Visitors from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visited SJHHS on Tuesday, Feb. 24 to determine if SJHHS will remain an accredited academic institution.

Accreditation means that all coursework completed here will be recognized by colleges and universities.

“The WASC committee visited San Juan Hills three years ago, granting our school a 6-year accreditation with a 3-year visit,” said ASB President, Sanjan Kumar (12).

The recent visit was essentially a check-up to ensure that SJHHS is continuing to strive for educational excellence and is executing all that it had set out to achieve three years ago.

These major goals for improvement included reducing the number of D and F grades earned, improving performance on tests, building a more inclusive school culture, increasing post­secondary pathways for all students by providing additional A-­G opportunities and ROP courses on campus, developing closer liaisons with community colleges, and increasing ties with community and business members.

“They seemed to love us,” said Kumar.

Based on the official WASC report, SJHHS “has made significant progress and academic achievement growth since the WASC visit in March 2012 in both processes and programs to elevate the level of instruction and the participation of students in more rigorous standards based curriculum.”

The WASC Visiting Committee consisted of two members: Moohay Choe and Lynn Menius. Under the leadership of Sharon Spiers, they toured the campus, observed several classrooms, and interviewed students about their experience as a student at the school.

A common theme throughout the visit was the flourishing relationship between Stallion students, parents, and staff members. Students and parents are supported by staff members as students feel safe and able to approach any teacher or staff member for help.

The committee was impressed by effective communication, an outcome of School Loop being regularly updated.

“Everyone at San Juan Hills is friendly and genuinely cares about one another. I feel that our teachers care about their students, not only within the classroom, but outside of school as well, providing them with valuable lessons that can be applied throughout their lives,” said  ASB Vice President, Meg Bergstrom.

The committee noted the adoption of the new school culture under the school motto, Ride for the Brand. In their official report, they said, “the new motto emphasizes camaraderie, selflessness, service, and humility among. It has raised a consciousness for a cleaner environment and improved campus and classroom cleanliness.”

Great comments from parents and students were shared regarding Stallion Showcase as it allowed incoming freshman and their parents to become comfortable with the school before their first day of high school. Menius said she may take that idea to her school next year.

They appreciated the diversity of the school population, enjoyed seeing the Chrome Books used effectively, and were pleased by the increase of the number of course offerings available to students, especially ROP courses.

The committee was impressed that during class time students were on task and there were very few students out of class. It was especially impressive that the “No-Tardy policy” has continued to prosper, even as SJHHS has expanded.

“Students know to get to class on time. We are really strict about that. I think that it sets an atmosphere on campus: you go to class and get there on time. It changes the way that everybody feels,” said Principal Tom Ressler.

The WASC committee held a lunch meeting with about 25 other students in order to further understand what it is like to be a student at SJHHS.

“At the meeting, the WASC committee asked the group what could be improved upon on campus. We were all struggling to come up with anything we would change. It just reflects how impressive our school is,” said Bergstrom.

The WASC committee couldn’t come up with any recommendations for the school either.

According to the official WASC report, “SJHHS has seriously taken its commitment to ensuring all students are prepared for post secondary education and/or career. SJHHS has successfully brought the community into the everyday activities and programs of the school, thereby enhancing their support and involvement. The staff has taken on the role of informal mentors for new staff, assimilating them into the culture of SJHHS and enhancing their opportunities to be successful and appreciated by students and parents.”