State of the School Report                                                     Spring 2010

 

 

“The world needs what we as Christian schools have to offer.  And what is that, you ask? We must be the best schools anywhere, and we must keep Christ in Christian education, for in Him alone we find life and meaning!  Jesus Christ is our distinctive! We are not merely excellent private schools; we are private Christian schools that exist for a very specific life-saving purpose.  In times of crisis we must return as a movement to our mission, our reason for existence. We exist as an international association of Christian schools to bring glory to God as we make thoroughly prepared disciples of Jesus Christ, building all we do on the firm foundation of the Word of God and focusing on God’s Son, Jesus Christ.”     

-         Dr. Brian Simmons, President, ACSI

 

 

In considering the “state of Maryville Christian School,” let us examine this institution in light of our mission statement.  For it is in this, that we define our school.

 

 

The mission of Maryville Christian School is……

 

 

to partner with Christian parents…..

 

 

Strengths of this component:

 

Ø      Volunteers! 

o       Lunch monitors

o       Clinic volunteers

o       Library volunteers

o       Classroom volunteers (i.e. tearing workbook pages)

o       Putting up bulletin boards

o       Field trip chaperones

o       Retreat chaperones (both middle and high school)

o       Mercy Matters chaperones

o       Class trip chaperones (includes all four class trips)

o       Building and grounds maintenance (i.e., recent courtyard renovation!)

o       Room Moms

o       Sports program volunteers (taking tickets, working concessions, assisting with set up/ take down for basketball games, field prep.)

o       Fundraisers (Christmas fantasy is best example)

o       Scholar’s Bowl coaches

 

Ø      Official positions.

o       MCS School Board

o       PTO Officers

o       Fundraising Oversight Committee

o       Coordinators of special activities (Dads and Daughters Tea)

o       Spiritual Life Committee

o       Athletic Advisory Board

o       Moms in Touch

 

Ø      Home Fellowships.  Elementary grades.

 

Areas of Improvement:

 

Ø      Ongoing need to improve communication. 

o       More communication and more open relationship from the school board

o       More effective use of website, Edline

o       Faculty taking more initiative with parents

o       Continue events such as Tech night, math and writing curriculum evenings

Ø      More opportunities to have fellowship.

Ø      More parent participation in areas such as board committees.

Ø      Consistent practicing of the Matthew 18 principle (from both parents and faculty).

Ø      Deeper understanding and appreciation of the academic and spiritual mission of MCS.

 

 

providing an academically excellent, biblically-based education…..

 

 

Strengths of this component:

 

Ø      95% of graduates attend college.

Ø      2010 ACT average of 25 is the highest in school history.

Ø      Two students who took the ACT this year made a perfect score of 36 on the English subtest.

Ø      New Math curriculum implemented.

Ø      Continuing implementation of the writing curriculum.

Ø      Significant technology improvements (see technology reports).

Ø      Improved teacher evaluation system.

Ø      Stanford scores average 77^th percentile nationally.

Ø      Stanines of 6 or 7 on all Stanford scores.

Ø      Refinement of SLP program and hiring of Laura Hall as coordinator.

Ø      Bible curriculum review this year.

Ø      Development of technology component of the curriculum guide.

Ø      All curriculum guides biblically integrated.

Ø      Senior project.

Ø      Class trips.

o       6^th grade trip to Nashville

o       Junior trip to Washington D.C.

Areas of Improvement:

 

Ø      On-going need to upgrade technology.

o       Improvement of software and hardware

o       More Promethean boards

o       More computer workstations in classrooms

o       Web based keyboarding program

Ø      Star Reading (Fall 2010 implementation).

Ø      Reading curriculum evaluation (2010 – 2011 school year).

Ø      Continuing implementation of Envision Math.

Ø      Dual credit courses for high school .

o       Beginning in the fall of 2010, MCS will offer dual credit in Math (Junior year) and English (Senior year).

Ø      Further improvement of science program.

o       Improvement of science facilities and equipment

o       More hands on activities with elementary students

o       Utilizing new courtyard area and nature trail for science activities

 

 

producing students with distinctive Christian character.

 

 

Strengths of this component:

 

Ø      Bible curriculum review (over the 2009 – 2010 school year).

Ø      Changing the focus of Mercy Matters Program.

Ø      Class trips.

o       8^th grade trip to Creation Museum

o       Senior trip to Costa Rica

Ø      Small group ministry improvements made in the 09-10 school year.

o       Stricter leadership standards

o       More emphasis on leadership training

Ø      Spiritual Life committee (continues to plan and evaluate activities in the upper grades).

Ø      Elementary support of children in Africa and India.

Ø      Core essentials character trait program.

Ø      School wide hour of prayer.

 

Areas of Improvement:

 

Ø      Improving communication in regard to Mercy Matters Program.

Ø      Consider a spiritual life committee for elementary grades.

Ø      Continue to stress through Bible classes, chapels and retreats about the difference between conformity and a relationship with Christ.

Ø      Emphasize heavily the character quality of selflessness. This is a major goal of our commitment to produce distinctive Christian character.

o       Faculty retreat this summer to discuss the spiritual life of MCS.

