Naples 30th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

In the front of the parade was Naples Mayor Bill Barnett, who said he enjoys the great atmosphere and attends regularly.

“It’s a great day to forget about the economy and all the controversy that you read about in the newspaper,” said Barnett, who wore an oversized green hat. “Today is a day that you are smiling whether you are Irish or not.”

Barnett was joined on a cream 2008 convertible Bentley by two Royal Palm Academy students, Alexander Fabela, 11, and his brother, Jacob Fabela, 9.

The students won a school fundraiser to be able to ride in the parade. Fifth-grader Fabela said he was excited because he would be riding with the mayor.

Eleven local high school bands and step dancers strolled down the streets, as did bands from other parts of the state.

Also among the entries were participants from the University of Notre Dame, home of the Fighting Irish, and Ave Maria University.

The sounds of bagpipers and drummers filled the air.

Parade attendees cheered as those strolling by yelled “Happy St. Patrick’s Day.” Some started dancing in the crowd.

Royal Palm Academy New Accreditation!

NAPC*IS member schools have as their mission the salvation of souls and academic excellence. Students who attend a school accredited by NAPCIS will profit from a program and curriculum designed to realize the school's mission. The study of math, science, literature, history, and language, while training students in the reflective activity that requires no further purpose, is a means to an end. Education trains students to think intelligently, reason critically and wisely, and to express themselves with clarity and competence. The responsibility, therefore, of the educated person is the responsibility of influence and the proper use of that influence in the personal, professional and social sphere in which he/she lives.

STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Standard One
The school adheres to the tenets of the Catholic Faith in recognition of and obedience to the Pope and Magisterium.
Standard Two
The Board of Trustees, administration and faculty demonstrate the practice of the Catholic Faith in their daily lives and annually sign a profession of Faith and an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium.
Standard Three
The school has an established and documented philosophy of education in agreement with the Catholic Faith.
Standard Four
Catholic moral teaching is featured, supported and rewarded in the life of the school.
Standard Five
The school has clearly defined goals and objectives consistent with the expressed philosophy and academic program of the institution.
Standard Six
The goals and objectives of the school are stated in a manner corresponding to the way in which the curriculum is actually organized and taught.
Standard Seven
The school defines and enforces policies and procedures regulating all administrative and academic actions.
Standard Eight
The curriculum content is informed by the Catholic tradition of excellence and demonstrated sound practices of education.
Standard Nine
The administration and faculty have the education and experience appropriate to the positions they fill and the duties they perform.
Standard Ten
The school defines and enforces admission requirements which prepare students to fully participate in the learning experience of the institution.
Standard Eleven
The school evaluates student progress in learning all elements of curriculum content.
Standard Twelve
The school facilities, equipment and materials support and enhance the educational experience of the institution.
Standard Thirteen
The school demonstrates sound fiscal practices and processes which include long-range planning strategies to support its academic program with adequate staffing, facilities, equipment and materials.
Standard Fourteen
The school demonstrates a defined organizational structure that supports the corporate and academic operations of the institution.
Standard Fifteen
The school ascertains how well it is meeting its defined religious and academic goals by a means of evaluation that is an ongoing, systematic review and assessment of student progress, personnel, curriculum, management and finances, facility and equipment.

 Having established Standards of Excellence for private Catholic and independent schools, the primary activity of the accreditation commission of NAPCIS is to identify member elementary and secondary schools that offer quality religious and general education programs, and meet NAPCIS accreditation requirements. It also provides encouragement to schools that desire to raise their requirements to the level of NAPCIS standards.