regionalizing will be eligible to apply as long as they meet the Blue Ribbon Commission requirements for principal.  The staff of the Office of Catholic Education assists the pastors in the selection of the principal.  This is a critically important role within the newly formed regional school and all avenues must be thoroughly pursued to ensure the most qualified person is placed in this leadership role.

 When will teachers and staff be hired?

Once a principal is hired, teachers and administrative staff will begin to be hired.  Teachers and staff from both St. Gabriel School and St. Madeline/St. Rose school will be given priority to fill positions at the new St. James Regional Catholic School.

 What uniforms will the children wear?

The uniform sub-committee met to discuss uniforms and view uniform samples.  We are looking at different options for our new colors (Navy Blue and Battleship Grey) while keeping as much of the existing uniforms as we can.  The implementation team will vote on the uniforms at their meeting on Monday, February 6, 2012 and the final decision will be announced in the next communique.

 Delaware County Intermediate Unit:

There has been concern expressed about service provided by the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU).  St. James will receive Act 89 services.  The amount of service will be based on enrollment numbers.  If you register with St. James Regional Catholic School, DCIU services and all current student files will be transferred over to St. James.  If you have additional concerns, please consult your principal and/or our child's current support staff person from DCIU.

 Will St. James offer a Pre-K program?

 A Pre-K program will be offered at St. James.  We realize that neighboring Pre-K classrooms start registrations before our March 25th open house registration.  The intent letter will help us to determine classrooms needed.  Parishioners of the four feeding parishes (St. Gabriel, St. Madeline, St. Margaret Mary and St. Rose) will get priority.  We feel there will be space for any student wishing to come to St.  James Pre-K Program. 

 Busing (Interboro School District):

We are continuing to look into the busing situation and are currently awaiting answers from the Interboro School district.

A member of the Implementation Committee is working with the interboro school  district to try to resolve our bussing needs.  Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

 Busing (SEDelco School District):

SEDelco school district has confirmed that busing will be provided for students in the SEDelco school district to and from the new St. James Regional School in  Ridley Park, PA.

 Will the supplies and equipment from St. Gabriel’s be taken over to St. James for usage in the new facility?

Yes, any supplies and equipment that will be useful in the new school will be removed from St. Gabriel’s and taken over to St. James in the summer time, once St. Gabriel’s and St. Madeline/St. Rose officially close.  Examples include:  mini-laptop, smartboards, computer desks, etc.  Volunteers will be needed and are encouraged to assist with this process.  Extensive inventory of both schools is currently underway. 

  When does registration begin?

Registration will begin and coincide with the Open House at the St. James Regional School location in Ridley Park on Sunday, March 25th.

  What are the tuition rates?       

While we realize this is a very important question, unfortunately, we do not have an answer at the moment.  We are in the process of estimating enrollment size and creating an operating budget for St. James.  This information will be released as soon as we are able to come up with an accurate cost.

 Will we continue to hold Race for Education?

Race for Education has been a great fundraising tool for us.  We would absolutely like to continue the tradition and implement it into St. James.

 Why was their building selected over ours?

Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer and many factors went into this decision.  However, the reality is that St. Gabriel’s is only operating at 25% of capacity and has a significant operational deficit.  St. Madeline/St. Rose is operating at 50% capacity and operates their school at a surplus. 

 How will CYO run going forward?

CYO is considered a parish-based organization and will remain within their respective parishes.  However, there have already been some conversations between both athletic directors about collaboration when it is needed and warranted.  For example, St. Madeline/St. Rose does not have a football program, so they will market St. Gabriel’s program to their parents/students.

 Is “open enrollment” going to occur?

At this point in time, open enrollment is not going to occur.  St. James Regional Catholic School will be the "parish school" for parishioners of St. Gabriel, St. Madeline & St. Rose.  These parishes will subsidize students at the new regional school.  Parishioners of Holy Spirit, St. George and St. Joseph are encouraged to consult with their pastors about subsidies to St. James Regional Catholic School. 

 There have been rumors about tuition going up significantly and no discount for multiple children.

As stated above, there has not been any decision as it relates to tuition at this time.  This information will be forthcoming as we get a better handle on our finances, operating costs and enrollment numbers.

 What are the recommended guidelines for Archdiocese class size?

Consultation with the pastor(s) and principal as to the specific needs of a particular school is critical in determining class size.  Class size impacts the level of tuition that needs to be in place to provide for a balanced operating budget.  The following chart indicates the recommended guidelines from the Archdiocese as to maximum number of students who should be present in each classroom.

  Without Aide One Aide Two Aides
Pre-K 3 yr olds 12 13 - 17 18 - 22
Pre-K 4 yr olds 17 18 - 21 22 - 25
Combined 3 & 4 yr olds 15 16 - 19 23-Dec
Kindergarten 25 26 - 29 30
Grades 1 - 3 25 - 30     
Grades 4 - 8 30 - 35    
                                    

 Where will the PREP program be located?

According to the Blue Ribbon Commission report, which has a section that specifically deals with Parish Religious Education, All parishes should ... administer successful and effective religious education programs.  The report also states that the parishes should have suitable and appropriate facilities in which to conduct the programs, and therefore, special care should be given when making facility decisions.  Father Sam and Mrs. Connor will work together to assure that we have suitable and appropriate facilities for our PREP program at St. Gabriel Parish. 

 Will the boys/girls scouts still be able to use the building for meetings?

At this time, we do not know the answer.  It will depend on whether or not the building is rented or sold and if the new tenant will allow us access.

 Will there be a CARES program?

Both schools currently offer a CARES programs.  It is our goal to still provide this service as we become St. James.

 What will St. James school hours be?

At this time, we do not know.  Many factors will be taken into consideration, such as enrollment size and busing schedules.  This will be announced at a later date.

 Where will the students make their sacraments?

They will make their sacraments at their respective parishes.  We will try to come up with a resolution as to what grade First Holy Communion will take place (St. Gabriel’s is 2nd grade, St. Madeline/St. Rose is 3rd grade).

 Does the facility have a gymnasium and/or a cafeteria?

Presently, the building does have a gymnasium; however they do not have a cafeteria, as the students eat their lunch in their classrooms.  Once we have a better handle on enrollment numbers we will know how many classrooms we need and whether or not we can incorporate a cafeteria within St. James.

 Will BLOCS be informed of the regionalization?

BLOCS is already aware of the regionalization going on.  In fact, they have delayed sending out their applications until February (normally they are out in January); to allow for some time to pass after the announcement was made.  They are aware that we are regionalizing and are aware of our new name and location.  Their deadline remains April 15th.

 Can we hold some activities with the students/parents of both schools so they get more acquainted prior to September 2012?

This is a great idea and once we get past the open house and registration our Home and School Association will work with their Association to come up with an event or two so the students (and parents) can get to know each other.

 Will there be a celebration at the end of the year for all of us to say goodbye to St. Gabriel’s?

This is also a great idea and at a later point in time the Home and School Association will consider planning an event for both students and parents towards the end of the school year.