School News

ACCREDITATION VISIT PLANS PUT INTO PLACE

August 12, 2008

Every ten years a formal accreditation visit is required of all member schools by the New England Association. In October, Cranston-Johnston Catholic Regional School will receive a formal accreditation visit by NEASC’s Commission on Independent Schools. Chairing the Visiting Committee is Ms. Maryann Manfredonia, principal of East Boston Central Catholic School. With her committee of six teachers and administrators, Ms. Manfredonia will assess the school based on 16 established commission standards. Cranston-Johnston Catholic Regional School was required to assemble committees to address each of the standards. Chairing the self-study is CJCR assistant principal Mrs. Sandra Jennings. With her extensive background in organizational management and administration principal Bob Morissette noted “Sandra was not only the right choice for the preparation of the self-study report but the perfect choice to address the goals and objectives that naturally come from such a reflective exercise.”

Chair Jennings commented that the work “was both satisfying and rewarding. It gives us a chance to take stock of who we are, what we do and how well we do it.” Every member of the faculty and staff performed valuable roles on a number of committees. The report entails nearly one hundred pages of required text that will be poured over by members of the visiting committee. Mrs. Jennings added, “in addition to reviewing the self-study documentation, the visiting committee will conduct one-on-one visits with every single member of the faculty, conversations with members of the Board of Directors and Parent-Teacher Organization –as well as students. The visit is thorough!” Joining in with a comment, Principal Morissette stated, “we should all be impressed with what Sandra and the teachers have done. I have read the entire document and the diligence, hard work, and thoughtful approach to the report was in clear evidence. It couldn’t be better done and I am confident the quality of the self-study report will bear fruit during the visit.”

Visiting Chair Manfredonia visited the school on August 12 for a tour of the facilities and to review overnight accommodations at a nearby hotel. “The school is clearly ready for this visit.” The chair remarked. “Mrs. Jennings and the entire staff is to be congratulated on the promptness of the material readied for committee review,” she added. The formal visit will begin on Sunday afternoon, October 5, with a reception and conclude Wednesday, October 8.