HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-13 BOT Agenda packetThe Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will begin immediately following the conclusion of the
Board of Trustees Workshop but not prior to the posted start time.
Mission Statement
Westlake Academy is an IB World School whose mission is to provide students with an
internationally minded education of the highest quality so they are well-balanced and
respectful life-long learners.
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Vision Statement
Westlake Academy inspires students to achieve their highest individual potential in a nurturing
environment that fosters the traits found in the IB Learner Profile.
Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled,
Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
AGENDA
April 2, 2013
WESTLAKE TOWN HALL
3 VILLAGE CIRCLE – 2ND FLOOR
WESTLAKE, TX 76262
COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MUNICIPAL COURT ROOM
Workshop Session 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
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Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE APRIL 2, 2013, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. (10 min)
4. REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented. (there will no
presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion unless a
Board Member requests that report be removed and considered separately.
a. Review of the Westlake Academy Parents Survey for the 2012-13 School Year.
5. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. An update on the Balanced Scorecard for Westlake Academy. (30 min)
b. Discussion of propose Retention Policy. (10 min)
6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
7. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for
citizens to address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda.
The Board cannot by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any
presentation made to the Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda.
Any item presented may be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
3. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on March 4, 2013.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 13-03, Adopting the 2013-14 and 2014-15
School Calendar and approving request for State waiver.
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4. BOARD CALENDAR
5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the Superintendent
with the requested item and the Superintendent will list it on the agenda. At the
meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board
discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the
amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the
requesting Board member receives a second, the Superintendent will place the item on
the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the
agenda item.
6. ADJOURNMENT
ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE
SESSION AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER
SECTIONS 551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 3 Village Circle, on
March 27, 2013, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code.
_____________________________________
Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs, please advise
the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable accommodations will be made
to assist you.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 – Pledge of
Allegiance
Texas Pledge:
"Honor the Texas
flag; I pledge
allegiance to thee,
Texas, one state under
God, one and
indivisible."
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on March 4, 2013.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 13-03, Adopting the 2013-14 and 2014-15
School Calendar and approving request for State waiver.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 –
Review of Consent
Agenda Items
REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented.
(there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion
unless a Board Member requests that report be removed and considered separately.
a. Review of the Westlake Academy Parents Survey for the 2012-13 School Year.
Westlake Academy
Item # 4–
Reports
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: April 2, 2013
Staff Contact: Ben Nibarger, Admin Coordinator Discussion
Subject: Review of the Westlake Academy Parents Survey for the 2012-13 School
Year.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This will be the fourth time the Academy has conducted a parents’ survey. This survey will
update the dataset collected in over the last four years. It is used in our metrics of parents’
perceived quality of the Academy’s educational programs and services. The survey has been
administered by ETC Institute with input and direction from the Board and staff. It a valuable
measurement tool from both a governance and management vantage point to receive input as
well as to measure the Academy’s performance and satisfaction on a number of issues and
services from our parents’ perspective. In order to get this year’s survey underway before the
end of the current school year, the Board is being asked to review this year’s proposed survey
instrument and provide staff overall feedback and direction about it.
The survey is not only used to update parent perceptions on the Academy’s performance, but as
tool to drill down on areas for improvement. It has been a valuable tool utilized for continuous
improvement effort s at the Academy. For example, working with our school lunch provider,
based upon survey results, we have been able to provide additional healthy options and improve
overall satisfaction.
APPLICABLE STRATEGIC PLAN DESIRED OUTCOME
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community Connections
Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
Student Engagement – Extracurricular activities
Effective Educators & Staff
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
Academic Achievement
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
Funding has been included in the 2012-13 WA Operating Budget for this survey.
