Notre Dame de Sion School

Transcription

1 Notre Dame de Sion School Kansas City, Missouri President July 1st,

2 The Position The Notre Dame de Sion School seeks a President to begin July 1st, A Catholic school with an emphasis on peace, justice, and love for people of all faiths, Notre Dame de Sion provides a rigorous academic and spiritual nurturing atmosphere in the school s coeducational Grade School and all-girls High School. To lead this unique institution, Notre Dame de Sion invites applications from a Catholic leader with experience and vision, who will embrace the school s distinct Sion values, tradition, and culture while ushering Notre Dame de Sion into a new phase of its history. Mission Statement The Notre Dame de Sion School of Kansas City is an independent Roman Catholic school providing the highest quality college preparatory education from preschool through grade 12. Sion continues the tradition of the founding sisters, the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion, inviting students to encounter God in a Catholic atmosphere that respects all faith traditions. The school partners with families and the community to prepare students for socially responsible, values-based leadership in a culturally and religiously diverse world. School History The Congregation of Our Lady of Sion, begun in 1843 by Father Theodore Ratisbonne, was founded on a mission of religious tolerance, to witness God s love for the Jewish people. By 1900, Sion schools and orphanages had been created throughout the world, and in 1912, seven Sisters of Sion arrived in Kansas City. Over the next several decades, their educational contributions to the city grew in a school for elementary-aged boys and girls and an allgirls high school in the historic Hyde Park district. In 1962, Sion celebrated the opening of a prestigious all-girls high school campus in south Kansas City, still in use today. In 1990, the ownership of the school was transferred from the Sisters of Sion to a lay Board of Trustees, which today provides governance for both schools under the guidance and leadership of the President, as well as the administration, faculty, and staff at each school. The School Notre Dame de Sion consists of the Grade School, where boys and girls aged 2 through 8th grade learn to become knowledge seekers, our brother s keepers, and difference makers, and the High School, an all-girls college preparatory environment centered on challenge, inspiration, and empowerment. With a total of 646 students on two campuses, Sion provides an academically rigorous environment grounded in Catholic social teachings of peace, love, and justice. With a student population that is 40% and 60% Catholic in the Grade School and High School, respectively, the school both advances Catholic teaching and promotes interfaith dialogue. From an early age, children are taught social consciousness and compassion as well as problem solving, creativity, and 21st century skills. At the High School level, an all-girls environment provides young women with the means to thrive as students, servant leaders, and global citizens. A consortium of 19 Sion schools worldwide facilitates a robust International Exchange Program, with High School students traveling abroad during the summer in order to experience new places and cultures. Academics The Sion program is designed to meet the needs of the whole child, fostering intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical growth in an environment that embraces each individual s unique background and gifts. A student-teacher ratio of 12:1 in the Grade School and 15:1 in the High School ensures that each child s interests and ability are known, and a 1:1 device program allows technology to support student-centered learning. Sion s 82 faculty members, 64% of whom hold advanced degrees, have an average tenure of 15 years at the school, making for an experienced and committed faculty. The Sion Success Center offers accommodations for students with learning differences, and a research-based study skills curriculum for students in grades four through eight teaches students critical skills for academic success at the middle and high school level. Beginning in , Sion plans to devote each school year to a signature course highlighting one of the seven tenets of Catholic Social Teachings. Year 1 focuses on Life and Dignity of the Human Person, providing an opportunity for tailored lessons and activities around modern social justice issues, historical events, and culture that further personalize each student s learning experiences throughout the year. The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates search@carneysandoe.com The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 1 2 search@carneysandoe.com