 

Ø      Most importantly, the issue of spiritual formation needs to remain at the forefront of the mission of Maryville Christian School.  Parents, faculty and administration need to remain united and focused on this ultimate goal for the lives of our children.

 

 

 

Additional thoughts:

 

Ø      Finances.  This is an issue of supreme importance for the future of Maryville Christian School.  As the economy has worsened and enrollment has dropped at MCS (and the nationwide Christian school movement) finances have quickly risen to the top in terms of priorities at the school.

 

      Recently, the school was blessed to be visited by Mr. Terry Munday, who served as a director for development at Indiana Wesleyan University.  Over the course of two days he met with administration, parents and the school board. Many were very blessed by a meeting with parents on Friday evening, April 23.  During this time, Mr. Munday challenged us to consider fundraising for the school in a different light and in essence, called for a “paradigm shift.”  Instead of relying upon tuition and a variety of fundraisers, he encouraged us to seek out individuals who would be long-term, sustainable donors to the school.  Mr. Munday reminded all of us that it really isn’t about money.  It is about giving people opportunities to put their resources toward the eternal riches of a Christian education. With that being said, here is a list of preliminary ideas currently before the board and administration that are being considered:

 

Ø      Focus all fundraising efforts over the next few years on two specific areas: reducing debt and developing a scholarship fund.

o       Establishing a development office for MCS.  This would involve hiring a development director on a full-time basis who will devote all of his/her energy toward seeking out and raising money for Maryville Christian School.  Other personnel who may be needed would be in the areas of clerical support and communication.

o       Inviting Terry Munday to return and present our needs to groups within the school family so that we might identify key individuals to approach about making substantial gifts toward the school for the long term.

o       Continue to make the school family aware of our needs so that we can all be praying specifically over these issues.

o       Reducing the number of organizational fundraisers so that parents do not feel that they are constantly being asked for money.  The organizations will either need to scale back their needs or find revenue sources outside the school family.

o       Strengthen the role of the Development Committee so that they can work with the director of development to move us toward this “paradigm shift” which involves seeking resources from outside the school family.

o       Continue to work with the Fundraising Oversight Committee to assist with evaluating the remaining fundraisers.

 

 

Final thoughts:

 

Maryville Christian School is now concluding its 15^th year of ministry.  And while the challenges of this year have been great, at the same time, there have also been extraordinary blessings. 

 

Academically, it has been our finest year producing the strongest group of students to date.  Our faculty is the most talented in our history. Along with this, they are also among the most dedicated.

 

Spiritually, we have seen the fruits of a deliberate effort to target the spiritual needs of our students from our Spiritual Life Committee over the last 4 years.  Retreats, class trips, and the day-to-day interactions in our hallways attest to the fact that our gracious God has truly begun to work toward “cultivating a distinctive generation” here at Maryville Christian School.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Glenn Slater

Administrator

May 15, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACADEMIC LIFE

 

I.          Enrollment Statistics

 

 

2009-2010

 

Grade	# of Sections	Grade Cap	Current Enrollment	Available Spaces
PK3	1	12	11	1
PK4	2	30	27	3
PK5	1	12	8	4
K	2	32	33	0
1	2	36	32	4
2	1	18	18	0
3	2	36	35	1
4	2	40	27	13
5	2	40	24	16
6	1	20	13	7
7	1	20	18	2
8	1	20	17	3
9	1	25	24	1
10	1	25	22	3
11	1	25	11	14
12	1	25	19	6
Totals			339	74

 

 

II.        Summary of Stanford Achievement Scores, 2008-2009

 

 

 

 

 

III.       ACT test results

 

ACT – 2007

 

National Average ACT Composite Score         21.2

Tennessee Average Composite Score               20.7

MCS Average Composite Score                   22.8

ACT Composite Score Range                          16 – 32

(reflects 16 scores)

 

ACT - 2008

 

National Average ACT Composite Score         21.1

Tennessee Average Composite Score               20.7

MCS Average Composite Score                   23.1

ACT composite score range                             14 – 30

(reflects 19 scores)

 

ACT - 2009

 

National Average ACT Composite Score         21.1

Tennessee Average Composite Score               20.6

MCS Average Composite Score                 22.2      

ACT composite score range                          14 - 30   

(reflects 19 scores)

 

The average ACT score for the 2010 graduating class is 25.44 with a composite score range of 19 - 33.

 

IV.       Graduates

 

Beginning with the class of 2001, 119 students have graduated from MCS.  Ninety-five percent of our graduates have enrolled in college upon high school graduation and 100% of the students in the 2009 graduating class enrolled in a post secondary institution for the fall of 2009.

 

MCS graduates have attended the following schools:  Baylor University, Berry College, Bryan College, Carson Newman College, Cleveland State Community College, Covenant College, East Tennessee State University, Faulkner University, Full Sail School of the Arts, Hiwasee College, Johnson Bible College, King College,  Lee University, Lipscomb University,  Maryville College, Milligan College, Ohio State University, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Roane State Community College, Samford University, Southern Polytechnic State University, Taylor University, Tennessee Technology Center, Tennessee Wesleyan College, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tusculum College, Union University, Virginia Intermont, Walters State, and Wingate University.