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Review the survey instrument and provide feedback to the staff.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft WA parents’ survey for 2013-14 school year
Westlake Academy / Board of Trustee Parent Survey
1. Satisfaction with Westlake Academy: Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “very satisfied” and 1 means “very
dissatisfied,” please rate your satisfaction with the following items:
How satisfied are you with:
Very
Satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied
Very
Dissatisfied
Don’t
Know N/A
A. PYP teachers/faculty 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
B. MYP teachers/faculty 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
C. DP teachers/faculty 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
D. IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
E. Suitability of the campus for learning 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
F. The school lunch program 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
G. The school uniform vendor 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
H. The Security Check-In System at the Main Entrance 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
J. Extracurricular sports programs 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
K Academy website 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
L. Other extracurricular programs 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
M. Academic progress of your child 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
N. Social and emotional progress of your child 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
O. Communications regarding issues/problems related to
your child 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
P. Opportunities for parental involvement 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
Q. Quality of communication from WA 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
R. Methods of communication from WA 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
S. The four House system for students (Thoreau,
Wheatley, Whitman and Keller) 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
T. Effectiveness of the House of Commons (HOC) 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
U. Effectiveness of the Westlake Academy Foundation
(WAF) 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
V. Effectiveness of the Westlake Academy Athletic Club
(WAAC) 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
W. PYP Curriculum 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
X. MYP Curriculum 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
Y. DP Curriculum 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
Z. Overall, how satisfied are you with the quality of
education provided by Westlake Academy? 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
AA. The Primary Counseling department 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
BB. The Secondary Counseling department 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
CC. Maintenance of the Academy 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
DD. College preparation process 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
EE. Primary Report Card 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
FF. Secondary Report Card 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
GG Access to online grades 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
HH. Opportunities for parent input 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
II. The adopted five year strategic plan 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
JJ. PYP specials teachers/faculty 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
2. Which THREE of the items listed in Question 1 are the most important to you? [Write in the letters below.]
1st ______ 2nd _______ 3rd _______
3. Would you be willing to participate in a capital campaign? ___(1) Yes ___(2) No
4. Communication and Outreach: Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “Strongly Agree” and 1 means “Strongly
Disagree,” please rate the following items:
How strongly do you agree with the following: Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Don’t Know N/A
A. The on-campus administrative staff is friendly and helpful 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
B. The Academy’s published statements of mission and
philosophy align with those of the IB 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
C. I would be interested in more parent education and training
sessions 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
D. The Academy’s leadership and administrative structures
ensure the implementation of the IB programmes. 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
E. My child’s teacher(s) responds quickly to my inquiries 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
F. The Academy’s resources and support structures ensure the
implementation of the IB programmes. 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
G My child’s teacher(s) keep me informed about their progress 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
H Collaborative planning and reflection supports the
implementation of the IB programmes. 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
I. I am encouraged to volunteer at the Academy 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
J. The Academy’s written curriculum reflects IB philosophy 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
K. I am informed about what is going on in my child’s
programme 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
L. The Academy’s teaching and learning reflects the IB
Philosophy 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
M. Academy administrators respond to my questions in a timely
manner 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
N. Email is my preferred method of communication with my
child’s teacher 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
O. The Academy’s assessments reflects the IB assessment
philosophy 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
P. Phone calls are my preferred method of communication with
my child’s teacher 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
Q. I receive information from my child’s school with enough time
to be involved in events, classroom or school-wide activities 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
Westlake Academy’s Communiqué
5. What is the best way(s) to communicate with you and/or your family? (check all that apply)
___(1) Newsletter ___(4) Direct contact (phone call, school/home visit, meeting)
___(2) Website ___(5) Other – please specify: __________________________
___(3) E-mails
6. How often do you read Westlake Academy’s Communiqué?
___(1) Weekly ___(2) Monthly ___(3) Rarely ___(4) Never
7. How would you prefer to read the Communiqué?
____(1) PDF Version ___(2) Online Version ___(3) Paper Version ___(4) No Preference
8. Does the Westlake Academy Communiqué keep you adequately informed? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
9. If you could make one suggestion to improve our Academy communication, what would it be?
______________________________________________________________________________________
10. Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “Strongly Agree” and 1 means “Strongly Disagree,” please rate your level of
agreement with the following statements about Westlake Academy’s Communiqué:
How strongly do you agree with the following: Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Don’t Know N/A
A. The Communiqué provides important school information 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
B. The Communiqué is attractive and interesting 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
C. The Communiqué is easy to read 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
11. Using a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 means “Very Interested” and 1 means “Not interested at all,” please rate your level of
interest in the following features of the Communiqué:
How interested are you in: Very Interested Interested Somewhat Important
Not Interested Not Interested At All Don’t Know N/A
A. Superintendent messages 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
B. Photographs from school events 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
C. Reminders of upcoming events 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
D. HOC updates 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
E. WAF updates 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
F. Calendar 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
G Principal messages 5 4 3 2 1 9 8
12. Are you currently volunteering at the Academy? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
12a. If NO to #12: Would you like to volunteer? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
12b. If YES to #12a: How would you like to volunteer? _______________________________________
