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ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY PROFILESt. Augustine High School, commonly known as “Saints,” was founded in 1922 by the Order of St. Augustine, as a Catholic, liberal arts high school offering a college preparatory curriculum for young men. It is centrally located in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego and serves the city of San Diego, surrounding San Diego County, and Tijuana, Mexico. Saints is the only Catholic, all male school in the area. The school has a staff of both religious and dedicated lay persons. Mr. Edwin Hearn is serving in his sixth year as President, and Mr. James Horne is in his ninth year as its Principal. The school is proud that fifteen (30%) of its administrators and teachers are alumni.Since the 2003 school year, Saints has maintained a full enrollment of 700 students from San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico, with a retention rate of 98% over the last five years (Appendix 1). The school enjoys a rich ethnic and racial mix reflective of the region.06-0707-0808-0909-1010-1111-12African American3.0%3.1%2.2%1.7%2.0%3.0%American Indian/Native American1.0%1.5%1.9%1.3%1.6%1.3%Asian and Pacific Islander9.9%9.4%10.7%10.5%9.3%11.0%Caucasian59.5%54.8%52.3%48.5%48.0%46.3%Hispanic/Latino24.2%27.0%26.4%26.6%26.8%24.7%Middle Eastern1.4%1.4%1.8%1.4%1.1%1.7%Multi-Racialn/a2.1%4.0%6.8%8.3%12.0%Portuguese1.0%n/a0.7%0.7%0.5%0%Other/unknownn/a0.7%n/a2.5%2.3%n/aTotal100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%Of the surveyed parents, 89% agree that “the ethnic diversity at Saints is a positive experience” for their sons. This cultural diversity is celebrated each year with such activities as the Festival of Arts, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass with a Mariachi Band providing the music, the Baja Golf Tournament, student performances at 8th grade visitation assemblies, and other curricular emphases. In addition, selected African-American students are recognized annually by The Links Achievers Program. Based on PSAT scores, Saints also celebrates students who receive National Hispanic Scholar honors, National Merit Honors and National Achievement Programs.The school offers tuition assistance to approximately 40% of its student population each year; 81% of surveyed parents agree that “information about tuition assistance is readily available.” For school year 2011-12, the projected $1.49 million budget for assistance includes $1.36 million in needs-based tuition assistance, a work study program, and $125,000 in merit-based scholarships. The Board of Directors is committed to increasing financial assistance to needs-based students as tuition rises. In the last seven years, the amount of tuition assistance has increased by 77.4%.YearNeeds Based GrantsAppsAwds% AwdsMerit ScholarshipsTotal Grants Scholarships2005-06 $ 749,838 27123687.1% $ 93,220 $ 843,058 2006-07 $ 894,212 28425188.4% $ 106,572 $ 1,000,784 2007-08 $ 923,578 28423482.4% $ 137,733 $ 1,061,311 2008-09 $ 1,008,297 29024885.5% $ 143,115 $ 1,151,412 2009-10 $ 1,240,132 36031386.9% $ 117,507 $ 1,357,639 2010-11 $ 1,310,482 33829085.8% $ 124,901 $ 1,435,383 2011-12$ 1,366,074 36231486.7%$ 129,501$ 1,495,574St. Augustine High School has over 8,000 alumni, including approximately 3,900 Saintsmen who live in San Diego County and contribute as members of the professional, civic and business communities. The Alumni Association supports the school in a variety of ways, including conducting football, soccer and basketball tournaments for the county’s parochial schools, sponsorship of Junior Career Day, administration of the Senior Essay Contest, and the annual Alumni Golf Tournament. Each year alumni celebrating their fifty year reunion are included in the Baccalaureate Mass and graduation ceremonies and invited to participate in a weekend of activities. Many other classes also celebrate and relive their “Saints Experience” by hosting reunions. The Volleyball, Soccer and Baseball Programs also host well-attended alumni games at the start of their seasons. In January, recent graduates traditionally return to the campus to share their first year college experiences with current students as a means to expose students to the issues they may face as they transition to college. The alumni also support the annual fundraisers at Saints.St. Augustine High School is known by neighbors, stakeholders, and alumni as a community of faith. St. Augustine High School is proud that 92% of Saintsmen are Catholic (Appendix 2).Catholic life is central to our philosophy and daily activities. Saints offers class level retreats centered on the Augustinian core values of Unity, Truth, and Love (Unitas, Veritas, and Caritas). The success of these retreats is dependent upon active participation by Augustinian Friars, faculty, staff, and parents. Freshmen participate in an overnight retreat which focuses on unity and includes outreach to the broader community. Sophomores are involved in a one-day retreat centered on truth. Juniors participate in a one-day retreat that focuses on love and relationship building. Seniors are encouraged to attend the KAIROS retreat, which is a four-day, three-night intense spiritual experience examining one’s relationship with God, others and the community. All retreats are student led and supervised by the Chaplain, Campus