 

Since 2001, our graduates have accepted a total of $2,545,936.00 in college scholarships. 

V.  Personnel

      A.  Observations/Status Report

1.      Current faculty

·        3 administrators

·        35 teachers (27 full time, 8 part time)

·        5 teacher aides (part time)

·        1 librarian

·        1 guidance counselor (part time)

 

      2.   Faculty experience

·        Average years of educational experience is 16.

·        Average years of experience at MCS is 6.

 

      3.  Faculty level of education

·        Doctorate - 1

·        Two Master’s degrees – 1

·        Single Master’s degree – 14

·        Bachelor’s degree – 18

·        Associate’s degree - 1

 

4.   New additions/changes this year

·        Debbie Wright (Math)

·        Ashlee Ivens (3^rd grade)

·        Stephanie Reed (4^th – 6^th grade)

·        Laura Hall (SLP Coordinator)

·        Tracy Moreno (moved to 1^st grade)

 

5.   Salaries

·        Average MCS full time salary

o    2007-2008       $25,159

o    2008-2009       $25,648

o    2009-2010       $25,656 (59% of Blount County)

            Average Blount County full-time salary is $42,872.

 

·        Base MCS teacher salary

o       2007-2008       $22,358

o       2008-2009       $22,358

o       2009-2010       $22,358 (70% of Blount County)

Base Blount County full-time salary is $32,115.

 

ACSI recommends 75% parity with local public schools.  The average full-time MCS salary would need to be at $32,154, and the MCS base would need to be at $24,087.

 

6.   Benefits

·        Tuition discount.  Full time staff receives a 100% discount but are responsible for all fees.  The discount for part-time staff is pro-rated.

·        Health insurance.  This remains an important benefit for the teachers even though rates continue to climb.  Benefits were significantly scaled back this year in order to save money.

 

7.   Staff

·        6 full time

·        1 part time

 

8.   Coaches

·        2 full time employees who coach

·        10 part time

 

VI.       SLP Program

The establishment of a program for students with special needs or the SLP (Student Learning Program) was developed by Ruth Brakebill, MCS Guidance Counselor, in 2006.  In the summer of 2009, Laura Hall was hired to lead the program as the SLP Coordinator.

 

A.  SLP Caseload

The SLP Program served 22 students during the 2009-10 school year. Students were allowed classroom and testing accommodations as well as paraprofessional support within the classroom.  Mrs. Hall had the opportunity to work with teachers, making observations, and consulting through parent conferences with an additional 15 students who are not yet in the SLP Program.  Three students also received weekly, one-on-one tutoring with Mrs. Hall.  Tutoring opportunities included multi-sensory strategies to learn to read and spell, both phonetically, and by sight, fluency and comprehension, as well as social therapy.

 

B.  Working Beside Teachers and Students

Mrs. Hall also assisted teachers with testing recommendations, classroom and testing accommodations, scheduling teaching assistants, behavior strategies and charts, visual cues, and classroom observations. As a team, they consulted about student progress, grades, accommodations, and specific disabilities.  In addition, Mrs. Hall counseled with students with the goal of teaching them about their disability as well as advocating for their own learning needs.  At times some students needed support to become more organized and stay on top of school assignments.  While working with the principals, accommodations were arranged for students for the PLAN, EXPLORE, SAT, and OLSAT tests.

 

C.  Partnering with Parents

After the initial referral, Mrs. Hall assisted parents in obtaining a proper diagnosis for their child.  She recommended specific testing agencies, therapies, or intervention programs.  Part of this process included interpreting medical and psycho-educational assessments with both parents and teachers.  As SLP Coordinator, Mrs. Hall scheduled SLP meetings and parent conferences.  At the same time, she updated SLP files and made sure that students were receiving the proper accommodations as specified by their individual SLP.  Parents had the freedom to e-mail, call the school, or even call the coordinator’s cell phone when needed.  In support of our families, we began the Backpack and Agenda Check program to help students become more organized and independent.  This program has been a great success. The coordinator also had the privilege to partner with parents by praying for the success of their students.

 

D.  Recommendations from Laura Hall, SLP Coordinator

·        Establish an intervention program set up between the hours of 8-12 a.m. for the 2010-2011 school year.  This would be a teacher who struggling learners would be scheduled to see individually or in a small group in the areas of reading, math, study skills, and organization.  The program would be for all grade levels. 

 

·        Effective utilization of new reading assessments as well as a new reading curriculum that will, hopefully, reach all types of learners.  It is recommended that, at a minimum, students be tested within the first two weeks of school, at Christmas, and again at the end of the year.  More often than that would be even more beneficial to both students and teachers!

