THE AQUINAS INSTITUTE OF ROCHESTER
2009 Middle States Accreditation Process

Since 1928, The Aquinas Institute of Rochester has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.  A team representing the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Secondary Schools visited Aquinas to review our strategic plan for 2017.  The visit was highly successful.  Highlights from the report will be shared in the weeks to come.  Our thanks to all who assisted in this process.

AQ uses an accreditation protocol developed by the National Catholic Educational Association called Validating the Vision. Validating the Vision provides the basis for school assessment in the context of the school's mission and strategic planning. Resting on the assumption that the Catholic character of the school is inherent in all aspects of climate, culture, programs, and services, the protocol embeds assessment criteria through an analysis of the state of the school and the formulation of a strategic plan. The planning process requires that we address performance indicators based on STANDARDS in each of the following:

• Philosophy & Mission 
• Health & Safety
• Spiritual Life     
• Educational Program
• Governance & Leadership    
• Assessment & Evidence of Student Learning
• School Improvement Planning     
• Student Services
• Finances
• Student Life and Student Activities
• Facilities    
• Information Resources and Technology
• School Climate & Organization

Each of the performance indicators is explained in detail on the Middle States Standards page.

In the spring of 2009, Aquinas surveyed parents, students, community members, faculty, staff, members of the board of trustees, and alumni to gain insight into our strengths and weaknesses. The Aquinas Middle States Planning Committee, in conjunction with faculty, staff, administration, and the board of trustees, took information from those surveys and used it to write and submit four objectives to the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools for technical review. These objectives address student performance in the areas of academic achievement, Christian values, healthy lifestyles, and community service. On October 9th and 14th the faculty, staff, and administration met to develop an action plan for addressing each of the following objectives:

• Academics
• Christian Character
• Healthy Lifestyles
• Service

Action Plans (posted 1/29/10)

Aquinas Middle States Planning Committee Members:

Co-Internal Coordinators:
Ann Habershaw, Assistant Principal, grades 9 & 10
Ted Mancini, Assistant Principal, Director of Junior High

Committee Members:
Patricia Battisti, Assistant Principal, grades 11 & 12
Rose Callea, Parent
Sally Cardilli, Board of Trustees
Anthony Cook, Faculty
Mark Kesselring, Parent
Erin Gillaspy, Student class of 2011
Mark Hare, Parent/Community Member
Sister Christina Luczynski, CSSF, Principal St. Joseph's School (Penfield)
Mary Kay Oberst, Faculty
Dennis Sadler, Principal
Clayton Stanley, Student class of 2011
Charlie Welling, Student class of 2010
Michael Whitfield, Alumni and Parent