Jordan-Elbridge Middle School Welcomes IB Evaluation Visit

Jordan-Elbridge Middle School proudly welcomed two International Baccalaureate (IB) Evaluation Leaders this week as part of the ongoing review of the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Linda Smith, IB Evaluation Leader, and Faizaan Ahab, IB Programme Leader, traveled to our district to spend time immersed in the JEMS learning community, gaining a firsthand look at how the IB framework is implemented and lived each day.

Upon arrival, the visitors were greeted by a group of dedicated IB Student Ambassadors who helped set the tone for the visit. Students including Ryland Cosgrove (Y1), Aaliyah Fleming (Y1), Addison Horbal (Y1), Paige Love (Y1), Collin Campion (Y2), Frankie Hourigan (Y2), Carter Pendergast (Y2), Lorelai Walrath (Y2), Tristan Crill (Y3), Nash Karcz (Y3), Rick King (Y3), Serah Kumar (Y3), and Jack McCadden (Y3) led a comprehensive tour of the building. Through their leadership, the visitors were able to experience how IB is visible and actively embedded throughout the school—from displays of the Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills to student work connected to inquiry and global contexts.

Throughout the visit, Smith and Ahab engaged with school leadership, teachers, and Board of Education members through a series of structured conversations aligned to the IB’s Programme Standards and Practices (PSP) framework. These sessions explored key elements such as purpose, environment, culture, and learning, providing an opportunity to reflect on the strength and growth of the MYP at JEMS.

Classroom visits offered further insight into daily instruction, where teaching and learning reflected IB pedagogy through inquiry-based practices, conceptual understanding, and meaningful student engagement. Observations highlighted the use of global contexts, ATL skills, and criterion-related assessment to support authentic and impactful learning experiences.

The evaluation also included both parent and student panels. Parents shared valuable perspectives on communication, program impact, and their children’s experiences, while students spoke confidently about their learning, service opportunities, global awareness, and overall school culture. Their reflections demonstrated a strong sense of identity as active, reflective learners connected to the wider world.

JEMS Principal Alexis Ridlon expressed appreciation for the visit, stating, “This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the heart of our school. We are proud of the meaningful learning experiences our students engage in every day and grateful for the chance to reflect and grow through this process.”

The Jordan-Elbridge Central School District extends its sincere thanks to Linda Smith and Faizaan Ahab for their time, insight, and commitment to supporting IB World Schools. Their visit provided an opportunity to highlight how JEMS strives to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who work to create a more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. Through the MYP, students are empowered to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who recognize and value diverse perspectives.