Minister and Big Brother retreat leaders. Holding true to our Catholic roots, each graduate completes eight semesters of religion classes and completes one hundred community service hours. Each Saintsman is able to fulfill his service requirement by volunteering at one of the many local non-profit organizations with which the school partners (Appendix 3). Students can also meet their service requirement by participating in one of the many service learning trips planned by the Campus Ministry Office. These experiences include weekly/monthly trips to St. Vincent DePaul and Hogar Infantíl Orphanage, annual “urban plunges” to Los Angeles (2011), New Orleans (2011), and cultural service trips (Appalachia 2009, Italy 2011, and Guatemala 2012). Saintsmen attended World Youth Day this past summer and are involved in food drives at various times during the year. The freshman Honors English Class provided food and blankets to the homeless living in downtown San Diego three times during the 2010-11 school year and once in the fall of 2011, and plan to continue that effort. Saints is proud that faculty, staff and administrators are also involved in most of these community outreach programs. Surveys indicate our stakeholders realize the importance of our religious and service programs and the importance of developing Christian gentlemen. Some of the data that came forward include95% of parents surveyed feel “that the Religious Program is an important part of the Saints Experience.”94% of the faculty/staff feel that they “contribute to the Catholic identity at Saints.”95% of the students “perceive their education at Saints as strongly Catholic.”85% of students surveyed believe that one of the major goals of the school is “to provide a Catholic education grounded in Augustinian values.”GENERAL CURRICULUMThe school’s college preparatory liberal arts curriculum is challenging. Ninety-two percent of surveyed parents agree that “course work is academically demanding,” 82% of faculty believe that their course work challenges students with high expectations, and 85% of the students state that the majority of their “present teachers make their courses meaningful, interesting, and challenging.” The graduation requirements prepare Saintsmen for college/university admissions and are aligned to meet the rigorous admission standards of the University of California and California State University systems (Appendix 4). In the last five years, the AP course offerings have increased from fourteen courses to the current seventeen course offerings. During the 2010-11 school year, 273 students sat for 536 AP Tests. Seventy-nine percent of the Class of 2011 enrolled in at least one AP course during their studies at Saints.Below are five years of data comparing students from Saints, California, and the global level which indicate the percentage of AP students in these categories with scores of “3”or higher as reported by the College Board.20072008200920102011Saints 64.6 %58.9 %67.3 %76.1 %70.0 %California 63.6 %62.8 %64.4 %64.2 %63.6 %Global 61.7 %60.1 %61.1 %60.2 %60.2 %Since our last accreditation (2006), 100% of Saints graduates have continued their educational pursuits beyond high school including Catholic universities, four year universities (public and private), military service academies, community colleges, and other educational programs (art institute’s, culinary schools, and prep schools) (Appendix 5). In 2005, 82% of graduates went on to four year universities; in 2009, 93% of graduates went on to four year universities. St. Augustine High School has seen its graduates increasingly pursue studies at the University of California and other public and private universities. With the exception of the year 2010, Saints graduates are moving to community colleges in declining numbers. The administration and faculty believe these college attendance statistics are a result of a challenging curriculum, and the positive promotion of the importance of higher education.Extracurricular opportunities include a large variety of clubs and organizations including Academic Decathlon, Academic League, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Loyal Sons of St. Augustine (service club), Robotics Club, Art Club, Spanish Club, French Club, Restless Hearts Club (committed to St. Augustine and the rosary), Key Club, Newspaper, Campus Ministry, Band and Choir, Big Brothers retreat team, 32nd St. Jazz Band, Interact Club, African-American Alliance, Drama Club, Sports Medicine Club, and thriving intramural athletic programs. Currently, students participate in flag football, basketball, over-the-line, dodgeball and table tennis competitions at lunch. Intramural teams are formed in homerooms. Winning teams in intramural football and basketball traditionally play against a faculty team at the culmination of the intramural season.Saints is proud to offer thirteen CIF sports with the recent addition of roller hockey, rugby, and lacrosse. According to surveys, 93% of parents and 88% of students agree that “there are sufficient opportunities for participation in extracurricular activities.” Our affiliation with the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, a high school for young women and St. Augustine’s “sister school”, allows students from both schools to collaborate in drama, dances, pageantry corps, band, service projects, school leadership training and other