The team particularly recognizes Mrs. Teresa Siuta for her outstanding leadership in facilitating the self-study and overseeing the arrangements for our visit. We also commend the talents and skills of the faculty members who ably participated in the evaluation process and produced an excellent written self-study. Faculty, staff, and students graciously welcomed team members into their classrooms and willingly made themselves available to answer our questions. Parents expressed much pride in the school they have chosen for their children. The team also acknowledges the interest and support of Msgr. Gallagher and the efforts made by the Development Committee on behalf of the school.

One of the outstanding characteristics of St. John Vianney School is that it truly lives its philosophy. The primary concern is for the child's academic, personal and spiritual growth. The focus on the "whole" child is evident throughout the school in its endeavors to present a balanced educational program. The school functions as a faith community. A strong sense of Christian community is felt in all aspects of the school program. The team noted that respect and concern for all persons is an aspect of daily living at St. John Vianney School. This respect, common courtesy, kindness, fair treatment of others, and good manners are integral parts of the curriculum and permeate the atmosphere. This is a school that lives its belief that "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

The students are actively involved in their own learning process. They feel accepted and respected and participate in a positive way. The St. John Vianney School philosophy states "a safe responsive environment for expressing ideas, sharing, supporting and encouraging group interaction is provided from pre-K to 8th grade. Indeed, there is much verification that this occurs. The students participated in a Rainbow Prayer service while the Visiting Team was at St. John Vianney. They were enthusiastic, capable, supportive of one another, and very much at ease as presenters, all ages contributing at levels appropriate to them. One knew that this was a familiar process for them.

The team recognizes the efforts that have been taken to work on recruitment and the maintenance of student enrollment. Clearly, this must be a major thrust of the school, particularly at the intermediate and upper school levels. The public schools in the area have a favorable reputation so St. John Vianney School must remain diligent in informing the public about its strengths and the values of a Catholic education in a family-oriented environment with small classes, individual attention and a comprehensive program.

Particularly at the lower levels teachers strive to teach reading at the children's instructional levels. The school has its own Learning Resource Teacher who, in collaboration with the classroom teacher, works with students who need remediation or enrichment in either reading or math. This arrangement has been successful in this school and the team will support the self-study recommendation to extend this service from four to five days.

The academic area that seems to have the most inconsistency is Social Studies. Strengths in this area include: teachers conscientiously clarify and explain textbook material; students are responsive in class; student projects are in evidence; and supplemental materials are used. However, there is a need for more interactive experiences and a greater use of interdisciplinary teaching. Perhaps, there is a need for greater sharing among teachers concerning methods and strategies for enlivening the Social Studies curriculum and/or in-service.

The school boasts a well-equipped computer lab and all students, pre-K through 8th grade, have one period of computer instruction per week. The lab is also used for Computer Assisted Instruction, funded by Title I money. Through its long-range Technology Plan the school has successfully implemented its goals to this point and there is every indication that it will continue to do so. There are some improvements to be made in the area of computer instruction, notably in broadening the scope of skills that are taught to the students.

In the remainder of this report the Visiting Team has documented its observations, commendations and recommendations for each area the faculty has included in the self-study. There is much to commend about St. John Vianney School and the team wishes the school continued success as it implements future goals.