I. Belief Statement
II. Mission Statement
III. Involvement
IV. Communication
V. Fundraiser Volunteers
VI. Other Volunteer Opportunities
Aquinas Academy Philosophy
Belief Statement
At Aquinas Academy, WE BELIEVE ...
Our school environment is centered on the Gospel and based on the values of our Catholic faith through Jesus Christ.
1. ... That we are all members of the Family of God, that the Parish is integral to that Family, and that the schooling program is an extension of the parish in educating and reinforcing the Family of God.
2. ... We exist to assist and support parents and guardians as first teachers and guides in the formation of their children as they experience "the journey of a lifetime".
3. … Catholic schooling fulfills its academic purpose while simultaneously promoting a disposition to service, passion for justice and commitment to God and the church in faith through Jesus Christ.
4. ... We respect and recognize the individuality of each student and acknowledge the unique challenges of youth. It is our purpose to guide each student to a sense of self as a gift to the community by examples of self-disciplined responsibility of faculty and administration.
5. …Our desire is to offer a schooling process that provides opportunities for academic excellence and spiritual, physical, interpersonal and emotional development.
Mission Statement
The mission of our school is to provide all students with a Catholic learning environment. A creative, unique quality of academics and excellence in education will prepare these students for the "journey of a lifetime.” We recognize that the strengths existing in Catholic education are enhanced by creating a stronger, vital community for education and formation.
Involvement
The direct involvement of parents through the sharing of their time, talent, and treasure is an absolute necessity for Aquinas Academy. As school parents, you share the pleasure, the privilege, and the duty to build the Aquinas Academy community, which helps reinforce the Gospel message of the school.
As responsible members of the Aquinas Academy community, who value the quality education offered here, you are expected to assist in one or more volunteer activities throughout the course of the school year. Opportunities for volunteer efforts are described in the handbook packet. This is by no means a complete listing; if there is another area of interest that you wish to address please do so on the form.
These forms will be used by the Volunteer Core Team and the principal to identify volunteers for specific programs. By making a sincere attempt to make us aware of your interests through this volunteer opportunity form you will facilitate matching of people and programs.
Communication
Communication between the principal, faculty, staff and parents is vital to building strong community. There are a number of "scheduled" opportunities for communication.
Fall Open House
This event kicks off the new school year by introducing you to your child's homeroom and specific-subject teachers. A general explanation of school expectations and curriculum is presented. In addition, time is allotted for parents to meet one another.
Monthly Information Parent Packets
This is a broad based communication forum that includes a monthly calendar of upcoming events, volunteer requests for specific projects, and selected policy information. This packet is sent home with the youngest child in each family at the beginning of each month throughout the school year. Please be sure to read both sides of the enclosed papers. The principal and office staff coordinates this monthly effort. Volunteers are needed to prepare these packets each month.
Parent -Teacher Conferences
Conferences are scheduled once a year for every student. If you feel you need to speak with the teacher at another time please send a note to the teacher or call the office to schedule a conference.
Family Directory
This all-school list will help you communicate with other parents whose children attend Aquinas Academy. A directory will be compiled. Proofreaders are needed.
Fundraiser Volunteers
Many volunteers are needed to achieve our fundraising goal for the school year. Please indicate which fundraisers you are willing to assist with on the Volunteer Opportunity Form.
Fall Fundraiser
This is a new endeavor. Over the last several years we have seen a steady decrease in the amount raised for our traditional fall fundraiser. Therefore, a decision was made by the Volunteer Core Team to try a new concept of a ‘rub-off’ PA Daily Number ticket book with the potential to raise over $42,000.00. All families will be given one book to sell. We will need volunteers to help with disseminating information regarding this new event, the ticket books, and helping to maintain records for tickets sold.
Spring Gala
The Gala has theme each year. Because this is our largest fundraiser, we will need many volunteers to work on various subcommittees throughout the year.
Annual Crusade
Students collect pledges and then participate in a walk-a-thon at Lynch Field in the springtime. Due to the recent increase in amounts raised and planning involved in the crusade and the carnival, we are in need of three chairpersons for the three events. Volunteers are needed to purchase food and supplies, to set up, supervise the students and aid with clean up.
Scrip
This program allows families to purchase Scrip gift cards for everyday expenses like food, clothing, and entertainment. A percentage of each dollar goes toward tuition and towards the school. Volunteers are needed to process and fill Scrip orders.
Market Day
Families can purchase food items in this program. Volunteers are needed to fill orders on delivery day once a month.
Monthly Raffle
This event will be held monthly beginning in December due to the new fall fundraiser. Families still have an opportunity to earn tuition credit from the new fall fundraiser in addition to the monthly tickets sold December through May.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Book Fair
Volunteers are needed to assist with this fair.
Labels and Receipts
Our school receives money and school equipment simply from collecting labels and grocery receipts. Each of these chairpersons needs volunteers to tally labels or receipts at home.
Holiday Shop
This is an old fashioned "Santa's Secret Shop" whose main purpose is to provide a safe, secret holiday shopping experience for our younger students. Volunteers are needed to set up, to assist students while shopping, and to clean up.
Hospitality Committee
Volunteers are needed to coordinate and serve refreshments at various school events. Despite a sign-up at the end of last school year, this committee is still in need of a number of parents to volunteer.
Lunchtime Nurse or Aide
The only day we do not have a school nurse is Thursday. It would be nice if we could find a volunteer to cover the nurse’s office during lunch periods on Thursdays.
Lunchtime Monitor
Volunteers are needed to help with monitoring the children during lunch periods and recess. More information will be sent home so you may volunteer as your schedule permits. A schedule will be sent home monthly.
Grant Writing
This is an exciting and challenging involvement for a volunteer to seek corporate and foundation grant funds. Help position our school to be ready to apply for suitable grant money at a moment’s notice. Volunteers will work with the principal and dialog with teachers regarding specific grant-based projects and curriculum thematic units.
Social Committee
This committee covers the Family Bike Ride and the carnival and fine arts weekend. The purpose of this committee is to maintain the planning for these two events and to discuss possible events for the future.
Family Mentoring
This is a new committee designed to welcome new families to Aquinas Academy. The group of volunteers is growing, but still needs additional people willing to ‘adopt’ a new family for the school year by providing them with information and a personal contact to feel more welcome.