State of the School Fall 2021 - 701 Locust Street | Collegeville, PA 19426 hcrc.school
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Fall 2021 State of the School 701 Locust Street | Collegeville, PA 19426 hcrc.school Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 1
Principal’s Perspective
Dear Friends and Family of Holy Cross,
It is with great pride that we begin our 10th year as
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School. I present to
you the State of the School Highlights. This report
includes the financial report from the 2020-21 fiscal
year, as well as our highlights from last year and
additional information about our amazing school.
This past year presented many challenges as we
navigated through the Pandemic. Our faculty and
staff were committed to providing our students
with in-person education five days a week. Working
together with our parents, allowed us to keep Holy
Cross open and thriving. We continued to adhere to
Catholic Identity
our motto “A School United in Faith, Hope and Love.”
With prayer and perseverance, we completed our God is at the core of who we are and all that
we teach. We strengthen our students’
school year with minimal interruption. I am so proud Catholic Faith, providing the foundation
of our Holy Cross Family. necessary to live as disciples of Christ.
When faced with adversity, we came together! • Students attend Mass every First Friday
and all Fridays during Lent and Advent.
We are Holy Cross Strong! During the pandemic each grade had the
opportunity to attend in person, while the
Peace & Blessings, other grades participated virtually from
their classrooms.
• Pre-Kindergarten through 1st grade
Theresa Healy are paired with 6th through 8th graders
respectively, as prayer partners who read,
Principal talk, and pray together.
• We have sacramental preparation for
First Penance, First Holy Communion, and
Confirmation.
• We place a strong emphasis on Sunday
Mass and living and celebrating the liturgical
year and special feast days.
• Opportunities for Confession and
praying the Rosary.
God is our refuge and strength, always ready • Junior High students receive instruction in
to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 Theology of the Body for Teens.
• We participate in daily prayer.
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 2
State of the School Fall 2021 Academic Excellence Holy Cross has a proud tradition of Academic Excellence and is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (2015). HCRCS was officially recognized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for “Exceeding Academic Potential” with its 2019 standardized Terra Nova Test Scores. Terra Nova tests were not administered during the 2019-20 school year due to the pandemic. The scores below are from the 2020-21 school Terra Nova testing: • 96% of our students scored at or above the National Average in Reading • 95% of our students scored at or above the National Average in Language • 93% of our students scored at or above the National Average in Mathematics Because of our dedicated faculty providing in-person instruction five days a week, we are confident our students had minimal learning loss due to the pandemic. Scholarship In the 2020-21 school year there were 50 eighth-grade graduates. These students received $210,000 in academic scholarships towards their high school tuition. Neumann Scholarship The Neumann Scholarship is a full, four-year scholarship to any one of the 17 Archdiocesan high schools. Each year, the Connelly Foundation awards this scholarship to approximately 40 eighth grade students across the Archdiocese. To compete for the scholarship, 459 students qualified to the independently administered exam, including 19 students from Holy Cross in 2020-21. Over the past 9 years, we have had 9 winners of this prestigious award. This past year we had 1 winner who achieved the highest overall score in Montgomery County of those who sat for the test. Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 3
Spotlight on Academics
Technology and Advanced Capabilities
Holy Cross offers its students many technological capabilities. In
November of 2020, the school was awarded a COVID-19 Response and
Recovery Grant from the Connelly Foundation. This grant has allowed
us to purchase state-of-the-art equipment to advance our STREAM
learning goals. Our Technology teacher, Dr. Colleen McCabe, was able
to utilize this equipment beginning in the 3rd trimester of the 2020-21
school year. This new technology gives our students a way to approach
STREAM learning with hands-on experience.
• Advanced STREAM (Science Technology Religion Engineering Arts
Mathematics) curriculum including the use of the latest equipment
and materials: MakerBot 3-D printers, Ozobots, Edison Robots,
RobotLab VR technology, fully equipped broadcasting video
production equipment and studio space. HCRCS students are
• Leading technology integrated in every classroom and the Library, prepared for their high
using Newline interactive panels that enhance learning environment
• Chromebooks for each 4th through 8th grade student school journey
• State-of-the-art Computer Lab contains 35 desktop computers
with Windows 10 operating system Holy Cross prepares its students for High
• IPad technology in primary classrooms School and beyond. 84% of our 2021
• 13 Huddly IQ cameras in each grade with virtual livestream graduates are now attending a Catholic high
instruction capability school, academy, or preparatory school in
the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Rigorous Coursework
HOLY CROSS CLASS OF 2021
• Advanced Honors Mathematics program for those who meet the
criteria, starting in fourth grade
• Accelerated Reading for grades K-8 through our Library program 16%
• Hands-on instruction in the fully-equipped Science Lab
Pope John Paul II
18% Private High Schools
Critical Resources Public High Schools
• Full-day Pre-K and Kindergarten programs, five days a week, as well 66%
as the after-school CARES Program
• Weekly instruction in Music, Art, Library Skills, Computer
Technology, Physical Education, and Spanish Language
• Reading and Mathematics student learning support available five
days per week, through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
And beyond...