ASB activities. Members of each school’s swim, surf and track teams train and compete together. The Academy provides award-winning cheerleading squads for athletic events and pep rallies. The Academy of Our Lady of Peace has been represented on the St. Augustine Board of Directors. The wide variety of extracurricular activities, when combined with the academic lives of our students, contributes to the fulfillment of the ESLRs.INFRASTRUCTURESaints is located on approximately 7.4 acres (Appendix 6). The campus contains five main structures that support the work of the school. Austin Hall is home to the Augustinian Monastery, the Augustinian/Faculty dining room, and Halo Joe’s Spirit Shop. Vasey Hall houses our chapel and sacristy, administrative and business offices, classrooms, art studios, a music room, faculty lounge and a work/mail room. Villanova Hall is home to the Student Services Office, Campus Ministry Center, Chaplain’s office, Our Mother of Good Counsel Counseling Center and conference room, library, computer lab, computer pod, and classrooms. Mendel Hall houses the science labs, computer pod, IT network control room, classrooms and faculty work room/lounge. Located under Villanova and Mendel Halls is an underground parking facility with storage and maintenance/engineering department and main electrical room. Dougherty Gym, our largest indoor event space, houses athletic courts, two locker rooms, wrestling room, weight training facility, athletic trainer’s room and health services office, coaches’ offices, athletic director’s office, Ted’s kitchen service, and the Turtle Shop bookstore. Also situated on the campus are two athletic fields used by physical education classes, fundraising events, drug and alcohol education programs (“Every 15 Minutes”) and alumni sponsored athletic events.SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTSSignificant campus physical improvements in the past six years include two new multi-story structures—Villanova and Mendel Halls. Vasey Hall underwent a significant interior remodel in 2007 to provide an expanded space for the Arts, new ASB meeting facilities, and offices for the President and Institutional Advancement. The main athletic field will be completed in March, 2012 with synthetic turf and a composite track, including new storage facilities. Technology advancements are ongoing and support many facets of the school’s work administratively and instructionally. The great amount of technological progress is a direct result of the school’s adherence to technology plans drafted in both 2007 and 2011. Some of the more significant advancements include the availability of online grades and homework to parents and students “Saints on the Web”; outsourcing tuition collection (SMART Tuition); the incorporation of Naviance Software by the College Counseling Department; upgrade of most computers to Windows 7; Microsoft Office 2010; and equipping all classrooms with ceiling mounted video projectors. The library has been fully automated and has a greatly expanded number of online resources for students. All students have been provided with electronic storage space on the school’s network that is accessible remotely. The school has increased the number of computers on campus nearly 150% since the last accreditation. This dramatic change in the amount of technology available to students was the direct result of the school’s purchase of sixty wireless netbooks in 2009-2010. The campus has wireless capability with monitored, limited access to the internet for students.Technology enhancements have also changed the way stakeholders receive and access school information. In 2008, was redesigned from scratch to serve the information needs of the school community. Daily announcements for students and faculty, previously only given over the P.A. system, are sent out to all staff via e-mail and posted on the school website for parents. Current and prospective families can also self-subscribe to the Saints Scene, a monthly newsletter which is delivered via e-mail. Saints also devised a social media strategy in 2009 that utilizes Facebook and Twitter for community updates such as emergency information, announcement of meetings and events, promotion of arts events, athletic contests, and alumni sponsored events. During the past two school years, the ASB has also produced a weekly video announcement that has become a favorite of the students. “What’s Up Today,” a faculty/staff read only set of announcements, is available in public folders on the faculty network. The school completed Phase I of a three phase campus redevelopment plan in 2007. In an effort to continue the redevelopment of the campus, the Office of the President conducted a feasibility study for building Phase IIA (a new gym and theater) in 2011. The school has received a Conditional Use Permit from the City of San Diego for the structures and has spent two years (2010-11) working on the design and development of the structure with the architectural firm. MISSION, VISION, and THE “SAINTS EXPERIENCE”The school has served the people of the San Diego region in an urban setting for the past ninety years. It has made a strong transition into the 21st century. St. Augustine High School is committed to educating young men in the traditional values of the Augustinians, Unitas, Veritas, and Caritas (unity, truth, and love) for many generations to