Middle States Accreditation Details

Posted February 11th, 2010 by mmueller

 

Reviewed:  2005-2007
Accreditation expires:  May, 2014

Excerpts from the Middle States Evaluation Report and published in the Visitation BVM Parish Bulletins.
 
November 9, 2008:
Teachers and students engage in daily application of all basic skills in order to
achieve relevance to real-life situations. Science concepts are practiced in the Science Lab; Social Studies events are compared to the current day for discussion and debate; Religion principles are discussed as to their moral and gospel application to the life of a student in the various grade levels. The writing experience reflects this application and the students continue to increase their facility in this discipline. As we approach the end of the First Trimester, personal narratives and exposition writing are visible in corridors and classrooms of our school. Come and visit during our Open House opportunities beginning on November 13, 2008.
 
October 19, 2008:
During update and assessment sessions on the Middle States goals, the Visitation faculty has determined that the Summer workbooks have contributed to the students’ ability to approach the TerraNova standardized testing with increased confidence in using various techniques to handle the challenging questions and problems. In addition, the use of daily Language Arts maintenance questions has led to improved ability to perform at high levels both in the classroom and in standardized situations.
 
September 21, 2008:
Visitation School now enters the second full year since re-accreditation in May of 2007.  The goals of the “POWER” project continue to meet daily success as the students increase their skills in proficient reading, writing, and English.  The creativity expressed by the students in the written word has been well-noted during the last school year and promises to find fulfillment in the academic year 2008-2009.  Vocabulary skills have become sharper as “robust” challenge words are presented in our elementary and idle grades.  Higher level thinking, synthesis of ideas and application of the new strategies for the current school year.
 
March 23, 2008:
The Middle States Standard of “Planning” was met by the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School. “…Dialogue and sharing of knowledge to this end, occurs at faculty meetings and other scheduled times.  All school improvements are rooted in the enhancement of student achievement and success.  On going professional development, workshops, continuing education, seminars, are all means that continue to provide teachers with tools to accomplish future goals.”
 
The Evaluating Team wrote the following concluding comments:
“The Team wishes to extend the best to the Administration, Faculty and Staff as it continues to build upon the values and academic excellence that has become a hallmark of Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School. We acknowledge the earnestness with which you began the project of encouraging your students to excel in the literary areas of writing, English and reading. Your intentions are admirable and they will benefit the students for years to come.
 
In conclusion, we congratulate you for providing quality Catholic Education to a group of children who will become the leaders of our Church and our society in the future. The Evaluating Team left the school with a deep respect for the school, for those who serve it, and for those who are served by it.”
 
January 20, 2008:
 “The principal and faculty meet every other week to plan strategies for implementing project “POWER.”  A detailed timeline has bee constructed for the entire school community to pace the progress in an orderly fashion to improve
classroom performance and Terra Nova scores and to continue to implement “POWER.”  The faculty continues to work together in order to achieve this student improvement across the curriculum.”  (to be continued…Please send any
comments to school in care of Sister Diane Marie.)
 
January 6, 2008:
“Assessment is evident and is demonstrated in the work displayed in the hallways and classrooms.  The students receive feedback on their progress through examinations in subject areas, project-based assignments, and writing.  Terra Nova scores are statistically compared from year to year.  Beginning with the 2006-2007 school year, Terra Nova will be used to track the progress of project POWER.  What is the direct comparison before POWER and with the POWER project is a question waiting to be answered.  A collection of the students’ work directly driven to improve writing skills is stored in files for the sake of review and comparison from year to year.  Accurate records reporting students’ grades and permanent records of this project are available upon request.  Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met this standard.”
 
December 16, 2007:
“Money raised every year through a Walk-a-Thon, is targeted for technology advancements in the building.  Along with this, grant money has been tapped into for purchasing laptops on carts for every floor and for computer programs.  The Home and School Association is a close link between the parents with the principal and faculty.  This association not only provides financial support that directly impacts the children, but it is a great support to the principal and her faculty. The members provide volunteer workers during school hours in various needed areas. Lunch-time is monitored by these generous volunteers, which in turn allows the teachers to be free from lunch duties.”  Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met the standard on finances, in accordance with Middle States requirements.
 