13. How many parent teacher/student led conferences did you attend last year?
____(1) None ___(2) One ___(3) Two ___(4) Three or more
14. Have you had any problems scheduling parent-teacher conferences? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
14a. If YES: what problems have you had? __________________________________________________
15. Do you reference the Academy master calendar on a regular basis? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
15b. If NO to #11: Why not? _____________________________________________________________________
16. Is your child receiving tutoring? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
IF YES to #18:
16a. Where? (e.g WA, Sylvan, Kumon, etc.) Please list:__________________________________________________ 16b. What subject(s)?______________________________ 18c. How many hours per week? ___________________
17. How is your child progressing academically? ___(1) Ahead of where you would expect him/her to be ___(2) About where you would expect him/her to be
___(3) Behind where you would expect him/her to be
18. Do you feel your child is emotionally safe at school? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
19. Do you feel your child is physically safe at school? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
20. Do you believe you have an adequate understanding of the IB curriculum? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
21. Do you have a child with a learning disability that utilizes special education services? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
21a. If YES to #21: Are you satisfied with the modifications/services provided by Westlake Academy?
____(1) Yes ____(2) No
21b. If NO to #21a: Why not? _________________________________________________________________
22. What do you like BEST about Westlake Academy?______________________________________________________
23. If your child was not enrolled at Westlake Academy, where would your child most likely be attending school?
____(1) A public school where I live ____(2) A private school ____(3) Home School
24. What ONE thing would you most like to improve at Westlake Academy?
________________________________________________________________________________________
DEMOGRAPHICS
25. Do you live in the Town of Westlake? ____(1) Yes ____(2) No
25a. If YES to #29: How important was Westlake Academy in your decision to move to Westlake?
____(4) Very important
____(3) Somewhat important
____(2) Not sure
____(1) Not important
26. Which of the following BEST describes your total annual household income?
___(1) Under $50,000 ___(3) $150,000 - $500,000
___(2) $50,000 - $149,999 ___(4) Over $500,000
27. For how many years have you had at least one child attending Westlake Academy? _______year(s)
28. In which grades do you currently have children enrolled at Westlake Academy? (list up to five)
1st child______ 2nd child______ 3rd child______ 4th child______ 5th child______
29. How many adults are in the home? ___________ 30. How many adults in your home are employed full-time outside of the home?
_____(0) None _____(1) One _____(2) Two 31. If you have additional comments, please provide them in the space below:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU!
Please return your completed survey in the postage-paid envelope that was provided addressed to:
ETC Institute, 725 W. Frontier Circle, Olathe, KS 66061
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. An update on the Balanced Scorecard for Westlake Academy. (30 min)
b. Discussion of propose Retention Policy. (10 min)
Westlake Academy
Item # 5–
Discussion Items
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WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP / MYP / DP Meeting Date: April 2, 2013
Staff Contact: Ben Nibarger , Admin Coordinator Report
Subject: Update on the Balanced Scorecard for Westlake Academy.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Westlake Academy is in the process of aligning their strategic plan with existing resources and
capabilities utilizing the Balance Scorecard as a strategic management tool. The Board has seen
several iterations of the documentation and dashboard report. Due to restructuring in the
Westlake Academy Leadership Team, full implementation of the tool has been delayed and will
be more fully developed in the FY 2013-14 school year.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Governance direction will provide the authority and directives of the Board to the Academy staff
as it relates to administering school administrative services.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
No action necessary
ATTACHMENTS
1. Report will be delivered separately.
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: April 2, 2013
Staff Contact: Rod Harding Workshop Discussion
PYP Principal/Campus Director
Dr. Clint Calzini
Secondary Principal
Subject: Retention Policy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In conjunction with the promotion policy the Council approved in November of 2012, staff is
presenting a draft retention policy designed to allow the principals to make informed decisions
regarding the retention of students in a particular subject of coursework or by grade level.
We have discussed the draft policy as it relates to the retention of students and our
responsibilities according to the Texas Education Agency directives, and more specifically - to
Charter schools, with our legal counsel.
