What you can expect in 2007-2008?

"BHAG" was introduced to me last year. It means "Big Hairy Audacious Goal". We have some goals which are continuing from last year and some new ones.

Create a mentoring, coaching and collaboration program: The administrative team will be developing this program for our staff. For the past few years we have used mentoring strategies but are now ready to add the coaching and collaboration components. The program we will be using is from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Create an "interactive" communication system: Effectively communicating is one of the hardest jobs! Newsletters are uni-directional, us to you. We want to create interactive communication this year AND improve our communication to you by providing tools. This blog is one of those tools; you can leave a comment after any article you read. Those who log on will see your comments and the communication can flow! Expect a professionally printed annual report at the end of this year. Expect our new website to offer a variety of communication pieces. Expect polling to be offered so you can tell us what you think about issues. More coming!!

Develop a 5-year strategic plan: The board, under the direction of Den Trittin, Chairman, will be developing this plan. One of the primary questions we need to answer this year is, "What can we do with the property we have?" This answer will guide our plan for facilities.

Implement new school software program: We have purchased a new school software program that will make everyone's life easier. Parents and staff will enjoy many convenient, automated features. It will provide the information for Lighthouse families. As it comes online (sometime this semester), you will receive detailed information. I can't wait for you to see it!

Create a new school website: With the new school software comes the need for a new website. The new site will be sharp looking, informative and serve as the school's first impression to outsiders.

Create a culture of gracious customer service and hospitality: Lighthouse must be a place where gracious customer service and hospitality are valued and expressed; this honors Christ and shows love to others. To enrich this culture, the customer service staff (administrative assistants and cafeteria personnel) will spend the year learning new strategies and finding ways to incorporate them into our ministry. An online site named Ho'okipa, after the Hawaiian value for gracious hospitality, was created. Everyone can use these practical principles. Check it out!