ACCREDITATION

September 22, 2005

Celebrating Education through Accreditation

Mission Statement-Saint Paul School is committed to providing a Catholic faith environment in which students can thrive academically and develop responsibility, dignity and integrity to become positive contributors in an ever-changing society. St. Paul School maintains the principles of service and academic excellence set forth by the Sisters of Charity of Halifax.

   The report is in and the news is great. I am pleased to announce that Saint Paul School has been granted institutional accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The process has been a long one, yet a very rewarding one for the faculty, staff, administration and students. The initial process began in October of 2004 with the writing of the self-growth study. The study focused on every aspect of school life: the mission, program, governance, parents, faculty, administration and the culture and climate of Saint Paul School. The written report was completed and mailed to the visiting team in February, 2005 and the visiting team arrived March 3, 2005. During the four day visit the team met with students, parents, faculty and administration. They also visited classrooms and reviewed every aspect of SPS. After the visit the team wrote a report on their findings and submitted the report to the Commission for review and then the Commission voted on whether or not to accept Saint Paul School into the Association. I am happy to say that they enthusiastically support Saint Paul School and praise the successes of the faculty, students, and administration. Below is a summary of the commendations and recommendations.

Saint Paul School has been commended for:

• being faithful to the mission of the school and living the mission of the school
• the strength of the overall academic programs of the school, in particular the math program which prepares students for advanced high school placement.
• the excellent organization of preparing the eighth grade students for high school application and testing process.
• the adaptation of teaching styles and curriculum to meet the various learning styles of the students.
• the flow of curriculum from one grade to the next.
• the collaboration of the administration and faculty in goal setting, development of strategies, and establishing programs to improve the educational program of the school.
• the strong working relationship between Father Richard Fitzgerald, Pastor and Mrs. McLaughlin, Principal.
• the participation of faculty, students, and parents in many and varied outreach programs which teach about the practice of faith through example and action.
• the organization of a school consultative board.
• the enthusiasm and volunteerism of the parents.
• the culture and climate of the school which reflects the commitment of parents, students, and staff to the goals of Catholic education.
• the atmosphere of caring, sharing, and giving that defines the school community.

  The major recommendations of the visiting team are that:

• the School Consultative Board develop written constitution and by-laws, a means of self-evaluation, and a conflict of interest provision.
• the school institute a formal development program which includes public relations, recruitment, an Annual Fund Campaign, and investigate a formal procedure for the distribution of financial aid.
• the faculty participate in workshops on integration of technology into the curriculum.
• the school finalize the development of the comprehensive long-range strategic plan.
  At this time all of the major recommendations made are being addressed and a plan of action is being developed.

As you can see there is much to celebrate at Saint Paul School. The Accreditation process has been a true collaboration of the Saint Paul School Community and this collaboration has many benefits.

Many thanks to the faculty for their commitment to the process, to Father Fitzgerald for his continued support of Saint Paul School and Catholic Education, to the parents involved in the interview process, to the newly developed School Consultative Board, to our beloved students and to our hospitality committee that facilitated the team visit. We are proud of our school and dedicated to providing a strong educational environment for our students.

Sincerely,
Karen McLaughlin, Principal

What is the NEASC? Founded in 1885, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, is the nations oldest regional accrediting association whose mission is the establishment and maintenance of high standards for all levels of education from Pre-k to the doctoral level.