The criteria for retention decisions are outlined in the draft and any final policy will also be
included in the Parent / Student Handbooks. In addition to the draft policy, the specific grading
policies of the Academy will also be reviewed and should modifications be necessary – staff will
present the information to the Board at a subsequent meeting.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
The discussion of this proposed policy will help meet the needs of students enrolled in the
Academy as they move through the Primary and Secondary programs. The decisions made for
these students will relate directly to Westlake Academy’s Vision of inspiring “…students to
achieve their highest individual potential…” through retention and additional learning
opportunities if necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Policy
1
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. :
Date Board Adopted:
Date Board Amended:
Effective Date:
Policy Name: Retention of Students in Academic Programs
Policy Category: Student Achievement
Policy Goal: Guidelines for Determining Student Retention in Grades K
through 12
Policy Description:
The curriculum of Westlake Academy as an IB World School requires students to
embark on the rigorous International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) coursework
found in the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma
Programme. The curriculum content aligns with the Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills (TEKS) requirements and the IBO learning outcomes.
The curriculum and instructional programs are designed so that students complete one
grade level during each academic year. The principals are responsible for developing
guidelines and procedures to implement this intent. The Board also recognizes that a
student may progress at a slower rate such that the student is not adequately prepared
to advance to the next grade level at the end of the academic year. However, a student
will be retained only on the basis of insufficient academic achievement or a lack of
proficiency in the student’s current grade level or of a particular subject matter. In an
effort to pursue the vision of the Academy and “…inspire students to achieve their
highest individual potential,” the principals shall use the processes and information
included in this policy to make decisions related to retention.
Retention Criteria:
The principals shall review student progress at each grading quarter to identify students
who may be at risk for retention. The following criteria shall be considered to identify at-
risk students:
a. School work and achievement records for the student (internal
assessments, report cards, etc.) reflecting a class average below 70.
2
b. Recommendations from current instructors/teachers, which may include
social-emotional aspects and maturity of the student, and the student’s
attitude toward learning in order to evaluate the potential success of the
student repeating the current grade level.
c. Lack of proficiency on state-mandated assessments and/or IB
assessments.
The principal and/or a parent may initiate a request that a student be retained at the
current grade level or in a particular subject area. Upon parent request or at the
principal’s discretion, the principal will initiate a review of all data identified above.
Following the review, the parent shall be notified of the principal’s decision regarding the
appropriateness of retention. Parent notice of retention recommendations or decisions
shall be provided prior to the last day of instruction of the school year. A parent who
disagrees with the principal’s decision regarding retention may file a complaint in
accordance with the Academy’s parent complaint process.
Retention Based on Required Assessments:
A student may not be promoted to a sixth grade program if the student has not
performed satisfactorily on the fifth grade mathematics and reading assessment
instruments; and a student may not be promoted to the ninth grade program if the
student has not performed satisfactorily on the eighth grade mathematics and reading
assessment instruments unless an exception applies under the state assessment
requirements that exempts the student from administration of the fifth or eighth grade
assessments. Tex. Educ. Code § 28.0211(a); 19 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.9.
Students who have been retained in eighth grade in accordance with the grade
advancement testing requirements may earn course credit for high school graduation
during the next school year in subject areas other than the required courses in the
subject area which caused the student to be retained. 19 Tex. Admin. Code §
101.2019(a).
Exceptions for required assessments:
Texas Education Code Section 28.0211 does not require the administration of a
fifth or eighth grade assessment instrument in a subject identified in Education
Code Section 39.023(a) to a student enrolled in the fifth or eighth grade, as
applicable, if the student:
a. Is enrolled in a course in the subject intended for students above the
student’s grade level and will be administered an assessment instrument
adopted or developed under Education Code 39.023(a) that aligns with
the curriculum for the course in which the student is enrolled; or
3
b. Is enrolled in a course in the subject for which the student will receive high
school academic credit and will be administered an end-of-course
assessment instrument for the course.
Notwithstanding any other provision of Education Code Section 28.0211, a
student may not be retained based on unsatisfactory performance on an
assessment instrument not required for the student, nor may a student in fifth
grade or eighth grade be retained based on unsatisfactory performance on a
reading or mathematics assessment instrument intended for use above the
student’s current grade level. Tex. Educ. Code § 28.0211(o)–(p); 19 Tex. Admin.
Code § 101.2001(d).
