MCHS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT – A NEVER ENDING PROCESS

In the past three and a half years, I have been fortunate to work with a great team of educators known as the Marengo Community High School Staff. We have been led by the board of education and Superintendent Dr. Dan Bertrand as they adopted the mission statement, “MCHS…Where Learning is Valued and Excellence in the Standard.”

On Wednesday, October 5th, five members of the AdvancED QAR team performed an external visitation at Marengo Community High School (a requirement for accreditation every five years). The Quality Assessment Review Team evaluated MCHS on seven standards:

1. Vision and Purpose

2. Governance and Leadership

3. Teaching and Learning

4. Documenting and Using Results

5. Resources and Support Systems

6. Stakeholder Communication and Relationships

7. Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The team, which consisted of educators from around the state, met with staff members, parents and students throughout the day. At the end of the day, the team gave an exit report to the administration and staff. We will receive a written report from the team in the next few weeks. This report will include several accommodations along with a few required actions. The required actions will focus on clearly communicating the vision and mission to all stakeholders and improving the AP program.

Overall, it was a very positive visit that reinforced the positive changes we have made to improve the education of the MCHS students. We will work on the ‘required actions’ over the next two years and enter another five year improvement cycle.

MCHS is also required by the state to continue to participate in the Rising Star School Improvement Process. A team of teachers and administrators will meet with a state-assigned ‘coach’ to compare MCHS policies and practices to a set of indicators of successful school programs around the nation. As our team identifies needs for improvement, goals are set and the process becomes our school improvement plan.

Again, it is great reinforcement that with many of the changes made in the last several years, we are on the right path to becoming a great school where students are challenged to think and are prepared for their futures as they graduate. As reported earlier this school year, we are excited about the improved test scores, and most importantly what those scores mean to our students (increased opportunities for college entrance, scholarships and grants). We need to continue to work together to create great opportunities for our kids.

I would like to invite parents to a Principal/Parent Coffee on Wednesday, November 2nd or Thursday, November 3rd at 7:00 a.m. in the media center. This is a great time to share ideas and ask questions about the school improvement process and discuss new initiatives at MCHS. Please RSVP to Dawn Seemann at 815-568-6511 ext 1302 if you are able to attend.

Proud to be a Marengo Indian!

Scott Shepard, Principal »