 

·        Expand in-service training for our teachers on specific disabilities that we may have within our school community.  Some suggestions would be: ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, Brain-Based Learning, Specific Learning Disabilities, or Behavior Strategies.  These could even be mini in-services (20 minutes) in which I would teach a few strategies to meet certain needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TECHNOLOGY REPORT

 

WHAT’S NEW IN TECHNOLOGY

 

Since the first computers were put into use at MCS, many changes have taken place.  Student instruction in computer science began immediately.  Big strides were made when the building was networked allowing everyone to function more efficiently.  Automated office and library procedures, grade book systems, Accelerated Reader and web access all became possible.   In 2006 the first formal Technology Improvement Plan gave direction to the desired progress.  In 2008 the plan was revised, and since that time technology improvements have skyrocketed.  Many improvements have resulted from the generous giving of parents and friends.  We praise the Lord for all He has allowed us to accomplish.  Summarized below are just some of the highlights of what has taken place over the last two years.

 

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

·        Internet speed upgraded from 1.0 meg up/down load speed to 3.0 meg.

·        Business level router / gateway with firewall installed.

·        Smart switches with gigabit speed added.

·        Expanded wireless access to new building completed.

·        Improved virus protection added.

·        Three host computers in the upper level lab were added that support seven students on each computer.  This improvement is a “Green move.”

·        Transition of computer monitors from CRTs to flat panel monitors is ongoing.  This improvement is also a “Green move.”

 

SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

• Many teachers and staff have benefited from upgraded computers in their areas.
• Two Promethean boards were installed last spring, and four more were added during the summer of 2009.  The board in the library is adjustable to allow students of different heights to work comfortably at the board.  Mrs. Lingerfelt uses it regularly during library instruction time.
• We purchased 64 handheld responders and two wands to go with the Promethean boards.
• Promethean software was upgraded from Activstudio to Activinspire.
• In the fall of 2009 the Promethean-equipped SmarT room was set up with 20 laptops.  Elementary teachers are scheduled for one session per week.  They sign up individually for additional use of the room during open time slots.
• Several new projectors have been purchased to allow for multi-media presentations.  These have become the standard for presenting material for many teachers.
• Many students are showing up on campus with their own laptops and using them effectively, especially in dual enrollment classes.

 

OFFICE PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATION

• Regular grade reports are available on-line for 7^th – 12^th grade students and their parents.
• Edline for web-based communication with newsletters, assignments, etc. is being used for all grades.
• Office-parent communication is now electronic (Friday Flier, etc. available on our website).

 

 

CURRICULUM

The school-wide technology curriculum is in the final stages of complete revision.  In addition to the Scope and Sequence and the Technology Curriculum Guide, all other subjects have imbedded technology objectives for each unit.  Sometimes technology is taught as a stand-alone subject, such as keyboarding and basic computer knowledge.  Advanced computer courses for high school are being developed.  Other technology goals will be accomplished as students actually use technology to complete the requirements of their subjects.  Goals and objectives are modeled after the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for students which have been established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

 

PERSONNEL

We now have our first paid staff tech position.  Allison England has been able to devote an increasing portion of her time (she also teaches art) to training and equipping our staff.  She has spearheaded professional development, the after-school training program, and the technology curriculum rewrite. 

 

TRAINING

MCS has become a “professional learning community” when it comes to technology.  Teachers are constantly learning from each other, and sharing skills and ideas. Formal training opportunities abound.

• In June, 2009, three teachers attended training sessions done by PCS, our supplier for Promethean boards, at a total cost of $600.
• The entire staff participated in a one-day basic training course taught by PCS personnel on July 9, 2009.
• Many teachers have taken advantage of on-line advanced Promethean training.
• In-service “technology day” for teacher training, held in fall 2009, kicked off an ambitious plan for training this year.  See detailed notes below.*
• After-school classes have been taught by Allison England one or more days a week.  In addition to classes similar to the one offered on technology day, she offered classes in Internet Safety and Procedures, Using New Innovations in Technology, and Integrating Technology into the Content Curriculum.

 

THE FUTURE

Some things we would like to add as finances are available:

• An on-site technical resource person with responsibilities for maintenance and installation.
• Promethean boards in every classroom added at the rate of 2 or more per year.
• More computer centers in the classrooms.
• BrainPop ($1000 per year for a subscription), as well as other software packages such as Scholastic Keys and kid-friendly versions of the Microsoft Office products.
• Personnel to teach elementary classes in 4^th – 6^th grades, the middle school technology classes currently taught by the librarian, and additional electives for upper level.
• More on-line textbooks.
• On-line classes to extend course offerings.

 

 

 

 

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT PROMETHEAN BOARDS?

Imagine having a giant computer screen up in front of the class to show your multimedia presentations.  On this screen you also have instant access to all the resources of the Internet: You Tube videos for science experiments, instant news flashes, and the latest up-to-date information on any topic.   

 

Now imagine that you could write over or alongside presentations.  On top of that, you could turn to the class and ask a question, receiving instant response from every student via their hand-held devices.  Never again would you have to wonder who is “getting it” and who is struggling with a concept. 

 

Imagine your delight to discover that thousands of presentations and resources have already been designed for you and are available free of charge on a website called Promethean Planet.  You could also design your own lessons for the Promethean board to fit the needs of your curriculum and students, and develop powerful assessment tools.  Or you could present your own material in a streamlined, attractive manner, getting instant input from the class. You would know immediately which students are struggling and the students would be totally engaged.

