Thank you to all the families who took the time to complete our annual Family Survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and directly informs our priorities, planning, and decision-making for the year ahead.
We’re grateful to share some highlights from this year’s results:
- 93% of families are satisfied or very satisfied
- 96% say our Catholic identity is strong
- 89% rate academics as Excellent or Good
These results affirm what we strive for every day – a faith-filled school culture and a supportive, connected community – while also reflecting our deep commitment to helping every student grow and succeed. Alongside these strengths, your responses also gave us thoughtful and constructive feedback in several key areas.
Key Themes from Your Feedback
Safety & Security
Families shared the importance of continued confidence in both physical and emotional safety at school. This included clearer communication around bullying and discipline, improved pick-up and drop-off procedures, and visible campus safety measures.
“Provide clear discipline procedures when it comes to bullying and how the safety of the student is prioritized.”
Academic Rigor & Enrichment
Many families expressed a desire to continue strengthening academics through expanded STEM opportunities, stronger writing instruction, tutoring support, and continued preparation for high school.
“We’d love to see more opportunities that challenge students and prepare them for what’s next.”
Facilities & Campus Experience
Families emphasized the importance of the learning environment, including covered outdoor space and ongoing campus improvements.
“Updating the playground and outdoor areas would really improve the student experience.”
Affordability & Transparency
Affordability continues to be a priority, along with a desire for clearer communication around how funds are used.
“Understanding where fundraising dollars are going would help families feel more informed.”
Faith Formation
Families strongly affirmed the importance of our Catholic identity and expressed interest in more visibility around feast days, Adoration, and family service opportunities.
“More service opportunities and outreach in the community.”
What We’re Already Doing
In several areas, your feedback reflects work that is already underway. One of our key takeaways is that we need to communicate these efforts more clearly and consistently so families can better access and understand what is available.
Safety & Security
- A professional safety audit has been completed, confirming our campus is a low-risk environment. School leadership is now reviewing and implementing next-phase recommendations, including protective film, improved entry visibility, and remote-controlled blackout blinds.
Academic Rigor & Enrichment
- Our literacy coach is leading professional development in the Science of Reading across all grade levels. This important work strengthens our commitment to academic excellence in preparation of adopting new ELA curriculum for the ’26-’27 school year.
- Teachers are already providing targeted academic support and tutoring after school for students qualifying under Title I (socioeconomic) and Title III (multi-language learners).
- Homework Helpers continues weekly at the Mill Creek Library with the support of one of our most committed parish volunteers, Charlene Osborne. Learn more here.
- STEM opportunities are expanding, including the launch of a Robotics Club next school year, with a continued focus on hands-on enrichment that extends learning beyond the classroom and challenges and engages students at all levels.
- Our dedicated science lab will be highlighted more intentionally to showcase hands-on, experiential learning.
- Students may earn high school credit in Algebra (8th grade, B+ or higher) and Washington State History (7th grade).
Faith Formation
- Faith Formation continues to include feast days, Adoration across grade levels, and meaningful service opportunities.
- We are excited to share that Rochelle Staley is now leading Garden Ministry and helping expand community partnerships.
What Happens Next
Spring – End of This School Year
Based on your feedback, we will:
- Share clearer communication around bullying and discipline procedures as outlined in the parent handbook
- Review pick-up and drop-off procedures and gather additional family input to improve safety and efficiency
- Publish a “Where Your Dollars Go” update to improve financial transparency
- Create and share a centralized list of family volunteer opportunities
2026–2027 School Year
Looking ahead, we will:
- Expand visibility and participation in STEM and enrichment opportunities, starting with the Robotics Club
- Continue the Middle School Academic Decathlon program
- Explore the creation of a Middle School National Honor Society chapter
Thank you again for taking the time to share your voice. Your feedback truly matters, and we are committed to continuing this work together as a school community.
Blessings,
Bernadine Mahar, Ed.D
Principal