Investing in our Future by St. Thomas's Day School

INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE St. Thomas’s Day School Strategic Vision | 2022 - 2026

STRATEGIC PLAN COMMITTEE: DR. GREG MOKOTOFF Committee Chair DR. RENU BOATRIGHT THE REV. LUK DEVOLDER DON EDWARDS DR. JOHN FORREST DEEPAK GOPLANI EILEEN O’DONNELL GINA PANZA NORINE PAGE KEN PAUL

Dear Members of the St. Thomas’s Day School Community, On behalf of myself and the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to present St. Thomas’s Day School’s strategic vision Investing in our Future. This plan provides the framework for guiding our direction through 2026. It represents the entire community and embodies the best of St. Thomas’s Day School. A defining characteristic of St. Thomas’s is its strong community. It’s no surprise that our initial focus centers around people - every child, every teacher, every family. We are a mission-driven school committed to cultivating intelligence while engaging heart and spirit. Our goal to boldly face change and embrace innovation within the context of our strong curriculum solidifies our commitment to academic excellence while developing a strong moral and ethical compass, a service mindset, and leadership capabilities. Other strategic goals reflect our thoughts on how to provide outstanding facilities to meet our future needs - a space for children to explore, create, imagine, wonder, relax and play - and how best to ensure continued financial sustainability. This is a vision full of promise. The collective commitment and dedication of our community will be needed to make it a reality. We hope you will join the School in our continued pursuit of excellence. I would like to thank the Strategic Planning Committee for devoting their time, energy, and expertise to this process. Our School’s culture of support and collaboration is stronger than ever. I am excited to partner with you! Warmly,

Gina Panza Head of School

NITY

X STRENGTHEN efforts to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging X CREATE opportunities to celebrate and support our diverse community X SEEK partnerships with area organizations to enhance learning and help spread the value of STTS X MAKE stronger, more intentional connections with our alumni and grandparents

P EOPLE

Every Child, Every Teacher, Every Family

NTS

X STRENGTHEN socialemotional support for children as we emerge from the pandemic X ENHANCE enrichment and support for students X INCREASE equity and access across socioeconomic, racial, and religious diversity within our student body

X CREATE time in the schedule for teachers to connect and collaborate X ENCOURAGE faculty to showcase what they are doing in the classroom, encouraging pride in accomplishments, and allowing for increased opportunities to market the School X TAKE ADVANTAGE of hiring opportunities to reflect more fully in our adult population the diversity of our student body X INCREASE teacher staffing as appropriate to the needs of the school

X IMPLEMENT family programs and events to foster parent education and community building X ASSESS current afterschool programs and develop new programs to support working families.

BOAR

X SUPPORT robust professional development opportunities, both on and off-campus

X STRENGTHEN the homeschool connection

X ATTRACT AND RETAIN the highest caliber teachers to consistently deliver a quality STTS education

TRUS f T o

IES L I

ERS H C

X INVITE new trustees willing to do the hard work necessary to support the goals of STTS and lead the work to get us there X INCREASE Board visibility through regular communication and participation in school affairs and events X COLLABORATE with the Vestry of St. Thomas’s Church to build a clear future for both organizations

Offer an inspired and inspiring learning environment

PL ACE&FACILITIES

X SEEK adequate space for growth in enrollment X CREATE flexible spaces, allowing for more alternative learning opportunities X CONSIDER how teachers and students will use spaces and make requisite adjustments/renovations in a post-COVID environment X EXPLORE options for a dedicated lunch space X REASSESS plans and renovate 3rd floor

Ensure a strong, sustainable future by creating an organization that boldly faces change and is open to innovation

P ROGRA MS

ACADEMIC PROGRAM X CONTINUE to build innovative and experiential learning opportunities within the context of our strong core curriculum X CREATE more experiential learning opportunities in the Lower School X ENHANCE support and enrichment services for students X A SSESS the role of technology in the classroom to adjust to post-COVID needs X ASSESS curriculum through a culturally-competent lens

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS X EXPLORE deeper ties into area colleges and universities X BUILD relationships with external support providers to meet the needs of individual students X A SSURE continuity across the grades in an effort to highlight and enhance signature programs X EXPLORE additional auxiliary programs to build revenue

Create a Clear and Navigable Pathway to the Future

I N ST I T U T I O N A L S U STA I N A B I L I T Y & G R OW T H

X REVIEW and REVISE our mission statement X CLARIFY core values to be able to act intentionally upon them X INVEST in change and innovation X SUPPORT a more dedicated effort to marketing the School X FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: STRENGTHEN our fundraising capacity to realize additional discretionary income DEFINE our endowment strategy to maximize unrestricted funds WORK to grow financial aid funds to help enroll qualified families TARGET full enrollment levels by grade with mission-appropriate families

830 WHITNEY AVENUE | NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06511 | PHONE 203.776.2123 | stthomasday.org