December 9, 2007:
“The principal, a member of the parish finance committee, reports and plans the annual budget with the finance committee in collaboration with the pastor. The Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary Parish has 3,800 families. Of these, approximately 400 families have children in school. The financial stability of the school is attributed to the dedication of the pastor, the families who pay tuition, and the parishioners who invest in the school. Other investments are utilized to accommodate the construction of a new wing of the school, completed in 2005, which houses the junior high school, kindergarten, pre-k, C.A.R.E.S. program, music, resource room and library. This building is handicap accessible with an elevator and a ramp…”
 
December 2, 2007:
“…A salaried part-time nurse works at the school two and a half days per week; the other two and a half days are covered by registered nurses from the school and parish communities. The Crisis Management Plan is thorough. The manual set up through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is inserted in the Crisis Management binder for Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School. The school has made its emergency plan specific to the building structure and the directives of the local police and fire departments. The Parent/Student Handbook clearly outlines the expectations of appropriate behavior that encompasses all aspects of safety.”  Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met this standard.
 
November 26, 2007:
Standard 9 of the Middle States Association deals with Health and Safety in school life.  “Safety procedures ensure that the students are in a healthy and protected environment. The students arrive at the school and enter the building through two entrances. The buses drop the children off at the front of the building and parents drop their children off at the north entrance of the building.  The vice principal is assigned to the north entrance and safety patrol students assist in the process of bringing the students into the building. The front door is equipped with cameras that monitor who enters the building.   An adult is
assigned to the lobby to secure the building from strangers walking in the front door. Dismissal is conducted in an orderly manner with the students loading the buses from the front entrance and students getting picked up by care givers from the north entrance…” (to be continued)
 
October 28, 2007:
Did you know that all the students participate in a note-taking skill based on the Cornell method?  Our kindergarten students use graphic organizers that are a great beginning to the skill of note-taking.  The first and second grades build on the use of these graphic organizers and, as the year progresses, they do fantastic story webs.  We will continue to share information from our classrooms with you as the school progresses through its next phase of developing its Middle states project “POWER” for which accreditation was received in April, 2007.
 
October 14, 2007:
The eighth Middle States Standard is “Facilities.”  “Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School’s facility consists of two wings. The north wing is made up of grades 1-5 and the east wing is a newer building that houses the junior high, kindergarten, pre-k and a variety of rooms for special subjects. The building is well maintained with great efforts made to provide a clean and safe environment for this educational institution. Exit signs are clearly visible and in working order. The bathrooms are clean and well stocked with supplies. The janitorial staff is sufficient and noticeable throughout the day, cleaning and maintaining the building.  The kitchen is equipped with utilities that allow the kitchen
staff to provide lunches. The stairwells are in good condition with materials that provide a surface that prevents slipping.  The lights are all in working order…The building is a reflection of the commitment of the pastor, parishioners, and families to have Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School
continue, not only as a viable institution, but as an outstanding educational facility.”  VISITATION B.V.M. SCHOOL HAS MET THIS STANDARD, AS INDICATED BY THE MIDDLE STATES EVALUATING TEAM.
 
October 7, 2007:
During the academic year of 2007-2008, the faculty continues to work with the students on the goal of increased fluency and comprehension in reading, along with a greater facility to write well across the curriculum. Documentation of progress is ongoing and systematic as part of the project evaluation for which the school received accreditation in May of 2007. The current accreditation is effective until May 30, 2014.
 
September 30, 2007:
In response to the seventh Middle States Standard on Student Life and Activities, the Middle States Evaluating Team in November 2006 observed and wrote the following:  “The students of Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School are offered a wide variety of school-sponsored activities that address their strengths and interests.  This makes for a healthy atmosphere for every child.  These activities enrich their spiritual, intellectual, social and physical well-being.  Among these activities are monthly liturgies, bell choir, athletic teams, academic competitions, student leaders, yearbook and newspaper.  It is clearly evident and commendable that the school has mastered the art of balancing academic, social, co-curricular and sports activities.  All the components of the school community (clergy, faculty, staff, parents and students) are noticeably proud and happy to claim true ownership of their school.  Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met this standard.”
 
August 26, 2007:
The Visiting Evaluation Team writes: “The school provides services to students that optimize their preparation for learning.  At Visitation B.V.M. School, health services are provided by the Norristown Area School District. Included are State mandated screenings for vision, hearing, eight/BMI and scoliosis. The certified school nurse provides first aid, information to the parents and administers medications as prescribed by the doctors.  Students with medical concerns have individualized health care plans.  A dental hygienist provides dental screenings and various educational programs.  In selected grades, there is a weekly fluoride rinse program.  A school counselor, provided by the Montgomery County IU, is available on a weekly basis for individual and/or group sessions.  The administration and faculty provide informal guidance.  For students who need extra assistance with reading, there is a resource room. The main program is Fast Forward, which is designated to help children build the cognitive skills needed to become better readers. The IU provides extra instruction in remedial reading, math and speech. Visitation BVM. School also provides C.A.R.E.S. program – ‘Children are Receiving Extended Services.’  This allows supervised after school activities at an additional cost.  Reasonable priced food is available to the students daily on a rotating basis. When a new item is introduced, popular demand dictates whether it remains or not.  Visitation BVM School has met this standard.”
 
