INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:
SPICE is a program to support the education of children with special needs that will help ensure creating an environment that is supportive and accepting of learning differences within a parish and/or parish school.
The SPICE Program was designed and created by St. Catherine Parish and is currently being implemented at St. Brigid and St. Cecilia parishes, all within the Columbus Diocese.
The Our Lady of Peace SPICE Program was adopted 4/16/08 by OLP Parish Council.

WHO WE ARE/ WHAT WE DO:
MISSION:
Our Lady of Peace SPICE program recognizes that each of our parish children are unique individuals with different learning needs. The SPICE program supports serving the educational needs of these children that have different learning styles that provide diversity in the classroom environment.

Working together with the support of the SPICE program, the parish community, pastor, school administration, teachers, and parents can help to provide understanding, information, creativity and willingness to address special education needs.

PURPOSE:
The purpose of SPICE is twofold and is for the benefit of the entire parish.

1. SPICE will provide financial support to the philosophy and efforts that everyone is special and that Our Lady of Peace is committed to try to meet the needs of each of its student parishioners.
2. SPICE also will raise awareness in the parish and beyond of special needs that exist and what can be, and is being done, to meet those needs.

WHO BENEFITS:
A child with special needs receives more than a formal education when allowed to participate in the learning process with other students. The emotional and intellectual challenges of the classroom environment provide a well-rounded and stimulating educational experience.
As spice adds flavor to food, so do children with special needs add a richness to the classroom---encouraging a dimension of understanding and acceptance in even the youngest students.
The inclusive classroom promotes understanding, compassion and respect for all. When students work together and learn to appreciate their individual strengths and weaknesses, everyone wins! http://www.stcatharine.com    >organizations>spice.

ACTIVITIES:
The SPICE program has an advisory board whose main purpose is to raise vital funding to be used to employ needed personnel, purchase necessary learning tools, and support the educational process in the areas deemed necessary by the pastor and principal.
Depending on the needs of students this might include funding of classroom aides and tutors, occupational or physical therapy services, teacher continuing education, specialized enrichment and challenge activities, specialized learning tools, and classroom support materials and software.
In addition to needed service, the SPICE program will help bring about discussion and awareness necessary to embrace diversity and inclusion in our parish and school.

MEETINGS:
A regular annual meeting shall be held at a time and place to be determined by the chair people. Other meetings shall be held on such dates and at such times as may be designated by the chair people.

ADVISORY BOARD: the Advisory Board is made up of parishioners with varied specialties: finance, marketing, legal, with different age spectrum and parish sectors. This board oversees the affairs of SPICE and offers advice to the pastor, principal, and parish region education director. The Board will report directly to the pastor and principal and derive its direction and focus from the pastor and principal. The board shall consist of no less than three members and no more than twenty-four. A member’s term will be for a period of three years and may be renewed.
COMMITTEES: The Board may appoint members or non-members to serve on committees to perform such duties and functions as the Board may deem appropriate.