Accelerated Instruction for Unsatisfactory Performance on Assessment
Instruments
Each time a student fails to perform satisfactorily on a state-mandated assessment
instrument, the Academy shall provide the student accelerated instruction in the
applicable subject area.
Accelerated instruction shall be based on, but not limited to, guide-lines on research-
based best practices and effective strategies as outlined in the GPC manual, published
annually by TEA, which schools may use for developing accelerated instruction.
Accelerated instruction may require participation of the student before or after normal
school hours and may include participation at times of the year outside normal school
operations.
Tex. Educ. Code § 28.0211(a-1); 19 Tex. Admin. Code § 101.2001(c), .2006(a)–(d).
Notice to Parents of State Assessment Performance and Accelerated Instruction
In addition to providing the accelerated instruction, the Academy shall notify the
student’s parent or guardian of:
a. The student’s failure to perform satisfactorily on the assessment
instrument;
b. The accelerated instruction program to which the student is assigned; and
c. The possibility that the student might be retained at the same grade level
for the next school year.
Whenever the Academy is required to notify a parent or guardian about the
requirements related to retention and accelerated instruction, the Academy shall make a
good-faith effort to ensure that the notice is provided either in person or by regular mail,
is clear and easy to understand, and is written in English or in the parent or guardian’s
native language. Tex. Educ. Code § 28.0211(d), (h).
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Westlake Academy
Item #6
Board Recap /
Staff Direction
Westlake Academy
Item # 7 –
Workshop
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.
CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS: This is an opportunity for citizens to
address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot
by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the
Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be
noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
Westlake Academy
Item # 2 – Citizens’
Presentations and
recognitions
CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on March 4, 2013.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 13-03, Adopting the 2013-14 and 2014-15
School Calendar and approving request for State waiver.
Westlake Academy
Item # 3 - Consent
Agenda Items
BOT Minutes 03/04/13
Page 1 of 3
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
March 4, 2013
PRESENT: President Wheat, Trustees: Michael Barrett, Clif Cox, Carol Langdon, and Rick
Rennhack.
ABSENT: David Levitan
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Tom Brymer, Assistant to the Superintendent
Amanda DeGan, Board Secretary Kelly Edwards, Primary
Principal Rod Harding, Secondary Principal Dr. Clint Calzini, and
Administrative Coordinator Ben Nibarger.
Workshop Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the workshop to order at 5:26 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Wheat led the pledge of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
3. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE MARCH 4, 2013, TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA.
Superintendent Brymer provided an overview of the Special Education policies
incorporated into the Board of Trustees policy manual.
Discussion ensued regarding the policies, discretion, and current practices.
BOT Minutes 03/04/13
Page 2 of 3
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Continuation of Discussion of the Whole School Goals.
Primary Principal Harding provided an overview and presentation regarding Spanish
and his recommendations moving forward.
Secondary Principal Calzini provided an overview and presentation regarding MYP
students failing Math and Spanish.
Discussion ensued regarding the failure rates, year-end assessments for MYP
students, a plan for failing students, the possibility of hiring an additional Spanish
teacher, utilization of online resources, STA AR assessment results, and helpful STA AR
testing tools.
b. Continuation of Student Admission Policy and lottery impact on future enrollment.
Administrative Coordinator Nibarger provided a presentation and overview of the
admissions timeline,
Discussion ensued regarding the timing of notifications to siblings, students on the
waiting list, secondary boundary students, the notice of intent to enroll, number of
students per grade, reserve spaces for primary boundary students, the number of
primary boundary enrollments after the lottery notification, and the enrollment cutoff
for Diploma Programme students.
Trustee Cox left the workshop at 6:33 p.m.
5. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Move forward with the proposed admissions timeline.
Continue with the Whole School Goals reporting.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the
workshop at 6:43 p.m.
Regular Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
President Wheat called the meeting to order at 6:43 p.m., with Trustee Cox absent.
BOT Minutes 03/04/13
Page 3 of 3
2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
Jeff Watson, 1 Paigebooke, stated that he monitors property in Westlake and provided
the number of current closings and how the building permits could affect the admissions
of students.
Marle Trivedi, 2005 Vaquero Estate Blvd, stated her concerns regarding overcrowding, by
allowing students to enroll using the building permit provision, with the new residential
subdivision that was approved by the Town Council.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes for the meeting held on February 4, 2013.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 13-02, Adopting a Special Education Policy.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to approve the consent
agenda. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 3-0.
