What is WELSSA? WELSSA stands for Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation. WELSSA exists to “assist WELS congregations with evaluating their early childhood ministries, Lutheran elementary schools, and Lutheran high schools based on Scripture and sound educational principles.”1 WELSSA also offers co-accreditation through the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA). ORLS has been accredited by WELSSA since 2006. During the 2013-2014 school year, our accreditation was renewed, and ORLS achieved exemplary accreditation status. The third renewal will be done during the 2018-2019 school year. Why WELSSA? WELSSA provides a self-study framework to identify strengths and areas for growth. The report data informs future school planning. Help us carry out our mission to Know Jesus, and Make Him Known through our school ministry. Blessings abound when a congregation and school collaborate to equip our children for lives of service on earth and an eternity in heaven. Accreditation also provides a standard of credibility in the community that may provide more opportunities to share the hope that we have in Christ. Ultimately we pursue accreditation through WELSSA so we can offer our children the best in Christian Education. Through this study and review, we can improve the quality of our ministry. Reflection is a key component to learning. This process helps a complex organization like a school reflect on the last five years and look forward to the next five years. What does the self-study process look like? Every five years, committees revisit and update the previous accreditation self-study. A steering committee oversees the work of nine sub-committees. Each subcommittee covers one or two of the accreditation standards. Committees must assess the standard as fully met, partially met, or not met (e.g., 2.9 The school utilizes the talents and skills of a variety of people within the congregation). Evidence will be compiled to show the standard is fully met. After the self-study report has been compiled, a visiting team comes to review the report. During that time, the team visits the classrooms, conducts interviews, and reviews the evidence and conclusions of the self-study. Following the site visit, a written report is submitted to the Commission on Lutheran Schools (CLS). Between five-year renewals, Principal Peck and the School Board implement a School Improvement Plan. Annual WELSSA check-ins take place in June with the CLS. With the addition of Becky Kuepers as Early Childhood Director, now is a great time to seek accreditation for our preschool program. WELSSA provides an addendum for K3-K4 accreditation. One additional sub-committee will study standards related to our Early Childhood ministry. How can I get involved? Provide input and guidance on our next 5-year school improvement plan by volunteering to serve on one of the standards committees. Sixty-two volunteers contributed to this important work the last cycle. Remember our school, its students, families, teachers, and leaders in your prayers. May God continue to bless Our Redeemer as we strive to know Jesus and make Him known. Accreditation Subcommittees One Standard 1: The School’s Mission and Its Implementation Standard 2: The School’s Relationship with the Congregation Two Standard 3: The School’s Relationship with the Home Standard 4: The School’s Relationship with Students Three Standard 5: The School’s Relationship with the Community Standard 7: The School’s Plan for Enrolling Students Four Standard 6: The School’s Relationship with WELS Standard 8: School Climate Five Standard 9: School Governance and Administration Six Standard 10: Professional Personnel (Faculty and Support Staff) Standard 13: Student Services Seven Standard 11: Curriculum Standard 12: Instruction Eight Standard 14: Physical Facilities Standard 15: Information Management Nine Early Childhood K3-K4 WELSSA Addendum Reflecting on the past five years Over the last five years, we have had many reasons to give thanks to God. Our School Improvement Plan has helped prioritize work in the school. Technology integration through Chromebooks, Smart Boards, and updated network infrastructure enrich lessons and encourage student engagement. Physical improvements have been made to the facilities through updated cabinetry, furniture, flooring, building security, and exterior projects. Logo rebranding, updated building signage, a new website, and social media strategies help us reach out to the community. Student learning has remained a central focus of professional development, curriculum study, expanded programs, and updated standardized testing methods. Policy work has aligned the School Handbook, School Board Handbook, Called Worker and Staff Handbook, and Emergency Management Plan. Staffing additions included a second pastor and Early Childhood Director to help carry out our mission. My first year at ORLS was during the 2013-2014 self-study. Several people have commented to me, “it feels like we just completed WELSSA.” Time has gone by quickly. I am excited to go through this process and look forward to collaborating with the congregation to set the stage for future ministry and growth at ORLS. In Christ’s Service, Principal Peck 1Plitzuweit, Tom. “WELSSA Handbook.” Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Jan. 2010.