S . t a h S D , n h S D : J 2020 - Carney Sandoe & Associates · St. Thomas Aquinas High School is...

St. thomaS aquinaS high School

Dover, new hampShireheaD of School

Start Date: July 2020Stalux.org

overview

For nearly 60 years, St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA) has served the Dover and Seacoast Community of New Hampshire with great pride and distinction. Families of all faiths have sought the academic excellence and strong faith community represented by the school. The school is now poised for an exciting new period of growth and renewal and seeks a new Head of School to begin July 2020.

Founded in 1960 by the Diocese of Manchester, this outstanding coeducational institution is one of three diocesan secondary schools within the diocese. The current Head of School has been a loyal and reliable presence at the school for 25 years – the first 15 as a teacher and the last 10 as Principal. His announcement to retire next year has prompted the diocese and its supporters to reflect on the school’s priorities and opportunities and consider bold new strategies for renewing and rejuvenating the mission and aspirations of the school. The diocese is also inspired by the recent successes of nearby Saint Patrick Academy in Portsmouth, a 150-year old parish-based elementary school which converted in 2018 to an “independent” Catholic school, with the full support and blessing of the bishop. Enrollments have doubled during the first year of operations and a national search has produced an outstanding new leader for the school.

The Saint Patrick Academy model for success is clear and compelling to the diocese: build respectfully on the proud legacy of generations of support while incorporating new leadership, new governance, and an unwavering commitment to best practices in all areas of school operations.

With Saint Patrick Academy as a powerful model, the diocese has approved an exciting new direction for St. Thomas Aquinas, consisting of the following transformative elements:

2The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates [email protected] | www.carneysandoe.com

MissionSt. Thomas Aquinas High School is a caring community, transforming the lives of students through a rigorous Catholic education, guided by the light of the Gospel – developing their unique gifts, strengthening their personal faith and integrity, and fostering within them a commitment to justice, service, and moral leadership.

Fast FactsSchool type: Coeducational, Catholic day school for grades 9-12Year established: 1960Total enrollment: 432Non-Catholic students: 60%Total faculty: 37Average faculty tenure: 14.23 yearsFaculty holding advanced degrees: 70%Student/teacher ratio: 15:1 averageStudents receiving financial aid: 35%Total financial aid awarded: $652,000Endowment: $1.7 million pooled investment

• A new Interim Leadership Team has been formed to guide the school through this period of transition.

• The current “advisory” board will be expanded and converted to a board of limited jurisdiction, allowing the school to be governed independently while attracting high profile representatives from the community who are committed to the mission and ambitions of the school.

• The title of Principal will be replaced by Head of School with the intention of converting, in time, to the President/Principal Model once the new Head is in place and has had an opportunity to evaluate the current situation and prepare the community for change.

• A national search is being conducted with the goal of attracting a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader who will capitalize on this promising opportunity and take St. Thomas to the next level of excellence and prominence it seeks.

This new plan has already been met with broad, enthusiastic support. The board and diocese have approved a $2 million capital campaign – the first of its kind in decades – to build a new synthetic turf field and renovate and enhance facilities supporting the arts and the school’s chapel. This may well be the beginning in a series of initiatives designed to reinvent a revered institution and create an exciting new model in diocesan-sponsored, independent Catholic secondary education.

School hiStory

In September 1960, St. Thomas Aquinas High School opened its doors to 295 freshmen. Seven School Sisters of Notre Dame, two Diocesan Priests, and one coach made up the first faculty ready to carry out St. Thomas’ mission by transforming the lives of students through a rigorous Catholic education guided by the light of the Gospel, offering them the opportunity to develop their unique



gifts, strengthening their personal faith and integrity, and fostering within them a commitment to justice, service, and moral leadership.

Due to declining enrollment, in 1971 Bishop Primeau announced that St. Thomas Aquinas High School was to close unless a viable solution could be found. The City of Dover assumed financial responsibility for providing a few teachers and books for one year during which time St. Thomas was able to resolve some of the financial difficulties. Enrollment climbed steadily during the 1980s, and in 1988 the was accredited by the New England Association for Schools and Colleges.

