Cayman International School

CIS Strategic Plan 2008 to 2013

CIS Planning Team

The Cayman International School Strategic Planning Council met in May 2008 to revisit the schools mission statement, beliefs, parameters and objectives. Three newly formulated and broad based objectives were developed. The revised mission statement, beliefs and objectives were approved by the Board and are noted below. In September 2008, Action Committees were established to develop yearly plans for each objective. These plans will be presented to the Strategic Planning Council and reviewed annually.

Strategic Planning Council (May 2008) External Facilitator: Joan Adams, ISS Vice President Assistant Facilitator: Jean Caskey, Director, CIS Teachers: Janet Bell, Jodi McDonald, Stephanie Ochitwa Students: Owen Foster, Jamie-Lauren McTaggart Parents: Caroline Courtis, Patrick Hackenberg, Amy Hunt Administrative Staff: Wendy Foreman, Nimmi Sekhar

Cayman International School Mission Statement

Cayman International School will endeavor to provide each of our students the opportunity to achieve his/her academic and personal best within a U.S./International educational environment that encourages and inspires leadership, character and community service, while embracing cultural diversity.

CIS School-wide Student Learning Outcomes

Students at Cayman International School will: Learn to be productive citizens. Develop the skills necessary to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Develop creative, critical and logical thinking skills. Develop effective communication skills. Develop a passion for learning and become life-long learners.

School Beliefs
We believe that: Every individual has equal intrinsic worth. A nurturing and safe environment is essential for learning. Developing an understanding, appreciation and respect for diversity are vital in a global community. Partnerships among school, family and community are essential to foster further development and learning. Honesty, trust and respect are essential in successful relationships. Critical thinking, collaboration and problem solving skills are necessary in an ever-challenging world. Individuals are responsible for their choices and actions to themselves, to society and to the environment. A balanced life contributes to personal well being. Learning is a life-long activity.

Parameters
CIS shall always meet the requirements for private schools under the Cayman Ministry of Education. We will only allow policies, procedures or behavior that promotes the growth and achievement of students. All energies will be focused on instructional and extra-curricular programs. CIS shall always remain accredited by a U.S. regional agency and other recognized international agencies. We will not tolerate behavior that diminishes the dignity, self-worth or safety of any individual. All programs and services must be consistent with the strategic plan. CIS will only accept and retain those students for whom there is an existing appropriate educational program. All decisions will be made based on assuring the school remains fiscally responsible and operates within its own resources. As a proprietary school, CIS may differ from non-profit institutions in its decision making processes and its policy making.

Action Plan Committees 2008/2009 School Year

Action Plan Co-ordinator: Janet Bell

Objective 1

By the year 2013 each CIS student will be able to demonstrate improvements in academic performance in core subjects of Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. o Teachers: Jessyca Canizales, Jean Caskey (Admin), Rita Imparato o Students: Taylor Ribbins, Tristan Von Kirchenheim o Parents: Christine Maltman, Nicola Hersant

Objective 2

By the year 2013 each CIS student will be able to demonstrate his/her personal best by participation and commitment to becoming a well rounded, balanced, global minded citizen. o Teachers: Alex Hill Hudson, Holly Morris, Nimmi Sekhar (Admin) o Students: Jonathon Masters, Ally McRae o Parents: Amy Hunt, Angel Rutty

Objective 3

By the year 2013 each secondary student will demonstrate the academic and personal achievements to meet the requirements for acceptance into a post secondary educational institute. o Teachers: Dhara Levers, Jodi McDonalds, Sandra Tenus (Guidance) o Students: Allison Hill, Owen Foster o Parents: Glenna Black, Caroline Courtis

Objective 1

By the year 2013 each CIS student will be able to demonstrate improvements in academic performance in core subjects of Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies.

Year 1 (2008/2009) Timeline

September 2008 November 2008 January 2009

Activity
o o o Design, implement and track use of common literacy assessments within grade levels. Implement parent presentations covering various topics at CIS. Initiate and re-examine our approach to the standardized testing in order to ensure the test meets assessment needs and use the results meaningfully. Utilize standardized testing as a tool for instruction due to the earlier testing period for student learning. Implement the curriculum review cycle for Math.

Spring 2009 2008-2009

o o

Year 2 (2009/2010) Timeline

September 2009 Fall 2009 Fall 2009

Activity
o o o Use Atlas Rubicon to ensure the curriculum standards are being met. Provide In-Service May 2009. Collaborate, research, review and design a new report card for MS/HS to reflect benchmark and standards (Admin Plus). Establish a media committee which includes technology and library resources. The committee would evaluate tools for purchasing, have input in ordering and fundraising. Develop a school wide assessment which includes early childhood and elementary portfolios and encourages reflective learning for all students. Develop clear guidelines, procedures and steps for teacher referrals regarding student support. Review Academic Requirements for graduation for IB and electives being offered by establishing a scope and sequence for middle and high school. Explore and identify opportunities to celebrate academic and extracurricular success. Identify additional/alternative media technology resources to enhance curriculum and student achievement. (Smart Boards) Implement the curriculum review cycle for Social Studies and Technology. Plan a portfolio sharing time for students (K-5) to show his/her work to parents of CIS due to the implementation of portfolios for the 2009-2010 school year.