come. The school’s Mission and Vision, and the Augustinian Vision of Education are lived out in what is called the “Saints Experience.” Our students, faculty, parents, and alumni often refer to a special quality of brotherhood and community that permeates daily campus life. In the Faculty, Parent, and Student Surveys, an open ended response question asked what “stands out” about Saints. Sixty-three percent of faculty members, 65% of parents, and 49% of students gave answers that related to brotherhood, camaraderie, community, the Augustinian values, spirit, tradition, or the “Saints Experience”. We find these numbers significant since the question itself was completely open-ended. The ESLR reflection essays on each of the four ESLRs repeatedly identified the “Saints brotherhood or Saints Experience” as elements that support achievement of the MUNITY DEMOGRAPHICSSan Diego County extends from Oceanside to the U.S.-Mexico border and from the Pacific Ocean to the Anza Borrego Desert. The 2000 population was 2,813,833 as compared to the July, 2010, figure of 3,053,793. As of 2010 San Diego County was the second-most-populous county in California behind Los Angeles County. The 2010 Census Bureau data indicated the following ethnic distribution: 50% White, 31.3% Latino/Hispanic, 10.4% Asian/Pacific Islanders, 5.6% African-American, 3.1% Mixed Race, .5% Native American, and .02% other. The median age in San Diego County is thirty-four and a half years. In 2010, the estimated median household income was $62,901.DEMOGRAPHICS FOR ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTSSt. Augustine High School students commute from as far north as Oceanside, as far east as Alpine, and as far south as Tijuana Mexico. Although the majority of the students matriculate from the forty-five Catholic parochial elementary schools in San Diego County, some students attend from public schools and other private schools. The student body for the 2011-12 school year is 92% Catholic. A complete breakdown of our students’ feeder schools is provided (Appendix 7).THREE TO FIVE YEAR PROJECTIONSince the year 2000, enrollment has been steady in spite of the economic downturn. As part of our mission and tradition we remain committed to families in need economically. For the past decade Saints has received more applicants than there is space available. It seems likely that our enrollment will remain at capacity (700) for the next five years.With the opening of two new co-educational campuses in the Diocese of San Diego within the last six years (Cathedral Catholic and Mater Dei Catholic), the area realized a 57% increase in the number of available student spaces. In spite of the increased competition, St. Augustine High School has remained at capacity. The challenge that lies ahead for the school is to continue to meet the financial aid demands that exist because of a struggling economy.EDUCATIONAL AND JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESThe primary curricular focus is preparation for a college program. The average matriculation rate to a college program is above 99% and for the last five years, 90% have attended four year universities. Increasingly Saints students are pursuing higher education outside of San Diego as well as out of state; however, there are many options for higher education locally.The colleges and universities available to Saints graduates in San Diego are San Diego State University, the University of San Diego, the University of California at San Diego, California State University San Marcos, Point Loma Nazarene University, National University, Alliant International University, and Christian Heritage College. There is a strong community college program in San Diego County including Mira Costa, Palomar, Cuyamaca, Grossmont, Mesa, City, Miramar and Southwestern Colleges. There are also several trade schools available that serve the community.MAJOR ISSUES UNIQUE TO AREAFour major characteristics of St. Augustine High School are its Catholic, its small size, its urban location, and its single sex enrollment. Saints is centrally located in North Park, a residential neighborhood, and is bounded by single-family homes. Occupying a city square block of approximately 7.4 acres, Saints has very little room for expansion. This once aging neighborhood is seeing some commercial and residential renewal. However, housing values have decreased as part of the overall market decline. An additional issue unique to our school is the daily influx of approximately forty students who must cross the international border between the United States and Mexico. Families from Mexico are dedicated to the educational program at Saints, enduring a wait time at the border that can sometimes exceed two hours.SUMMARY OF INSTRUCTIONAL AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS OFFERED BY SAINTSTutoring: Tutoring is offered before school, during lunch, and after school. All teachers publish tutoring times for the school year on the website. Eighty-five percent of students believe that “their teachers are available to them outside of class.” The Math department peer tutoring program runs daily before school and is the most successful tutoring program on campus.