Strategic Plan 2016

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AUGUST 2016The Summit was formed only 11 years ago. Yet, the world we live in has changed dramatically duringthis time, and it continues to change at a rapid pace. With these changes has come an evolvingunderstanding of what constitutes the best possible education methods. At The Summit, we understandthe world our students live in when they enter preschool is not the same world that will exist when theygraduate from high school. The world is evolving, and we need to evolve as well. In our short history,The Summit has earned a reputation for innovation and for embracing emerging ideas in education,always looking for better ways to meet the needs of our students and to help them reach their highestpotential.It was in this continuing mindset of looking forward (while still keeping in mind the reasons for ourexisting success) that we embarked upon the process of creating a Strategic Plan for the next five years.In formulating our Strategic Plan, input and suggestions were sought and obtained from allconstituencies including faculty, staff, students, parents, and the Board of Trustees. The process focusedon our Mission and our Values. From these, we were able to define vital goals for the next five years.We would like to thank the Strategic Planning Committee for their countless hours, energy, passion, andvision. We would especially like to thank the Committee Chairperson, Max Buetow, for his expertiseand guidance. Without his knowledge and experience, the Strategic Plan that follows would not havebeen possible.The thoughtful planning that has resulted in our Strategic Plan has strengthened and shaped our path,giving us a clear purpose and direction for the future. The plan and focus will propel the school forward,allowing the organization and the individual students to reach the highest potential.Sincerely,Robert Gronniger, Head of SchoolAnne S. Mason President, Board of Trustees 3

THE STRATEGIC PLAN MODELSUMMIT’SSTR ATE GI C Preparation - Form strategic planning committeePLANNING and Planning - Define strategic planning structureP R O CES S - Implement a working plan Who are we?The Summit applies a - Monitor progress andcyclical model to guide 3 year planning cycle - Refine/acknowledgethe organization’s revise as needed Committee directed mission, vision, andstrategic planning - Communicate progress to Student, parent, faculty and valuesprocess. administration collaborative stakeholders Where areThe process is firmly Where do we we now?based on the Are we moving want to be?organization’s mission, the needle? - Review currentvision, and values. The - Look toward the future strategic planplan is strengthened by How do we - Analyze gap between presentreal time inputs from get there? - Complete self assessment:internal (staff, faculty, state and future goals strengths, weaknesses,students, parents) and - Set strategic priorities - Establish/ratify strategic pillars opportunities, competitionexternal (competitive (1-3 year goals)market, benchmarking, (10+ year goals)accreditation - Develop working groupsassessment) sources. - Create SMART goalsPriorities, goals, and (1 year or less initiatives)action plans areestablished for critical STRATEGIC PLAN ROADMAPtargets. Review andassessment steps are November 2014 –Design and initiate process with Board ofapplied to keep the Trustees, Strategic Planning committeeprocess alive and January 2015 – Introduce process and objectives torelevant. The Summit Community July 2015 – Refine and ratify vision, mission and strategic pillars August 2015 –Organize into priorities October 2015 – Working groups outlined and assigned May 2016 – Working group initiatives reported quarterly, reviewed against published goals August 2016 - Strategic plan published January 2017 – Strategic plan progress report to The Summit Community June 2017 – Strategic plan update Strategic Planning committee meets monthly, meetings are open. Contact Board of Trustees’ Strategic Planning committee chairperson.4 The Summit Preparatory School

STRATEGIC PLAN SUMMARY MISSION VISION STR ATE G I C PILLARS GOALSStrategic Plan 5

P R IO R IT Y Develop external relationships to extend financial, growth, and student learning opportunities. GOAL TACTICS :ALIGNMENT 1. Leverage relationships with business, civic, and professional entities in the Student Springfield area to expand opportunities for Summit upper school students Experience to participate in shadowing and internship experiences Academic 2. Strengthen and expand relationship with Drury University, building on the Excellence success of The Summit’s SOAR program. By establishing a relationship with the Drury Science Department, we can offer a selection of curriculum- Community based, higher level lab experiences and benefit from the instruction of our Awareness science professor, Rob Powers, in coordination with Drury Professors 3. Showcase Summit students through participation in local academic, arts, and sports events as well as university-level dual enrollment/dual credit experiences 4. Strengthen the health and wellness component of The Summit’s curriculum. Increase student participation in a broad range of intercollegiate athletic programs and intramural sports 5. Establish ongoing service learning relationships with local non-profit and charitable organizations THE SUMMIT’S SOAR PROGRAMStudents enroll in a college course and earncredit toward a Summit diploma by takingapproved courses on and off our campuswith collegiate partners. Students maintainfull-time status while they are takingclasses outside of The Summit. SOARstudents are also eligible to participate inathletics, college counseling, and extra-curricular activities.6 The Summit Preparatory School

