One of the wonderful things about being open and transparent about our school, by inviting our families and community members into the school, is the feedback we get from them regarding the things we have every right to be proud of as well as those things that need our attention if our goal is to be the best we can be.  So I thought I’d take the time this week to cite a couple  of the things that have garnered us commendations as well as one of the recommendations received from visitors and families experiencing MCS this year.

Commendations

• MCS is to be commended for having a wonderful group of volunteers and a very vibrant PTO.  Outside observers often comment on the positive vibe and energy exhibited by our families and especially our PTO. Examples include the front door greeters, those who help with lunch duty each day, class parents who plan activities and help organize field trips or serve as chaperones. Parents and grandparents, have brought lessons to the classrooms, read stories, provided sub services, or shared their careers or talents. They serve as Lab Learner assistants, they drive sports carpools or work the concession stand during games. They are involved in the 4th of July Fireworks Event, Welcome Back Social, Trunk or Treat, A Tasteful Evening Wine & Beer Tasting, PTO family events, father/daughter & mother/son dances or events, magazine drives, book fairs, the Christmas Festival, the Beat the Chill/Climb The Hill Road Race, the Golf Tournament, concessions at school events, serve as coaches in our sports and STEAM programs (i.e. robotics, ham radio, cyber patriot), etc..

• MCS and the diocese are to be commended for creating a more formal development program. Our families and visitors realize that marketing and development have become essential activities for everyone who is committed to the mission of Catholic education. It is no longer feasible for Catholic schools to take enrollment and financial support for granted. The appointment of Sara Marshall as Director of Advancement has enabled MCS to expand and improve our ability to generate revenue by identifying potential major donors – individual, corporate and foundations .  We've also be able to implement individual giving campaigns and research grant opportunities.  Sara’s position allows us to better oversee all major school fundraising activities to develop a consistent, organized approach.  There has been tremendous progress made in establishing and maintaining a database of donors and school alumni related to development activities and targeted communications.  Finally, Sara’s office is also responsible for redesigning the weekly school newsletters, writing and submitting press releases and news articles and producing all marketing materials linked with specific development campaigns.

Recommendations

• MCS has a standard uniform code that needs to be enforced.  This type of feedback is generally delivered on days when mass is held at school. Major transgressions include:

Middle school girls are often found to be wearing skorts that are too tight or too short.  (Our uniform closet is quite full and we invite parents to visit it before purchasing items for their rapidly growing children).

Middle school boys are not all wearing school ties with their winter uniform.

Students in grades k-8 are often observed to be wearing footwear that is not in keeping with the handbook.  Specifically, black or brown casual or rubber soled shoes are the footwear required by code. Sneakers are only for gym day.

Students in grades k-8 are often observed with their shirts untucked and/or not wearing a belt.  As a concession to fashion, girls, wearing skorts, may wear polos or blue dress shirts untucked.

  Please visit our website below to view the student handbook to better familiarize yourself on how your children should be dress when coming to school on a daily basis and thank you for helping make MCS the pride of the Diocese of Providence