VISION PLAN 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN

7851 East Gardendale Street

Downey, California 90242
562.861.2271
www.PiusMatthias.org

Pride Virtue Purpose

 Photo by Fatima Nicdao

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 Advisory Board Chair Vision 2020 Message

Dear Friends,
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In the last two years, we have made tremendous progress in building and growing
St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy (PMA). We have combined the rich traditions of
two great schools; St. Pius X High School (1953-1998) and St. Matthias High
School (1960-2013) into a new Academy. Since the summer of 2013, we added a
new state of the art research library with iMac computers, revamped science labs,
offered professional development for our faculty and installed a robust wifi system
to connect our students to resources for research and writing.
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Thanks to a transformative and proactive administration and an extraordinary Advisory Board, an innovative
faculty and a hardworking staff, we have elevated the standards in academics and leadership. Students are
engaged in class and excited to call their school a "second home". As a testament to our efforts, enrollment
has increased. More people are understanding the educational benefits and opportunities offered at our
school community. They know that there is something transformative and amazing taking place.
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To ensure we continue to meet the challenges of growth while increasing the quality of the Catholic college
preparatory education at PMA, we have created this strategic plan. We strongly believe that this plan and its
execution will help guide PMA in becoming an educational leader and a model of sustainability between now
and 2020.
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Two phrases resonated with me as we were working on this important plan; Recognize Your Significance
and Seize Your Opportunities. All of usthe Advisory Board, Parents, Faculty, Staff and the larger PMA
community recognize that St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy will be a significant institution not only in
Downey, but Los Angeles and the world. PMA will be a model school known for its educational innovations,
while our students will be known for their leadership, academic success, and service to the Church and
communities.
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With the support of the Archdiocese, and the entire PMA family, we will use this visionary plan to seize our
opportunities and recognize our significance to the community!
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Best Regards,
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John H. Smet

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 Photo by Nicole Camacho

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 Principal's Vision 2020 Message
Dear Friends,
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Thank you for your interest in the mission of Catholic Education at St. Pius X - St.
Matthias Academy.
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The future is in your hearts and in your hands. God is entrusting to you the task, at
once difficult and uplifting, of working with him in the building of the civilization of love.
The world you are inheriting is a world which desperately needs a new sense of
brotherhood and human solidarity. It is a world which needs to be touched and healed
by the beauty and richness of Gods love.
- Saint Pope John Paul II
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St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy is entrusted with teaching youth to answer this call through an authentic Catholic
college preparatory education that challenges them to embrace the trials of this world and use their gifts and talents to
grow in faith, knowledge, and character in order to build up the Kingdom of God here on Earth. In partnership with
their families, and through genuine relationships with teachers, administrators, counselors, peers, and extended
community members, we cultivate our students to set a foundation for life in order to achieve their greatest potential
in mind, body, and soul. We have been privileged to serve this mission and transform numerous lives in Downey since
1953 as Pius X High School (1953-1998), St. Matthias High School (1998-2013) and today as St. Pius X-St. Matthias
Academy (est. 2013). It is an exciting time to serve this mission, as we set the foundation for continued success.
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It brings me great pleasure to present you with St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy Vision 2020 a strategic plan leading
us into the next decade. In these pages, we set forth a vision for a vibrant Catholic school that focuses on four key
areas including:
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Catholic Identity, Heritage and Tradition
Academic Growth
Student Life
Institutional Advancement
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The Academys mission and core values remain at the heart of its strategic vision. We invite our many friends to play a
vital role in the future of St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy as we embark on a transformative journey of growth toward
institutional sustainability.
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My sincerest gratitude is extended to all members of the St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy community who
contributed and spent countless hours discerning and preparing what is contained in this document. We believe that
societal transformation hinges on education; through your support of these strategic initiatives, we will ensure that
current and future generations of students will continue to receive the faith and values-based education necessary to
make a positive impact in our world.
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Sincerely,
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Erick Rubalcava, M.S.

