PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) recently recognized Waldron Mercy Academy in Merion Station, Pa. for its Program of Distinction Service Learning.
The Middle States Programs of Distinction initiative provides external validation of an accredited school’s accomplishments in specific areas of expertise and enables schools to take accreditation to the next level.
“Programs of Distinction are models for other academic programs throughout the world,” said Henry G. Cram, Ed.D., president of MSA-CESS. “I congratulate Waldron Mercy Academy for its commitment to service learning and for engaging students in meaningful activities that enable them to apply their classroom knowledge to real-life experiences that make a difference in the world around them.”
The Programs of Distinction review process helps already accredited schools identify strengths and areas for growth and provides inspiration and recommendations for attaining a high quality program.
MSA accredited schools are eligible to apply for Program of Distinction recognition for outstanding programs in Global Literacies, World Languages, Visual Arts, Music, Early Childhood Education, Service Learning, School Counseling and STEM Education.
The Service Learning Program of Distinction recognizes schools that integrate community service into the total school program, including the academic curriculum, through activities involving civic responsibility and citizenship.
“At Waldron Mercy, our students address the needs of others through acts of service. They learn to serve not merely out of charity, but from a developing sense of social justice,” said Principal Nell Stetser. “We are honored to be recognized by Middle States for our commitment to service learning and our proud of our school community for living the mission of the Sisters of Mercy.”
About Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
Based in Philadelphia, the Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For over 125 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development and advance student achievement. With more than 2,700 accredited schools and school systems in 34 states and nearly 100 countries, MSA-CESS is proud of its continuing legacy and its ongoing innovations to meet the challenges of improving education in the 21st century.