 

*Notes from Technology Day

Teachers spent a whole day on September 25, 2009 improving their technology skills.  We were challenged to become more techno-savvy and were introduced to many great resources that could revolutionize our teaching.  We learned about blogs, forums, message boards, social networking, creating a wiki for our classes, Google Earth, You Tube tutorials, and much, much more. 

 

Breakout sessions included:

• Activinspire Sessions 1-3
• Basic utilities of the program, general layout, the tools, annotating over a presentation
• Resources, browsers, expressions (the handheld devices)
• Creating a flipchart, adding shortcuts/links, inserting media, other tricks
• Managing Files and Folders
• Making the Digital Switch
• Turning hard copies into digital copies so that existing resources can be used on Edline or with promethean technology
•  Beginning and Intermediate Edline
• Managing the classroom Edline pages by changing pictures, adding news, calendar items and links
• Making pages more personal and helpful to parents and students
• Email, links, importing documents, cut/paste lesson plans, organize linking using the file locker and checking student reports
• Gradequick
• Transferring tests, deleting, zapping, filing, the seating chart option, statistics, customizing reports
• Laptops
• Using the new SmarT room with students and suggested activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL DATA

 

 

 

UTILITIES ANALYSIS
	FY2007-08	FY2008-09	FY2009-10	FY2009-10
			(thru 04/30/10)	(Budget)
UTILITIES:
Gas	$7,738.20	$16,178.06	$10,693.34	$16,000.00
Electric	$39,447.68	$47,484.92	$38,741.30	$50,000.00
Water	$4,426.40	$4,613.77	$3,546.04	$4,600.00
	$51,612.28	$68,276.75	$52,980.68	$70,600.00
Phone/Internet	$15,831.50	$11,116.48	$24,399.59	$21,250.00
Trash	$4,331.60	$5,550.00	$4,491.88	$5,000.00
TOTAL	$71,775.38	$84,943.23	$81,872.15	$96,850.00
		Average	$79,530.25

 

 

 

 

MAINTENANCE COSTS
	FY2007-08	FY 2008-09	FY 2009-10	FY 2009-10
			(thru 04/30/10)	(Budget)
Lawn & Garden	$8,618.50	$13,273.42	$3,406.89	$4,000.00
Maintenance	$9,243.23	$13,683.57	$9,750.61	$10,000.00
Summer Maintenance Help	$0.00	$5,550.00	$2,976.80	$2,977.00
Supplies	$12,718.12	$13,224.71	$17,142.34	$14,040.00
TOTAL	$30,579.85	$45,731.70	$21,192.72	$31,017.00
		Average	$36,529.40

 

FUNDRAISING

 

 

EVENT	2008-2009	2009-2010
Carnival	$311.55	$0.00
Christmas Fellowship	$6,153.91	$13,891.16
Christmas Program Offering	$26,575.86	$0.00
Christmas Store	$0.00	$1,148.55
Coupon Books	$18,301.28	$14,058.59
Orchestra Christmas DVD	$710.00	$411.90
Pancake Breakfast	$2,279.00	$1,269.83
Year-end Gifts	$21,770.00	$16,320.00
TOTALS	$76,101.60	$47,100.03

 

 

INDEBTEDNESS

 

Debt as of  March 2010	Mortgage Amount	Monthly Payment	Monthly Interest
Main Building	$1,534,237.91	$14,915.00	$8,705.00
Science/Music Building	$214,745.21	$1,869.00	$1,062.00
TOTALS	$1,748,983.12	$16,784.00	$9,767.00

 

 

 

TUITION RATES

 

 

Year	PK3	% Increase	PK4	% Increase	KG	% Increase	Grades 1-12	% Increase
2010-11	$1,776	4.23	$2,664	4.23	$4,332	4.03	$5,964	3.97
2009-10	$1,704	3.65	$2,556	3.90	4,164	3.89	$5,736	3.91
2008-09	$1,644	5.38	$2,460	5.13	$4,008	5.03	$5,520	5.02
2007-08	$1,560		$2,340		$3,816		$5,256

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACILITIES

 

I.          Improvements over the past year 2009-2010

 

            A.  Water in the science labs.

            B.  New grade school computer lab up and running.

            C.  Walking trail behind the soccer field being worked on.

            D.  Baseball field has a new press box.

            E.  Art room moved to high school side of the building.

            F.  Computers in the high school computer lab have been upgraded.

            G.  New Promethean boards added over the summer.

            H.  Work is in progress on covering over the steps to music room.

 

II.         Recommendations

 

            A.  Hallway entrance to be worked on for security purposes.

            B.  Awning from the sidewalk to the new building.  (May be able to use carport currently          

                  at baseball field.)

            C.  Painting the upper parts of the hallways.

            D.  Softball field needs to be leveled and top soil spread on it to grow grass.

            E.  Bleachers are an issue as they age.  They were donated by Kings Academy.

            F.  Front awning needs to be cleaned and painted.

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATHLETICS

 

 

I.  Sports Offered:

• Elementary Basketball (4^th – 5^th grades) boys and girls

Girls Coach: Rick Tipton   Boys Coach: Scott Kidd

Participates in the Blount County League along with area public schools.  Season is typically 10 – 12 games plus an end of the season tournament.

