our lady queen of peace school, madison, wi

Standard III: School Climate

3.0 The school climate is conducive to learning.

Teachers take personal interest in students as people, not just as students. By undertaking many charitable projects, students understand and are encouraged toward Christian service to others. Classroom prayer of different kinds promotes spiritual development. Students attend mass regularly. Classrooms are bright, cheerful and organized and display Christian symbols. Students recognize the importance of rules. The school motto is displayed.

3.1 The school regularly assesses its climate, shares the results of the assessments with parents and students, and has a plan for maintaining an atmosphere that is responsive to students’ needs.

Every seven years the school administers general surveys to faculty, students, parents and parishioners. Various surveys are given in class from time to time based on need. Results of assessments are made available in the office.

3.2 The school provides appropriate opportunities for involving students, staff, and parents in decision-making.

Student council provides activities and ideas for student events. Eighth grade students plan a graduation mass and activities surrounding the event. Students take an active part in planning Masses and special celebrations.

The faculty meets every week to help with policy decisions, deal with school situations, and to voice opinions. The faculty takes active roles on the Education Commission, the School and Family Committee, and in other School and parish organizations.

Parents take part in the Education Commission and the School and Family Organization. Parents have opportunities to voice concerns by giving input at “principal coffees” and conferences. The faculty and principal are available for consultation. Parents have many volunteer opportunities.

3.3 The school provides organizations, activities, and other resources that provide opportunities for recognizing student and staff achievements.

Students are recognized for academic and non-academic achievements through daily announcements, monthly newsletters, pep assemblies, the yearbook, a graduation honors assembly, and work displayed throughout the school.

The staff is recognized and affirmed in the following ways: various awards, (Kohl, Wal-Mart), teacher appreciation week, the Sunshine Committee, birthday celebrations, special breakfasts and luncheons, conferences attended together, group prayer, principal and vice principal recognition for achievements, and mutual support.

3.4 Students are appropriately involved in the development and monitoring of the school’s rules of conduct and academic standards.

Students are involved in the following ways: safety patrol, lunch patrol, classroom rules, student council, guidance classes geared to cooperative, problem solving, grade progress reports, daily work returned in a timely fashion to review.

Committee Concerns:

1. Student survey questions should be reviewed and discussed before administering surveys.

2. Some questions on the survey are difficult to answer. (“I am learning how to pray in many different ways.”)

3. Teachers and students should complete on-going school climate surveys, discuss results and adjust accordingly to the needs expressed.

Report submitted by: Mary Curtin, Beth O’Brien, Kathy Perepezko, Kathy Sweeney, Pat Tregoning, and Karen Wortinger

Summary Report for School Climate – Faculty

1. School’s accomplishments in this area over the past seven years

There are many opportunities provided for students’ celebration of the Eucharist.

There are many opportunities provided for social interaction among the faculty.

Teachers in this school adhere to school regulations.

Teachers in this school work together to increase the effectiveness of the school.

Teachers in this school attend meetings, inservices, and events that relate to student or school issues.

Teachers in this school are committed to continuing their professional growth and are open to new ideas.

Students at this school respect the ideas of others.

Students in this school are encouraged to be creative and analytical thinkers in working out solutions to classroom or school problems.

The faculty has a clear understanding of the philosophy and goals of this school as a Catholic school.

The faculty has participated in the development of the annual School Improvement Plan.

2. Weaknesses or concerns in the area of school climate

Library and technology materials are not easily accessible to teachers and students.

3. Recommendations

Library and technology materials could be listed and made more accessible to the teachers and students.

Faculty Survey – Climate

Additional Comments:

F.O.R.E.M. Completion is difficult for me because Scripture hours have not been offered at all or very rarely at our conference day during the last five years.

Let us continue upon the very good school that we are – and become an outstanding school based upon our Catholic identity! With a willingness to work hard for our children, (inspired by our faith), the next 5-7 years are bound to be awesome!

Having had the privilege of joining the “Q.P.” family fairly recently, this survey provides an opportunity to congratulate the Faculty and Administration on their efforts to maintain such an outstanding parish school. The commitment and dedication which is evidenced every day in 101 ways results in a true ministry and model for Catholic education.

Comments from Faculty Surveys for School Improvement Plan

#2 Opportunities are provided for social interaction among the faculty.

Could be more.

More needed.

Would be nice to have some specific regularly planned dates on the calendar at the beginning of the year.

#3 Teachers in this school are involved in curriculum development and evaluation.