Fall 2009

Fall 2009 Fall 2009

o o

Fall 2009 November 2009 2009-2010 June 2010

o o o o

Objective 1
continued

Year 3 (2010/2011) Timeline Activity

September 2010 September 2010 o o Explore and evaluate cost benefits of improving access to technology for individuals. Monitor the courses being offered for middle and high school with the purchase of additional media/technology resources from year two. Utilize additional/alternative media technology resources to enhance curriculum and student achievement. Students in K-12 to attend and communicate with parents about his/her growth and areas of improvement in learning. Implement the curriculum review cycle for Language Arts.

Fall 2010 March 2011 2010-2011

o o o

Years 4 & 5 (2011/2012) Timeline

2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012 2011-2012

Activity
o o o o o Monitor & evaluate the assessments given to students and decide if any action needs to be taken. Monitor and evaluate the process of a student led conference. Implement the previous years decisions of more technology available for instruction. Review additional/alternative media technology resources to enhance curriculum and student achievement. Implement the curriculum review cycle for Science, Health and Physical Education.

Objective 2

By the year 2013 each CIS student will be able to demonstrate his/her personal best by participation and commitment to becoming a well rounded, balanced, global minded citizen.

Year 1 (2008/2009) Timeline

January 2009

Activity
o Investigate leadership and service opportunities such as Interact club (Rotary); Duke of Edinburgh Awards; National Honor Society; National Junior Honor Society; model United Nations; Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Present program information to student body and survey students for interest. Identify a committee to survey school community (staff & students) regarding the interest in a School Art Show and Literary Magazine. Establish opportunities to exhibit student art and literary works. Review student participation in ongoing programs. Review new programs as administration sees fit. Initiate club meetings and activities. Initiate committee meetings. Develop plans for school Cultural Festival with monthly focus on food, crafts, music, dance, story-telling, traditions etc. Schedule monthly Cultural Festival.

o o

o June 2009 o o o o o

June 2009

Year 2 (2009/2010) Timeline

September 2009 Fall 2009 Fall 2009

Activity
o o Educate student body regarding club opportunities. Establish school and island contacts for following programs: NCFA, Spelling Bee, Debates, Science Fair and Junior Achievement. Initiate committee meetings for School Art show and CIS Literary Magazine to establish a timeline based on survey results. Establish a sponsor for identified clubs. Complete and submit applications for clubs and/or charters. Present celebrating Caymans Culture ideas to staff.

Fall 2009 Fall 2009

o o o

Objective 2

Year 2 (2009/2010) Timeline

2010 May 2010 June 2010

Activity
o o o o o Review student participation in named programs. Plan and implement Annual Spring Art show. Hold school Art Show. Review of established leadership and service clubs. Review continuation of Cultural Festival for upcoming school year and expand to include other countries.

Years 2-5 (2010/2013) Timeline

January 2011

Activity
o o Identify a committee to establish educational partnerships with other I.S.S. or educational institutes. Initiate committee meetings to establish educational partnerships. Explore implementation of a Foreign Exchange Student Program. Develop plan for establishing educational partnerships for upcoming school year. Educate staff on educational partnerships.

February 2011 o June 2011 September 2011 o o

Objective 3

By the year 2013 each secondary student will demonstrate the academic and personal achievements to meet the requirements for acceptance into a post secondary educational institute.

Year 1 (2008/2009) Timeline

2008 - 2009 2009- ongoing Spring 2009

Activity
o o o Website development. Build a database of resources from post secondary institutions. E.g. Video Conferencing from Colleges. Implement a Career Focus Week. E.g. Speakers, Job Shadowing.

Year 2 (2009/2010) Timeline

Jan 2010 2009 2010

Activity
o o o o o Plan an open house focusing on the IB Program, facilities and other programs. Develop advisory program focusing on skills necessary for personal achievement. Research and implement a required IT course for grades 7-10. Implement optional SAT prep course. Create an awards committee to develop awards and criteria for secondary Personal and Academic Awards Program.

Objective 3

Year 3 (2010/2011) Timeline

2010 2010 2010 - 2011 2010 - 2011

Activity
o o o o Review Career Counselling program. Review website development and make necessary changes. Website development. Implement an Awards Program for Academic and Personal Achievement. Develop Alumni Association. Mentoring. Development. Promotion. Fundraising. Survey.

Years 4 & 5 (2011/2013)

o 2011 - 2013