3 Early Chilhood Sion s early childhood program consists of the Sion Petite program for two-year-olds and the Montessori Preschool, for three-, four-, and five-year old children. Designed to meet the developmental needs of the school s youngest children, Sion Petite prepares students for the transition to the Montessori classroom, with a Montessori-infused curriculum combined with outdoor play, lunch, and afternoon rest time. With both three- and five-day programs, as well as extended day and summer programming, Sion Petite offers a wide variety of options for these youngest children and their families. Sion s Montessori program consists of four mini-communities, with small, twelve-student classes that support an atmosphere of calm, order, and joy. In keeping with Montessori teaching, students are encouraged to actively engage in the curriculum, building a love of learning through specially designed activities across subject areas. Each class is led by a certified Montessori teacher, and has a full academic program that includes Mathematics, Language, Practical Life, Sensorial, Geography & Culture Studies, French, Music, Art, Swimming, Movement, STEAM, and Gardening. Lower School Boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade thrive in small classes of and are grouped into two levels: Primary (K-3) and Intermediate (4-5). At the Primary level, students learn in self-contained homerooms that provide ample opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. In the school garden, students enjoy experiential learning, and the weekly STEAM program builds student skills through hands-on activities in science and engineering, rotations with French, fitness and health swimming, instrumental music, and visual art courses. Beginning in fourth grade, students move from class to class, learning from content-area specialists who enhance each student s day with rigorous instruction and projectbased learning in core subjects Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies as well as yearlong studies in World Language (Spanish and/or French), Swimming, PE and Sion s signature religious studies program, Holy Ground. Middle School Sion s Middle School prepares boys and girls for the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, cultivating creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication through a holistic program of academics and enrichment. The academic program centers on five core subjects Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages with electives in Music, Art, Debate, Science and Robotics, Service Learning, and more, ensuring students acquire the skills necessary to succeed in a college-preparatory high school environment. In addition, all students continue their religious studies through Holy Ground and participate in Maisons, Sion s advisory program, and in Caring at Sion, the character education program, providing a safe and nurturing environment during these critical years of growth. College Placement The following is a list of college matriculations for the class of 2016: American University Benedictine College Bentley University Claremont McKenna College Clark Atlanta University Creighton University DePaul University Emporia State University Fashion Institute of Technology The George Washington University Hendrix College Johnson County Community College Kansas State University Loyola University Miami University, Oxford Mississippi State University Missouri State University Missouri University of Science and Technology Nebraska Wesleyan University Northwest Missouri State University Oklahoma State University Pittsburg State University Princeton University Rockhurst University Saint Louis University Sarah Lawrence College Stephens College Swarthmore College Texas Christian University Truman State University Union College University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California- Davis University of Central Missouri University of Colorado at Boulder University of Dayton University of Evansville University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of Missouri, Kansas City University of Nebraska University of Notre Dame University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse Washington University in St. Louis The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 3 search@carneysandoe.com The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 4 search@carneysandoe.com

