CAS Grants HJMS Positive School Climate Status

Simsbury’s Henry James Memorial School (HJMS) has been granted Positive School Climate Status by the Middle Level Honors and Awards Committee of the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS).

According to the National Middle School Association's This We Believe, Successful Schools for Young Adolescents, "A successful school for young adolescents is an inviting, supportive, and safe place, and a joyful community that promotes in-depth learning and enhances a student's physical and emotional well-being."

The administration and faculty at the school completed a rigorous self-assessment examining areas of school practice such as a safe and healthy environment, a welcoming atmosphere for students and visitors, shared decision making, involvement of parents and the community in the life of the school. A team from CAS then visited the school to verify and validate the assessment.

CAS Center for Leadership and Innovation’s Assistant Executive Director Donna Schilke wrote in a letter to HJMS Principal Brian White, “We were very impressed by your passionate, dedicated staff who puts students first, your commitment to a shared vision of supporting the whole child through the adolescent years, and your unfailing dedication to making sure that every student is connected to an adult.”

HJMS will receive a CAS certificate and a three-year positive school climate designation. As a service to schools wishing to improve their climate practices, award winners are linked to the CAS website at www.casciac.org and welcome inquiries and visitors.

PHOTO: HJMS Principal Brian White and Assistant Principal Anjanette Belmonte.