Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools |
The purpose of the visit is to assess St. James Day School for its ten-year reaccreditation.
This report was compiled with careful review of the self-study, the school's records, and extensive interviews with faculty, staff, administration, trustees, and parents.
The atmosphere of the school is very conducive to learning and high achievement. There are clear and established expectations for the students to be active participants in their lessons. Instruction is of the highest quality and supported by the materials necessary to promote a solid academic foundation. High behavioral standards are enforced throughout the school within a constructive and supportive atmosphere. A commendable level of supervision is maintained both in the classroom and during student recreational times. There is a general feeling of 'family' as evidenced by the obvious affection of the children for their teachers, the caring demonstrated by the teachers for their students, and the overall interest, concern, and respect shown by everyone in the school community. The influence of the Christian values and ethics is apparent throughout the school.
In general, the Church/School relationship appears to be very positive and supportive. The church provides a curate for the school and tuition assistance for the children of the clergy. In order to insure the continuation of the Episcopal tradition in the school's governance and program, an Episcopalian majority is maintained in the Board membership. The influence of the Episcopal Church is clear in the school's chapel services and use of the church year liturgy and Book of Common Prayer.
The self-study was developed with clarity and obvious thought with particular emphasis on the school's commitment to providing a firm educational and moral foundation. It is extremely honest, well-organized, and easy to read.
The team makes the following three recommendations as priority items to be implemented within the next five years:
1) In light of the rapid growth of the school, an assistant head of school should be hired to insure the continuation of the high quality program established by the Board and Administration and to provide support to the head and faculty;
2) An annual fund drive should be instituted to provide additional financial support for the school; and
3) The faculty benefits package should be enhanced to be more attractive to new faculty and more supportive of current employees.
The purposes and objectives, the school motto, and the mission statement meld together to paint the portrait of a well-established educational institution is admirable to note the commitment that St. James has to providing an arena where children can learn and grow while developing creative thought, intellectual curiosity, and service to their community.
The school is to be commended for the strong Christian atmosphere conducive to enhancing spiritual growth.
The school is to be commended for making technology readily available as part of every student's self-discovery of his or her learning and in preparation for academic advancements in the future.
Continue to seek and learn new methods for assessing individual learning styles and addressing those in the classroom.
Continue to explore the possibility of celebrating Eucharist with the student body on a regular basis.
In view of projected growth, provisions should be made to assure that enriched curriculum and individual attention for each child is maintained.
The St. James Day School currently serves a population of 285 students. The school presents a flourishing academic program, teaching strong Christian values in an atmosphere of devoted and truly caring faculty, board, and parents. Parents seem to be well informed through the use of web-page connections, survey participation, notification of policy updates, weekly newsletters, and the student-parent handbook. The students are friendly, well-behaved, and active learners.
Through the new technology available via the web-page, parents are able to access information about classroom assignments.
The school's admissions policy is clear and well-stated with specific criteria and priority regarding admission.
The school is to be commended for its ability to attract and retain its student population. In addition, the growth of the St. James community over the past ten years has afforded the school the opportunity to open new sections of every class level.
Parental involvement with the school is strong as evidenced by much volunteer participation. The Parents' Club is a vital organization which actively promotes activities for fellowship and fund raising.
The school is to be commended for its documentation of program and student involvement through photographs and yearbooks highlighting current and former school population.
The school should continue efforts to establish ways to meet the special needs of some learners.
The school might explore the use of portfolio assessment as an additional means of documenting student achievement and skill level.
It is recommended that the middle school explore enrichment opportunities which could be offered to students through student council, leadership clubs, and/or extra curricular activities.
The school needs to develop an alumni association.
The school should continue to encourage a racially and socio-economically diverse population.
As a whole, the professional staff is experienced, creative, and excited about learning. They exhibit diligent work habits and model sound moral ethics for their students. The staff integrates technology into Language Arts, social studies, science, and math curricula in an exemplary fashion.