4 High School Sion s High School Program is designed to encourage and empower, offering young women the opportunity to connect with a wide array of topics in the humanities and sciences. With an awardwinning journalism program, strong robotic team, and challenging bioscience courses, Sion girls develop and use their unique gifts as they become self-confident, faith-filled adults. Teachers guide students as they become partners in their own education, try new things, and expand their cultural understanding through wide-ranging study across subject areas. With graduation requirements in the core areas of English, Religion, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and World Language as well as Communication Arts, Digital Life, Visual and Performing Arts, and Physical Education, Sion graduates are well rounded and well prepared for college and university study. Twelve AP courses are offered in subjects ranging from French to Calculus, and 80% of students earn scores of 3 or above on AP exams. may choose to focus on instrumental or vocal music, while High School students can enroll in choir or orchestra classes, participate in the extracurricular drum line, and join the jazz ensemble. Lifelong physical fitness, wellness and sportsmanship are another key facet of a Sion education. While young children enjoy outdoor play and physical education, Grade Schoolers may participate in interscholastic sports begin in third or fourth grade, joining the cross country, volleyball, basketball, track teams for twice-weekly practices and competition in the Kansas City Parochial League. High School girls play softball, cross country, field hockey, volleyball, golf, tennis, basketball, swim and dive, track, soccer, and lacrosse as part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association. In the process, they cultivate the traits of a scholar-athlete, building leadership skills, sportsmanship, and good character through practice and play. A dance team and cheer squad provide further opportunities for athletic participation and school spirit. Arts and Athletics Arts are an integral part of the Sion experience, with students cultivating creativity and self-expression at all grade levels. Through the nationally recognized, choice-based Teaching for Artistic Behavior (T.A.B.) curriculum, students learn new techniques and skills across visual arts media, choosing thematic content that is meaningful to them and practicing regular studio habits. Beginning in fourth grade, students have the opportunity to explore drama as part of Sion s Middle School Musical. At the High School level, an annual play, musical, and evening of one act plays provide further chances for actors and technicians to showcase their theatrical skills. Music instruction at Sion is infused with the Orff-Schulwerk approach to music education, and concerts and shows take place throughout the year for student musicians to practice performance. Grade School students Spiritual Life In keeping with Sion s unique mission to embrace people of all faiths, the school both grounds students in a Catholic identity and honors interfaith dialogue through Interfaith Prayer Services, participation in Interfaith Youth Alliance, and a curriculum that covers world religions, the Holocaust, and genocide studies. Students participate in field trips to synagogues, mosques, temples, and churches, and diversity and inclusion initiatives go beyond tolerance to promote understanding and advocacy. At the same time, Catholic worship is a part of each student s Sion experience, and at the High School level, a peer ministry program makes for a strong network of support within the school community. A weekly morning mass and all-school mass each month are fixtures of the school schedule, and the annual Kairos retreat offers an opportunity for junior and senior high school students to grow in their faith through guided reflection and group activities. The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 5 search@carneysandoe.com The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 6 search@carneysandoe.com

5 Extracurricular Learning Sion students participate regularly in service learning, with High School students completing a robust service learning curriculum that guides young women to find the place where their gifts and interests meet the world s needs. The process starts with the Freshman Day of Service and is supported by the tenth-grade Catholic Social Teaching course, ultimately culminating in the Senior Service Project, in which each senior devotes at least 25 hours to a specific nonprofit or cause that she is passionate about. Sion also offers a wide array of afterschool and summer programming, which has been designed to provide students with opportunities to expand knowledge and build life skills. Grade Schoolers enjoy hands-on learning adventures in STEAM-focused Sion Academies and Sion Summer Spectacular classes, as well as signing up for extended day enrichment in areas from karate and yoga to chess. In the High School, Sion s over 45 clubs include a yearbook, newspaper, and literary magazine in addition to Model UN, Neurology Club, Women s Awareness, and many more. In addition to Sion s exchange programs, international study tours provide students with the chance to visit faraway places from Europe to South America. Physical Campus Sion s two campuses consist of the 4.5- acre Grade School in Kansas City s historic Hyde Park and the larger, 20- acre High School south of the city. The Vision Statement Kansas City families will choose Notre Dame de Sion to educate their children because of its academic excellence and biblical values. They will cherish the school as a nurturing community where Catholic values, integrity, and respect prevail. At Sion, students will be empowered to develop and encouraged to use their unique gifts as they become selfconfident, faith-filled adults who will know their blessing and bring about the Kingdom of God. Grade School campus centers on the main building, dedicated in 1920, which houses four stories of classroom space and administrative offices, as well as a swimming pool and cafeteria. More recent additions to the Grade School campus include additional classroom spaces, a gymnasium, and gathering spaces, while two playgrounds provide all grade levels with ample outdoor space. The High School campus, located adjacent to an attrative residential area in south Central Kansas city, was first opened in Since then, several expansions and renovations have taken place: a beautiful Chapel as well as new classroom and adminstrative spaces were added in 2011, and a new track and field facility opened in Kansas City, Missouri The Kansas City metropolitan area, which extends across the Missouri-Kansas border, is home to over two million people, who enjoy the city s moderate cost of living. The area is home to numerous corporate headquarters including Hallmark Cards, H& R Block, AMC Theaters and Garmin. Some of the suburban communities are often found on various Best Places to Live lists, and its Country Club Plaza district, anchored by the Plaza shopping district, is considered one of the most elegant residential areas in the country. In 2012, the reemerging downtown area was named one of America s best downtowns by Forbes magazine. Since then the city has seen a major resurgence in downtown residents. Other attractions include a world-class art museum, symphony and ballet, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, major league baseball and football teams, several colleges and universities including the nationally recognized Kansas City Art Institute, and the legendary Kansas City barbecue. Further information about the city may be found at the Chamber of Commerce website and Visit KC. The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 7 search@carneysandoe.com The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 8 search@carneysandoe.com

