Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(Updated 9/14/2007)

Click on a question to see the answer

General

Can volunteers sign up for the Communication and Development Teams via the web site?

Yes. And a description of each team’s roles and responsibilities is posted as well.

I wasn’t able to attend the Town Hall meeting on March 18, 2007; can I find out what Fr. Dan talked about? (Updated 9/4/07)

Yes! The PowerPoint presentation that Fr. Dan used as a guide during the Town Hall meeting is on the Holy Cross web site, www.holycross-batavia.org/cecc. Other items within the presentation may have been updated and will then be on the www.holycross-batavia.org/cecc website. It should provide you with general details of the CECC project. The following FAQs will also provide you with important information. If you still have questions or comments, please click here to send an email or call (630) 879-4750 ext. 308.

What is the plan to provide further information and updates to the parish? And if I submit a question to the CECC website, how will I receive a response? (Updated 9/14/07)

The Communication Team will utilize many avenues to keep people updated. We will have Town Hall meetings and send Parish mail if absolutely necessary. In addition, a quarterly newsletter will be distributed with the bulletin beginning September 2007. The newsletter will encompass many aspects of the parish including CECC construction updates, parishioner interviews, past and future events, and fund development efforts. The best way to stay informed will be the bulletin and CECC website where updated FAQ’s, upcoming events, meetings, volunteer opportunities, and the newsletter will be posted. It may not be possible to answer each question personally.

How were the Steering team members chosen?

All members have been involved with the building process in some form since its inception. Additionally, and most importantly, each member represents specific skill sets needed to assist in a project of this size and complexity.

It appeared that there was a long period of time within the planning process before Fr. Dan/ST asked for volunteers to assist, is this accurate? (Updated 9/4/07)

The volunteers have been asked at the specified times of need. Our fund development capability has been strong in the parish, as evidenced by 10 years of successful Barn Sales and an initial capital campaign for CECC. The time is right now to plan for on-going fund development to support an operational CECC. The Communication team would not have had a lot to communicate up to this point. Now that a principal has been hired (as of August, 2007), the operations and curriculum team can now be framed out as far as the need for volunteers and will be formed by the Principal who will have oversight to those processes, policies, programs.

Building and Operating Costs

The case statement provided with the capital campaign information stated the cost to build is $6.9 million. Why is it now $7.4 million?

See 3/18/07 Town Hall Presentation accessible through the web link.

Even if most of the pledge commitments are fulfilled we are still short almost $1.3 million which will require a loan. That is a lot of money; how will the parish make the loan payments?

See 3/18/07 Town Hall Presentation accessible through the web link.

How can we be sure the parish can afford the operating costs?

Detailed projections have been prepared based upon information provided to us by the diocese as well as the Batavia Public School District. Given our particular facts, we expect the school investment to be 12% of our total parish operating budget. Based upon our history of giving, we believe that this investment will not be a financial burden to the parish.

Construction

When will construction begin and be completed? (Updated 9/4/07)

Permits were granted in August, 2007, and construction started in September, 2007 with expected completion in 320 days.

How will construction affect parish activities? (i.e., pre-school, ministry meetings, parking during Mass)

It is expected that there will be little disruption to regular parish activities.

Family of Faith Capital Campaign Pledges and Payments

The Building on our Family of Faith capital campaign began in fall 2004 and officially ended in March 2005. Has it been successful? (Updated 9/4/07)

Yes! See the 3/18/07 Town Hall Presentation link above for details, but please note that this effort continues and it is a perpetual process requiring everyone’s continued commitment. For some this means to continue maintaining their pledge payments, and others it’s an invitation to make a pledge and contribute to this important campaign. All parishioners are invited to make a pledge by contacting the parish office at 630-879-4750.

I would like to make a pledge; what do I need to do?

Contact the parish office at 630-879-4750.

I don’t want to make a pledge, but I would like to make a monetary contribution to the CECC project. Who should I contact?

Please make use of the YELLOW envelopes that are mailed along with your weekly envelop offerings. Or, call the parish office at 630-879-4750.

The parish investment as a percentage of total budgets (12%) seems low. Also, is there a risk that the school will be oversubscribed?

Yes, there is a chance that there will be more interest in the school than we have space for. Remember that our primary purpose is to provide a quality Catholic education to the children that attend our school. We have great schools in Batavia. Our children can receive a great education at any one of our Batavia public schools. What we plan to offer is that great education with an addition – the teaching of our Catholic faith.

Recognizing that the Catholic aspect of our school will be what draws people to it, we will require families with children in the school to be active participants in the Catholic Church. Based upon that premise, children of families that are practicing, contributing and participating members of Holy Cross will receive primary consideration of admittance to the school. Participation in the weekly offertory, which contributes to the overall needs of the parish, is essential. We are planning a truly Catholic centered education – not a private education.

Religious Education and Ministry Programs

How will the addition of a school affect attendance in religious education programs?

