On March 7 and 8, representatives from the Kentucky Nonpublic School Commission visited St. Mark School in the final stage of the reaccredidation process. The visiting team found notebooks well organized, survey results neatly tabled, and analysis reports in good order. In addition they found a school community that has embraced and learned from the whole accreditation process. The school principal Sister Benita DeMatteis was committed to making the process a collaborative effort involving as many parts of the school community as possible, from the very beginning. Faculty committees conducted research, parish members responded to surveys, students wrote reflective statements, and parents dialogued and volunteered.
Some of the strengths identified in the process included:
Affordable Christian education
Pre-K through 8th grade structure
Safe, secure, challenging and value-oriented environment
High academic achievement
Low student-to-teacher ratio 12:1
Rank above national norms in achievement tests
Developmentally appropriate, research-based curriculum
Dedicated, certified teachers and staff
Basketball, Soccer, Track, Softball, Cheerleading and Academic Teams
Accreditation is a huge endeavor. St. Mark School found that it helped the school community affirm its strengths, identify areas for improvement, and clarify its vision of the future as a Catholic School intentionally educating the whole child.
As a part of the part of the process, middle school students wrote papers identifying the parts of their school that they liked. Sydney Thurman said, “I have been to St. Mark School for nine years. I started in kindergarten and now I’m currently in the eighth grade. One thing I can say about St. Marks over the years is that every student, faculty member, etc. are the most welcoming people I’ve ever met. I’ve had some of my best memories at this school. I’m sad that I have to leave this year. But, this school will always leave a special memory in my heart.”
Sarah Jo Jacobs said, “The basketball team is a good part of the school. The game also teaches us that if you work hard and work together, you can really do anything.”
Daniel Brock said, “What I like about Saint Mark are the teachers. Mrs. Pennington is like a grandma to us. One day after school she took us to Live Wire (the local coffee shop) and then we went to the park and played football, everyone had a good time.”
Alison Mason said, “I like the feeling that our school is small and that we are all here together. My little brother, Andrew, is just down the hall and sometimes the middle school students get to help the little kids on the playground.”
Sarah Royce wrote, “Our school also offers many activities like: speech and drama, band, basketball, soccer and softball.”
Sidney Sebastian wrote, “The religious aspect of Saint Mark is huge. We look at everything in God’s eyes.”
Jack Brockman, a kindergartner in Amy Lundergen’s class said, I would like to keep St. Benita’s office. Everything about our school comes out of her office.”
The individual’s who contributed to the accreditation process agree that the process began in the school office but it was shared broadly and quickly embraced every facet of the St. Mark community. The results were a process and report that concluded with affirmation and growth, in the site visit this week. St. Mark School reaccredidation process underscored the role of excellence that Catholic and Christian education has supported in Richmond for 40 years.
That tradition continues with open house this Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18 after all Masses. Registration week for the 2007-2008 school year will be March 19-23 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Visitors will be welcome during the school day and moreinformation is available by calling the school office at 623-9112.