St. John's Gets 'Wow' on Middle States Report

When schools across Long Island were returning from their Spring Break, St. John the Baptist in West Islip was welcoming their Middle States Validation Team for their three-day visit (April 13-16.)  The team visit, which was a culmination of SJB's two-year Self-Study process, included class observation, meetings with students, faculty, administration and staff members. There was also an examination of the school's "Objectives and Action Plans" that identify the school's focus for the next seven years. The Middle States team consisted of five volunteer educators from the Middle States region and included:

Chairperson Sr. Joanne Safian, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary 

Jack Agostino, Amityville Memorial High School

Susan Bauer, Garden City Middle School

Linda Kelly, Cardinal Hayes High School

Erin Milin, Darrow School 

Their summary report presented to the faculty and staff on the last day of the visit began with Sr. Safian stating, "Our first and continued response to St. John's over this visit is wow!  You are an exceptional example of a Catholic school where philosophy is clearly integrated into the daily life of the school. The quality of the faculty and educational programs is outstanding and even with many guidelines for behavior the school still communicates that in a caring and positive manner."

The complete report is expected in July.  The Planning Team extended their thanks and appreciation to all involved in the process.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the Middle States region, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several locations internationally.