“Saints on the Web”: Teachers provide links in order to post homework and long range assignments on this website or other student-teacher learning portals on a daily basis. These sites are accessible from any computer with internet capability and are used by students and parents alike. Grades, report cards, attendance and conduct are also available to families from this website.Students with Special Learning Needs: Students with special needs are identified either at entrance or during the school year. The faculty orientation at the start of each school year, a list of these designated students is distributed. Students’ needs are discussed and special accommodations are noted; some of these include preferential seating, abbreviated assignments, alternative assessments, and extended time testing. Guidance counselors work with parents, educational specialists, and teachers of special needs students to address strategies that will help these students be successful.Shepherding: Some students, identified by academic need and who are admitted on Academic Probation, require the support of the Saints “Shepherd.” In order to help them be successful in the rigorous academic program at Saints, students must maintain discipline and organization regarding their studies. These students meet one to two times weekly with the Shepherd who monitors student academic progress (in conjunction with their parents), helps the student communicate with teachers and offers tutoring, basic study skills and test preparation skills.Summer School: In order to accommodate students in every grade and with various abilities, a summer school program runs for six weeks each year. Our summer school program helps students with both advancement and remediation. Students who are admitted as freshmen on academic probation are required to complete Basic English and Pre-Algebra (which includes a study skills component) in summer school with a grade of “C” or higher. A College Application Workshop is also held during the summer to help students with the college application process.College Counseling and Guidance: The Counseling office provides a counselor for each grade level and combines academic, career, college, and personal counseling. Three specific college topic nights are hosted annually for parents and students. Students meet twice annually with a counselor who helps them interpret standardized test scores (EXPLORE, PSAT, PLAN, ACT, and SAT), make appropriate course selections, and provide college planning. The college counselor also meets once with every family during the students’ junior year to help with the college application process. Any student in need of personal counseling can be referred or self-refer to one of the counselors or a priest on campus. Seventy-five percent of students rated the assistance they “received in course planning selection” as good to excellent. Seventy percent of parents surveyed agree that the “school provides good college counseling information.” Eighty-two percent of parents surveyed agree that the school provides good academic/guidance counseling.Family Participation Support: Some parents serve on the board of the Austin Parents Association (APA), and many parents donate service hours in support of school programs. The Austin Parents Association provides a link between the school and the families of Saints and is the parent fundraising arm of the school which provides funding for discretionary items not included in the school budget. The APA also supports the school by providing hospitality at various events during the year, including fundraisers, Open House, Family and Faculty Nights, New Family Night, and the Festival of the Arts. The St. Monica Prayer Group is a group of parents and guardians of Saintsmen who provide support for the school community in the form of prayer, support of faculty and assembling rosaries for all seniors given to them at the Mother/Son Luncheon in April.ASB Support: The Associated Student Body (ASB) annually elects student officers and commissioners; each class has elected officers who also serve to represent their classmates on this board. The school’s recent move to a block schedule and homeroom created an opportunity to expand efforts to develop student leadership. Currently each homeroom also has an elected representative who reports to the ASB. The Associated Student Body is committed to providing student-led leadership for the St. Augustine community by fostering an environment where every student can thrive and have the opportunity to learn, understand and promote the values of Unitas, Veritas, and Caritas.Some ASB sponsored activities include a leadership conference with our sister school the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, a father-son fishing trip, bowling socials, dances, Prom, Homecoming, Freshman Welcome Week, freshman dance lessons, morning donut socials, Hawaiian shirt day, father/son breakfast and mass. The ASB also sponsors and assists many fundraising activities that include the Orphanage Drive, No-Shave November, Canned Food Drive, and a Teddy Bear Drive. Eighty-eight percent of the students agree that there are ample opportunities for them to participate in extra-curricular clubs and activities, and 81% believe that “there is good communication between student government leaders and students.”Institute for Augustinian Values in Education: Now in its ninth year, this institute was established by the Augustinian Secondary Education Association (ASEA). The goals of the institute for faculty and staff are:To establish clarity of missionTo understand