Facilities and Safety
Since the founding of our school, we are grateful that our parish community has embraced our innovative school and successfully supported two capital campaigns.
These campaigns were critical to keeping pace with the growth of our Academy and parish ministries. They resulted in expanding our campus by 40,000 square feet to include two classrooms per grade K-8, an art room, cafeteria, gymnasium, and a multi-torium that can seat 450 people. Our modern facility notably includes two fully-equipped science labs supporting our science curriculum grounded in Next Generation Science Standards. These labs create an opportunity for both our middle school students as well as students in preschool through grade 5 to study science in a hands-on manner, use authentic equipment, and learn skills only found in genuine lab experiences.
- expanding learning outside the classroom is consistent with HFCA's data-driven approach to our curriculum. Studies support that exposing students to nature:
- helps improve students' concentration,
- boosts creativity and collaboration,
- nurtures the mind, body, and soul,
- teaches students the importance of caring for God's creation, a major tenet of Catholic Social Teachings.
- aligning with the International Baccalaureate mission and our goals of:
- developing students’ natural curiosity,
- promoting an independent spirit to explore new roles and ideas,
- emphasizing the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance needed to achieve personal well-being.
- a fenced play area,
- sport fields
- sledding hills
School safety measures are essential for creating a secure and conducive learning environment. They help protect students, teachers, and staff from potential threats caused by natural disasters or violence. Implementing effective safety protocols, like emergency drills and secure access controls, ensures that everyone knows how to respond to a crisis. Additionally, a safe school environment fosters better academic performance and emotional well-being, as students can focus on their studies without fear. Prioritizing school safety is crucial for nurturing HFCA's supportive and resilient educational community.
The following safety measures are part of HFCA's commitment to providing a secure and safe learning environment:
Procedures:
- Well-defined Crisis and Emergency Plan reviewed with our local Police and Fire Departments. A designated team of teachers meets with law enforcement to improve and update our safety plan.
- Faculty and staff participate in annual training with the Inverness Police Department.
- The Police and Fire Departments have access to training in our building and on our campus.
- Students participate in additional practice beyond the State of Illinois-mandated fire drills.
- The Inverness Police are regular visitors to our campus and are present during our weekly all-school Masses.
- All staff and volunteers must complete mandated safety training and background checks.
- All visitors to the Academy present identification and are processed through the Raptor VisitorSafe technology which matches each individual against databases and instantly alerts our staff of safety concerns upon arriving at our campus.
Safety enhancements:
- School-designated camera system throughout the building with strategically placed cameras.
- All exterior doors into the Academy are locked.
- All internal classroom doors are equipped with an additional security lock system.
- All first-floor windows and doors are coated with a glass-hardening system recommended and approved by FEMA, IEMA, all School Safety councils, security consultants, and local/state law enforcement agencies.
