Superintendent’s Update 4/3/09
Posted April 3rd, 2009 in High School, K-8, Superintendent's Update Comments Off
Dear Parents,
Congratulations on the completion of the dual accreditation process for Kindergarten through 8th grade! The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation has already been approved.
Some of WASC’s commendations were:
The school has experienced significant transition in administrative leadership within the last two years with a new superintendent who has been highly regarded and highly successful in other leadership positions. The leadership team appears to be exceptionally unified and works collaboratively sharing the vision of school improvement. The school leadership expresses a commitment to student learning and has initiated efforts to improve instruction and increase faculty collaboration.
The school enjoys a stable and qualified teaching staff that is highly praised by parents and students. Successful levels of learning indicate that teachers are providing good instruction. A small teacher to student ratio results in high student achievement and the opportunity for personal attention and support.
It is clear that the school provides a strong family atmosphere where students feel supported, nurtured and loved. Students commented that they loved their teachers and knew that their teachers cared for them. Parents also highly praised the teachers and their connection to the students.
School wide Areas of Strength
- A qualified, experienced faculty that works collaboratively and creates a nurturing and positive learning environment.
- The strong relationship between the parents and the school as evidenced by volunteer support and participation.
- The new superintendent has brought a new focus on curricular design, professional development, assessment and commitment to the school improvement process.
- The Board is actively engaged, visionary and supportive of school improvement goals.
- The recent efforts to expand the extracurricular programs which provided more opportunity for student participation.
- The teachers are commended for their diligent work in creating a curricular design that aligns learning goals and creates a map for classroom instruction.
- The beautiful, classical campus creates a strong sense of community that promotes the school’s academic and spiritual goals.
- The spiritual emphasis on campus, especially in the chapel program, is well received and has excited students to reach spiritual goals and service opportunities.
- The level of measurement of school wide goals (ESLRs) is more fully developed at this stage of the accreditation process than usual at this stage of development.
- Parents love the education their children are receiving and the loving environment that is provided for their students.
Some of the commendations of the joint accreditation team from WASC and ACSI this past week are as follows:
- The Board of Directors and administration for constructing and supporting a clear statement of expected school wide learning results, school objectives, and core values which are consistent with the mission and vision of the school and reflect a thoroughly Christian world view.
- The Board of Directors, administration, faculty, and staff for effectively meeting the budget through tuition and fundraising to meet the needs of the educational, extracurricular, and ministry programs.
- The parents of Western Christian School students for their extensive volunteer network which enhances the overall school program by supporting a variety of school activities.
- The administration, faculty, and staff for providing a nurturing, caring, and highly relational environment for the students which is confirmed by the multitude of comments from the students and parents during interviews with the committee.
- The administration, faculty, and staff for providing a quality education which is confirmed by the integration of faith, highly qualified teachers, incorporation of ESLRs, and the support offered to all students including those with educational deficits.
- The Board of Directors, administration, and parents for providing the funds to enlarge the library, upgrade the computer lab, and install Smart Boards which supports effective integration of technology into the instructional program.
- The administration, faculty, and staff for providing the opportunity for students to recognize and develop their God-given talents which is confirmed by the wide variety of extracurricular activities that are offered to the students.
Congratulations, Western Christian Schools faculty! You have done a great job! Thank you parents for entrusting us with your children!
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, be sure to let us know.
If you would like to refer back to any of the previous Superintendent’s reports go to the “News” tab at www.westernchristian.org.
Partners together in Christ,
Karen Winter, Superintendent
