There has been whispering around the school in our last week before April break about some unfamiliar visitors with clipboards and pens in their hands, wandering around looking quite serious.  I had the chance to talk to one of them during Journalism period about their missions in the hallways and from classroom to classroom.

We caught PVHS staff member and GT Coordinator Katie Glidden in the hallway, who is actually doing an accreditation visit for the first time. She told us a lot about their team’s job while they visit our school. “We came to PIHS for accreditation visits. We aim to see if schools meet or maintain the standards of accreditation listed by CPS.”

Glidden explained they were given a tour around the school, and then had time to walk around during classes to observe. “Your school has some amazing facilities and awesome class options,” Glidden said. “I come from a smaller school, so it will be great to go back and tell them what your school is doing here.”

Some students might have already had some visitors come into classes, but please don’t get nervous, Glidden said. “We mostly just observe and make suggestions. We’re just trying to help with all the schools for their accreditation. Also, your teachers have prepared pretty well, so don’t worry.”

Glidden also added that there will be a bigger visit coming in the future and this will help the high school prepare for that. Their mission is to be helpful and offer some objective takeaways. No, there’s no need to tuck in your shirt and sit up straight for the visitors, but I’m sure a smile would be helpful to relieve the stress they have on their shoulders after a day of working, should you you bump into them somewhere in school.