May 27, 2007:
Please join with the Administration, Faculty & Staff of Visitation BVM School in thanking God for the completion of the Middle States re-accreditation process.  “The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools is pleased to announce that Visitation B.V.M. School has been awarded accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and schools.  The award was announced by Dr. Thomas L. Seidenberger, Chair of the Commission’s April 2007 meeting.  This accreditation signifies the educational community of Visitation BVM School has engaged in a rigorous process of developing self-knowledge; has hosted an evaluation team of independently-appointed educators; and has created an on-going Strategic Plan to move school improvement forward…”
The re-accreditation is effective from April 27, 2007 through May 30, 2014.
 
May 20, 2007:
MIDDLE STATES UPDATE: A review by the Middle States Evaluators on Standard Four – Educational Programs…
 “The Educational programs at Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School follow the curriculum guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Textbooks are updated on a regular basis and supplemented with the use of overhead projectors, white boards, cassette players, CD players, maps & calculators. In addition, computers in each classroom, the availability of laptops and an updated Science lab enhance the learning experience for all grades… The school community has recognized the POWER of good writing and reading and has set forth in this accreditation process an aggressive plan to improve creative writing, as well as, reading comprehension at all levels and throughout all curriculum areas. The teachers research and share ideas and plan to continue to incorporate new strategies to develop these lifelong skills. In addition, the ILA Program has implemented a school-wide system of assessing, documenting, comparing and analyzing the academic progress of all students.”
“Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met this standard.”
 
February 11, 2007:
“Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School operates on a daily basis under the direction of the pastor, the principal and the vice-principal.  The tireless efforts of a dedicated professional faculty provide a quality Catholic education to all students. The incorporation of the POWER project has awakened a collaborative and cooperative spirit among the faculty who now share a united vision. A good morale is certainly apparent among the school’s staff who seek to empower all students with a gift of knowledge. Both the pastor and the principal meet with each faculty member annually. An open door policy exists between the administration and the faculty. Bi-monthly faculty meetings and in-service days are scheduled throughout the year to communicate important information of professional development.  Teachers are expected to select a personal goal and identify strategies on how that goal will be obtained. Formal and informal observations recognize both accomplishment and effort at each grade level.
Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met this standard. ”
 
February 4, 2007:
The report of the Middles States Visiting Team speaks of Visitation School as a Catholic Elementary & Junior High School which has experienced great stability in the area of administration and faculty.  The current pastor has served the school for eight years. The principal has been in her position for 17 years. In addition, 22 of the 34 current teachers have been at the school for ten or more years. The complete support of the pastor and the parishioners, along with the strong collaboration of the principal, vice-principal and faculty, and supported by a very strong parent volunteer organization are the basis for the strength of Visitation B.V.M. School in the area of administration and governance. Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met the standard of Governance of the Middle States Association.
 
January 28, 2007:
The first standard of the Middle States Association is for each school that is accredited to have a solid and functional philosophy, mission and set of beliefs/objectives. The Middle States visiting team wrote the following: “The mission of Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School is to instill in the students the Christian qualities and principles taught by Jesus: message, community and service. This philosophy is clearly demonstrated through master teachers who create a nurturing learning environment and who are able to link this message to all curriculum areas. Their teacher-student interactions are positive, addressing the needs and providing the challenges necessary for all levels of learners. The interaction among the teachers conveys a spirit of cooperation and professional dedication. Finally, the interaction of the administration and faculty models full encouragement and support of Catholic education. Visitation B.V.M. School inspires its students to practice Catholic values and to share their God-given talents for the benefit of others through its prayer life and religious instruction as well as providing a multitude of community activities and service projects. Visitation Blessed Virgin Mary School has met this standard.”
 
January 21, 2007:
The faculty and administration of our parish school have received the Middle States Team Report from our visit in the Fall.  The results were outstanding; and we are grateful to God for this blessing.  Visitation School received high accommodations on the twelve Middle States Standards; and the faculty was commended for their dedication and commitment to the mission and goals of Catholic Education.
 
November 19, 2006:
From Our School Philosophy …
“The teacher regards the parent as the primary educator in spiritual, emotional, and educational matters.  Recognizing this, he confers regularly with the parent on all significant aspects of the student’s development.  In developing this partnership, each faculty member respects parental opinion and insight concerning his child.  The teacher, parent, and child are all part of the same faith community and interact as Christ-like members of this community.”
(This completes the review of the entire school philosophy for the benefit of the Parish community.)
 
