CAPE 1- Development and Implementation of a Shared Vision
Development and implementation of a shared vision was a CAPE that I was able to focus on a lot in my current position.
Throughout the past year there has been so much uncertainty and change within schools that creating and implementing a shared
vision with all stakeholders was key. Our Back to School Addendum and Reopening Plan was a tremendous labor of love and outlined
all of the expectations for students and families as they returned to school during the COVID19 pandemic. Finding ways to make sure
we were communicating the vision with the stakeholders was a challenge, especially when they were not reading through the
addendum before bombarding with questions. I definitely learned the importance of being thorough in the document to eliminate any
confusion. Involving the staff in this process was also critical as they are the ones having to implement the changes and carry out the
shared vision for our students. Another takeaway was using the data presented to us by the state and county on how to properly
proceed with our reopening plan. Data is essential in ensuring the health and safety of all. One area that I found challenging and would
like to learn more about is the involvement from the Diocese. We were pretty much left on our own to make all of the decisions for the
reopening which was difficult, especially at the beginning with such little guidance. I know that in other surrounding districts,
decisions were made from the district for all schools; however, that was not the case for us. I am interested in the level of involvement
other Dioceses had with each school site, and I wonder if decision making would have been easier or harder with more involvement
from higher authority. I learned a tremendous amount about how to reopen a school safely and how to make sure all stakeholders are
on the same page; however, my hope is that I will not ever have to do something like this as an administrator!!
CAPE ACTIVITY EXAMPLE RATIONALE
CAPE 1: Work as a member of our School SFA Addendum- Plans and I have been working diligently to create,
DEVELOPMENT AND Site Planning Committee (SSPC) Procedures for the Safe and Healthy write, format, and share the reopening
IMPLEMENTATION OF to ensure the safety and well-being plan for our school with our faculty,
Return to School families, and all stakeholders. Using our
A SHARED VISION of our students in preparation for
mission as the guiding factor in deciding
1B: Developing a Shared the upcoming school year in what is the best next steps in ensuring the
Vision and Community regards to distance learning or safety and well-being of our faculty/staff
Commitment work in the classroom. Once a SFA Reopening Plan and students has been an ongoing and ever
plan is in place, present changing process. I have created slide
information to all stakeholders decks for both faculty and parents to
with health and safety as the main present the information in a way that is
Back to School Parent Meeting clear.
focus.
CAPE 1: As WCEA lead, in Standard 3 Survey I have been working diligently with
DEVELOPMENT preparation for a visit in my principal noting both successes
AND 2022, I have led meetings and areas of improvement for our
IMPLEMENTATIO upcoming accreditation. I have also
with staff and stakeholders to Standard 6 Survey
N OF A SHARED been working to prepare necessary
share the progress of the WCEA documents for the visit. It is
VISION
school’s plan to improve important to show the vision of the
1C: Implementing the teaching and learning. This school during the visit in order to
Vision has included creating and ensure success during our visit. I
sending out surveys, as well have been helping to make sure that
as analyzing results. our action plan from our last visit is
properly being implemented and
that all stakeholders are prepared
and ready for the upcoming visit.
CAPE 2- Instructional Leadership
Instructional leadership is the CAPE in which I definitely feel I have the most experience. I gained a lot more confidence in
myself as a leader both on and off of my school site. One of my biggest takeaways is to be confident in my abilities as a leader,
especially when helping other teachers. I can doubt myself at times, but I really enjoyed my role as a mentor teacher for a teacher at
my site, as well as all new 4th grade teachers in the Diocese. Cycle 3 was a wonderful experience for my mentee and me. That was my
first time using the CSTPs and I very much enjoyed the coaching and observation aspect of it. As a future administrator, I know that I
want to be there for my teachers in every way possible. Finding ways to observe and coach in meaningful ways is important. I know I
often feel that I am doing things just to check things off without gaining any insight or feedback. I want my teachers to feel valued and
appreciated and know they are doing the best possible job for their students. I have learned on numerous occasions that a teacher has
the greatest impact on student learning and I want to make sure my teachers are changing their students’ lives each and every day. As a
future leader, I would like to implement peer observations and feedback between staff members so we can all learn from one another.
