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January 1, 2018
As 2017 comes to an end, it’s good to look back and reflect on the immense amount of positive work we’ve done at Bishop Ryan this year! As president of the school, I would like to thank the school board, my administrative team, our faculty and parents, and our parishes and benefactors for the support, dedication, and prayers that have allowed us to successfully navigate a year defined by unexpected and difficult situations, seized opportunities, and confident advancement of the school's mission.
Here’s a quick look back at 2017:
•The roof didn't collapse under 10-foot snow drifts, thanks to volunteers who saved the
day. Meanwhile, snow days created havoc in our school calendar, but students and
teachers demonstrated the virtues of courage and patience in dealing with the schedule
changes.
•A new mission statement was written: Serving God and His children by laying the
foundation for lasting happiness through education in virtue.
•Legislation from the recent Diocesan Synod was put into effect.
•We implemented new language arts materials, including an excellent elementary Latin
series, and two AP (Advanced Placement) classes were added at the high school level.
•We adopted a proactive student cell phone policy supporting a favorable learning
environment and virtuous use of technology.
•We made the transition to a 5.0 weighted grading scale and made a change in
Valedictorian and Salutatorian selection guidelines.
•A trip to Highlands Latin School in Kentucky started the process of exploring a classical
Catholic educational model. Professional development and parent information sessions
were offered locally by Martin Cothran, and Master Teachers from Highlands Latin also
visited for another faculty professional development opportunity. Private donors funded
a faculty-wide book study on classical Catholic education, adding continuing education
credits for our teachers. Later visits to other classically-modeled schools included stops
at Trinity School at River Ridge and Chesterton Academy, both in the Twin Cities.
•Financial audits wrapped up for 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 without any major concerns
or corrections, and our AdvancEd Progress Report was submitted in a timely manner.
•Approximately $280,000 in scholarships and need-based tuition was awarded to Bishop
Ryan families.
•Our Partner with Parents presentations offered guest speakers with enriching
messages, including international speaker and New York Times best-selling author Matt
Fradd. With the current school year, we introduced our new monthly Lion Times digital
newsletter for parents.
•Our internal volunteer network was restructured as the Parent Activities Association,
hinged on our new Class Ambassadors and the important Special Events Committee.
•Thanks to raised funds, the south drive expansion and classroom renovation projects
were completed.
•Our new logo and website were developed and unveiled, and we’re exploring different
ways of introducing new families to the school. We also took a close look at our school
identity and branding to solidify our style guide.
•Attendance at the Partners in Mission Conference for Enrollment and Advancement
progressed into our subsequent Strategic Plan process, commenced in partnership
with Partners in Mission.
•The end of the summer brought our most profitable Dreams Raffle ever conducted. In
October, the most successful Hall of Fame Banquet on record raised over $75,000 for
the Faculty Endowment.
•Mane Event socials have been attended by hundreds of Bishop Ryan and St. Leo’s
alumni and friends.
•$100,000 in matching funds was given for the purpose of providing impact dollars to
aid the school in improving teacher salaries through scholarship initiatives.
•Last, but not least, we celebrated increased enrollment system-wide for the third
consecutive year!
The way things are shaping up, 2017 will be the launching pad for a great 2018! Relying on our Lord's grace and providential guidance of the school, I am confident that God will continue to bless and sustain our endeavor to serve Him and His children through education in virtue!
Gratefully,
Fr. Jadyn Nelson
President
Bishop Ryan Catholic School