HJHS anticipates WASC accreditation
One look at Hopwood Jr. High School shows virtually no litter on the ground, a new entrance and exit way for vehicles, new trees, flowers, a new stage, and much more students than last school year. But are these changes, purely on the surface or could this really be a change from the inside out?
Hopwood principal David Borja, who years ago walked in these same principal shoes, confidently says the changes are definitely from within, thanks to the support of the teachers, staff, parents, students, and the community. Mr. Borja credits his previous classroom teacher experience as the key to his positive relationship with the HJHS staff. In addition, his military service and previous administrative experience give him the discipline and wisdom to take on a task that would make many others shudder.
Hopwood Jr. High School, the CNMI’s largest public junior high school, anticipates the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation during their April 2001 visit. Previously tainted with negative reports and images, Hopwood’s new no-nonsense, performance-based administration eagerly works to change the reality and improve the image of the school.
Located in Chalan Piao, the school serves about 1,300 students in the 7th and 8th grades. Active parental, student, staff, and community involvement has contributed to the foreseeable success in passing the WASC criteria for accredited school.
Parental involvement has increased dramatically as teachers and administrators stress the importance of getting involved. PTA minutes, attendance records, and parents participation in parent-student activities show steady and continuous activity between parents and HJHS.
Also, more positive student programs have been organized as an outlet for students to excel, relieve stress, be creative, and feel a sense of ownership with the school. For the School Year 2000-2001, over 15 student-led organizations have been chartered and actively participating sponsoring school-wide events. These organizations provide positive alternatives to negative peer pressure, one problem that has significantly been reduced.
The HJHS administration has made a lot of headway by grouping staff members to accomplish tasks set and enforce deadlines, and participate in gathering much needed data. This data is needed to address the recommendations, issues, and concerns of the pervious WASC team report and to complete a self-study report to analyze the implementation of the School Wide Action Plan.