Not only will this help each teacher grow, it is a way to build community. I feel very strongly that teaching is a profession which is
done better as a team. My hope for myself is that I always find ways to lead in which my teachers feel empowered and inspired to
make a difference.
CAPE ACTIVITY EXAMPLE RATIONALE
CAPE 2: Participate in classroom Cycle 3- Supporting Teacher Cycle 3 allowed me to specifically
INSTRUCTIONAL visits focusing on effective Growth work as a mentor for a second-year
LEADERSHIP teaching practices and teacher at our school to complete
student work. In an informal the entire observation process.
2D: Feedback on conversation, communicate Using the CSTPs as a guide made
Instruction with the staff member for extremely successful
providing effective feedback conversations pre and post
designed to improve observation. Together my mentee
instructional practices. and I have been working to
complete the next steps (PD and
observations) even once the cycle
was complete to be able to continue
to help her grow and learn!
CAPE 2: Work with surrounding 4th Grade Integrated Unit Over the past year I was chosen to
INSTRUCTIONAL schools to create integrated Yearly Plans work as a member of the
LEADERSHIP cross-curricular lessons to curriculum development team for
Trimester 1 the district. Along with one other
2B: Promoting help improve instruction and
4th grade teacher we worked to
Effective Curriculum, student thinking. create integrated units for each
Instruction, and
Trimester 2
trimester that include a culminating
Assessment project and rubrics. These lessons
Trimester 3 have been created to easily
implement in any classroom and
cover standards across multiple
subjects.
CAPE 3- Management and Learning Environment
Management and the learning environment which we have been a part of the last year has changed drastically due to the
pandemic. It was evident that even with all the changes, the safety and well-being of our students remained the number one priority.
My role in the day to day operations of the school grew as I worked tirelessly to help implement a safe environment in which our
students and teachers could return to campus as soon as possible. I witnessed the termination of teachers, a resignation of a teacher,
and accommodations made for teachers over the past year. I also was a part of over ten interviews for positions that were let go and
then rehired as the school year went on. Using the interview tactics learned through the Human Resources course was extremely
helpful. I saw my confidence grow in my ability to lead knowing that the safety and well-being of the students and faculty remained at
the forefront of every decision. I learned how teachers want to be heard, especially when changes are happening. I became the
sounding board for many faculty and staff as we entered the unknown of returning back to school which helped keep the school
climate positive. I found that just having a listening ear was sometimes all people needed and gave as much reassurance as they
needed to make sure they knew we were all in this together. COVID relief funds provided us with more money than expected, so I do
have questions about what we will do next to make sure those funds are being managed and properly used to ensure equity. My hope
is to have more of a role in the financial aspect moving forward. I have been working with my site supervisor on the ins and outs of
the budget and these eye-opening meetings have provided me with much needed knowledge and understanding of how to successfully
create and implement a budget at a school site. I want to continue this learning moving forward!
CAPE ACTIVITY EXAMPLE RATIONALE
CAPE 3: At a staff meeting, review all Yard Duty Responsibilities I have created a manual for the
MANAGEMENT of the required rules, faculty and staff so each person is
AND LEARNING regulations and procedures aware of their responsibilities in
ENVIRONMENT pertaining to the physical order to ensure our students are safe
plant, grounds, etc. that must at all times. I presented this
3A: Operations and
be adhered to in order to document at our staff meeting.
Resource ensure the safety and Currently, I am working on the
Management well-being of all staff and updated guidelines to align with
students. COVID-19 and the new safety
measures in place.
