The Enduring Mission in an Ever-Changing World . . .

The first priority for the 21st Century Capital Campaign funds will be to make Catholic education affordable with tuition assistance and scholarships, thereby ensuring that this Dominican secondary education is available to all young women who desire and need it. Currently:

• 15% of our students receive 50% or more in tuition assistance;
• 22% receive between 25-49% tuition assistance;
• 18% receive between 3-24% tuition assistance.

We expect these percentages to rise in the future. Since the actual tuition does not cover the entire cost of an ICA education, all of our students' tuition is, in essence, subsidized by about 25%. Seventy percent or $4.2 million of the capital investment fund would provide financial assistance for those families who are not able to afford this tuition.

The other $1.8 million would provide funds necessary to enhance the school's educational program, constantly upgrading technology and equipment in order to prepare the students for changing college admission requirements and for future job markets.

Some of these enhancements are:

ICA must provide students the opportunity to learn and become proficient in the latest technologies. Because our graduates must be competitive in the academic and business worlds, access to technology is a necessity.

In order to keep our competitive edge, technology must be an integral part of all academic disciplines, including business, fine arts, science, social science and mathematics. Recent course additions, including Photoshop and Web Design, have proven to be popular classes. Some planned additions include:

• an Advanced Placement computer programming class which will require teacher training;
• an expansion of the Fine Arts department to include film editing, music, and choral singing; this will necessitate additional personnel, the training of teachers, purchase of hardware and software and the development of a music department with personnel, equipment and materials;
• the addition of a third computer lab for use by all departments.

The Arts and Humanities are critical to understanding human experience in our fast-paced, highly technological world. Excursions to theatrical performances, museums, and other cultural events are crucial to the education of our students. A variety of opportunities to participate in courses and workshops will broaden their horizons to include other cultures, people, ideas and possibilities. The expansion of these experiences within and beyond the school campus is vital and would entail transportation costs, event costs, speaker fees and materials for workshops.

Religious education and campus ministry, which strengthen our faith commitment, must continue to provide meaningful spiritual experiences, such as retreats and service opportunities, and to enhance liturgical experiences with music, dance and art. We would like to expand the program with the purchase of a new sound system, risers, props, choir robes and material for the liturgical dancers' clothing.

As we become increasingly aware of the significant number of students whose individual learning styles require modifications of traditional classroom methods, we must provide additional learning opportunities for these students. With well-trained, experienced teachers and resource personnel, we would be able to offer a program that would give students the support needed to achieve in college-preparatory academic work. Such a program would enable some students

Immaculate Conception Academy prides itself on teaching the whole student. Enhancement and expansion of our athletic program will include an active intramural sports program and the incorporation of a Wellness/Conditioning program into daily campus life. The expansion of the athletic program itself will necessitate the purchase of additional sports equipment and the training and in-servicing of coaches. The intramural program will require additional sports equipment and awards. The Wellness/Conditioning program will need equipment and opportunities for workshops. We also need to provide transportation for our students to sports fields for practices and games. This will entail the rental of an athletic van. We are unable to purchase our own van because of lack of parking availability.

In order to provide a safe environment in which our students can succeed, we must ensure the appropriate upkeep and maintenance of our school plant.

Some planned projects include:

• upgrading the entire heating system, including the boilers
• replacement of the electronic gate and alarm systems
• renovation of the auditorium including replacement of the auditorium floor, replacement of window curtains and stage drapes, sound system and painting
• upgrading the electrical system
• installation of irrigation system and some necessary landscaping for shade.

Please join in our commitment to the education of the whole individual and through the transmission of knowledge and enduring values to future generations of women of faith, learning, community, leadership and vision. Contact us at 415-824-2052 or by email, to learn how you can become involved.

To request more information about the Capital Campaign

please contact Patricia Cavagnaro