Merritt Island Christian School

2009-2013 Strategic Plan

The following plan is an example of a cumulative effort of Merritt Island Christian School (MICS). Our overall goal is to continually modify, improve and enhance both spiritual relevance and academic rigor at MICS, and Christian relationships.

Our Mission

The mission of Merritt Island Christian School is to lead students to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, inspire them to academic excellence and to equip them to impact their community through the biblical principles of character, leadership and service.

Our Core Values

·         To foster respect for authority and the Lord Jesus Christ

·         To display a Christ-like character in all endeavors

·         To create a Biblically-based curriculum at all levels of the school

·         To create leaders who are Godly role models

·         To create a servant-minded attitude at school and in the community

Our Goals

1.      Guide in the spiritual growth of every student

2.      Provide every student a balanced and broad curriculum

3.      Provide a safe environment for students

4.      Advancement of all areas of the Academic Program

5.      Utilize existing facilities to their fullest extent while planning for further expansion

GOAL 1:  Guide in the spiritual growth of every student

Vision:  It is our focus for the faculty and staff to be discerning of the spiritual status of each student assisting with their growth.  Recognizing MICS is a mission school, it is understood that students will enter our school at all stages of spiritual development from pre-Christian to mature believers, but that all should continue to grow.

            STRATEGIES

1.      Discern a student’s spiritual maturity through conversation, observation, survey, and class discussion.

2.      Encourage students to take part in daily prayer, Bible study and worship.

3.      Encourage student involvement in a discipleship program and/or training in a local church.

4.      Provide students with service opportunities within the community and abroad, with the goal to enhance servant leadership.

GOAL 2:  Provide a curriculum in which every student is entitled to a  broad and balanced course of study

Vision:  MICS is dedicated to provide a curriculum in which every student is entitled to a balanced and broad course of study to reach their full potential.

            STRATEGIES

1.      Offer students ownership of learning through active and critical thinking.

2.      Allow for vertical linkage of information, terminology and concepts to create a harmonious learning environment for all students grade four through twelve to enhance student success.

3.      Develop writing skills and techniques through The Six Traits of Writing program across all grades and disciplines.

4.      Address the needs of our gifted students through curriculum compacting, grade/subject acceleration, and programs such as the Robotic Team.

5.      Increase the number of dual enrollment course offerings and provide the opportunity to earn an Associates Degree upon graduation from MICS.

6.      Develop and enhance the multi-media program to include production of promotional material for MICS.

7.      Provide a learning lab to meet the needs of all levels of students who seek additional instructional support.

8.      Provide resources and in-depth training for teachers of students with AIP’s, 504 plans and those students who need additional accommodations.

GOAL 3:  Provide a safe environment for students

Vision:  It is the goal of the faculty and staff to provide a safe environment for our students.

            STRATEGIES

1.      Provide strong adult role models who exemplify Christian character traits.

2.      Provide guidance and consistent and positive reinforcement.

3.      Provide appropriate consequences for misconduct following the school-adopted discipline policy.

GOAL 4:  Advancement of all areas of the academic program

Vision:  Merritt Island Christian School is committed to continued improvement and enrichment of the academic program. Advancement is the goal in all areas. Deliberate attention will be given to addressing the individual needs of our students through an increased awareness of learning styles and multiple intelligences.  In addition, specific focus will be given to writing, as well as, critical thinking and problem solving.  Results of these target areas will be marked by improved scores on the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT 10), Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Explore/PLAN, and the American College Test (ACT).

            STRATEGIES

1.       Provide information to teachers and parents regarding learning styles and multiple intelligence theory through written materials as well as lectures, workshops, and/or seminars.

2.      Assist students and parents in the interpretation and understanding of standardized test scores in order to identify areas of strength and weakness and move forward with an academic plan.

3.      Continue to address the unique needs of gifted students by allowing them to move through the curriculum at an accelerated pace utilizing the tools of curriculum compacting and/or single-subject or whole grade acceleration.

4.      Increase and re-access offerings of Advanced Placement and Dual-Enrollment classes for secondary students.

5.      Enhance our Fine Arts department.

6.      Continue to expand the quantity and quality of Accelerated Reader books and quizzes offered.

7.      Continued use of The Six Traits of Writing program across all grades and disciplines.

8.      Further implement the use of critical thinking across all grades and disciplines.

GOAL 5:  Utilize existing facilities to their fullest extent while planning

                  for further expansion

Vision:  Merritt Island Christian School is continually pursuing the effective use of its existing facilities and the funding for future projects.

            STRATEGIES

1.      Increase giving/funding for capital improvements.  Keeping alumni connected to the MICS community and involved in the ongoing activities of the school.

2.      Form endowments through general philanthropy campaigns involving community contacts.

3.      Aggressively seek corporate sponsorships for athletic and technological improvements.

4.      Schedule fundraisers with focus on family and community building.

5.      Complete each phase of the athletic field project.

6.      Install campus-wide PA system for announcement and calling students out of class to the office.

7.      Use multi-media class to convey morning announcements in the secondary school.