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The Academys mission and core values remain at the heart of its strategic vision. We invite you to
play a vital role in the future of St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy; as we embark on a transformative
journey of growth toward institutional sustainability.
!
MISSION

The mission of St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy is to provide a challenging Catholic college
preparatory education in a supportive learning community that will positively affect the lives of
teenagers, and provide opportunities for all students to grow in faith, learn without limits, and live
with a purpose.

Photo by Gen Herrera

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STRATEGIC VISION
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St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy will excel in creating a Catholic educational environment where
students recognize their significance in our school community, are encouraged and supported to seize
opportunities to grow and to lead, emerging as empowered, faith-inspired and contributing citizens of
their community and the world.
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We will be known for visionary leadership; innovative and passionate educators; inspired, tenacious
and optimistic students; supportive families and an engaged community.

CORE VALUES
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Faith in God
Academic Growth
Supportive Community
Opportunity
Inclusivity
Service Inspired by Faith

MOTTO
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INTEGRAL STUDENT OUTCOMES

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Pursues Academic Excellence
Invests in Responsible Decision-Making
Overcomes Adversity
Upholds their Faith through Service
Strives to Think Critically and Communicate Effectively

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 Photo by Jocelyn Romero

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In partnership with their families, and through genuine relationships with teachers, administrators,
counselors, peers, and extended community members, we cultivate our students to set a foundation for
their life, so they may achieve their greatest potential in mind, body, and soul.

- Erick Rubalcava, Principal

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Catholic Identity, Heritage and Tradition: A Vision of Faith

The Catholic Identity, Heritage and Tradition addresses the Academys commitment to foster its six
Core Values and to nurture pride arising from humility and service, virtue shaped by faith and morals,
and purpose driven by goals and determination; all in keeping with our unique history as anchored in
the rich educational heritage offered by the Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Partnership Alliance.

Goals:

I. Instill knowledge and cultivate the experience of faith

II. Strengthen our commitment to living with a generous spirit of service by pursuing student
leadership opportunities

III. Foster a culture which strengthens our appreciation of and receptivity to the richness of
diversity

IV. Create an environment where each student recognizes their significance and seizes
opportunities to grow

V. Promote a deeper understanding of the charism and foundational heritage of the Academy

Initiatives to Advance Our Goals:

1. Strengthen orientation activities for students, parents, new faculty, staff, and board
members to enable them to appreciate and participate in the values and mission of the
Academy

2. Develop a relevant religion curriculum in accordance with USCCB standards and with a
globally sensitive perspective

3. Enhance sacramental and prayer life through options such as the on-campus presence of a
chaplain/priest, more liturgies and other regular opportunities for prayer and reflection

4. Develop a meaningful and transformative student retreat program

5. Structure a Christian Service Program that engages students in purposeful community

outreach over their four years

6. Consider and experiment with programs that are responsive to parent and alumni interests

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Academic Growth: A Vision for Life-long Learning

Academic Growth focuses on the Academys primary educational mission to provide an outstanding
college preparatory education that optimizes the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, artistic, physical,
and civic development of each student. The mission ensures a rigorous curriculum responsive to the
times and inspired by our Catholic identity in order to meet the needs of a student population with
varied academic abilities.

Goals:

I. Provide an educational program that fosters academic growth for each student

II. Determine, develop, and use pedagogical practices that support challenging, relevant and
creative courses encouraging each students successful achievement of the Integral Student
Outcomes (ISOs)

III. Provide integrated and relevant technology, library and other educational resources that
advance the needs of the curriculum

IV. Integrate awareness of global and environmental issues across the curriculum

V. Create an environment that develops a passion for learning

Photo by Genesis Soto

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Initiatives to Advance Our Goals:

1. Promote faculty and staff involvement in opportunities for professional development with
an emphasis on student-centered learning, integration of technology, innovation, and
effective teaching strategies

2. Develop and implement a Technology Plan for all facilities both to ensure curricular
integration and to maximize efficiency throughout Academy operations