Because some children presently in religious education would attend our elementary school, we would expect a decline in the number of children attending our religious education programs. However, a large majority (greater than 75%) of our children will still attend religious education programs. With the expansion of our facilities, we intend to return our Religious Education program to a “completely on-site” instruction program. This will relieve volunteer families and the parish of the many challenges of managing a dual format of both on site and in-home instruction.

How will the CECC have enough space for religious education and ministry programs to be held on-site? (Updated 9/4/07)

The Design Team has met with leaders from our Religious Education program and other ministries to incorporate critical design elements that will assure the CECC balances the needs of all groups. We have made a concerted effort to include grade school teachers, religious education leaders and other ministry leaders in the Design Team. We will also continue to use the side rooms in Donovan Hall.

Holy Cross Catholic School

When will the school open?

The school will open August 2008

How will the building impact the pre-school program?

The pre-school will move into the new building and will be run as part of the school under the direction of the principal.

If I have a child enrolled in pre-school, am I guaranteed a spot in the elementary school?

Our pre-school program is different than a school, and sometimes includes non-Catholic families. Enrollment in the elementary school will be based on the previously mentioned criteria – families must be practicing Catholics, actively participating in our parish ministries, and regularly contributing to the parish in order to be eligible for the elementary school. In any event, the school will be available for parish members first.

What grades will the school serve?

Our objective is to open a K-8 school, with a preschool program available.

If parishioners donate to the capital campaign will their children be entitled preferential enrollment?

Contribution to the capital campaign in no way assures your child of a place in the school. This has been our parish policy since the beginning of the campaign. As previously stated, enrollment will be based on the previously mentioned criteria – families must be practicing Catholics, actively participating in our parish ministries, and regularly contributing to the parish in order to be eligible for the elementary school.

When will the principal and staff be hired? (Updated 9/4/07)

A principal was hired and began in August, 2007. Staffing needs will be assessed later.

Will teacher salaries be competitive?

The teacher salaries in the budget are in accordance with local Catholic school compensation.

Will the school operate on a nine-month or year-around schedule?

A nine-month schedule is anticipated.

Will there be dual-use classrooms? If so, which ones and why?

Our class rooms have been designed to accommodate both the needs of the school as well as our religious education programs. As a result this also will free up much of our current space for all our other parish ministries. In addition some of the class rooms may serve in some form as home room for upper grades but also as special rooms for science labs, art, etc.

If the new classrooms will have a dual use, how will “school” property be secured while the room is being used after regular school hours?

All of the classrooms will be equipped with lockable cabinets and/or storage closets to safely store school equipment and supplies.

Have you considered extra activities, such as the gym, for other members of the parish?

All parts of the CECC, including the media center and gym, were designed and are intended to serve all members of the parish community.

Yes. Navy, white and red. The Mascot will be "The Crusaders".

No.

Questions from November 4, 2007 Informational Meeting

If a child is already advanced in Math, would they be able to continue on through the advanced Math path or would they be placed in their grade level class?

If a child is already on an advanced Math program/route, the child will be able to continue down that path and be able to continue to excel in an advanced Math program.

Where can we find out what happened at other informational meetings. Is that information posted anywhere on the website?

All previous presentations are published on the Holy Cross/CECC website at http://www.holycross-batavia.org/cecc/index.html.

Will bussing be provided to the school?

Currently, the parents will be responsible for providing transportation to the school.

Will there be any kind of orientation provided for parents/students prior to the opening of school for the 2008-2009 school year?

There will be an orientation process for students and parents prior to the school opening. This will encompass an individual slant to ensure that each student is comfortable with the school prior to its opening.

Does Holy Cross and its school have a preference as to what High School the students attend once they graduate from Holy Cross Catholic School?

Holy Cross Catholic School does not have a preference as to what High School the children attend. Holy Cross Catholic School's goal is to ensure that their students will be ready for any High School that the children choose to go to.

Will the students go directly to daily Mass? If so, where will the students put their backpacks, coats, etc. ?

Yes, the students will go directly to Mass and sit in their assigned seats with their teacher. There will be a designated area for coats, backpacks, etc.

How do you know whether the children are in a state of grace prior to receiving communion during the daily Mass?

For the most part, it will be up to the parents to ensure that their child goes to confession when appropriate. There are a great many times that Holy Cross offers confession. Please see the bulletin for more details on confession times. There will be additional confession times for the students during Advent and Lent.

Would you consider taking a look at including the hot lunch program?

At this time, a hot lunch program will not be provided and the students will need to bring their own lunches.

Will there be a nurse for the students if they need it?

Holy Cross has been blessed that a number of nurses have volunteered to help out at the school. For now, this position will be strictly a volunteer position.

Will there be a 'standard' that each student needs to obtain? What assessment tools will be used? Will you be setting the expectations for each student?

The Diocese requires that all students will be required to meet certain standards. Each student will be expected to meet those standards and exceed them. The student can expect help necessary to achieve those standards.

How will the children be tested on an annual basis?

The Diocesan Schools take the Iowa Basics, usually in October.