CAPE 3: Collaborate with finance Site Supervisor Budget Work with my site supervisor to
MANAGEMENT office staff and other Meetings understand how a budget works.
AND LEARNING Examine the different google sheets
stakeholders, as appropriate, 3/31
ENVIRONMENT sent from the fiscal controller on
to understand, monitor, and 4/30
5/21 how a school’s budget functions.
3D: Managing the report in a clear and Use a sample budget to practice
School Budget & transparent manner the inputting salaries, tuition increase,
Personnel school’s budget and and other school expenditures.
expenditures including Budget is the area that I have the
financial record keeping and least amount of experience in so
accounting. these meetings have served to be
extremely beneficial and
informative.
CAPE 4- Family and Community Engagement
A school is only successful when it works in partnership with the families and the community to collaboratively enhance
student learning. I have seen the immense impact this partnership can have on a student’s education and work to ensure relationships
are formed between the child’s school and home life. Over the past year, we have had much less physical interaction with families and
the community, but in recognizing that this relationship is invaluable I have worked to make sure it still exists. Keeping up with the
21st century, utilizing our school’s social media to spread good news with the community has helped increase engagement and
interest. We want to celebrate the successes of the students and the families love to follow along with these stories. My role with the
parent group also made an impact in building this positive relationship because parents really do want to have a part in their child’s
education, especially since they are choosing to send and pay for their child to attend a Catholic school. This past year the focus has
been on each child’s mental health in addition to their academics. This has become more relevant than ever, and I do not see that going
away anytime soon. Working together with families and the community so that children know they are loved and safe both at school
and at home is essential. My hope is that we will be able to go back to having events in person so families and the community can be
even more involved, but until then we will continue to share out the good news in any way we can and celebrate the good we are
doing!
CAPE ACTIVITY EXAMPLE RATIONALE
CAPE 4: FAMILY Assist with the coordination Welcome Back to School I worked to create the Back to
AND COMMUNITY of annual school wide events, School Night plan for this year’s
ENGAGEMENT e.g., Back-To-School, virtual meetings. Included are the
Back to School Night Template
Parent-Teacher Conferences, slide decks that went out to teachers
4B: Community and Spring Open House at the start of the year that included
Involvement
information to share with parents at
Back to School night. I just finished
helping teachers set up sign up
geniuses for virtual conferences.
Finally, the next idea I have already
started is about having a virtual
open house as ours is part of
Catholic Schools Week at the end
of January!
CAPE 4: FAMILY Assist with the preparation Run school’s Facebook page I have been working to enhance our
AND COMMUNITY and dissemination of posting accomplishments, school’s social media presence to
ENGAGEMENT share the good news of our students
information regarding the events, and school news.
and teachers. I have implemented a
4A: Parent and school’s accomplishments
https://www.facebook.com/SFA sign up sheet to allow for each class
Family Engagement and its needs to parents and to have the chance to share out.
members of the school Concord
This has also been connected to our
community via written school’s website and the marquee
bulletins, newsletters, school we recently installed on the
website, school marquee school’s campus.
messages, podcasts, email,
assemblies and/or other
methods.
CAPE 5- Ethics and Integrity
Over this past year, reflective practice and ethical action have dominated our society. The same should be done in schools.
Being an equitable leader is a top priority for me and making sure I am educated and understand how to properly accomplish this is
very important to me. Cycle 2 challenged me to participate in a community of practice, which had never been done at my school site.
Working to create authentic and equitable assessments, even while distance learning, was a challenge but necessary. These
assessments became a part of the curriculum for teachers and the members within my community of practice worked together to create
norms, facilitate successful meetings, and implement a change. I learned the importance of a community of practice and how coming
together to accomplish the same goal is so beneficial for our students. As a future leader I want to lead with nothing but
professionalism, ethics, integrity, justice, and equity. In addition, I plan to expect the same in return from others (teachers, students,
and parents alike). Every decision made needs to be done with the right intention and proper thinking. One takeaway is to not make
decisions on the spot if you do not have enough information. I have watched my administration get trapped by teachers and parents
and forced to make a decision right on the spot. While this is not fair, it does happen. Practicing boundaries and what to do if I ever get
in this situation is important. I know that decisions will be difficult, however if decisions are made ethically and with integrity they
will be made for the right reasons.
