Compiling notes from the informational meetings, this is what we think were among the most interesting/important points. Some of these may be subject to change as plans progress and as a principal is hired, but they seem consistent, achievable and plausible (and we are very pleased with what we have heard):
St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School
The Diocese of Austin is embarking on a major building project that will create a unique environment where faith formation combines with education to feed the human spirit. St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School will be a diocesan co-educational, college preperatory high school. The new high school will be located in north Austin because of the tremendous current and projected growth in that area. St Dominic will instill Catholic values while offering a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum, established as a school for tomorrow’s leaders.
Catholic Schools:
Catholic Schools prepare our children by forming the whole person-spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. High academics, high parental involvment, low student-teacher ratios, and value-based education all lead to bright futures for students attending Catholic high schools.
Expected Feeder Schools:
Holy Family Catholic School
St. Theresa’s Catholic School
St. Helen’s Catholic School
St. Louis Catholic School
St. Austin’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Cathedral Catholic School
Key Design Objectives:
School Profile
-strong Catholic Identity
-Coeducational with a diverse student body both socioeconomically and ethnically
-financially viable, affordable and accessible for Catholic families
Campus Capacity:
-750-1000 student master plan to be built in three phases, with a 300 student capacity planned for the first phase.
Curriculum Offering:
-college preparatory with a strong Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum.
-Fine Arts program offered in band, orchestra, vocals, art, drama, and other theater arts.
Athletic Program:
-Football, Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, and Cross Country
Food Service:
-Closed Campus with a full-service cafeteria
Other:
-To encompass the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Schedule:
-High School to open in the fall of 2009 with only a Freshman class
-An additional class will be added in each of the next three years
Phase I
1 Chapel/Classroom
13 Classrooms
2 Science Labs with Prep Area
Computer Lab
Art Classroom
Multi Purpose Band and Choir Hall
Administrative Offices with reception area, conference room, and support space, nurse and teacher workroom
Student Commons/informal gathering area
Multi Purpose Cafeteria with Kitchen and storage space.
Site Development in Phase I includes:
Extensions of utilities and Neenah Street to property
1 multi purpose playing field
baseball and softball practice fields
Other details:
will follow a President/Principal model.
It will have a corporate board.
Uniforms will be worn.
Fine Arts Program:
The Long Art Center has committed to helping with a Fine Arts program at the new High School. They will station themselves on the new campus. They will also be providing art to decorate the school.
Theatre Arts Program:
A donor has put up the money to have a stage in the cafetorium ready for use in Phase 1.
We are currently in the silent phase of communication and attempting to gather interest from at least 89 families. We already have 16 families who have contributed 8 million towards the goal of 15 million dollars in the “Today’s Gifts: Tomorrow’s Hope” Capital Campaign. We are looking for 73 more families to join in the campaign. If you are interested in more information contact Kevin Lange, Campaign Chair, at 342-0202.
Future Town Hall Meetings are planned. Anyone is welcomed to attend these informational meetings:
Tuesday, April 15, 7-8:30pm St. Margaret Mary in Cedar Park-Church Special Events Rm.
Tuesday , April 22, 5:30-7:30 pm St. Mary Cathedral-Bishop’s Hall
Thursday, April 24, 7-8:30pm St. William-Old Campus, Parish Activity Center
Wed. April 30, 7-8:30pm St. John Neumann- St. Timothy Rm
Wed. May 7, 7-8:30 St. Helen, Georgetown Church Hall
Contact Debbie Ortiz at 512-726-0449 or debbie-ortiz@austindiocese.org to RSVP or get more information on town hall meetings.
