If you participated in any of our parent coffees last week, you heard me talk about our upcoming accreditation. I was a member of the Accreditation Review Committee for the Independent Schools of the Central States (ISACS) for seven years. I have been immersed in accreditation for almost as long as I have been a Head of School. It is a very valuable process of reflection for a school as it starts with a year-long self-study. Imagine with everything else our faculty has been asked to do during the challenges of COVID, they also dedicated themselves to school improvement under the leadership of Claire Norman and her committee of Carly Wilson, Liz Hladek, Michael McDonald and Bridget Rutherford.
The ISACS accreditation process is based on three main principles:
- Compliance with the ISACS Standards for Membership;
- Full disclosure of a school’s mission, program, procedures, and services; congruence between the school’s stated mission and its actual program and services; and
- Engagement in the ongoing school improvement, including strategic planning, self-study reflection and an external review of strengths, challenges, and plans and priorities in all areas of the school.
On Sunday, October 16 a team of our peers arrives from five different schools across the Midwest to complete that external review. We are eager to welcome them and share everything about our school.
You are one of the most important parts of the visit and the accreditation process. The team would love to hear your thoughts and impressions. They are giving you two opportunities to do that. Both meetings are open to ALL PARENTS. We are hosting in two different locations for your convenience.
Monday, October 17 from 8:45 – 9:15 in The Community Room at 8 Park Road
Tuesday, October 18 from 8:45 – 9:15 in The Trophy Room at Wheeling Park
As a new division of WCDS, our middle school is having its first review, so I strongly encourage those parents to attend – especially those who have had children graduate from that program.
On Wednesday the team leader will present preliminary findings to the faculty. We are adding an early dismissal at 1:30 Wednesday, October 19 so all teachers can attend. Aftercare will be available until 5:30 still. I am sorry if this decision causes an inconvenience to you and appreciate your cooperation.
I can’t wait to share all that we are and all that we aspire to become. I am very proud of our students, our families, our faculty, our leadership and our vision for WCDS.
As always, please ask questions of me. You know the drill…your questions extend my thinking.
Thanks
Liz