3. Develop a recruitment, retention and incentive plan to attract and retain extraordinary
faculty and staff who are able to advance academic growth for all students

4. Ensure that student assessment criteria reflect broad and accurate measures of student
ability and achievement

5. Utilize student assessment data to direct curriculum development and implementation

6. Enhance the fine and performing arts program through a thoughtful short and long-term
plan for using both curricular and co-curricular options

7. Expand summer enrichment and reinforcement programs for incoming and current
students

8. Explore program options for prospective middle school students

9. Commit to environmental sustainability in programming and practice

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 Photo by Maria Vega

Student Life: A Vision for Servant Leadership

Centers on developing capable, compassionate, creative, and effective leaders who will make
meaningful contributions to society through lives characterized by pride, virtue and purpose.

Goals:

I. Sustain an environment where students are genuinely known, accepted and supported

II. Ensure the development of integrity, leadership, honor, and the Integral Student Outcomes
while encouraging a balanced, healthy lifestyle centered in Christ

III. Engage parents in active partnership that advances the holistic development of students and
families

IV. Enhance school pride through community engagement

V. Ensure that our student athletes succeed with integrity in the classroom, in faith and in
competition

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Initiatives to Advance Our Goals:

1. Design and implement a leadership curriculum rooted in the Academys philosophy and
mission

2. Expand programs that will emphasize life skills and purposeful living

3. Develop an athletic program that yields positive results for the students, the school and the
community

4. Institute a variety of mentoring program to cultivate student success

5. Engage student leadership at all grade levels in developing meaningful ways to enhance
school pride

6. Explore programs that promote parent involvement in their students growth and in active
support of the school

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Institutional Advancement: A Vision for Sustainability

Institutional Advancement focuses on building sustainability through strategic leadership, student

recruitment, community participation and support, master facilities planning, and on securing
necessary funding.

Goals:

I. Strengthen the effectiveness and sustainability of the Academys leadership including

administration, faculty and staff, board, students, parents, alumni, friends and supporters

II. Respond effectively to changing demographics and economic conditions to ensure student
recruitment and retention

III. Develop and maintain a sustainable long-term Master Facilities Plan for the use, repair,
replacement, and enhancement of campus facilities

IV. Develop and manage a diversified portfolio of charitable resources to advance the mission
of the Academy

V. Create and evolve a strategic thinking organization that will lead to the ongoing success of
the Academy

Photo by Joseph Castillo

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Initiatives to Advance Our Goals:

1. Finalize a branding architecture and messaging plan

2. Develop a short-and long-range execution plan for marketing and outreach

3. Develop a viable tuition and funding model

4. Conduct a transportation study with the objective of maximizing awareness of access

throughout all targeted recruitment areas

5. Improve communication lines throughout the entire school community

6. Improve and maintain an integrated institutional data management system

7. Install efficient HVAC systems campus-wide

8. Fund and hire a Director of Development

9. Develop an Alumni Engagement plan with particular emphasis on increased interaction among
students and alumni

10. Develop and implement a five-year strategic financial plan

11. Explore the President/Principal administrative model

12. Ensure a diverse and engaged Advisory Board that is active and responsive to the needs of the
Academy, strengthened through ongoing board recruitment, assessment and development

13. Implement an effective committee structure within the Advisory Board

14. Finalize and ratify the Advisory Board By-laws

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2014 ADVISORY BOARD VISION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN
John H. Smet, Chair COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Katherine Barrett Kerrin Conroy
Greg Breen Mary Ellen Gozdecki
Mary Rose Jeffry Molly McMains
Diane J. Martinez Fatima Nicdao
Oscar Menjivar Erick Rubalcava
James McClune Stephanie Senteno-Tapia
Raymond Rivera John H. Smet
Stephanie Senteno-Tapia
Veronica Zozaya
Charlie Steinmetz
Cynthia Tibbs Writing: Coordinating Committee
Design: Fatima Nicdao
Photography: St. Pius X - St. Matthias
Academy 2013-2014 Yearbook Staff