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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-14-05 BOT Agenda Packet Notice of School Board me-ling Page 1 of 2 WESTLAKE ACADEMY NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING WESTLAKE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF WESTLAKE, TEXAS: Notice is hereby given that the School Board of the Westlake Academy will meet at 6.30 p.m., on Monday,February 14,2005, in the Board Room of the Town Hall, located at 2650 J.T. Ottinger Road, in the Town of Westlake, Texas to consider the following agenda: 1. Meeting called to order and announce a quorum. 2. EXECUTIVE SESSION. A. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters. B. Reconvene into open meeting. 3. Take any necessary action with respect to Item#2 above. 4. Citizens' Presentations: 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. 5. Special Recognition: A. Present a Proclamation to the House of Commons for their service to the community. 6. Consider a Resolution regarding IB PYP Consultation and subsequent Progress Report. 7. Consider a Resolution accepting the confirmation of membership with the Council of International Schools. 8. Consider a Resolution adopting the School Calendar for 2005-2005. 9. Consent Agenda: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board 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. Review and approve minutes of the regular meeting held on December 13, 2004. B. Review and approve any outstanding bills. http://www.westlake-tx.org/agendas/sba02l4O5.htm 2/2512005 Notice of School Board me—ing Page 2 of 2 10. Adjournment. CERTIFICATION I certify that the above notice was posted on the front door of the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake,2650 J.T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, Texas, on Friday, February 11, 2005, at 5:00 p.m., der the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. I#n Dwinnell, Secretary The Board may at any time convene into executive session as authorized by Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss any item posted on the agenda 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. http://www.westlake-tx.org/agendas/sba02l4O5.htm 2/25/2005 WESTLAKE A C A D E M Y 1st PYP Progress Report as result of Consultancy Visit Narrative: Westlake Academy was grateful for the feedback from our consultant, Annie Tiziou, at the end of the Consultation visit. We learned valuable lessons from having an expert give us advice from a new perspective. We received the Consultation Report and have addressed the recommendations, when applicable, and will continue to do so. We must point out that the first recommendation that the Academy "insures that all documents requested by IBNA have been received" is Not Applicable since IBNA has all necessary documents on file and has had since August 2004. The Consultant had not checked with IBNA offices before writing her report. During the last two and a half months since the Consultation Visit, the PYP team of teachers at Westlake Academy has worked diligently on the Programme of Inquiry and the planners. Intense discussion and sharing of ideas have proved to be very fruitful and the revised Programme of Inquiry and sampling of completed Planners give testimony of the hard work and study. We have taken advantage of our regularly scheduled staff meetings as well as two early release days for students and a full day in- service day to work intensively on this aspect. Specialist teachers (Art, Music, Spanish and PE) have provided invaluable input in checking for horizontal and vertical alignment and for increasing the transdisciplinary aspect of the planners, becoming more involved in the planning and carrying out of the units of inquiry. As in any major undertaking, we also have realized that the more you know, the more you still have to do. Although that can be a frustrating realization, it is also a healthy one and teachers continue to find Central Ideas and ways of looking at their development that will result in further refining We have also put a good deal of work into developing specific criteria for measuring growth in Transdisciplinary Skills which are part of our Report Card. A team of teachers has developed a first working draft for a Portfolio Policy (enclosed herewith) and this has helped to ensure common practice. At each Staff Meeting we have included an opening session when teachers share — through written narratives, videos or photos — examples of inquiry that have taken place in their classrooms. This has been of great help to all, providing exemplars to increase understanding of inquiry and to model. When the Consultant visited Westlake Academy we were in the midst of our first major fundraising campaign which ended at the end of November. This campaign was aimed at parent participation for raising additional annual funds for operating costs to cover the difference between what we receive from the State of Texas and what we know we need to operate a successful IB programme We are pleased to report that there was 100% participation and that we are now assured of funds that will increase our ability to provide necessary resources and additional staff training. At the moment we are finalizing a list of books, CDs, etc. for an additional $20,000 for our library. A successful Book Fair in December has provided another $8,000 worth of books to support our Programme of Inquiry. The Westlake Academy Foundation has granted monies to send teachers on unscheduled 2005 staff development courses in Science and Differentiation. Plans are underway for naming a PYP Coordinator who is not the Head of School. That teacher, Elizabeth Bowie, has been sharing the coordination with the Head of School during the present school year and has been assuming many of the responsibilities for staff development. Ms Bowie came to Westlake Academy with prior PYP experience at the International School of Monte Carlo where she was took part in the authorization process but has been a full time Grade 4 classroom teacher to date. As of the 2005 -06 school year she will have a half -time teaching load and will dedicate the other half of the day to PYP Coordination. This will provide invaluable assistance to teachers. Ms Bowie will be attending a Coordinator's workshop in Vancouver at the end of February. We have also had training sessions for all teachers on the use of the OCC. Although all teachers have had their passwords since August 2004, experience tells us that unless there is hands -on practice with resources, in this case the OCC, teachers are apt to not use the resources to the maximum. We have also subscribed to a video - streaming site (available from our local Educational Resource Center) and thus increased exponentially the number of media resources to be used in the classroom. In response to our Consultant's verbal report at the end of her visit, we have also