Are you going to offer a foreign language? If so, what are you expecting it to be?

Yes, it will be Spanish.

Will pre-school be a feeder to Kindergarten?

Yes. In addition, if a child has one or more, older siblings already enrolled in the school, that child will get priority over other children.

If you have a half day kindergarten, what will be included in the school day?

The school day for the half day kindergarten will include only the required academics. There will not be any extra time for the other classes.

Would the CECC have a full-day and/or half-day kindergarten?

Depending upon the numbers, we may be offering full-day kindergarten, maybe both half-day and full-day.

If you have two kindergarten classes, one half-day and one full-day, how will you handle the 2009-2010 school year?

If we are blessed to have two kindergarten classes, we will need to figure out a way to accommodate the two 1st grade classes for the 2009-2010 school year. God will find a way!!

Will there be a computer teacher or a librarian on staff?

These positions will be volunteer positions and there will be a computer lab. The teachers will be preparing lesson plans that include computer skills and that have standards for the students to meet.

Can you explain differentiated instruction? Is there a web-site or other materials we can read to understand those a little better?

Differentiated Instruction can be measured by an increase in student test scores. It is now offered as a specialty for teachers to get an endorsement in and is a position in schools now called a differentiated specialist. There are published books on differentiation and many websites that explain and support research about differentiation.

What qualifications will you focus on when you hire the teachers?

Our number one priority is the ability for the teacher to bridge the gap between education and our Catholic Faith.

When will you start hiring teachers for the Fall 2008 start of school? How will you advertise?

We are currently accepting applications and will begin interviewing Jan/Feb of 2008. All applications must be submitted to the Rockford Diocese. In addition, we plan to recruit at Steubenville for recent graduates, and we will also advertise in the Observer and other Catholic Periodicals.

Will there be any orientation or training for the new teachers?

Yes. We are expected to begin hiring teachers around February/March 2008. Once they are hired, we will begin orientation and training classes and continue through the opening of the School, Fall 2008.

Will there be a playground?

Yes, there will be a playground. We have already started purchasing equipment.

Would it be possible for non-parishioners to get into the school?

Holy Cross Parishioners will get priority over those that are not a parishioner. However, non-parishioners will be allowed in if there are not enough parishioners who will be entering the school. The non-parishioners will be required to pay additional tuition that reflects the actual cost of education with no parish contribution. In addition, the non-parishioner will need to provide a letter from their pastor indicating that they are a practicing and participating Catholic at their parish.

Will there be school on the Holy Days of Obligations? How are you going to fit everything into the school day with all of the Catholic Faith activities that will be taking place?

On Holy Days the school will have a retreat day. If necessary, the school day may be adjusted. Our plan is for regular days of instruction to be longer than a public school day in order to achieve academic instruction as well as Catholic Faith instruction.

For the kindergartners and 1st Graders who won't attend Mass, will you have some kind of program for them or will they be beginning the school day later than the rest of the children?

Families are encouraged to attend Mass every day with their children. It hasn't been completely decided yet, but for the 1st graders and maybe the kindergartners, there may be a program instead of Mass for them to attend or participate in. Once we finalize the day more, we will make the information available through the website.

What portions of the Catholic Faith will be emphasized during the school year?

We will have Stations of the Cross, May Crowning, and Special Feast Days. Overall devotional life for the children will be very active.

Will there be any special education?

We will not have any behavioral disorder programs for we currently do not have any funds for them. We are looking into other special educational programs that would involve spending part of the day at the Batavia Public Schools.

Will you celebrate Halloween?

As a holiday no. If the children would like to dress up, we may look into have the children dress up as saints but nothing has been decided completely.

How will the middle school grade classes work? Will children stay in the same classroom all day with the same teacher who will teach all subjects, or will they move from class room to class room depending upon the subject?

The middle school grades will move from class room to class room. We expect to hire teachers that will be knowledgeable in at least two subjects for these grades.

Will Holy Cross Catholic School children need to go to CCD as well? Will the CCD children be treated differently than the Catholic School children?

Within the school day, the Holy Cross Catholic School children will be taught religion class and therefore will not need to go to CCD classes. The CCD children will not be treated differently than the Catholic School children and in fact, all sacraments will be performed within a combined ceremony. They will be integrated as one!

What extra-curricular activities will you offer?

We will offer the following: volleyball, basketball, football and track.

Will there be a band program?

Yes, there will be a band program.

Is the school day final?

No at this point, we consider it to be a preliminary look at the school day. As things get more finalized, we will let everyone know.

Is there a limit to the number of children per classroom?

Yes, the Diocesan limit is 32 children per class room.

How was the tuition determined?

Based on Diocesan guidelines, other schools in the area, and the budget of the school offset by a budgeted amount for parish investment in the school.

When are the registration packets due?

The registration packets are due on January 2, 2008. Registration is to get a commitment for your child to attend the school. Registration is $100/child and will be deducted from the tuition amount if accepted and refunded if not accepted into the school. If the parent changes their mind, the deposit will not be refunded.