If you’re selected/volunteer to be a committee, but individual teachers design their own curriculum with grade level teams.

#4 Teachers in this school are required to develop weekly lesson plans.

but not turn in

*required-highly encouraged

#5 This school has a variety of library materials to support the instructional program.

could be more

#8 Library and technology materials are easily accessible to the teachers and students.

more needed

not kindergarten-technology materials

How about setting up a “technology lending library” where materials could be checked out by individual teachers?

#10 My teaching reflects an integration of religion with my subject(s).

I am teaching Religion.

#12 I provide students with extra help outside of instructional time.

If they ask.

#13 Teachers in this school adhere to school regulations.

not all?

I assume they do.

#14 Teachers in this school work together to increase the effectiveness of the school.

But, I think we could do better.

Work on.

#18 Students at this school respect the rights of others.

More work needed here.

Most of the time, this is a goal.

#19 Students at this school respect the property of others.

More work needed here.

Most of the time this is a goal.

Most students respects property of others. There are a few who do not from time to time.

#20 Students at this school respect the ideas of others.

More work needed here.

#22 Students in this school are encouraged to be creative and analytical thinkers in working out solutions to classroom or school problems.

Requires facilitation.

This happens at times. But, as a whole, we need to spend more time allowing the students to work out solutions-less time “telling them what to do”.

#25 I have participated in the development of the annual School Improvement Plan.

Am currently involved in it.

This is my first participation in an Improvement Plan.

SUMMARY REPORT FOR SCHOOL CLIMATE --- PRIMARY

1. Primary’s accomplishments in this area over the past seven years

According to surveys, many things are learned at this school.

According to surveys, students know and follow the rules

According to surveys, students help each other and work together.

2. Weaknesses or concerns in the area of Primary climate

According to the surveys, some students do not feel happy at school.

According to the surveys, some students do not think there are interesting activities in the classroom.

3. Recommendations:

Because student surveys reflect that some students are not happy at school, the principal and faculty need to discuss and form a plan of action to more thoroughly meet the individual needs of students

Because student surveys reflect that some students feel there are not interesting activities in some classrooms, teachers should provide diverse and multi-sensory experiences to keep all students engaged.

SUMMARY REPORT FOR SCHOOL CLIMATE – INTERMEDIATE

1. Intermediate’s accomplishments in this area over the past five years

According to surveys, students recognize the importance of rules.

According to surveys, students feel the teachers care about them.

According to surveys, students understand (and are encouraged toward) Christian service to others.

2. Weaknesses or concerns in the area of intermediate climate

Student surveys reflect numerous concerns about lack of respect for people and property.

Student surveys reflect that students do not understand their roles in planning school liturgies and prayer services.

3. Recommendations:

Because of student concerns over respect for people and property, the principal and faculty should continue to develop ways to reinforce students’ positive actions toward others.

Because of numerous negative comments over personal freedoms, (especially) at lunchtime, the principal and cafeteria staff should review and re-evaluate existing rules.

Because student surveys reflect that students do not understand their roles in planning school liturgies, teachers need to communicate to students when and how they are helping in the planning process.

Positive Intermediate student comments to the question:

What else would you like to say about your school?

It’s a lot better than other schools and I like it here.

I am glad I go to this school.

Science class is interesting.

Is this school fun? Most of the time.

My school goes on many field trips.

I like how everyone is friendly and how everyone knows everyone.

The teachers are the best here. I learn a lot

It is a great school and you are able to do lots of things. This school is the best one I’ve ever seen. I like having different subjects.

It is a good school.

I love this school.

I like it, but can you serve cheese pizza more?

This is a very good school.

It is very clean and well taught.

It is really fun and a really great school.

I like how we get more gym time.

I like how the staff deals with us.

I like the teachers at this school.

Negative intermediate student comments to the question:

What else would you like to say about your school?

I wish we had less homework. My backpack is very heavy.

Kids need longer recess.

Social Studies is very boring.

They don’t tell us how to get good study habits.

I like a lot of things in this school, but I don’t like assigned seats.

Do people fight in this school? Some of the time.

I think we should be able to be more involved in activities.

I think that people at school need to call our mom or dad if we have any problems. I think we should start sports in 5th grade.

Ditch the assigned lunch seats.

I think that the math program should be a lot harder.

No assigned lunch seats.

I think the teachers should help the kids that have most trouble like after school.

It is the best school I have been in. But the school makes learning a bit boring.