November 12, 2006:
From Our School Philosophy …
“Each teacher is pledged to the necessary time and effort for cohesive faculty action and school improvement.  As a result of open and affirmative communication, there exists a continual, positive growth among the faculty.  This mutual support and encouragement generates a cooperative school atmosphere.  The faculty demonstrates an example of Christian living which the student can imitate in his daily life.”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
November 5, 2006:
From Our School Philosophy …
“Through the teaching of spiritual, social, and civil values, the teacher demonstrates commitment and support of the Catholic school’s apostolic goals and character.  Commitment to the support of administration and the implementation of school policy is of primary importance in the role of the teacher.  Simultaneously, the teacher endeavors to foster a Christian community within the school.”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
October 15, 2006:
In just a few weeks, Visitation BVM School will host a team of professional evaluators during a Middle States Re-Accreditation visit.  A very important event during this visit is a Colloquium that will be held on Thursday, November 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  The presentation begins that evening in the Gym with a prayer service and is followed by faculty presentations on the project “POWER” and a DVD representation of a “Year in the Life of Visitation School.” 
All Parish and School families are invited to attend this special evening.  Please join us as we thank God for the gift of our School and all of you for the many demonstrations of support you have given throughout the years.  Visits to all the classrooms, along with refreshments, will be available on the evening of the Colloquium.
 
September 24, 2006:
The Middle States Team is scheduled to visit our school from November 8 through November 10.  A professional team of evaluators will be with us to review our individual project, entitled “POWER.”  This visit is an excellent opportunity for our teachers, parents and students, along with our parish family, to celebrate the Good News of Catholic Education at Visitation!  Thank you for your many sacrifices to make this time in our history possible.
From Our School Philosophy …
“…  Curriculum is based upon pre-established, logical, and sequential experiences determined by Archdiocesan Guidelines and implemented by the textbook series used.  It is a subject-centered curriculum, tailored to the individual needs of the student.  Basic skills are organized as a continuum along which the student progresses until mastery is achieved.  Testing is used as a placement and evaluative tool…”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
August 6, 2006:
From Our School Philosophy …
“School policy is determined by the Pastor in consultation with the professional staff, the archdiocesan office, and ultimately implemented by the administration.  It is composed of educational and management policies.  Educational policy is concerned with curriculum development and implementation.  Management policy concerns itself with the effective functioning of the school.  Educational policy exists as a cooperative process between the school and the archdiocese.  All members of the faculty, when applicable, involve themselves in decision making and sharing of responsibilities to attain and maintain policy goals.  These goals are established within Archdiocesan Guidelines …”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
July 30, 2006:
From Our School Philosophy …
“Spiritual development is fostered through full participation in the community of faith.  The development and participation begin at Baptism and continue through the teachings and Christian example of the student’s parents, teachers, and clergy.  The student first encounters the Creator and Savior within the home from parents and family.  Upon entering school, he learns the Gospel message of hope and salvation through Jesus.  An active and living faith is nurtured through religious study and prayer, reception of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist … and other activities aimed at teaching the child Christian values …”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
June 11, 2006:
From Our School Philosophy …
… Personal development is the intrinsic ability of the student to recognize and totally accept his personal obligations.  This recognition and acceptance of his individuality is one focusing upon his self-concept.  This individuality encompasses personal strengths and weaknesses.  During each stage throughout his personal development, the child is led ultimately to full identification with Christ Jesus …”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
June 4, 2006:
From Our School Philosophy …
“… The formation of cognitive skills begins in the primary levels with an emphasis on concrete operations by the use of manipulative and sensory experiences.  Using these concrete experiences as a foundation, the student is gradually introduced to symbolic and abstract operations.  As a result of this intellectual maturation, the student is capable of logical and critical thinking expressed in the formation of generations and opinions.  The acquired cognitive skills are given practical application when the student is expected and encouraged to make personal and group decisions in regard to situations he will encounter in daily life.…”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
May 14, 2006:
Our Parish School will host a team of Middle States evaluators from November 8 through November 10, 2006.  In preparation for this visit, we continue to share excerpts from the school philosophy with our parish family:
“…Intellectual development occurs in a Christian atmosphere which fosters the growth of the integrated individual.  Through a structured yet comfortable environment, the student acquires a sense of personal worth and self-discipline which facilitates the desire for learning.  A well-developed curriculum incorporates a Christian value system in all content areas.  This provides the student with the opportunity to realize and achieve his potential as an individual, to satisfy his intellectual curiosities, and to express his creativity.  With the student’s realization of his own capabilities, comes the awareness and appreciation of the abilities of others.  The student, therefore, recognizes the intellectual responsibilities to himself and to society….”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
May 7, 2006:
Our Parish School will host a team of Middle States evaluators during the week of November 6, 2006.  During the visit, a special colloquium featuring the evaluation project of POWER (Progress Overall in Writing, English, and Reading) and many examples of excellent academic work and the arts done by our students will be displayed.  More details on this visit will be forthcoming.
 