the Augustinian underpinnings of our missionTo state and clarify Augustinian valuesTo develop language that expresses these valuesTo see, explore, and apply their implications and applications To develop enthusiasm, dedication, and common purpose in our schools. All eight Augustinian secondary schools in North America send faculty and administrative delegates to the institute. Attendance and support for this institute continues annually. Within the last two years the ASEA also instituted a Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI) to educate students on the same issues listed above.International Boys School Coalition: St. Augustine High School is a member of the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC), an organization devoted to boys’ schools, grades K-12 internationally. The Director of College Counseling is a member of the Board of Directors of the organization. Our involvement has included hosting a board meeting on our campus in 2005 and 2011, and attendance at the annual conference. The conference features speakers and workshops on the effective education of boys. Various members of the faculty and administration attend the conference on an annual basis and will continue to do so. As a result of our affiliation with IBSC, Saints has hosted three internationally recognized speakers, who are specialists in boys’ education, to address faculty and parents (Michael Gurian, Abigail James, and Celia Lashlie).Student Achievement Recognition: St. Augustine High School takes pride in the various achievements of our students in academics, Christian service, the arts, and athletics. Recognition of these achievers occurs in a variety of forms: end of sport season banquets, end of grading period honor roll, two annual awards assemblies for underclassmen and seniors, the Distinguished Students’ Banquet, the Society of Saints Scholars and four gold medal awards to outstanding seniors. Other students are recognized for Christian service and Campus Ministry service. Saints also hosts guest speakers for a high achieving group of students known as the Society of Saints Scholars. Ninety percent of the faculty agrees that “self-esteem of students is fostered through high expectations for each student, and recognition of their success.”Spiritual and Religious Guidance: Spiritual and religious guidance is readily available during religion class from any of the Augustinian priests and brothers, grade level counselors, and teachers. St. Augustine High School students attend weekly Mass and participate in a variety of religious activities organized by the Chaplain, such as prayer and penance services. Saints graduates complete one hundred hours of community service during their four years of high school. Ninety-five percent of surveyed parents state that “the religious program, as well as the liturgy and prayer services is an important part of the Saints Experience.” Ninety-six percent of students agree that “a conscious and deliberate effort is made to develop a faith community within the school.”Intramurals: In addition to the regular array of interscholastic sports, which are vital in an all-boys’ school, the St. Augustine Associated Student Body offers students an alternative to CIF competition. The purpose of the intramural program is to provide students the opportunity to compete amongst themselves. Teams are formed within homerooms. The intramural program at Saints has a long history of participation and currently 67% of the student body report participating in the intramural program. As announced daily in intramural updates, “Saints Intramurals are FANtastic!”Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention: The school has in a comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan in place which includes three major components: education, intervention, and enforcement. Each lends support to the other and does not stand alone. It is the intent of the plan to assist students and their parents when they are confronted with the pain and confusion that substance abuse and experimentation can bring to their lives. As part of the program every student in the school is required to participate in random drug testing. If a student tests positive there exists a series of steps directed by the family and aided by the school in order to help the student. During the 2005-06 and 2009-10 school years the school hosted the “Every 15 Minutes” series, a comprehensive alcohol prevention program partnering with local police, fire, and medical personnel as well as students and parents. The school also hosts annual speakers on selected drug and alcohol topics.STUDENT INDICATORSThe Augustinians founded St. Augustine High School with the purpose of providing a Catholic liberal arts education for young men in an environment that promotes the development of mind, heart and body in the Augustinian tradition. When asked the primary reason they sent their sons to Saints, 56% of the parents surveyed chose Saints because it “is a disciplined Catholic high school community that provides a moral education.” In the student survey, 94% believe the “major goal of the school is to prepare them for college,” and 85% believe that a major goal of the school is “to provide a Catholic education grounded in Augustinian values.” The school recognizes the family as the primary teacher of young people; therefore, we have committed ourselves