6 Desired Qualities and Qualifications of the President Notre Dame de Sion School operates in the President/Principal Leadership Model. Two outstanding and highly experienced Principals are currently in place at the Grade School and High School levels, overseeing day to day academic operations and ensuring best practices in all things affecting the quality of the student experience. This bifurcated leadership structure enables the trustees to consider President candidates from a variety of mission-critical career platforms such as higher education, other independent or Catholic schools, as well as non-profit foundations, associations, charities, and the like. Although deep domain knowledge of elementary and secondary education would be helpful, exceptional leadership qualities and passion for mission are more important characteristics in the President position. In addition, the following qualities and qualifications will be expected: A practicing Catholic will be required someone who is capable of modeling and promoting Sion values while welcoming families and students of all faith traditions. The trustees also seek a collaborative, servant leader who can unite all constituents and leverage the impressive resources and expertise on both campuses while achieving bold and transformative goals. The Sion community has great ambitions for the school and desires a transformational leader who can bring people together in support of big goals. Opportunities and Challenges This is a high-performing, independent school perfectly positioned for further growth and prominence. The school is well capitalized, highly regarded throughout the Greater Kansas City community, and has served area families and students with distinction for several generations. This is a rock solid institutional platform ready to be taken to the next level. Candidates should be mindful of the following opportunities and challenges that await the next President: 1. Branding remains a sensitive challenge among the Sion community on both campuses. At present, there seems to be consensus that there is one Sion mission with two distinct expressions of the charism i.e., two variations of the same powerful Sion theme. While understandable, given the different socio-economic and ethnic realities on both campuses, this can be confusing to families and could potentially dilute image and impact. The next President will need to be respectful of these differences while exploring ways of achieving a more united, synergistic message, bringing both communities together under one cohesive brand. 2. Enrollments have been challenged in recent years at the Grade School level where local competition and socio-economic conditions are dispositive. The next President will need to find ways of restoring enrollments to prior levels without compromising on student quality or burdening the school s limited financial resources with unsustainable financial aid commitments. 3. There is currently no strategic plan in place for the school. A process was begun last year and was suspended pending the arrival of the new President. The next President will have an opportunity to drive this visioning process and bring the two Sion communities together around bold new aspirations. A high profile, relational leader is also preferred someone who can raise the profile of the school in the community and operate effectively in this complex, multi-divisional organizational structure. The school calls for an entrepreneurial and visionary leader someone who can grow enrollments by creating demand for the Sion Experience. In this very competitive educational environment, the ability to raise the profile and compelling value proposition of Sion will be a critical leadership quality for the next President. This is truly an exceptional leadership opportunity, and the members of the board welcome candidates who share their bold aspirations and can meet the core requirement of the position. To Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials by February 5th, 2018: A cover letter expressing your interest in this particular position A current résumé with all appropriate dates A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and address of each. References will not be contacted until a serious mutual interest is established, and not without the permission of the candidate. Please forward your materials to: Bob Regan Practice Group Leader, Catholic Schools Practice bob.regan@carneysandoe.com The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 9 search@carneysandoe.com The Search Group Carney, Sandoe & Associates 10 search@carneysandoe.com