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Accredited by WASC |
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Member of NCEA |
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| ACADEMY RECEIVES FULL WASC ACCREDITATION |
The Academy of Our Lady recently received its seventh full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Academy is one of the first high schools on island to be accredited since 1974 under the leadership of the current school president, Sister Francis Jerome Cruz, RSM. According to Sister Francis Jerome, “This is a tremendous honor. We have come full circle in ensuring the Academy stands out as an exemplary faith based college preparatory high school. Congratulations to the students, faculty, staff and parents for a job well done!” |
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WASC Visiting TEam Chairperson, Ms. Nancy Coonis summarizing and wrapping up the team's visit at the Report of Findings to Faculty & Other Stakeholders |
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According to WASC’s recent letter to Sister Francis Jerome from Mr. Thomas C. Beecher, Commission Chair, notifying the Academy of the six-year term accreditation, Mr. Beecher stated that “This action [granting Academy full accreditation] was taken after a careful study of the [WASC] Visiting Committee Report which noted many laudable aspects of the school.” Ms. Nancy Coonis, Chairperson for the WASC Visiting Committee commented at the Report of Findings to Faculty &Other Stakeholders that “the hard work, dedication, and faith filled |
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commitment” at the school is evident and that the Academy “truly forms young women to be leaders formed by their Catholic faith”. She also noted that the leadership at all levels of the school from the Administration and Faculty to the students is “excellent and unbelievable”. She commented how “the school is forming students to truly make a difference in the world”. In the words of WASC Visiting Team member Roberta Abaday, “The school needs to celebrate and use the data provided to pat yourselves on the back. You have a good school and you need to make sure everyone knows it.” |
Father Arthur Leger, Ph.D., a member of the WASC Visiting Team remarked at the final report that “The school has produced an excellent strategic plan—a road map, which the school needs to celebrate.” Ms. Coonis added that with the school’s strategic plan, “[We] see a great capacity for moving forward and to make sure the strategic plan forms energy for the future.” Based on the WASC committee review, the recommendation was made to streamline the proposed Self Study Report Schoolwide Action Plan to coincide with school’s Strategic Plan. |
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WASC Visiting TEam member Father Arthur Leger, PH.D. delivers his comments at the final report given to the school's administration, faculty, parents, and other stakeholders |
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“Laudable aspects” as Mr. Beecher, Commission Chair, noted is what the Academy family is able to accomplish. Everyone in the school from students to parents, faculty and staff to administration constantly work hard to continue to ensure that the school maintains the maximum term of accreditation from WASC. Ms. Antoinette M. Leahey, also a member of the WASC Visiting Team, best summarized her review of the Academy as a “heartwarming and wonderful experience. . .with a fantastic dedicated faculty and staff.” |
Mr. John Blaszczak, the school’s English department chair, chaired the accreditation preparation. Focus groups and homegroups were created and organized to facilitate the flow of information and to provide the check and balance system needed to review the school. Administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students comprised the various groups set up. All information compiled and documented was then finalized by the Leadership group who had the arduous task of ensuring the report was properly created in final form for the WASC team’s review. |
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| Pictured at the recent press conference announcing Academy receiving a full |
| six-year accreditation: (Left to right) Sister Francis Jerome Cruz, RSM, President, |
| John Blaszczak, Accreditation Coordinator, Mary Meeks, Principal. |
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