The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) visited six years ago. From Nov. 4 to Nov. 7, WASC will return and grade the school. Students are involved in preparing for the visit and improving the school along with the school’s WASC staff-self coordinator.

“I was one of the 75 students chosen by counselors and going through meetings. Then I would help more since I showed up to the most meetings,” said senior Jada Maglinao on getting picked as one of the two student representative leaders.

“I am extremely excited to represent the student body, to put input on campus and to make the school a better place,” said senior Gavin Braun, a student representative leader.

The help of students and the WASC staff-self coordinator are essential with preparation going back to Jan. 2017. A 400 page packet of notes has been reviewed based on input of students. “Typically, for example, out of 1,969 schools this past year, only 201 schools were granted a six-year clear. It is very rare- about 10%,” explained the WASC staff-self coordinator, “We are honored to have always been a ‘6-clear.’”

“We are the students who go to school here. WASC accredits our diplomas when we graduate, so I feel like I have a say in how the school is acting,” said Maglinao.

Braun explained a main reason why students should be involved is because they “give insight” to a student’s point of view at school.“It allows a different perspective from what the teachers teach.”

“It means that we are doing everything right,” said Maglinao about how it feels for a 6 year accreditation.

“I am trying to stay updated and to talk to people so I can represent students in the best light possible,” said Braun.

“It is kinda cool since I like hearing what parents have to say and what students have to say,” explained Maglinao.

The WASC staff-self coordinator describes WASC preparation as her passion. “I love sharing, in words and data, what my colleagues, our parents and our students suggest, in order to show that Esperanza is among the best schools in California. For me, it’s like wrapping up a beautiful package.”

The WASC staff-self coordinator acknowledges sophomore Brian Dempsey, junior Jenna Knight, junior Joshua Machado and sophomore Bailey Maxwell for their help. “The teachers have been so impressed by the students’ intelligence and grasp of the process.”