The school staff exhibits enthusiasm and caring in the classroom and in dealing with the students.
The staff shows innovation and creativity within a structured program.
Low faculty turnover offers a consistent academic program from year to year.
Teachers and staff are to be commended for excellence in technological advancements.
As experienced faculty leave the program, great effort must be made to move new teachers into these positions with the same high quality of expertise and enthusiasm. Having two classes per grade offers excellent mentoring possibilities.
Administration should continue attempting to recruit men and minorities to staff.
Teaching staff should continue to explore more developmentally appropriate practices/curriculum for grades K through 3.
Administration should consider implementation of crisis management training for staff.
Staff should explore the benefits of peer observation as a means of facilitating the transition from one grade to the next for students, and for assisting new staff members to become oriented to the school's philosophy toward academic, social, and disciplinary attitudes.
Administration is advised to continue to build a portion of the new library as a source for professional and parental support materials.
With the growth of the school, an assistant head needs to be hired to insure the maintenance of the school's high quality of student instruction and individual attention. This person could also function as a curriculum coordinator to support the staff in their efforts to develop a seamless and thorough curriculum.
An official orientation program should be implemented for new teachers.
Administration must develop professional continuing education goals that coordinate with the evaluation process.
Administration should conduct statewide 5-yr. criminal background checks for all staff and faculty.
The St. James' academic program is designed to meet the needs of average and above average students and does so admirably. Following the school's purpose and objectives, the program allows teachers a great deal of academic freedom and allows students the opportunity to grow in basic skills acquisition and problem-solving abilities. Students are well-prepared to be successful as they continue into the higher grade levels. While the team feels it is important to continually reevaluate the program and stay apprised of new methodology and research, we are aware that the current program seems to be effective for this school's population.
The computer technology program is both innovative and exemplary. The students' exposure to various types of computer software and research opportunities, as well as curriculum such as the logo programming [language,] provides development of higher level thinking skills in a creative way and achieves multiple learning objectives.
The school is to be commended for the excellent classroom equipment and resources utilized for the implementation of its programs.
Student work is displayed in a positive way to reinforce student learning.
Cooperative learning and team building is being used effectively.
The art, Spanish, computer, music, and physical education classes are of exceptional quality, especially given the broad range of age levels.
The teachers are to be commended for their use of open-ended questioning and discovery learning in the delivery of the program.
Administration and staff should be attentive to the flow of curriculum between lower and middle schools.
Administration and staff should explore the advantages of learning centers as a way to add enrichment to the curriculum for all students.
Administration and staff should continue to research innovative ways to balance core classes versus enrichment classes.
Administration and staff is recommended to develop a complete scope and sequence in all core areas from K-3 through grade 6.
It is recommended that the school maintain a well-equipped library adequate to meet the needs of the growing school population. The library needs to compile an adequate supply of videos, audiotapes, periodicals, and other research materials necessary to support the future needs of the expanding student body and faculty. Continue plans to implement library skills curriculum. Consider hiring a full time librarian.
The preschool teachers extend themselves to provide multiple learning opportunities for their students.
The teachers do an excellent job with the weekly chapel service. It is developmentally appropriate and effectively communicates the school's Christian values and traditions..
It is suggested that administration and staff monitor class size to insure that students' needs are met.
It is suggested that further curriculum study is needed to insure that it is developmentally appropriate.
It is recommended that administration and staff continue to work on the flow of curriculum from grade level to grade level. Of special concern is the amount of group instruction versus center time moving from K-4 to Kindergarten.
The teachers have pursued continuing education in the Open Court curriculum and are very competent in its instruction.
The teachers work well together and appear to have excellent rapport with their students.
The chapel service was a delightful reflection of the school's emphasis on the school's Christian mission.
It is suggested that the administration and staff use learning centers to enhance skills acquisition and higher level thinking skills.
It is suggested that administration and staff consider portfolios as a means of assessment in aiding transition from one grade level to the next.