to an educational partnership with our parents. Proud of the cultural diversity found within our student population, we open our doors to all young men we believe will benefit from our program.St. Augustine High School begins the admissions process in September and October when the admissions committee members visit the diocesan Catholic elementary schools. In early October, the 8th grade diocesan Catholic elementary school students, as well as students from public and other private schools, spend a morning on campus at St. Augustine High School for a glimpse of the “Saints Experience.” The first Sunday in November is the Open House for prospective students and their parents. Prospective students have the opportunity to “shadow” a current Saintsman as another way to learn more about Saints. The entrance exam (EXPLORE) is administered in late January; interviews are held in February, and acceptance letters are mailed in mid-March. Accepted students and their families are invited to a welcome dinner, and are provided with information on course selection and financial aid. Our academic program offers a Catholic college preparatory liberal arts curriculum. Through this curriculum, we introduce our students to a wide range of disciplines. We stress the need for factual accuracy and critical thinking. Most of our students plan to attend a college or university, and our program has been constructed with this in view. A typical sequence of classes is listed in the curriculum guide and on the school website. HEALTH/SAFETY ISSUESSt. Augustine High School follows state and federal mandates regarding health and immunization records and procedures. The Health Services Coordinator is responsible for maintaining up-to-date records on students, while the Administrative Assistant keeps faculty and staff health records. Tuberculosis (TB) screening and fingerprinting are required for all staff members. All coaches and teachers are also fingerprinted and required to attend CPR training and have a TB test. St. Augustine High School follows the mandate for reporting suspected child abuse. All administrators participate in regular harassment training and child abuse preventive training as required by law, and all employees are trained in child abuse awareness and sign a child abuse reporting agreement.Under the direction of the Assistant Principal for Student Services, St. Augustine High School conducts two planned emergency preparedness drills per year. In addition, every classroom is equipped with a first aid kit and emergency evacuation procedures.The Health Services Coordinator, a certified athletic trainer, maintains an office in the gymnasium, offering medical services during the school day and after school sports activities. The Health Services Coordinator is an American Red Cross CPR/FA instructor and makes available training to coaches, faculty, and staff. Beginning with the 2011-12 school year CPR and AED certification is offered for all faculty and training is provided by the school.DISCIPLINE AND ATTENDANCEThe faculty and staff take an active role to ensure the safety of the students and enforce the policies and regulations of the school. If a student is not in compliance with discipline policies that support good behavior and the development of Christian gentlemen, he will be given a detention or referral depending on the actual infraction.Any faculty or staff member can assign a detention or referral. A student assigned a detention is required to remain after school under supervision for a period of fifty minutes in detention class.Some offenses by their very nature are quite serious and may require an immediate referral to the Assistant Principal for Student Services who will meet with the student and assign three detentions to the student and send a letter to the student’s parents/guardians. If a suspension is in order, the student is to remain away from classes and all school activities for a definite period of time. When a student is suspended, he is given oral and written notice of the charges and a fair opportunity to present his case.The Board of Discipline exists to consider more serious disciplinary cases that may involve the possibility of expulsion. A student appearing before the Board of Discipline may request a teacher/administrator and/or the ASB Vice-President to attend his hearing to act as an observer and advisor on his behalf. The Board of Discipline convenes under the guidelines set forth in the Student Handbook to hear the circumstances of the case and recommends to the Principal the proper consequence which may include, but is not limited to:a) Further days of suspension;b) No additional days of suspension;c) A probationary period;d) Expulsion.Appeals to the decision of the Board may be done in writing to the Principal within two weeks. The Principal may establish an Appeals Advisory Committee to consider the matter. The committee validates due process in the specific case and does not rehear the evidence. They will recommend:a) To uphold the previous decision of the Board of Discipline;b) To request that the Principal reconvene the Board of Discipline to review due process; orc) To request that the Principal diminish the penalty of the Board of Discipline. The final decision of all appeals rests with the Principal.Regular attendance is considered an absolute prerequisite for a successful learning experience. Every