• Middle School Basketball (6^th – 8^th grades) boys and girls

Girls Coach: Mark Williamson   Boys Coach: Cam Hamby

Participates in the Knoxville Independent School League (K.I.S.L.).  Season is typically 19 – 22 games plus an end of the season tournament.

• High School Basketball (9^th – 12^th grades) boys and girls

Girls Coach: Ashlee Ivens   Boys Coach: Brian Hill

Games are scheduled with small public schools and other private Christian schools.  High school basketball is not currently part of a league.  The seasons end with participation in other tournaments in the area.

• Cross Country (3^rd – 8^th grades) Co-ed

Coach Jed Wright

Meets are held every Tuesday and are partnered with the Knoxville Track Club.  A Season is generally 5-8 meets.

• Cheerleading (3^rd – 5^th grades)

Coach Noreen Mays

Cheerleaders perform at elementary basketball games – approximately 7 out of 12 games.

• Middle School Soccer (4^th – 8^th grades) Co-ed

Coach Rick Denton

Participates in the Knoxville Independent School League (K.I.S.L.).  Season is typically 10 – 12 games plus an end of the season tournament.

• High School Soccer (9^th – 12^th grades) boys only

Coach John King

Games are scheduled with small public schools and other private Christian schools in the area. High School Soccer is currently not part of a league. Soccer has a small fall season to keep up skills of the players while having a larger season in the spring.  The fall season has approximately 4 – 7 games and the spring has 10 – 14.

• Middle School Volleyball (5^th – 8^th grades) girls only

Coach Kim Burroughs

Participates with the Knoxville Independent School League (K.I.S.L.).  Season is typically 14-18 games plus an end of the season tournament. 

• High School Volleyball (9^th – 12^th grades) girls only

Coach Donna Findley

Games are scheduled with small public schools and other private Christian schools in the area.  High School Volleyball is currently not part of a league.  Season typically has 16 – 18 games with many of those being tri-matches.

• High School Baseball (8^th – 12^th) boys only

Coach Kim Kidd

Games are scheduled with public schools and other private Christian schools in the area.  Baseball is currently not part of a league.  Season is typically 18 – 20 games.  Occasionally, we are able to participate in an area tournament hosted by another private school.

 

 

 

II.  Expenses/Income:

o       Department Breakdown Year 2009-10 Highlights (thru 3/31/10)

                             

Beginning Balance Carry forward	$2,335.11
Basketball Balance Carry Forward	$7478.43
Gate Receipts	$5,691.64
Athletic Fees	$4,300.00
Referees	-$4,248.00
League/Booking Fees	-$565.00
Supplies/Equipment	-$690.86
Basketball Balance as of 3/31/10	$12,082.79

 

Baseball Balance Carry Forward	$114.29
Gate Receipts	$0
Athletic Fees	$950.00
Assigning Fee	-$70.00
Field Paint/General Repairs	-$540.31
Supplies/Equipment	-$382.80
Umpires	-$260.00
Baseball Balance as of 3/31/10	-$188.82

 

Soccer Balance Carry Forward	$108.97
Gate Receipts	$0
Athletic Fees	$2,750.00
Referees	-$860.00
Equipment/Field Maintenance	-$718.41
Supplies/Equipment	-$690.86
Soccer Balance as of 3/31/10	$1,280.56

 

Volleyball Balance Carry Forward	$0
Gate Receipts	$1,112.25
Athletic Fees	$900.00
Booking Fees	$60.00
Referees	-$1,234.00
League/Booking Fees	-$565.00
Supplies/Equipment	-$87.17
Volleyball Balance as of 3/31/10	$603.58

 

Cheer Balance Carry Forward	$0
Athletic Fees	$600.00
Uniforms	-$429.60
Cheer Balance as of 3/31/10	$170.40

 

 

 

General Fund Balance Carry Forward	$92.73
Physicals	$300.00
Season Passes	$750.00
Insurance	-$2,340.00
Fall Banquet	-$174.05
Supplies/Equipment	-$552.77
General Fund Balance as of 3/31/10	-$1,530.44

 

Athletic Balance	$14,753.18
Coaching Salaries- Currently part of MCS General Budget	-$26,000.00

 

III.  Changes/Improvements:

 

• Procedures

The last two years have brought an opportunity to improve procedures in many areas.  One of the most significant changes has been the organization of paperwork such as doctor’s physicals, permission forms, accident reports, etc.  We have enforced the policy requiring that physical and permission forms be turned in before any athlete can participate in a practice or competition.  This has greatly reduced the amount of time spent “chasing” parents/students for the appropriate forms or fees.  This also protects the school from liability in case of athlete injury.

• Policy

Policy has been followed much more strictly over the past two years.  Handbook rules are being adhered to concerning things such as eligibility, travel, etc. 