In the summer of 2000, a significant facility improvement was completed: the renovation of the outdated athletic fields. Through the generosity of the school community, the school raised the funds necessary to build the Field of Dreams. In September 2002, the new and improved Aquinas Field was dedicated on Homecoming Day. Coinciding with the strategic plan of 2002-2007, in the summer of 2008, the school embarked on a campus reconfiguration – creating not only safer sidewalks, reconfigured parking lots and curb appeal, but the foundation for the future of the school. Capping off the campus reconfiguration was the rededication of the school Cornerstone which was moved to accommodate a new traffic pattern.

the School

Since the doors opened in 1960, the school has seen thousands of students grace its halls and has benefited from the many faculty and staff (both religious and lay) who have contributed to the success of the school. One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the spirit and vibrancy of the St. Thomas Aquinas community. Current families, alumni families, faculty (then and now) and


friends stay connected with the school on a regular basis through the website, Reflections magazine, e-newsletters, reunions, regional events, athletic events, arts performances, and more.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School is known throughout the tri-state Seacoast region to have an excellent educational reputation, outstanding music and drama programs, and exceptionally talented athletic teams. The combined knowledge and talents of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, clergy, administrators, teachers, and staff have guided students through the St. Thomas Aquinas experience. The legacy, rich in academic excellence and spiritual growth, passed on from the Sisters remains strong. St. Thomas offers a unique blend of academic and spiritual opportunities that prepare students for success in their endeavors later in life.

acaDemicS

St. Thomas Aquinas High School follows a challenging Catholic school curriculum that encourages independent thinking while reinforcing Christian principles that will guide students in their adult lives. Walk into any classroom at St. Thomas Aquinas—whether the students and teachers are discussing Chaucer in Honors British Literature, giving a multimedia presentation in a freshman Morality class, or measuring the charge of an electron in an AP Physics lab, the academic rigor students experience prepares them for scholarly life beyond school walls.

The curriculum delivers the school’s mission by liberally educating students as independent learners, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and capable readers and writers. Graduates of St. Thomas have mastered an introductory knowledge of traditional subject areas. While the school’s focus is college preparatory, students develop the skills and knowledge needed in their faith, a democratic society, and a competitive business world.


In addition to the core curriculum of English, mathematics, science, and social studies, students study theology, fine arts, technology, and world languages. This curriculum promotes independent learning and hones students’ critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. Christian values are infused into every course to challenge students to become morally and socially responsible adults. Students are challenged to be morally and socially responsible. Instructors provide students with individual attention and respect that, together, bring dignity to each student’s educational experience. Outside the classroom, students have opportunities to enhance their relationships with both God and their classmates through campus ministry and other enriching clubs and activities.

One such enriching opportunity is Winterterm, which gives students a chance to widen their learning horizons, step outside of the traditional instructional atmosphere, and pursue an area that interests them intellectually. Each winter, students may devote their time and attention to a singular area of study where they can engage in academic topics that are not typically offered in the regular semester curriculum. Offerings span everything from Japanese Culture and Astronomy to Financial Management and Scuba Diving.

Finally, STA offers additional resources to ensure students are given the support they need for success. The Counseling Department with three certified counselors provides guidance and counseling services to all enrolled students. Frequently covered topics include transition to high school, academic progress, career development, college admissions process, and all aspects of adolescent development and decision-making. The Center for Academic Achievement assists students with their course work and organizational skills with the goal of increasing their academic performance. Strategies are tailored to the student’s individual needs and can range from techniques for notetaking, organization, study skills, or can be as basic as planning out the week’s assignments. In addition, there is a tutoring component for students who would benefit from one-on-one work with a trained student tutor.

athleticS

The STA Athletic Program is an extension of the classroom. The school believes that participating in interscholastic athletics enriches the educational experience of students. Student-athletes become well-rounded and engaged members of the community. The combination of academics and athletics fostered at STA maximizes the overall experience for the entire family.