I think we would have a better lunch program if we had food from a restaurant. One time a week a good place to get food would be Mike’s Subs.

Students make fun of me.

Ditch the assigned seats. Why do we have lunch seats? Why do we need them?

I don’t like the assigned seats.

I think that this school is fun except for the assigned lunch seats.

Most little kids don’t get much attention as people at this school.

I would like it if we had NO assigned lunch seats.

SUMMARY REPORT FOR SCHOOL CLIMATE - - - MIDDLE SCHOOL

1. Middle School’s primary accomplishments in this area over the past five years.

According to survey, students are receiving a good education.

According to surveys, teachers show concern for students.

2. Weaknesses or concerns in the area of Middle School climate

Student surveys reflect concern regarding respect for people and property.

Student surveys reflect concern regarding the lack of integration of the Gospel message in students’ daily experiences at school.

3. Recommendations

Because of student concerns regarding respect for people and property, teachers and students should form an on going plan to build an atmosphere that fosters respect for people and property.

Because student surveys reflect concerns regarding the lack of the integration of the Gospel message in students’ daily experiences, teachers and students should incorporate the message of the Gospel in academics, decision-making, and the classroom environment.

Positive Middle School comments to the question:

What else would you like to say about your school?

It’s a very good school and gives a great education. I am happy my parents sent me here.

I like our school a lot and most of the teachers are great.

The teachers support your ideas.

QP is a fair school and the grades are fair.

It is a very good school and I enjoy being here.

I am glad I decided to come to Queen of Peace.

I would like to say that over all this is a good school.

I think that our school rules are fair for everyone.

It is an overall fair school.

I like this school. There are very nice teachers and friends here. I learn a lot.

It’ a good all around school.

It is, also, a very fun school, because we have fun day and game day.

It’s good and QP basketball rocks.

People make me feel welcomed. I like how the teachers help me when I need help.

It is a great school and everybody is nice.

All teachers are kind and helpful. All the kids are nice.

It is a nice place to be around. I feel very comfortable here.

I think our school is fun and I’m learning a lot.

It is a good school to go to.

I think this is a great school and I am very lucky to be able to go here.

It is fun most of the time.

I think our school is fun to learn at, because all of the teachers are nice.

I get a good education here and most of the teachers are nice and try to give you the best education possible. The people here are mostly nice and it seems easy to get along.

This school has a lot of good people in it, and I think it’s a lot of fun to go here.

The teachers are kind and it is a good environment.

It is a good school and I learn a lot. I think QP has prepared me for doing well in high school and beyond.

I would like to say that I am glad to go to QP, because I like it very much and I have a lot of good friends.

Our school is really good.

It’s nice and the people in it are friendly

I think it is fun.

QP is a great school and I am glad that I go here.

I like how they have fun things for everyone to do at different times like field day, round table, pep rally, safety patrol, and student council.

Everybody in this school is equal. There aren’t any groups like the popular group or the loser group or anything, and I am glad that everybody is treated equally, and with respect.

We are caring most of the time like when people are hurt, we help them out.

Everyone here is so nice and friendly and almost every teacher knows your name.

The school is very nice and neat.

I like most of the subjects.

That it is a healthy working environment for kids of all ages to work and have some fun doing it.

I like it here.

It is a very good school to go to.

I like the teachers, because they have some sense of humor and help us on homework

I am very happy to be at QP. I think it is a great school, and I am getting a great education.

I really like QP.

I think our school is a great place for learning and teachers make learning fun.

I think this school is fun and it has many great opportunities to do stuff. I also like this school, because we do many fun things and some great projects.

I like QP, because of all the nice teachers and kids that are here and how they respect others. I also like how we learn things like doing games or movies.

I like the gym.

I think the teachers are very fair. I feel comfortable at this school.

I think I’m really lucky to go to this school. I would rather go to school here than any other school in Madison.

The school is pretty clean.

That this is a great school and I’m glad I’m attending here.

Our school is very well organized and very well planned out. It is fun to go to this school.

I think my school is a school where people can learn a lot from each other. I like my school a lot.

It is a nice school and its blacktop area is really big.

It is a great school and I am glad my parents chose this school for me to go to. The teachers are friendly and the students are great. I wouldn’t want to go to any other school.

I feel that our school is a great, safe place.

I’m learning responsibility and respect at this school. I, also, get a lot of useful information that I wouldn’t get in a public school.

It is a very good school!

I think this place has a good learning system.