It is recommended that staff continue with grant writing plans for classroom computers and their incorporation into classroom curriculum.
The middle school is commended for its independent study projects. Much creativity and cross-curricular learning is evidenced by these efforts.
The middle school staff is to be commended for their efforts at integrating core subjects with technology. It is also evident that they diligently work together in their planning.
Students of the middle school are to be commended for their spiritual relationships with each other and the community.
It is suggested that consideration be given to some sort of modular scheduling which would allow these students to choose electives.
It is suggested that staff and students seek outside competition for writing.
It is recommended that administration and staff utilize portfolio assessment as a means of aiding transition from one grade level to the next.
It is recommended that staff consider updating outdated texts in the science areas.
The Board of Trustees consists of 21 voting and ex-officio members. In accordance with the school's By-laws, the Board develops policy and insures financial stability for the school. Policies are communicated to patrons and staff in an organized and timely manner. Although most of the board members are also parents of children in the school, they appear to be focused on the needs of the school at large and are aware of their responsibility to plan for the school's future.
The Board should be commended on its willingness to function as a working board.
The Board committees are commended for drawing from a broad base of input within the school community. The faculty appears to be willing to accept responsibility to serve on committees and offer input to the decision-making process.
The Board demonstrates substantial financial commitment to the school and is to be commended for serving as a leader in fund-raising efforts.
The Board is to be commended for its continual effort to develop, define, and disseminate policies regarding all aspects of school and fiscal management as exemplified in the careful research done by the teachers and considered by the Board in the development of the field trip policy.
The Board is to be commended for the supportive relationship demonstrated between the trustees and the administrative staff.
The Board may wish to review the wording in the By-laws regarding Quorum and Voting, Article III, Section 8, specifically addressing concerns regarding notification of board members of meetings and the number of board members required to vote on a motion.
The Headmistress, Mrs. Russell, has done an outstanding job in the administration of the school during her 12 years of service. She is to be commended for her leadership, vision, and business acumen. Her staff works well with her to achieve the school's goals. She should be commended for engineering incredible growth during her tenure. However, with the current increased enrollment, Mrs. Russell is rapidly becoming consumed with responsibilities and will need additional administrative support in the next school year.
The school's leadership has exhibited professional business savvy in the growth of the school, good fiscal management, and high expectations for both behavior and academics. The Head's ability to identify highly qualified staff and faculty is recognized.
Mrs. Russell is an effective communicator, able to articulate her vision and her concerns.
She is commended for the design and construction of the new lower school building and the middle school addition. The facilities are well equipped and designed for the operation of the program.
The school's financial manager is an obvious asset to the program. It is apparent that she not only performs her duties well, but goes far above and beyond her job description. In many instances, she has been functioning as an assistant head as well as a financial manager.
Consideration should be given to moving the administration to one of the buildings at the front of the drive, and to building a new enrichments/after-car facility on the site of the current administration building.
Administration should review health and safety procedures as they relate to
a) plant
--fence height/covering for swimming pool
--measures to control standing water
--a specific holding area for sick children
Nisi Dominus accurately reflects the culture of St. James School. There is a great feeling of community and commitment on the part of the students, faculty, parents, and staff. In every aspect of the school, the Christian ethic is evidenced and the goal of meeting social, emotional, physical, academic and spiritual needs is effectively realized. The culture of the school supports the mission not only by recognizing intellectual accomplishment, but also encouraging growth of the whole child.
The school is clearly focused on its purposes and objectives and has a well-articulated identity.
In beginning the day with chapel, the daily tone is set for the students's interaction with each other.
There is a genuine sense of community and caring among students, staff, faculty and parents.
Kindness, courtesy, and respect for each individual are modeled by staff and students alike.
The school should continue in its efforts to diversify its staff and student body.
The school should continue to develop a challenging and stimulating curriculum which strives for high academic achievement as demonstrated in the outstanding computer curriculum.
The school should continue in its demonstrated efforts to provide an excellent Christian education.