CSSC adopts vision for future
Globe Staff Report
Posted March 21, 2002

One of the finest private school systems in the nation, the Catholic Schools of Sioux City (CSSC) will launch a plan that unites the financial and operational resources of the operation to improve opportunities for students.

The CSSC's corporate board this week voted to begin a three-step set of initiatives that is expected to better distribute enrollment for more efficent use of classrooms and staff.

Called the Partnership Plan, it represents input collected from parents, educators and others that have participated in a series of meetings since the middle of January.

"We are grateful to the parents, educators, advsiory boards and pastors of the Catholic Schools of Sioux City who have worked together during the past few months to help form a vision for the future of Catholic schools," said Jim Rouse, CSSC superintendent.

Under the plan, students in grades 6 through 8 will attend one of three centers located at either Blessed Sacrament School, Mater Dei School - Nativity Center and Sacred Heart School to participate in what the district calls "an enhanced middle school" program.

CSSC said the programs at the three schools will include a "top-quality academic curriculum" that is operated by "leading educators, improved co-curricular fine arts and athletic programs and increased access to the most current textbooks and technology."

The middle school programs at St. Michael School and Holy Family School - Epiphany Center will partner with the new programs to improve the curriculum and offer its students more opportunities in exploratory classes, advanced math and science, art and other academic and co-curricular.

The system will continue to offer neighborhood schools for students from kindergarten through the fifth grade at all of the current locations.

"This is an exciting time for Catholic Schools of Sioux City," Rouse explained.

"These new programs and improved curriculum, our talented faculty and staff and the expanding support and involvement of parents, parishoners, alumni and friends are creating a bright future for our Catholic school," he said.