4. BOARD CALENDAR
5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
- None
6. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee
Barrett seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 3-0.
President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON APRIL 2, 2013.
ATTEST: ____________________________
Laura Wheat, Board President
_____________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
Page 1 of 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP/MYP/DP Meeting Date: April 2, 2013
Staff Contact: Tom Brymer , Superintendent Consent
Subject: Consider a Resolution Adopting the 2012-2013 School Calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The school administration has proposed a school calendar for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school
year. The calendar meets all the requirements of the TEA for 180 instructional days less the
allotted number of staff in-service days, and early release days. The Academy reviewed
surrounding school districts calendars and consulted with the faculty for input when drafting this
calendar. Once passed by the School Board the calendar will be submitted to TEA for final
approval.
APPLICABLE STRATEGIC PLAN DESIRED OUTCOME
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community Connections
Financial Stewardship & Sustainability
Student Engagement – Extracurricular activities
Effective Educators & Staff
WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES
Academic Achievement
PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)
Caring Environment
Fiscal Stewardship
Communication/Transparency
Engaged Stakeholders
Maximizing Each Child’s Potential
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the expedited State waiver for early release and in-
service work days for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school calendar.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. 2013-14 and 2014-15 Academic School Calendars
Resolution 13-03
Page 1 of 2
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION NO. 13-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ADOPTING THE 2013-14 AND 2014-15 SCHOOL CALENDAR AND
APPROVING REQUEST FOR STATE WAIVER.
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees has considered the
proposed 2013-2014 and 2014-15 school calendar, including three annual professional
development days in lieu of instruction; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in
the best interests of the Academy and the public;
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in
the best interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and
faculty of Westlake Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1: That the Board of Trustees of Westlake Academy hereby adopts
the proposed 2013-14 and 2014-15 School Calendar (Exhibit ‘A’) and authorizes the
school administration to request the State Waiver.
SECTION 2: That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its
passage, but contingent upon approval by the TEA.
SECTION 3: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared
invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the
remaining provisions hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have
adopted this Resolution without the invalid provision.
Resolution 13-03
Page 2 of 2
SECTION 4: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date
of passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTLAKE
ACADEMY, A CHARTER SCHOOL OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, ON THE 2nd
DAY OF APRIL 2013.
_____________________________
ATTEST: Laura Wheat, President
_____________________________ ______________________________
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Janet S. Bubert or L. Stanton Lowry,
School Attorney
Sem. 1 Sem. 2 Total
90 87 177
August 2013 1 September 2013 2 October 2013 3 Date Event
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa August 12 - 14 New Teacher Orientation
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 15 - 21 All Teacher Orientation
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 22: First Day of School
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 September 2: Labor Day (No School)
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 20: Teachers Professional Day - Early Release
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 October 4: Confernces - Early Release
7 20 22 7: Teachers' Professional Day - Early Release
18: No School
November 2013 4 December 2013 5 January 2014 6 25: Secondary End of 1st Quarter (45 days)
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa November 1: Professional Development (No School)
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 25 - 29: Thanksgiving Break
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 December 23 - 31: Winter Break
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 January 1 - 3: Winter Break
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 6: Teacher Professional Day (No school)
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 16 - 22: 7 -11 Exams / PYP Summative Assess
15 15 18 20: Martin Luther King, Jr (No School)
15: Secondary End of 2nd Quarter (42 days)
February 2014 7 March 2014 8 April 2014 9
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa February 14: Teachers' Professional Day - Early Release
1 1 1 2 3 4 5 17: Presidents' Day (No School)
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 March 10-14 Spring Break
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 28: Secondary End of 3rd Quarter (41 Days)
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 April 4: Bad Weather Make Up Day
23 24 25 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 11: Confernces - Early Release
19 30 31 16 21 28: Teachers' Professional Day - Early Release
May 23: Professional Day - Student Holiday
May 2014 10 June 2014 11 July 2014 12 26: Memorial Day