• Differentiated instruction and flexible grouping in all classrooms The Holy Cross graduating classes of
• Accommodations and modifications provided for those students 2015 - 2017 are currently attending:
who require them
• Instructional aides on staff who work individually or with small • Penn • Drexel
groups for instruction and testing • Notre Dame • Lehigh
• Handwriting without Tears for Pre-K students • Villanova • Penn State
• Wilson Fundations for Language Basics program for • Bucknell • St. Joseph’s
Pre-K - Kindergarten • Temple • NYU
• Junior Achievement Program for grades 6th through 8th that
teaches economics and business concepts
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 4
Board Accomplishments
Advancement
• $300,500 raised for EITC* for school year 2021-2022 and distributed
81 grants to eligible students. *EITC is Pennsylvania’s Educational
Improvement Tax Credit which provides tuition assistance to
qualified families only
• Increased participation in the EITC program from 19 donors in 2019-
20 to 44 donors in 2020-21
• $40,800 raised for 2020-2021 Advancement Fund across 165 donors
• Expecting an EITC need of over $350,000 for school year 2022-
2023, generous donors to participate in this PA tax credit program
are needed.
• Annual Fund for 2021-2022 will commence on October 1st with a
goal of $50,000
Technology Established Governance
• Worked with a technology integration firm to design and implement Holy Cross Regional Catholic School is
an entire new data network for school using the latest Cisco Meraki blessed to have dedicated leadership
technology to replace outdated systems. Benefits with the new from the School Board, Pastors, and
network include complete WiFi coverage throughout the school, Administration. Our Board, established in
faster performance, and increased reliability. This includes wi-fi 2015, has been working hard to develop
access points in all the classrooms. and execute a strategic plan in the areas of
• New Apple iPads were provided for K through 3rd grade through finance, facilities, technology, enrollment,
Federal COVID relief grants marketing, and development. Their work
• Incoming 4th grade students received new Chromebooks helps to promote Holy Cross as a premier
• Additional interactive boards were purchased for new classrooms Catholic school in the area and will keep
HCRCS at the top of its class.
Facilities HOLY CROSS REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
• Assisted the parish in replacing the nearly three decade old parking Jeff Mehallick – Chair
Donald Barbuto – Vice Chair
lot, enhancing the beauty of our surroundings and safety of all
Lisa Getts – Secretary
• New blinds were installed throughout the school that not only look
aesthetically pleasing but also serve a security purpose William Breslawski Theodore Kochen
William Carroll Jack Kraft
• A new Facility Services company was brought on board to provide
Dr. Dennis Debias Ursula Lawrence
a “one-stop shop” approach for all the school’s cleaning and
Vince DeFlavia Lauren Machita
maintenance needs Paul Fleming Maureen Martin
• New air purification units were installed in every classroom Marie Genuario Stephanie McGowan
Justin Jandrisitz Phil Nicolo
Paul Klauder Tracey Rauh
Membership Loretta Sauermelch
PASTORS
• Continued to fill Board vacancies with the addition of Paul Fleming
and Lauren Machita, which brought the Board membership to 20. Monsignor Michael T. McCulken – St. Eleanor Parish
• Paul also began chairing the Marketing Committee and has already Reverend Tadeusz Gorka – Sacred Heart Parish
made a substantial impact in promoting the school. PRINCIPAL
• In June we honored Phil Nicolo with a service award for successfully
Mrs. Theresa Healy
completing two (2) terms on the Board.
• The Membership Committee also conducted its 2nd annual self- ADVANCEMENT DIRECTOR
assessment survey which helps determine overall performance.
Susan Mollahan
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 5
Financial Report June 30, 2021
Annual Report Summary
Source of Funds 0% 1%
11%
Tuition $2,323,302
4%
Parish Subsidy $135,200
5%
Fees $109,342
Other Income $317,101
CARES $6,575
Socials/Donations $26,426
TOTAL $2,917,946
79% “To always be close to Jesus, that is
my life’s plan.”
– Blessed Carlo Acutis
Use of Funds Future Plans:
Innovation Station
Salaries and
$1,981,019
At Holy Cross we continue to improve and
Benefits 5% enhance the learning experience for our
4%
Maintenance $354,167 5% students. Our future plans include updating
1% 3%
Other Expenses $55,732 2% our Library space to make this an Innovation
Insurance $26,676 Station.
Utilities $78,230
12%
Pensions $148,568 This will be a Library, Media, and STREAM
Books, Supplies, learning environment, where students can
$131,911
printing work together in groups using the advanced
Capital including 68% technology that we are fortunate to
$173,641
Technology implement with the help of the Connelly grant
TOTAL $2,917,946 and Federal relief funds.
The Innovation Station will be dedicated to
Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young millennial from
Italy who is on the path to Sainthood. Carlo’s
story is an inspiration to young people of
today. He lived by these words, “To always be
close to Jesus, that is my life’s plan.”
