Home and School Connection
We believe that parents, the first and foremost
educators of their children, and the teachers should work together
in a partnership that is both positive and cooperative. Therefore,
as our students learn and develop, we believe that parental involvement
is crucial for their success. Many
organizations and activities promote communication between home
and school. Special
efforts are continually made to increase and improve this important
link.
It would be very difficult to have so many wonderful opportunities
for the students without the continual and enthusiastic support of
the parents. Organizations like the School Board, the Home & School
Association, room parents, and Partners in Education continually devote time
and energy to provide the school with funds, materials, special events, and
considerable expertise. An Annual Giving Fund and a yearly "Gala" to
raise funds for the school are held. These programs enable the teachers
to plan many special activities that enhance the curriculum. They
also provide funds for continuing education for teachers.
The Home and School Association (HSA) acts as a liaison
between the school and the home, providing a channel of communication
between the two. Composed of parents and a teachers’ representative,
the HSA organizes a number of meetings during the year where parents and
the school officials review and discuss a variety of topics of interest
and of concern to the school family. These meetings, as well as the
social events that HSA sponsors, provide a platform for the families to
meet, interact and learn of all the opportunities where they can volunteer
their time and expertise to the school.
Several annual fundraisers and HSA dues fund the
various projects undertaken by the Home and School Association.
The Executive Committee of the HSA is composed of five
elected members: President, Vice President of Communications, Vice President
of Events, Secretary, and Treasurer. One faculty member is appointed by
the Principal. The Principal and Pastor are ex-Officio members.
The Board of Education is composed of thirteen members
representing parents, teachers, and parishioners as well as the
several organizations that support the school. Board meetings are
held once a month to advise and implement any matters necessary for the
successful operation of the school. The Pastor and Principal
retain final authority in all matters. Parents and parishioners are
welcome to attend the meetings.
Partners-In-Education, over the past fifteen years, has been an organization
focused on developing new programs to help Holy Cross grow financially,
academically, and technologically. A few of the programs that have been
the product of this organization are: the HCS Brochure, the school book
store, store certificates, after school programs, the Newsletter, parent
surveys, expansion of technology in the school, and much more. The working
committees have changed over the years, with the intent of having an overall
organization that would be most effective. Currently, the four committees
have the following functions:
Grants and Endowments seeks out foundations and organizations which have
a history of making contributions to schools such as ours.
PR and Marketing executes the Public Relations program distributed by the
Archdiocese. In addition, the committee members assist with numerous functions
throughout the year ranging from Parent Questionnaires to creating the school
brochure and newsletters.
Alumni - this fairly new organization is helping to revitalize an alumni
effort that began several years ago.
Technology - this organization, under the direction
of the Technology Coordinator is made up of the Principal, as well
as parents, and business volunteers, each by invitation. Not only does this
committee advise the Principal in the implementation of computers, but they
also look at other technologies that will keep Holy Cross School an innovative
learning center for our students.
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