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa 30: Secondary End of 4th Quarter (43 Days)
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 June 2-5: Secondary Semester Exams - Early Releas
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 5: Last Day of School
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 6: Teacher Professional Day / Bad Weather Da
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 7: Senior Commencement
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 11 - July 1 Summer School
20 4
First / Last Day of School Whole School Early Release
Early Release Days Parent/Student Conferences - Early Release
No School Semester Exams / PYP Assessments - Early Release
Professional Day - Student Holiday Secondary Exams - Early Release
Bad weather make up Senior Commencement
Academic Calendar 2013 - 2014
Westlake Academy
Sem. 1 Sem. 2 Total
90 87 177
August 2014 1 September 2014 2 October 2014 3 Date Event
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa August 11 - 13 New Teacher Orientation
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 14 - 20 All Teacher Orientation
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 21: First Day of School
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 September 1: Labor Day (No School)
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19: Teachers Professional Day - Early Release
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 October 3: Confernces - Early Release
31 7 21 22 6: Teachers' Professional Day - Early Release
17: No School
November 2014 4 December 2014 5 January 2015 6 24: Secondary End of 1st Quarter (45 days)
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa November 7: Professional Development (No School)
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 December 22 - 31: Winter Break
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 January 1 - 3: Winter Break
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 5: Teacher Professional Day (No school)
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 15 - 21: 7 -11 Exams / PYP Summative Assess
30 14 15 18 19: Martin Luther King, Jr (No School)
14: Secondary End of 2nd Quarter (41 days)
February 2015 7 March 2015 8 April 2015 9
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa February 13: Teachers' Professional Day - Early Release
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 16: Presidents' Day (Observed) (No School)
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 March 9-13 Spring Break
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 27: Secondary End of 3rd Quarter (41 Days)
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 April 3: Bad Weather Make Up Day
29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 10: Confernces - Early Release
19 17 21 27: Teachers' Professional Day - Early Release
May 22: Professional Day - Student Holiday
May 2015 10 June 2015 11 July 2015 12 25: Memorial Day
S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa S M T W Th F Sa 29: Secondary End of 4th Quarter (42 Days)
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 June 1-4: Secondary Semester Exams - Early Releas
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4: Last Day of School
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5: Teacher Professional Day / Bad Weather Da
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 6: Senior Commencement
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 10 - 30 Summer School
31 19 4
First / Last Day of School Whole School Early Release
Early Release Days Parent/Student Conferences - Early Release
No School Semester Exams / PYP Assessments - Early Release
Professional Day - Student Holiday Secondary Exams - Early Release
Bad weather make up Senior Commencement
Academic Calendar 2014 - 2015
Westlake Academy
BOARD CALENDAR
New Resident Reception; April 3, 2013; 7:00 pm
Home of Mayor Laura & Doug Wheat
MasterWorks Free Concert Series begins in April; Concert every Thursday
evening for one (1) hour; Solana Village Circle Courtyard
April 4, 2013 at 6:00 pm; Johnny D & the Doo-Wops, Old time Rock
and Roll
April 11, 2013 at 6:00 pm; BluPrint, Jazz/R&B sound
April 18, 2013 at 6:00 pm; Havana NRG, high energy Salsa/Latin band
April 25, 2013 at 6:00 pm; Vocal Trash, a “Stomp” type band with
recycling message
Alliance Development Forum - hosted by Metroport Chamber & 6 Member Cities
for Regional Promotion & Development; DFW Marriott Hotel @ Championship
Circle
April 5, 2013; 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
WHPS Historical Marker Dedication – Possum Trot School Site: Westlake’s
passion for Education Excellence – from Past to Present
April 6, 2013, 2:00 PM; WA campus-north, covered walkway
Westlake’s Annual Arbor Day
April 20, 2013 from 3-7:00 pm; Glenwyck Farms Park
Town Council Workshop & Meeting
April 22, 2013
Westlake Employee Annual Awards & Family Picnic
April 27, 2013; 4-8 pm; Circle R Ranch in Flower Mound
Westlake Academy
Item #4
Board Calendar
Vaquero Neighborhood Meeting
April 29, 2013; 7:00 pm; Home of Jason & Jo Keen
Early voting for the General & Special Elections
April 29th – May 7th; Westlake Town Hall will be a polling location during
early voting.
Board of Trustee Meeting
May 6, 2013
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or
Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future
Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the
requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting
Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the
item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff
time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member
receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing
for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item.
- None
Westlake Academy
Item # 5 –
Future Agenda
Items
Westlake Academy
Item # 6 –
Adjournment
Back up material has not
been provided for this item.