• Uniforms

There is now a team uniform check sheet that has each athlete listed along with the number of their uniform.  Coaches are responsible for getting this information to Shalee Tipton.  As uniforms are turned in, an athlete is marked off.  These uniforms are expensive; therefore, it is important that they be returned and in good condition.

• Organization/Communication

We have received positive feedback about the improvements in communication and organization within the Athletic Department.  Communication is essential, as the nature of athletics assures that there will be constant changes.  E-mail has been a great tool in communicating with parents and coaches.  Schedules change frequently and it is important that the parents know what is changing. The MCS website is also a great tool that we have kept up to date with schedules and changes as well as announcements concerning cancellations.  The Friday Flier is being utilized to communicate special dates and other announcements.  A quarterly “Sports Page” has been created that has many highlights of recent happenings in MCS athletics as well as information on current sports, team meetings, etc.

• Game Administration

We have made a commitment to having a Game Administrator on hand at every home basketball game (approximately 32 games).  We have procedures that were followed involving set up, game time, and take down. We have been very conscientious about showing our visitors hospitality as well as representing the school and Christ well at these competitions.

 

• Management of Coaches

Coaches have been managed much more effectively over the past year.  The goal has been to have uniformity in thought and procedure from the coaches.  Coaches meetings were held to go over proper procedures and policies.  Interaction and communication with coaches has been important and consistent through e-mails, texts, phone calls, etc. 

• Organization of the Program

Overall, the program is much more organized.  We have followed policy and upheld   standards for students and parents which have helped meet expectations. 

• Scheduling

The task of scheduling competitions is a juggling match at times.  Every effort has been made to be aware of other school activities happening simultaneously for the 2010-2011 athletic year.  Attention has been given to the amount of travel games as well as the number of competitions per week.

 

III.  Recommendations:

• Handbook

The Handbook and Athletic Department policies need to be re-evaluated.  We need to look at policies and procedures as a whole to determine which things are dated and if there are needs that should be added.  As we have grown, things have changed and procedures have proven to have loopholes that need to be corrected.

• Booster Club Involvement

Parental involvement is a major issue.  The Booster Club has always struggled to have active involvement.  Should there be a required number of meetings attended by each family?  Should there be a fee for those who do not attend?  Are parents simply burned out?  These questions need to be answered, as parental involvement is essential to any athletic program. Too much work has been placed on the Assistant AD as far as details for making the program run (i.e. concessions, Eagle Outfitters).  This has been something that the Booster Club traditionally handled.

• Further Organization/Re-evaluation

The program needs to be re-evaluated from top to bottom.  One person, whether that is a new Athletic Director or the Assistant Athletic Director, needs to be focused on organization of the entire program. Areas of improvement would include:

·        Collecting data on implementing additional sports, such as golf and softball.

·        Organizing a rotation system for the purchase of new uniforms.  Make this public to coaches so they will know where their team is in the rotation.

·        Establishing a training system for coaches and their assistants on how to respond to difficult situations and on organization of their team (uniforms and paperwork).

·        Require uniformity in communication with parents and students from coaches.

While wonderful strides have been made, this is a large department and continued changes will take time and focus.

• Management

The fact that most of our coaches are not staff members makes it more difficult to manage them.  As we move toward more changes within the department, they will need to be shepherded towards that end.  Continued strides toward uniformity are a must for the betterment of the entire program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL REPORTS

 

 

I.   PK – 6 Report, Mrs. Robin Adams

 

A.  Spiritual Life:  During the 2009-2010 school year, the elementary school held two weekly chapels, as in the past, so that the programs can be more age appropriate.  On Monday mornings, the 4-6^th grades meet together at 8:15, and at 9:00 the PK4-3^rd grades meet for worship.  Both groups take an offering each week to continue to support children in Africa and a child in India respectively.  Each staff member is assigned the responsibility of inviting chapel speakers, and each class presents a chapel program each year.  This year we have been privileged to have a Christian ventriloquist, puppets, creative dance, missionary to India, an MCS dad who ministered in Haiti after the earthquake, MCS seniors share their ministry in Costa Rica, and various other ministers from our churches who have led us in chapel.  Mr. Bradam leads us in praise and worship music to begin each service.  Songs are used that students learn in his music class.  Pledges, prayer, and recognition of birthdays lead into our guest speaker.  The Core Essentials character trait program from Chick-fil-A is used in each class K-6 to promote building good character.  We have the privilege of integrating biblical principles into this program, and recognizing good character.  Often, our chapel speakers carry on the character focus for the month.  For this school year, the character focus beginning in September and continuing through May was wisdom, individuality, cooperation, compassion, self-discipline, honor, honesty, friendship, and patience.  Students are recognized at the end of chapel for displaying these traits through the principal’s “Top Banana” award.  Teachers recognize students who share these traits with Chick-fil-A award coupons and drawings for prizes.  The sixth graders have been challenged to become examples and leaders by serving at Grandparent’s Day and the Pastor Appreciation Breakfast.  This last semester, the sixth graders have led in Bible reading and prayer to open chapel.  Individual classes have ministered outside the walls of our school to others by:

 

·        Adopt-a-Leader

·        Pastor Breakfast

·        Grandparent’s Day

·        Christmas Worship Program

·        Kindergarten gifts to the Pregnancy Resource Center

·        Food drive for the Chilhowee Baptist Center

·        Collecting medical supplies for Haiti

 

Each class begins their day with Bible lesson, prayer and scripture memory.  Often, these lessons are immersed in the day-to-day happenings of the school, and are used for discipline and reproof.  God has blessed us by having children come to know Him as Lord and Savior, and recommit themselves to Him as a result of concentrated Bible study.