Develop and refine educational philosophy, P R IO R IT Ygoals, and approach.TACTICS : GOAL ALIGNMENT1. Clearly define The Summit’s institutional values, overarching academic goals, and belief statements that will translate to operational terms Student Experience2. Structure a process to review and implement curriculum, program, and ancillary services to ensure alignment with Summit philosophy, values, Academic goals, and approach covering all curricular content areas, grade levels, and Excellence divisions3. Incorporate key indicators into teacher evaluation which support alignment with Summit philosophy, beliefs, goals and approach4. Identify areas for faculty growth and development that support overarching educational goalsStrategic Plan 7

P R IO R IT Y Increase community awareness. GOAL TACTICS :ALIGNMENT 1. Host meet and greet event(s) with civic and business leaders to promote The Community Summit and the value of an independent education option to the Springfield Awareness community Student 2. Partner with local universities to create student teaching, practicum, and Experience informal observation relationships Resource 3. Increase participation by Summit community members in Springfield Development community organizations 4. Expand professional development and networking opportunities for faculty to include regional relationships and events 5. Host youth focused community service fair at The Summit to raise awareness of service learning opportunities while also establishing relationships with a variety of charitable organizations COX HEALTH MEDICAL S AV E EXPLORERS PROGRAM STUDENT ADVO CATESThe Summit has partnered with The CoxHealth Medical Explorers, an exclusive, VOLUNTEER EVENThigh quality program which provides a fun,rewarding, non-traditional educational Student Advocates Volunteer Event is aavenue for students ages 15-20 who are volunteer fair hosted by The Summit thattrying to decide if a health care career fits provides Middle School and High Schoolinto their future. Participation in The students in Springfield and the surroundingExplorers affords Summit high school area the opportunity to connect with localstudents access to real-world experiences non-profit organizations to learn about teenthrough individualized medical rotations, volunteer opportunities and needs in ourguest speakers from various medical community and, in turn, provides non-specialties, tours of hospital facilities, and profits the opportunity to obtain volunteersexposure to advanced medical technologies. to assist their organization.8 The Summit Preparatory School

Maximize revenue opportunities and PR IO R IT Ymanage expenses.TACTICS : GOAL ALIGNMENT1. Implement a focused, systematic marketing plan targeted at new student enrollment Financial Sustainability2. Establish formal, reciprocal, reduced tuition agreement with Drury University Resource Development3. Actively pursue foreign student enrollment opportunities Student4. Increase annual revenue from fundraising and community events Experience5. Increase grant funding by formalizing and streamlining grant search and application procedures6. Cultivate relationships with financial institutions for optimal service and future financingStrategic Plan 9

P R IO R IT Y Define and fund future growth needs. GOAL TACTICS :ALIGNMENT 1. Create a clear vision of future physical facility needs, identify funding Resource sources, and actively pursue potential opportunities for a move to a Development permanent campus Financial 2. Implement focused teacher professional development that supports The Sustainability Summit’s overarching philosophy, approach, and goals10 The Summit Preparatory School

COMMITTEE RECOGNITIONSTRATEGIC PLAN STEER ING COMMITTEE Max Buetow, Chairperson Alison Bauer Melissa Gelner Rob Gronniger Katie Heet Anne Mason Susan Miranti Dulsey StewartWORKING COMMITTEE MEMBERS Julie Anderson Alison Bauer Becky Breckner Max Buetow Rhonda Gentry Melissa Gelner Katie Heet Shawn Keech Billy Kimmons Melissa Kimmons Sarah Leighninger Amy Maas Anne Mason Lisa Murphy Marissa Renfroe Mark Sharp Laura Skiles Maria Surma Judy Thompson Kristin Walker Crystal YarnellStrategic Plan 11

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