A variety of co-ed sports programs are offered, with 26 varsity teams, as well as 20 sub-varsity programs. Teams include cross country, field hockey, football, golf, soccer, volleyball, alpine skiing, basketball, ice hockey, indoor track, swimming and diving, baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, and track and field.

Freshman have the opportunity to improve their individual skills, work toward team goals, and make new friends. Players of greater skill enjoy the challenge and competition of varsity programs. On a yearly basis, well over 60% of students participate in at least one sport. The Saints compete as a member of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association. Since 2000, STA has won 42 individual and 35 team State Championships.

School life

St. Thomas Aquinas offers a number of programs that enrich the lives of its students. STA has a full range of clubs and sports, as well as after-school classes, an active Campus Ministry, and an engaged Student Advisory Board to provide something of interest for everyone. Students are strongly encouraged to try new activities as well as to pursue their established talents, for involvement in extra and co-curricular activities is one of the keys to success in the life of a high school student.


In addition to existing clubs, sports, organizations and activities that currently exist, St. Thomas Aquinas often expands its offerings based on student interests. In recent years, the school has established a Ping Pong Club and the Chess Club in response to student suggestions and interest. Other options include Computer Club, Environmental/Hiking Club, French Club, Math Team, Political Club, Science Olympiad, and Yoga Club.

Campus Ministry is a school wide program designed to foster spirituality, community, and service among students, faculty, staff, and administration. The Office for Campus Ministry has a variety of programs that reach a wide range of students and the wider community. As a school, STA gathers to celebrate faith and community through Mass, school prayer services, class prayer services, and responses to community and world events. The retreat program is an essential part of the communal and spiritual experience at St. Thomas Aquinas. Through participating in a retreat, students are able to deepen both their personal spirituality and their relationships with classmates and faculty.

To develop a deeper commitment to service for God and others, each student participates in a personal community service project as part of his/her Theology requirement. Beyond that, several local and global opportunities for service are offered throughout the year including Monthly Charity Dress Down Days, daily visits by students to neighboring nursing home St. Ann Healthcare, assisting local families in need with the Catholic Charities Christmas Drive, and the annual Canned Food Drive to benefit Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence, MA, among other opportunities.

Leadership Development is also an important component of the mission at St. Thomas Aquinas to help students and faculty recognize the gifts they have been given and inspire them to use those gifts in service and leadership. The Peer Ministry Team is comprised of 20-30 students who plan and facilitate meetings, prayer services, icebreakers, small groups, and retreats. These students participate in a three-day retreat experience in summer and participate in a weekly course



“Leadership in Ministry” to learn skills essential to ministry with young people in our world today. Senior Leadership is an opportunity for rising seniors to set individual and class goals and build community. This program begins with an overnight retreat in June of the junior year. Students involved will help facilitate Freshmen Jumpstart and Freshmen Retreat. All seniors are invited to participate in Senior Leadership Night, an evening retreat in late August.

SaintS taking action

One of the key aspects of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School mission is to instill in students a heart for service. STA students are encouraged to be active members of their local communities and to make a difference by sharing their talents. In 2011, the first Saints Taking Action “Day of Service” was born, transforming the lives and hearts of many. Now, the school is advancing the goal of Saints Taking Action by making it a year-long mission.

2017’s Hurricane Harvey presented the school community with a rare and very special opportunity to partner in Catholic service. St. Pius X High School is a Catholic school founded by the Dominican Sisters of Houston in 1956. As a result of Harvey’s mass destruction, members of its school community suffered great loss and devastation. STA reached out to SPX’s Head of School asking how the St. Thomas Aquinas community could assist. Together, the schools are forming a cross-national partnership of faith, service, and mission.