The school has good food.

I think it is a wonderful place. All of our teachers are kind and everyone shows respect for each other.

It’s fun, and I enjoy coming to school.

All the teachers are very nice.

I feel that I am very lucky to be able to go here, and I like it a lot.

It’s a great learning environment!

This school is very good, because we learn about the gospel of the Lord.

Our school has nice teachers. Most of them are very firm, tough, and don’t tolerate nonsense, but they are fair.

I think it’s a great school and people and teachers show consideration for others.

It is a good working environment and everyone is kind. The masses teach you to follow the footsteps of Jesus.

It is a very nice school.

I think that people and staff in our school are very friendly, and I believe that we are constantly getting a good education.

I love going here. I feel like all or most of the kids are very kind, and all the teachers are like people I can get advice from.

I have a lot of friends here and it’s a good school for me.

I think it looks very nice, because of all the landscaping work that has been done.

I like all the sporting events and the gym.

I would like to say that this school gets you ready for other things in life, but you still have fun.

I feel like I’m learning a lot more in Science because of all the interaction we do, because Science is easier to learn hands-on.

It’s great.

I think that I am going to a school that is fit for me very well and I enjoy going to this school.

The students here are nice and friendly. It’s a good environment.

The teachers are kind and caring.

I’d say that my school helped me to become a better person.

It has a good athletic system.

It has interesting people.

I like Queen of Peace because most of the classes are fun and most teachers are very nice. The homework load is reasonable.

QP is a nice school.

It is a clean school and I have lots of friends.

Negative Middle School comments to the question:

What else would you like to say about your school?

More gym days in Middle School.

In science there seems to be too much information to learn, and I think there is a lot of homework.

I think some of the teachers are too tense and are always getting mad over nothing.

I like the school, but one of the teachers seems to favor some people over others. Other than that, this is a great school.

The teachers don’t always care about what the kids have to say, but some teachers are really friendly. It’s a very good school overall.

QP is a fair school and the grades are fair. People are not always nice though.

There is too much homework.

The school sometimes thinks you are a suspect of something without giving you a good reason. They don’t always get the right person. They just point the finger at who they think is to blame.

I think the school is fun, but a little too strict.

This school is good but some students are rude sometimes to others and a lot of people are left out!

I like some subjects but not others.

There are some situations in which I feel some teachers favor students.

There are, also, a lot of things I feel I cannot comment about in class, because of feeling like I’d get in trouble. (Why I disagree with some of the Bible’s teachings.)

I like QP, but I don’t like the pink slip idea. If teachers are preparing us for high school, I think they should tell us we are missing an assignment and then, by the next day, if we didn’t return it, we would get a zero.

School starts too early and ends too late and we have too many times a week.

I would like to say that the dress code for girls is a little too over protective. Most of our clothes for summer we can’t wear in the spring or skirts are too short. That is how they make clothes now!

Some of the teachers are nice, but most are just OK.

Sometimes the teachers don’t listen to your concerns.

Religion is a front for what this school is about.

There is not much diversity.

I will be happy to go to high school. I am ready to leave.

I don’t think much of this school.

Middle school suggestions regarding the question:

What else would you like to say about your school?

There should be more gym days in Middle School.

I would like to have an evaluation sheet so we could grade our teachers. (We would also give a reason.)

I love it here, but, sometimes, I think you should help us solve some of our problems on the playground. (Maybe have someone everyone feels comfortable talking to.)

Some of the teachers could be nicer to the students.

I like that we don’t have uniforms and would like to have more than one recess.

Maybe we could get a Pizza Hut once every 2 months and then do Big Mike Subs the other month.

Middle school should have more gym days.

I think it would be cool if for 6th graders we can get mixed up when we go to classes like 11 people for 6B go to science with 16 people from 6A. Oh, and we should be able to print in every class!

I would like to say that I feel that I’m getting a good education but papers that I get back could sometimes use more comments or explanations of what I could improve on.

I would like to have more creative writing. I feel like I don’t get enough opportunities to write stories. I would like it if in the future we could do more creative writing.

This is a great school but we still need to work on respect for others.

It needs more dances and fun.

I wish that boys in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade could play volleyball for QP.

I think that everything is going smoothly so far but I think that in the lunchroom we should have pizza and Big Mike Subs every month. Everything else is fine.

More dances, more fun.

I think we should all look nice with clothes and we should get uniforms, and better food.

We need a football field or a baseball diamond.

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