By DAVID VITRANO

News Editor

GARYVILLE—Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet was officially awarded CASI AdvancED Accreditation status from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on Thursday.

As the crowd of students, teachers, administrators and parents listened attentively, one could almost feel the sense of excitement in the air as Melanie McCain took the microphone in the school’s cafeteria.

McCain, who took the leadership role in the group who evaluated the school, opened with the words, “It’s been a pleasure being here.”

As expected, these would not be the most flattering words McCain bestowed upon the school that afternoon.

McCain then explained the two-day assessment process through which Garyville/Mt. Airy had been put.

The process involved not only observation but also intense discussion and interviews with administration, teachers, support staff, parents and business partners to determine where the school is and where it is heading.

She then explained that in 20 days the school would receive a summary detailing the strengths and accomplishments of the school as well as suggestions to make the school better. She did, however, hint at what might be contained in the report.

The school received commendations for its leadership, curriculum, methods of measuring student achievement and communication with stakeholders.

When turning to recommendations for the school, McCain noted, “A school improvement plan is always under construction.”

Among recommendations made to the school were that it shift focus from the study of programs to teaching strategies, a suggestion that should pay off long term, and that the school better utilize its many well-equipped labs.

And although the school must continue to meet requirements, she then made the announcement everyone was waiting for.

When she declared the school was awarded accreditation, the room erupted in applause and cheers.

Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet is the first K-8 school in St. John Parish to receive such recognition.

After the crowd regained its composure, Principal Kelli Joseph jubilantly took the microphone.

“It’s been a very long year,” she opened before adding, “I always knew…this was a special place.”

She went on, “This is the beginning of greatness,” alluding to both the May 6 announcement of LEAP scores and to the school’s hope of attaining federal blue-ribbon status.

Joseph then turned the microphone over to Dardnella Clark, the school’s facilitator.

The obviously exhilarated Clark, though in large part responsible for the day’s proceedings said, “I couldn’t do it by myself,” motioning to the teachers and administrators assembled near the stage as well as to the many parents in attendance.

Though she was not in the mood to make any definite announcements that would diminish the luster of the day, concluded, “This would be a good way to end a 33-year career in St. John Parish.”