CAPE ACTIVITY EXAMPLE RATIONALE
CAPE 5: ETHICS Guide staff in examining I Don’t See Color We had a staff meeting with an
AND INTEGRITY issues that may affect incredible guest speaker discussing
accomplishment of the race and colorblindness. I led the
5B: Ethical school’s vision, mission, and staff in breakout room discussions
Decision-Making goals, including issues that following this presentation where
may be related to race, we each examined a different
diversity, and access. resource provided in the slide deck
and presented it with the group.
CAPE 5: ETHICS Maintain a high standard of Cycle 2- Facilitating Cycle 2 required me to lead a group
AND INTEGRITY professionalism, ethics, Communities of Practice of educators. As the facilitator I
integrity, and equity and worked to maintain a high standard
5A: Reflective of professionalism, integrity, and
Practice expect the same behavior of
equity within my CoP. In the
others. meeting feedback forms, Teacher A
stated that I “maintained
professionalism and integrity
throughout this entire process.” I
utilized adult learning theory to
create a positive and supportive
environment allowing for
successful meetings and actionable
progress to be made. This Cycle
also allowed me to reflect on
professional learning goals and next
steps for growth.
CAPE 6- External Context and Policy
External Context and Policy is the CAPE in which I had the least amount of experience prior to starting this program.
My role as an administrator allowed me to attend all school board meetings this year which provided me with great insight
into the backbone of the school. I recognize and understand how important the relationship is between administrators and
the school board. While most of the meetings I just sat back and listened, I did notice myself gaining confidence throughout
the year. I was able to brainstorm ideas for community engagement and promotion of the school. I witnessed how our
successes were shared amongst families, and I am proud to say that our enrollment for next year is the highest it has been in
over five years. Decision making can be very overwhelming, but forming a relationship and trust within the School Board is
very important so they can help carry some of the burden of those difficult decisions. I still have questions about who is best
to be members of the School Board, as I did witness some toxicity with one member which caused some problems with
confidentiality. I know that this CAPE will continue to be a focus area for me as I move into an administration role.
Continuing to study education policy and the legal components of a school is essential as the ramifications could be extreme
if not followed properly. I am eager to continue learning about external context and policy!
CAPE ACTIVITY EXAMPLE RATIONALE
CAPE 6: Attend a school board Attend School Board Meetings I have attended every school board
EXTERNAL meeting and reflect on how 9/15 meeting so far this year to be
CONTEXT AND district policies affect your engaged and involved in the
10/13
POLICY own school. Also note how conversations regarding the
11/16
the school board often needs well-bring of our school. I have
6A: Understanding
to comply with state taken on the responsibility of being
and Communicating
Policy guidelines in making district the liaison between the faculty and
level decisions. the school board. I am able to
provide updates to each party about
what is going on. Lately all policies
discussed have been about distance
learning and how the school board
can support the teachers. The latest
push has been to build upon our
scholarship fund to be able to help
more families in need and continue
to support students in Catholic
education.
CAPE 6: Facilitate discussions among Co-facilitate faculty meetings These conversations have been
EXTERNAL staff and the community with the principal involving productive, yet difficult, as new
CONTEXT AND positions have become necessary to
about aligning mandates and goal setting, contracts, and
POLICY meet the needs of all of our
policies with staff and positions for next year.
students. The discussions have
6A: Understanding student goals for challenged me as a leader, but it is
and Communicating continuously improving,
Policy important to keep the student goals
instruction, learning, and for continuous improvement,
well-being. instruction, learning, and
well-being of all of our students.
