Tampa Catholic High School

Essential Elements Evaluation, 2006

The visiting team members, Dr. Larry Goodall, Mrs. Francesca Tambone Puzjo and Dr. Teresa Degen, under the direction of &. Patricia Ells, arrived at Tampa Catholic on the afternoon of January 23, 2006. We were warmly welcomed by Ms. Pat Landry, the Principal, and made to feel most comfortable.

Following a brief orientation with Ms. Landry, the team enjoyed the hospitality of the Christian Brothers home where we were included in a lovely evening prayer service.

This welcome set the tone for our two day visit. Our every need was anticipated and met. People, resources, and food were provided as needed. We are deeply grateful for the privilege of spending time in this beautiful school community. We offer our deepest appreciation to Ms. Landry and all the many others who made our visit so enjoyable. This community embodies the spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice in a most visible way.

Evangelizes Youth Within the Mission of the Church

Tampa Catholic is dearly evangelizing youth. The Gospel is being lived by the faculty and the students. Christ-like care, concern, and compassion are evident throughout the campus.

Proclaims and Witnesses to its Catholic Identity

Tampa Catholic is an obviously Catholic school. Prayer in class, school liturgies, campus ministry, and service programs all give witness to the Catholic nature of the community. There are tangible symbols of the faith in many classrooms, office, and other areas. The Edmund Rice icon, produced by students, in Crusader Hall is a notable example.

Stands in Solidarity with those marginalized by poverty and injustice

There is abundant evidence of care for those who are marginalized by poverty and injustice. Tampa Catholic makes a concerted effort to raise awareness among all members of the school community of social issues. Tampa Catholic routinely engages in service and reflection at a local and global level. The community seems particularly enriched by the projects involving migrant families and hurricane victims.

Fosters and Invigorates a Community of Faith

Tampa Catholic is a rich environment for faith growth. Each person we have encountered on this campus speaks freely and positively of the Christ-centered nature of the school. Students and staff attribute this to the presence of the Christian Brothers and the dedication to the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice. All have praised Ms. Landry for her continued emphasis on the vision of Blessed Edmund Rice.

Celebrates the Value and Dignity of Each Person and Nutures the Development of the Whole Person

The total person is celebrated on this campus. Teachers and Staff feel appreciated and justly compensated for their work. Conditions both for faculty and students are welcoming and harmonious. This is a very happy school!

Calls for Collaboration and Share responsibility in its Mission

There is a sincere attempt to include various constituencies in shaping the life of this school. Administrators, teachers, students, parents, staff, resident Brothers all seem to feel welcome to share their observations, dreams and challenges. The evolving advisory board, councils, and leadership teams each provide a voice to the community.

Pursues excellence in all its endeavors

Tampa Catholic embodies the excellence of a Christian Brothers education. Students are known and placed at their optimal learning level. It seems to be understood by all that human excellence is not measured solely by academic ability. Students are continually challenged to work to the best of their abilities as well as to become the best people they possibly can be.

COMMENDATIONS

Tampa Catholic is a caring and compassionate environment with strong bonds of mutual support and fellowship. The warmth of Tampa Catholic is outstanding. The educational opportunities of Tampa Catholic have been extended to students with special needs. This program, unique in the area, is a striking example of BI. Edmund’s respect for the individual.

Tampa Catholic makes a remarkable contribution to the larger community through financial donations to the missions, charity for disaster relief, and through service projects which are both personal and corporate.

The great hospitality of Tampa Catholic is reflected in the friendly courtesy of the students.

There is an evident and sincere mutual love and respect among the members of this school community. Students love their teachers, staff, and administrators. Tampa Catholic maintains high standards of academic excellence provided through a diverse and challenging curriculum utilizing creative teaching methods and engaging electives.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is advised that Tampa Catholic continue to expand its efforts to find ways to integrate the student body more fully by increasing the number of students who are materially poor.

It is recommended that Tampa Catholic extend the visibility of Catholic symbols from the classrooms and offices to the public spaces. This should include increasing awareness of the Essential Elements by printing them in the handbook and displaying them throughout the school.

It is encouraged that Tampa Catholic expand its retreat program to offer spiritual and community-building retreats at every grade level.