My Thoughts

Posted: 02/02/2016 - by Owen Burgin

My Thoughts

I read with interest World Heralds’ staff writer Alia Conley’s article Catholic grade schools respond to decline in enrollment with tuition aid, inspired marketing.  First off I think she did a great job in presenting the current situation most Catholic Schools face now a days.  I was also encouraged by the ways some parishes and schools are implementing programs to get the word out through marketing strategies and student tuition assistance.  I am proud to say I am who I am today because of my Catholic education and want the area schools St. Albert in particular to be successful and continue to grow.

Alia highlighted not only the facts of declining enrollment but also some of the innovative ways some schools are making changes to what has been the norm.  We all know that a Catholic education is very unique and special, different some would say.  And there are many misconceptions that for lack of better description the general public has about a Catholic education.  Ms. Conley writes “Active recruiting is necessary as you are drawing on families from all over the city and surrounding areas,” Goerke said. “When you can walk down the street and send your child at no cost to a public school, you must have something special happening in your building to keep them from taking that walk down the street.”

What happens inside the walls of the school is special and is the heart and soul of any Catholic school but I think what happens outside the walls is also very important.  I have the pleasure of being involved with most of the sports teams, players and coaches at St. Albert for over 10 yrs now, and having graduated in 1976 my roots are deeply planted up on the hill.  I will be the first to admit that the improvements inside the walls are phenomenal considering where we were just a few short years ago.  And as a “Sports Guy” I think it is time to at least consider making some upgrades to our sports facilities. 

Hear me out, even if you are not a supporter of high school athletics or think that no money should be spent on something that doesn’t involve academia, if you truly want St. Albert to continue to grow then at least continue to read.

When I look at the Big Picture I see many areas that in my humble opinion, need upgraded.  Just pick a sport, any sport, and one could argue that this would be a good starting point.  Basketball (New Roof), Softball (Better parking), Baseball (More bleachers behind home plate and better parking), Track, (Can we even call it Track they practice in the parking lot for God’s sake), Soccer (They don’t even play their home matches on Campus), Football (The only high school team that plays their games on their practice field).  Take your pick, where do we start?  Allow me to plant a seed just to get the juices flowing.

Where can we get the “Biggest Bang for a Buck?”  You’ve all heard it before, Field Turf! And here’s why.

Eight months out of the year the Soccer, Track, Football field would be utilized, that is twice as long as any other sports facility, with the main gym coming a close second.  Three sports would benefit greatly from the improvements made to our current field.  And even though I am “Football Guy” If I were a Soccer/Track enthusiast I would be asking the question…. Why?  Many of you have already and I know that the schools administration has listened and they are committed to doing what is best for St. Albert.

In any Major Capital Improvement Project so much work has to take place even before the first shovel of dirt is turned.  An honest Evaluation of the current facilities and needs should be done to determine all the requirements such as Priorities, size, cost, fundraising, scope, and utilization.  Then that vision needs to be communicated to the key stake holders, ie. YOU.  And last but not least…….. Implementation of that plan.

I know for a fact that St. Albert has lost a few families to the other area schools because of the better facilities provided at the public schools, there is no way of knowing how many have chosen not to enroll but I am guessing there have been a few.  Every student matters! 

Think about Tradition and Image Building like it or not we have already forged our mark on the community, districts and at the State Level.  Winning athletic programs with strong traditions produce skills, experiences and memories that stay with athletes throughout their lives. And one of the most powerful ways to create a positive, strong and lasting impression is with a first-rate facility. Since it’s often a center of activity and team-building, a distinctively designed, inspiring and functional playing field, Gym, team room and locker area can enhance your image as well as your players’ overall experience.

Every facet of education — whether academics, arts or athletics — supports a single message: “What we do here is important. You deserve the best tools to help you reach your full potential. And we expect your best performance in return.” Research shows that involvement in after-school activities is key to how well children develop and mature. It also shows that you’ve got a heart for the kids.  All of our coaches here at St. Albert do it for the love of the game and the kids. To help them achieve their personal best. This is part of your legacy, too. And you can help you build it

I think now is the time to start talking about It, don’t you?  The next time you are sitting next to another parent, friend or even a casual acquaintance strike up the conversation.  Do we want to be the best? 

 

Thanks for reading

Owen Burgin “76”

 

Excerpts taken from

Omaha World Herald article written by Alia Conley

http://www.omaha.com/news/education/catholic-grade-schools-respond-to-decline-in-enrollment-with-tuition/article_372501fe-ac3c-56aa-b816-82a471f21888.html

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