Port Chester High School to Receive Independent Evaluation

The following press release is from the Port Chester School District:

From October 27 to October 30, a team of five independent educators representing the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools will visit Port Chester High School. Their purpose is to evaluate the school against the Association’s 12 Standards, and provide feedback on what they learn during their visit and from the extensive self-report prepared by the high school Middle States team.

The evaluation team will present its findings in the PCHS auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 2:45 pm. The public is encouraged to attend.

“We undertook this multi-year self-study because it gives us impartial, third-party feedback and confirmation that we meet recognized standards of quality,” said Mitchell Combs, Principal of Port Chester High School. Accreditation lasts 8 years. Port Chester High School last received Middle States Accreditation in 2006.

During their four-day visit, the Accreditation team will meet with all groups that have a role in the school, including parents, students, teachers, custodians, nurses, guidance and other support staff. They will observe classes, try the cafeteria food, and even test water fountains, and measure Port Chester High School against the 12 Standards for Accreditation (see PCHS Accreditation Plan.)

The evaluation team’s work even extends into the Village. They are staying at the Marriott Courtyard and eating in restaurants in the Village. Residents might encounter them and may be asked questions informally as the team seeks to learn about Port Chester and the surrounding area. In addition, parents will be hosted for meals and conversation.

This re-accreditation process began in 2013 and has involved a team of PCHS educators, led by teacher Erika Perez, which has systematically examined all aspects of the school and has written a Plan for Growth and Improvement that runs about 200 pages. The visiting team has received that written plan.

Evaluating Port Chester High School on behalf of the Middle States Association are five educators from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.