Strategic Plan Update

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy’s Strategic Plan, Directed Toward Tomorrow, continues to drive all that we do each day at NFA. Rooted in the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and built upon the legacy of 100 years, this plan reflects our commitment to provide the highest quality, formative educational experience, for today and for all our tomorrows.

As you know, Directed Toward Tomorrow centers on five goal areas: Identity & Relationship, Student Experience, Belonging & Inclusion, Vitality & Stewardship, and Campus Environment, which have objectives that will be met throughout the plan’s five-year implementation. Periodically, we offer updates so you can see how the goals are being worked on, and the progress being made.

Since the plan’s launch last spring, many committees have been established with the specific purpose to meet the five goals set forth. These are chaired by faculty, staff or board members, and their membership reflects parents, alumni, community members and parents of alumni. Committees generally meet monthly and report their progress to the NFA Advisory Board.

Our Identity and Relationship Goal commits NFA

to cultivate an inclusive, faith-filled community that nurtures global citizens committed to relationships with self, others, and Earth.

• Conducting a comprehensive assessment and revision of the entire Service-Learning

Program and Curriculum - Increased collaboration with other SSJ-sponsored works and infusion of the NFA community with SSJ mission and charism. - Revitalized Service-Learning Program and Curriculum launching in the next school year with service trips to new sites. Service experiences will be fully embedded into the curriculum before and after the trip. • Several faculty and staff members participated in professional development on Catholic

Identity presented by the Roache Center for Catholic Education of Boston College.

The Student Experience Goal charges us

with extending excellence to provide a sustainable, individual, and holistic student experience. • Revitalizing the Service-Learning Curriculum - The Curriculum Council is working with the Identity and Relationship Committee to ensure all curriculum follows newly defined standards. • Teachers created and implemented an Adaptable Instruction Model for 2020-2021, which ensured seamless remote and in-person learning experiences for our students. • Assessment of curriculum standards and objectives across all grade levels. Using findings to inform and guide curriculum development, the Council has reviewed the Math curriculum and has implemented Math initiatives at all grade levels. • Collaboration with high schools to ensure that our children are best prepared for the academic challenges presented at their chosen secondary education experience. • The Student Life Committee hosted its inaugural Committee Meeting in

February. This effort will include one Steering Committee for all student life with subgroups of athletics, the arts, and co-curriculars, charged with setting and achieving specific objective goals.

The Belonging and Inclusion Goal commits NFA to co-create a community and culture of belonging that responds to the lifelong call to be engaged persons who impact the world with a love that unites.

The Campus Environment Goal sustains a safe, functional and welcoming campus that supports, stimulates and advances the dynamic needs of students, families and staff while facilitating relationships with others and the Earth. • The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is exploring and identifying opportunities to recognize and celebrate diversity in all forms. • NFA faculty and staff continue their yearlong professional development series with Equity Ambush, a consultancy that has assisted the Council and also delivered training to faculty and staff on diversity, equality, inclusion, and culturally responsive programming. • With the Curriculum Council and the DEI Council, teachers have received support and guidance in inclusive pedagogy. • In celebration of Black History Month, faculty received a variety of resources with the goal of sustaining this celebration as they commit to representation of diverse examples of individuals across backgrounds in all academic areas. • Programs celebrating diversity empower students to enhance their awareness and understanding of differences. Eighth grade students who attended a local diversity conference have begun a new student DEI committee to increase understanding of belonging and how to be an inclusive school community.

The Vitality and Stewardship Goal strengthens

and stewards an integrated, financially responsible operation model. Although not always obvious to our parents and supporters, this goal area is one where much has been accomplished in the past six months. • The Finance Committee established a socially responsible Investment Policy defining clear investment goals, standards, and guidelines for positioning ourselves for the future. - An endowment was established to sustain the vitality of NFA in the future through greater financial security. The committee is seeking creative ways to enlarge the endowment and ensure its growth. • The Enrollment and Marketing Committee has been reestablished and has been evaluating enrollment and admission trends in consultation with the Association of

Independent School Admissions Professionals. - Results of a 360 Assessment have informed new admission efforts and activities including virtual admissions events, more engagement between prospective parents and current parents, classroom demonstrations, alumni outreach, and more. - The move to Ravenna has made tracking inquiries and applications easier for new families, and the switch to TADS software has made continuous enrollment easier for our current families. - Marketing efforts have significantly strengthened NFA’s inbound marketing, including instituting SEO in consultation with Finalsite, NFA’s website company. A digital marketing plan will be completed. - Increased community engagement with virtual events, including NFA’s Centennial Speaker series. - Improved communications and transparency, especially in relation to handling COVID challenges. - Weekly e-newsletters and communications have a new look, social media engagement has been increased, and monthly virtual get togethers with parents have been added. • New Advisory Board bylaws have been drafted, membership committee has been established, and three new members will join the

Advisory Board.

• The Campus Environment Committee completed a request for proposals for a longrange, comprehensive campus plan. Hord Coplan Macht, an architectural firm with extensive experience in the K through grade 12 environments, was chosen and sent surveys to parents, faculty and staff, alumni, Advisory Board, and our middle school students. Follow up focus groups were conducted this winter to garner further information. • The majority of Big House offices have been relocated to upper floors to provide more opportunities for academic programming on the first floor. The chapel has been restored and will be used for retreats, religion classes, guest speakers and as a sacred gathering space for small liturgies. • Renovation of the Loft, the Legacy Gift of the Class of 2020, is in its final stages of renovations, turning the vacant space into a multimedia lab and STEM classroom complete with a recording studio. • Additional plans are underway for outdoor landscape improvements on both campuses.