Dover, new hampShire

A small town with big city amenities, Dover is conveniently located in the seacoast region of New Hampshire. Settled in 1623, Dover is the oldest permanent settlement in the state and the seventh oldest in the United States. At around 31,000 residents, Dover is the largest city in the New Hampshire Seacoast region and the fastest growing city in the state. Ranked one of the top 100 communities in the country and with a thriving business community, Dover is a great place to live and work.

With farms in the country, boutiques in town, and suburban and ranch houses surrounding downtown, Dover boasts superior municipal services, an exceptional school system, outstanding parks and recreation services, and numerous cultural destinations and events. Every month is full of fun activities downtown at Henry Law Park, from festivals and fireworks to live music, farmers markets, and parades. Downtown is vibrant, with local eateries, cafes, shops, and even an arcade. Visitors and residents enjoy the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and the Woodman Institute Museum, which is dedicated to history, science, and the arts.

With rich New England history on every corner, Dover is also “in the middle of everything.” It is close to the majestic mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as the extensive and beautiful Lakes Region and seacoast. The University of New Hampshire is also minutes away and provides a deep cultural and educational resource to the wider community. Boston is a 60-minute drive to the south.

University of New Hampshire


opportunitieS anD challengeS

As mentioned earlier in this document, this is a very promising time for St. Thomas Aquinas. With support from the diocese and bishop, the school is transitioning to a new leadership structure and new independent governance. All the elements are in place in support of an exciting and transformational new vision for the school. The next Head of School will need to be a dynamic and inspiring leader who will model the energy, professionalism, and high aspirations of the school while building on the school’s solid historic platform and Catholic identity.

In particular, the next Head of School should be mindful of the following opportunities and challenges:

• Capitalize on the new independent governing plan while being respectful of the sponsoring diocese and clergy within the diocese.

• Utilize the deep goodwill and loyalty of alumni and bring the entire STA community into the new future for the school.

• Build a deep and abiding culture based on strong Catholic identity and values while genuinely welcoming children and families of all faith traditions.

• Grow enrollments to ensure critical mass and sustainability while continuing to ensure that the needs of all students will be met.

• Raise the profile and compelling value proposition of the school in the Greater Dover community.• Create a new strategic plan, preferably consistent with recent results of the NEASC accreditation

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qualitieS anD qualificationS of the next heaD of School

This is an increasingly competitive educational community. Local public schools have raised the bar and have built impressive new campuses and new global curricular and co-curricular activities outfitted with the latest technologies. The next Head of School will need to be an entrepreneurial and generative leader with outstanding communications skills who can inspire the STA community and create demand for the unique gifts of a St. Thomas Aquinas education. Understanding the powerful core elements of the STA value proposition and differentiating the school from competitive alternatives will be critical for the school going forward.

Of particular importance, the school plans to recruit a Head of School with the intention of converting, in time, to the President/Principal Leadership Model. In this increasing popular leadership structure, the Principal reports to the President and is responsible for day-to-day academic operations, thereby freeing up the President to be the outward facing “institution builder” and face of the school to the community.

To qualify for this outstanding opportunity, you will need to be a practicing Catholic and accomplished servant leader with proven leadership experience. The board believes that great leaders often grow in place and thereby welcomes candidates who are high performing “rising stars” or “emergent leaders” with exceptional leadership qualities who are ready to step up and take this fine school to the next level. The board also welcomes candidates from other Catholic or independent schools as well as accomplished executives from other mission-critical career venues such as higher education; non-profit foundations, associations, charities, and the like; or the corporate, civic, and professional services arenas.

While knowledge of education and school operations is desired, other qualities and experiences are also highly valued, especially visionary, entrepreneurial leadership and the ability to inspire and lead a high performing team. This is a wonderful opportunity for a faith-filled leader eager to build on the past while creating a new model in diocesan-sponsored independent Catholic education.

to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials:

• A thoughtful cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;• A current résumé;• A one-page statement of educational or leadership philosophy and practice;• A list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each

(references will not be contacted until a serious mutual interest is established and not without the candidate’s permission).

Please send materials to:

Bob ReganSenior Consultantand Group Practice Leader, Catholic Schools [email protected]

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