 

B.  Academic Life: 

 

1.  Bible Review

Curriculum review for the 2009-2010 school year embraced Bible teaching at MCS.  An intense committee of teachers, administrators, staff, and a grandparent met periodically.  After reviewing many textbooks and our current curriculum from pre-school through 12^th grade, the committee recommended keeping all of our present curriculum.  There were two recommendations made to increase the effectiveness and application of Bible study:  1. A portion of the weekly Bible lesson mandate parental involvement, and 2. Include basic Bible doctrine that students would learn in part yearly.

 

2.  Math Review

Curriculum review for the 2008-2009 school year encompassed math instruction in the elementary school.  A team of educators led by Mrs. Angela DeLozier examined several math programs.  Their choice and approved by the MCS Board was Envision math published by Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley.  Envision was implemented in 2009-2010 in kindergarten through fifth grade.  Included with textbooks were hands-on manipulatives and interactive digital media for each grade level.  This software has been used with the new Promethean boards, and some teachers have acquired laptop projectors and used a simple whiteboard for displaying.   For the first time, an elementary textbook was available on-line for home use.   Important elements that the committee liked about Envision were:

 

·        Hands-on manipulative instruction

·        Daily spiral review

·        Real-life application

·        Digital media

·        Assessment modeled after standardized testing

 

Initial responses from parents and students have been varied.  The committee strongly feels that the long-term effects of using Envision math will be academic excellence in the middle-school, and future college entrance testing.  We look forward to the results.

 

Led by Mrs. Angela DeLozier, this spring the teachers of K-5 math revised the MCS curriculum guide to include the goals and objectives outlined in Envision, and compared these to the Tennessee state standards.  This comparison indicated that Envision meets and exceeds the state standards. 

 

3.  Technology

During 2009-2010, the elementary classes have enjoyed learning through technology in the new MCS SmarT room that includes 20 laptops and one Promethean board.  All classes were given opportunity to learn through technology at least weekly, with teachers signing up for additional open times.  Mrs. Allison England led the endeavor to integrate ISTE (International Standards of Technology in Education) standards into all PK-6 curriculum areas with the classroom teachers.  This task has been completed and will be initiated in 2010-2011.

 

4.  Professional Development

During the summer of 2009, MCS elementary teachers completed approximately 130 hours of professional development in the areas of reading, science, math and technology.  Teachers continue to be life-long learners seeking the best instruction for students to succeed.

 

5.  Summer Camps

Several camps were offered during summer 2009.  These were:  Mr. Bradam – music camp, Mrs. England – art camp, Mrs. Armstrong – math camp, Mrs. Newberry – kindergarten readiness class, and opportunities for tutoring were available from Mrs. Browning and Mrs. Newberry.

 

This school year offered our students the opportunity for several extra-curricular activities after school.  Mrs. Moreno directed two drama clubs weekly.  An outside professional led elementary Spanish class and another creative dance.  Girl Scouts and 4-H clubs were organized and flourished.

 

 

II.  7-12 Report, Mrs. Jackie Klima

 

A.  Spiritual life

 

Under the leadership of the Spiritual Life Committee, there were many highlights in the spiritual life of MCS this year.  I asked the students to relate to me what stood out in their minds.  God’s plan to bless us and teach us through testing was truly evident.  (I Peter 1:7 “the trial of your faith, much more precious than gold”). The students recalled the times when they grew the most as those where they faced struggles and difficulty.  It is the desire of every staff member at MCS to be here to guide our students through hard times and teach them how a life centered on God’s word and a personal relationship with Him makes all the difference.    

 

1.  Retreats

Early in the year both middle and high school groups had great experiences at their Spiritual Emphasis Retreats.  With wonderful speakers, fun activities, fellowship and good food; the students said that the “alone time” with God was the highlight for them.  Getting away from all the diversions of life and experiencing God in the great outdoors has a way of impacting us all.  As they go through the years of high school they recall their times at retreat as being times when they made major strides in their Christian maturity.  We cannot overestimate the importance of these times together and this year was no exception.

 

2.  Community Service

The students had many opportunities to live out their Christian witness in ministry to others.  This year each class went as a group to one particular venue. Some of the places they served were Wellington Place (assisted living for Alzheimer’s patients), Habitat for Humanity, ROC (Reaching Our Community-helping the needy), Camp Tipton, and Lost Sheep Ministry (feeding the homeless).  Their experiences had a big impact on their perspective of life.  The culmination of the Mercy Matters Program, with all the classes working a full day together on April 28, was awesome.  They clearly exhibited their unity and willingness to serve others through their experiences in community service this year.