teacher is required to take daily attendance at every block and homeroom period with reports forwarded to the Student Services Office. A student who is absent from school must have his parents contact the school to provide the reasons for and length of the absence. Upon returning to school, the student is required to submit a note/documentation that explains the absence to the attendance secretary in the Student Services Office. If a student is absent twelve class periods in any course, he may be denied credit in that class for the semester. An Attendance Review Board may hear the specifics of each attendance case in which a student exceeds eleven absences in any course. If a student is absent from school, he is not allowed to participate in or attend any school function on that day.STAFFSaints is especially proud of its fine staff of religious, lay teachers, and administrators. It is the contributions and commitment of these professional educators that brings the “Saints Experience” to life. The school has forty-three full time and four part time faculty members and seven administrators (President, Principal, three Assistant Principals, Director of Finance and Facilities, and Director of Admissions). The school also has twenty-six professional support staff members (Chaplain, Campus Minister, Christian Service Director, Director of Community Relations and Special Events, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Support Assistant, Advancement Assistant, Alumni Liaison, Athletic Secretary, Secretary for Student Services, Food Services Manager, Turtle Shop Bookstore Manager, Maintenance Supervisor, Registrar, Health Services Coordinator, Media Specialist, Assistant Library Media Specialist, four Grade Level Counselors, Director of Technology, Shepherd Program Coordinator, Associate Director of Finance, and Staff Accountant). Advanced degrees held by the faculty include forty master’s degrees, one JCD, one MFT, one Catechist Certificate holder, and one doctorate. Nineteen faculty members hold a California teaching credential. The faculty and staff are given many opportunities for professional growth, and are provided funding to further their professional development studies.WASC Annual ReportsSchool ProfileSaints SceneSchool ProfileDiocese of San Diego Annual Statistical ReportParent SurveySaints SceneParent SurveyBoard of Directors MinutesFinance MinutesSchool CalendarAlumni MinutesSaints Web PageDiocese of San Diego Annual Statistical ReportSchool CalendarCampus Ministry Retreat ManualDaily AnnouncementsSaints SceneParent SurveyFaculty SurveyStudent SurveySenior Exit Interview DataParent SurveyFaculty SurveyStudent SurveyCurriculum GuideStudent HandbookWASC Annual ReportGuidance Department RecordsAdmissions DataSchool ProfileDisaggregated Data ReportGuidance Department RecordsYearbookDaily AnnouncementsSchool CalendarASB MinutesSaints Web PageStudent HandbookParents SurveyStudent SurveySaints SceneSaints Web PageWASC Annual ReportCapital Campaign Cultivation PlanSaints SceneSaints Web PageTechnology Committee MinutesBoar d of Directors MinutesFinance Minutes Technology Minutes Saints Web PageDaily AnnouncementsSaints SceneSaints Web PageASB MinutesWhat’s Up TodayCapital Campaign Cultivation PlanSANDAG ReportBoard of Directors MinutesFinance MinutesPresident’s ReportFacilities MinutesFaculty SurveyParent SurveyStudent SurveyESLR Essay DataDiocese of San Diego Annual Statistical ReportSANDAG ReportAdmissions DataBoard of Directors MinutesExecutive Director of Finance FilesDiocese of San Diego Annual Statistical ReportDiocese of San Diego Annual Statistical ReportPresident’s ReportFacilities MinutesGuidance Department MinutesPhilosophy StatementBoard of Directors MinutesStudent HandbookSaints Web PageAcademic Council MinutesStudent SurveyDepartment MinutesSaints Web PageAcademic Council MinutesFaculty Meeting MinutesAustin Parents Association MinutesGuidance Department RecordsFaculty MinutesGuidance Department RecordsStudent HandbookSaints Web PageSummer School DataStudent HandbookFaculty HandbookGuidance Department MinutesStudent SurveyParent SurveyAustin Parents Association MinutesSchool CalendarASB MinutesASB MinutesSaints SceneDaily AnnouncementsASB MinutesStudent SurveyAugustinian Values InstituteSaints SceneSchool CalendarFaculty Meeting MinutesFaculty Meeting MinutesSaints SceneSchool CalendarWhat’s Up TodayFaculty MinutesSaints SceneSaints Web PageAcademic Awards and AssembliesFaculty MinutesFaculty SurveyWeekly MassDaily AnnouncementsWhat’s Up TodayGraduation RequirementParent SurveyStudent SurveyDaily AnnouncementsWhat’s Up TodayStudent HandbookDrug and Alcohol BookletDaily AnnouncementsSchool CalendarWhat’s Up TodayStudent Services MinutesMission StatementParent SurveyStudent SurveyAdmissions DataSaints Web PageSaints SceneSchool CalendarAdmissions DataMission StatementCurriculum GuideSaints WebpageFaculty HandbookAthletic MinutesTeacher Personnel RecordsStudent Services MinutesStudent HandbookTeacher Personnel RecordsProfessional GrowthFaculty HandbookStudent HandbookFaculty HandbookStudent HandbookSaints WebpageFaculty HandbookStudent HandbookFaculty Meeting MinutesStudent Service MinutesAcademic Council MinutesStudent HandbookStudent HandbookFaculty HandbookFaculty HandbookStudent HandbookStudent Services MinutesTeacher Personnel Records ................
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