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 6
Student News
Giving Back
We strive to recognize the needs of others in our community. Holy
Cross participates in many service projects throughout the school
year. Here are some highlights of our gift of service in 2020-21
school year:
• Joy of Socks – collected 1,722 pairs of socks for the homeless
• “Souper” bowl – collected canned goods for a local food pantry
• Thanksgiving meal food drive for Martha’s Choice Marketplace,
Norristown
• Dress down day for a pediatric cancer patient at a neighboring
Catholic School
Sharing Talents
From our parish community and beyond, the God-given talents of
HCRCS students are on display:
• Five students recognized for their artistic talents with the help
of our Art Teacher, Mrs. Anderson.
• Kindergarten student won the “Artist of the Week” award
“This was one of the absolute
through the Artsonia online artwork platform
• Two students won first prize for their age categories in an art best decisions we have made as
contest at The Landing in Collegeville. parents. We believe education
• Reading Olympics took place virtually for our 4th – 8th graders is the key to success in life, and
with 23 Junior Varsity (4th and 5th grader) HCRCS participants. we are grateful and relieved
Teams earned a red and a green ribbon. We also had 33 Varsity that Holy Cross has become
(6th, 7th, and 8th grader) participants. Teams earned two red
ribbons and a green ribbon.
a part of our daughter’s
• All Saints Day program with our first grade education.”
• 7th grade Christmas Tableau and Wax Museum
• 8th grade Living Stations “We are thankful every day that
• Timmy Burns and his Upper Providence Little League team we made the decision many
participated in the Little League World Series
years ago to send our children
• Brielle Ochnich, Holy Cross Class of 2021 graduate, is a member
of the United States Archery Team, and competed in youth to Holy Cross and this time
championships in Poland of uncertainty has just
strengthened those feelings.
It is one of the best decisions
we ever made.”
– Holy Cross Parents
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 7
Our Revitalized Brand
Building on the tradition of our original logo, we have refreshed our brand while
remaining true to its legacy. Over time you’ll see a refined logo displayed more
frequently in general correspondence, marketing materials, social media, apparel,
and even in this current version of our State of the School Report! We hope you
agree that it reflects the premium quality of our school along with the parents,
students, faculty and administrators who define its true excellence.
PRIMARY LOGO SEAL
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o: 610-489-9434 701 Locust Street | Collegeville, PA | 19426 hcrc.school
Discover why families are
choosing Holy Cross
Regional Catholic School
Discover why families now more than ever.
are choosing Holy Cross ENROLL EARLY
Regional Catholic School REGISTRATION BEGINS JANUARY 31 PRINT ADS
now more than ever. hcrc.school/admissions
Full Day Pre-K & Kindergarten Program
hcrc.school/admissions 701 Locust Street | Collegeville, PA | 19462
(610) 489-9434 A SCHOOL UNITED IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 8
701 Locust Street
Collegeville, PA 19426
hcrc.school
How Can I Help?
Parents are considering Catholic education for their children now
more than ever. That’s why financial assistance for our students
is equally critical. Continued commitment to EITC and ongoing
contributions to our Annual Advancement Fund are making Catholic
education a reality for over 15% of our student body.
EITC (EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDIT) PROGRAM:
UP TO 90% TAX CREDIT FOR YOU WHILE DELIVERING 100%
IMPACT FOR A CHILD IN NEED.
Individuals and businesses can take advantage of PA tax credits by
designating your state tax dollars to Holy Cross Regional Catholic
School. The funds raised through this program are used to provide
tuition assistance for families who are experiencing financial hardship.
In 2021-22 we are awarding $300,589 to over 80 students! Of those “Thank you from the bottom of my
who are receiving this assistance, 51 will receive full-tuition awards. heart! That will make a tremendous
Still, we fell short of our EITC goal by $75,000 and face a greater difference for our family.”
need moving forward -- so more work needs to be done!
“We are continually blessed to be
ANNUAL ADVANCEMENT FUND: a part of the Holy Cross family!
The Advancement Fund is a critical component of the Holy Cross Thank you!”
operating budget that supports the financial shortfall between tuition
and the actual cost of educating a student. “I truly appreciate the aid! My
daughter thrives at HCRC.”
Gifts to the Advancement Fund at Holy Cross directly impact a
student’s daily life. The fund supports our commitment to modern “Thank you again!”
technology, a safe and progressive learning environment, as well as
provides additional tuition assistance funds for those that may not – HCRCS Families who were
qualify for other financial aid. awarded EITC Funds
SEE OUR LIST OF DONORS
Give Now
Prayerfully consider supporting
TELL A FRIEND: Holy Cross Regional Catholic
Do you have a friend, family member or neighbor who is curious about School as we prepare our students
a Catholic education? Have them call us. We’re happy to provide a tour for the future.
and share the amazing activities, academic excellence, and faith-filled
environment at the core of Holy Cross Regional Catholic School.
CLICK TO DONATE
Holy Cross Regional Catholic School | State of the School Fall 2021 9
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