TES gets six-year accreditation

Tinian Elementary School’s hardwork has paid off after it secured a maximum 6-year accreditation term from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges last Friday, June 16, 2000.

The notification from the Chairman of the Accrediating Commission for Schools Gerry Thompson also recognized Tinian Junior/Senior High School for the same full accreditation, proving once again that Tinian is in the forefront of education in the CNMI.

A WASC team conducted a Self-Study visit at Tinian Elementary School last March 28-31, to get a first hand look at how the school was progressing. The visiting team especially scrutinized the “Focus on Learning” concept adopted by the Public School System.

After conducting the schoolwide accreditation, the WASC team identified the school’s many strenghts which includes parental involvement, dedication of faculty and staff, and a friendly and healthy environment.

“This action was taken after a careful study of the Visiting Committee Report which noted many laudable aspects of the school,” said Mr. Thompson.

TES Principal Henry U. Hofschneider said that based on the school’s action plan and ESLRs (Expected Schoolwide Learning Results), the sanctioning body TES was definitely on the right path.

TES faculty members Maria Aguon and Evelyn Perez steered the accreditation team, with almost a hundred supporters which include the faculty, support staff, administrators, parents, students, and community members.

The team was fortified by the sound foundation of Hofschneider and Vice Principal Rosa Quitano, and received assistance from the PSS Central Office, including PSS Accreditation Coordinator John Guerrero.

The six-year accreditation marks the culmination of TES’ whole year of diligent work, according to the TES administration.

TES has come a long way since the the very first accreditation visit back in 1987 which only spoke of one facility, housing kindergarten through 10th grade. The first high school class graduated in 1991.

In School year 1996-97, a new high school was constructed. The junior high relocated to the high school campus following massive destructions brought about by Typhoon Keith in 1997. Over the years the school has listened to all major concerns raised by WASC, addressed them accordingly, and learned, earning accreditation terms of three and two years.

Administrations have changed over the years, but the goal never has, as each regime, knowing the importance of accreditation, stayed the course.