St. Ignatius Loyola School Receives Accreditation by Middle States Association

The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools announced that St. Ignatius Loyola School in Hicksville has been awarded accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The award was announced by Dr. Patricia Kelly-Stiles, chair of the commission and deputy superintendent of the Diocese of Brooklyn (NY), following the Commission's November 2004 meeting.

St. Ignatius Loyola School recently received accreditation by the prestigious Middle States Association Commission on Elementary Schools. Shown with the certificate are members of the school's Middle States Committee: Mrs. Nora Collis, Mrs. Maryalice Doherty, Sister Mary Ann Noonan (co-principal), Sister Mary O'Donnell (co-principal), Monsignor Donald T. Bennett (pastor), Mrs. Louise Krol (chairperson, steering committee), Mrs. Renee Rankin and Mrs. Kathy Lawniczak.

MSCES accreditation signifies the educational community of St. Ignatius Loyola School has engaged in a rigorous process of developing self-knowledge, has hosted an evaluation team of independently-appointed educators, and has created an ongoing strategic plan to move school improvement forward. This three-year process was governed by a steering committee, chaired by Mrs. Louis Krol. The process involved many elements of the St. Ignatius Loyola community, including faculty, parents and students.

Accreditation also signifies that St. Ignatius Loyola School has met the MSCES standards for a quality school. These standards reflect current research and best practices from throughout the education profession. During the term of accreditation the school community will engage in a commission-directed series of reports and/or site visits to maintain the vigor of the accreditation process.

St. Ignatius Loyola School co-Principals Sister Mary Ann Noonan and Sister Mary O'Donnell with St. Ignatius Pastor Monsignor Donald T. Bennett and the Middle States Association Accreditation Certificate the school recently received.

St. Ignatius Loyola Parish School was founded in 1907. For almost a century, its religious and academic programs have nurtured and developed each child's God-given gifts and talents. St. Ignatius Loyola School offers nursery, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten (full-day) programs in addition to grades 1-8. It is a Catholic school devoted to educating the whole child: body, mind and soul.

The faculty of St. Ignatius Loyola School works together to create an environment whereby each person is welcomed, respected and valued. The teachers support and encourage student relationships built on mutual respect and concern for one another.

The school's philosophy is that every child should be provided with the means to reach his/her full potential in an academic climate rooted in the Gospel values of love, compassion, respect, hope and understanding.

MSCES, which works with public and private schools from New York State to the District of Columbia, in the US Caribbean and in various locations around the globe, is one of three accrediting commissions of the over 100-year-old Middle States Association. The Middle States Association is the second oldest regional accreditor in the United States and, in addition to its elementary component, is also comprised of the Commission on Secondary Schools and the Commission on Higher Education.

Accreditation by MSCES is recognized around the world as an indication of trustworthiness, educational quality, and a commitment to ongoing school improvement. F. Laird Evans, Ed. D., executive director of the commission, offered his congratulations to the entire St. Ignatius Loyola School community, adding: "MSCES accreditation is a recognition of both prior achievements and a commitment to greater future accomplishments."