April 30, 2006:
“…The instruction in religious values is central to the academic program.  The religious program awakens in the student an awareness of the values he holds.  It allows the student to order and internalize this value system.  With these values, academic skills and personal talents, the student is better equipped to serve as a witness of Christ and to function effectively in a changing world.”
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
April 23, 2006:
An excerpt from the School philosophy follows:  “…A well-developed and complete curriculum fosters student growth through an integration of intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, and emotional aspects….Basic skills, being the foundation of all intellectual growth, are the nucleus of the academic program.  Mastery of these facilitates competency in all subject areas.  In conjunction with this intellectual maturation, social, physical, and emotional development are nurtured.  As a result, the student is provided with the skills necessary to function in today’s world.”  
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
April 9, 2006:
The Administration and Faculty of Visitation BVM School continue to share excerpts of the Philosophy with you, our parish family:  “Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded.  This mission attempts to integrate the dimensions of Catholic education:  message, community and service … Having accepted the directive of Jesus, each teacher strives to instill in the child the Christian qualities and principles that Jesus taught.  The Gospel message of hope and salvation is communicated to the student through religious instruction.  With an understanding of this, the student is encouraged to make relevant application of this message to his daily life.” 
We are interested in your written comments on the Philosophy Statement.  Please forward them to our school, c/o Sister Diane Marie, Principal.
 
April 2, 2006:
An excerpt from the Visitation BVM School Philosophy statement follows:  “…Community is the heart of Catholic education.  The sense of community is initiated within the home and is complemented, reinforced, and extended in the faith community.  The adult Christian community with which the student comes in contact provides a model exemplifying the Gospel spirit of peace, love, and respect for others….By experiencing fellowship, the student grows in his commitment to serve God and others.” 
 
March 19, 2006:
The Middle States process continues each week at Visitation BVM School as the faculty converses on the current research in the integrated language arts fields.  In addition, the Catholic philosophy and mission statements are incorporated into all academic disciplines.  These documents are the primary focus of all work undertaken each day in our parish school.  Parents are invited to visit the school website for further information. 
 
March 12, 2006:
The Visitation Faculty has been involved in on-going professional research in conjunction with the project evaluation for Middle States Re-Accredidation.  As a result of some of this research, a note-taking program is being initiated school-wide.  More information on this program will be forthcoming.
Faculty committees make presentations to the faculty at-large on a bi-weekly basis.  The many ideas that surface have proven very beneficial for the writing, reading, and English goals on behalf of the students.
 
January 29, 2006:
The research phase of the Middle States re-accreditation process has begun.  The administration and faculty of our parish school are engaged in a process of evaluation of many books, articles, and Internet resources for application to the “POWER” project – Progress for Our students in Writing, English, and Reading.  Watch for some results of this research in the future.
 
November 27, 2005:
The twelve Middle States standards on which the faculty and administration reports in their current study emphasize the following areas:  philosophy & mission; governance & leadership; organization design; educational programs; learning media & technology; student services; student activities; facilities; health & safety; finances; assessment of student learning; and planning.  Summaries of the responses for our parish school will be included in future parish bulletins and this webpage.
 
November 20, 2005:
Last week, the administration and faculty completed a very important part of the current Middle States study at Visitation.  The project proposal and narrative responses to the twelve standards of educational excellence were submitted to the main office of the Middle States organization.  In addition, the project, which emphasizes student progress in the areas of writing, English, and reading, is being developed with concentration on student excellence and continued improvement in these subject disciplines.  Continue to watch the Parish Bulletin and this space for updates on the next phases of the work in this all-important endeavor at our school.
 
November 13, 2005: 
Planning for events such as a Middle States review does not only take place during the one year of intense study.  The faculty and staff participate in planning on various levels during the every academic year.  Goals and objectives in the areas of Catholic identity, curriculum development, facilities and maintenance, safety, discipline and leadership are set through faculty dialogue and participation in ongoing professional education.  Terra Nova and the classroom performance of students are analyzed on an annual and trimester basis, respectively.  Thank you for your continued prayers for the success of this long-range planning effort.  Remember, our program is about “POWER” – “Progress Overall in Writing, English & Reading.”
 
Inquiries and comments to Sister Diane Marie, C.S.F.N. at 610-539-6080.