taken strides in making PYP principles and practices more evident throughout the school. Central Ideas, Planners and student questions are much more readily visible and highlighted. Planners are up in every classroom and the Units of Inquiry together with their Central Ideas are much more readily visible as one enters the rooms. This has provided a greater focus for students, staff and parents. We have also taken the suggestion to deal with some of the more content specific TEKS during school Assemblies or pod assemblies. A parent information evening is planned for February 10th and it will include testimonials from students, teachers and parents, a question and answer session, as well as outlining the programme for new parents and providing additional information and updates for parents who have been at school since the opening in September 2003. We have planned workshops for parents who have additional questions and queries. Enclosures: Updated Action Plan Planners Programme of Inquiry Response to the recommendations made by the consultant Digital photos as evidence of work on the recommendations Consultation Visit Report Westlake Academy Visit Date: November 22 -23 2004 Visitor- Annie Tiziou Head of School: Barbara Brizuela PYP Coordinator: Barbara Brizuela Introduction The Westlake Academy is an open -- enrollment Charter School which opened September 1, 2003. It is a public school and it operates under the rules of the Texas Education Agency. Whilst the Academy is required to administer state required tests such as the Texas Assessments of Knowledge and Skills (TASKS) it has embraced the IBO philosophy. Once the school's charter was approved, its founders, the Mayor and the Aldermen of the Town of Westlake, visited IB schools in the USA and in Europe to seek information before the architects would start the design. The school opened its doors in the fall of 2003 with classes from grades 1 to 6. Classes in Kindergarten and grade 7 were added in 2004 -05 and the school plans to add one grade per year until it serves all grades K -12 with the MYP (starting in grade 7) and Diploma programme All children from the Primary Geographic Boundary of the Westlake district are given priority for admission. Children from neighboring districts are given admission through a lottery system. The Academy is presently offering the PYP to 235 students. It has applied for Candidate status in February 2004. The school is located on beautiful grounds in a mostly residential area North West of Dallas. It comprises a main building organized in 3 "wings" with most classes and a lunch room, and an adjacent building that houses a full size gym, Art classes and a small theatre. The classrooms are large and functional, with movable partitions to allow team teaching. The main building is designed to allow direct access to the outdoors and each class can "move" outdoors in an enclosed area with semi - circle seating. The Town Hall which is housed in a third building and the 3 buildings form a campus with more than an architectural unity since the school shares services such as security, support for technology and some administration with the Town Hall. The school conducted a search for a Head through ECIS and Ms. Brizuela, a PYP trainer, was appointed in February 2003. She went on to hire a team of teachers who received a 3 -day on site introductory workshop, just before the school's opening. Some teachers were not asked to renew their contract and all the teachers new to the programme or to the school for the current school year were trained together in Austin in July 2004. The school appears to demonstrate a commitment to the development of international perspectives and understanding and has utilized the PYP profile to assist with this endeavor. It is obvious that the administrator and the staff are committed to the PYP philosophy and are dedicated to implementing it successfully. They have selected topics for the Programme of Inquiry and have begun to develop some central ideas and inquiries into for the units. Weekly meetings are scheduled to allow some collaborative planning and reflecting. The visitor conducted a two -day consultation visit; she interviewed the administrator, who is presently acting as PYP coordinator, the teachers and specialists, the part -time special education teacher, the part -time counselor, a group of parents. She also met briefly with the board members. She gave the administrator /PYP coordinator and the teachers some guidance to review the Programme of Inquiry as well as some guidance to implement further the PYP. Budget and resources The Westlake Academy receives all its maintenance and operation funds from the State of Texas. It received start -up grant monies from the Federal government for 3 years (pre - opening) years and school years 2003 -04 and 2004 -05) the last year being the present one. As the town of Westlake holds the charter, town bonds were used for the building (over $17.5 millions for the first phase which the school now occupies). The school cannot exist on state funds alone and a Foundation is actively raising additional funds. The library is still in its infant stage. A group of parents has received training to assist a part -time librarian and the school has a plan for development of human resources and collection. The school has chosen not to have a computer lab and each class is fitted with 2 computers. In addition, teachers can sign up for a set of "Computers On Wheels ", small portable and wireless units in a cart, thus allowing access for their class to information technologies when necessary. PYP Philosophy The school is evidently supportive of the philosophy of the PYP and it has a mission statement compatible with the philosophy and the objectives of the IBO. The pedagogical team is fully supportive of the PYP and aware that more time is needed fully implement the programme The team wrote an initial Programme of Inquiry, based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), when the school opened. This programme has since been revised and some planners are still at the initial stage at the present time. More time to develop and refine planners will be needed and future staff development regarding this area was suggested. The school plans to have a part -time PYP coordinator as of September 2005. The visitor has been able to get some evidence of some children being reflective and linking the learning happening at school with home life, also of some parents knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the finalities of the programme Commendations • The school for the close alignment between its educational beliefs and values reflected in its mission statement and published documents with the beliefs and values that drive the PYP. • The school for its commitment to developing in its students the traits reflected in the student profile (early stages). • The board of the school for making a formal decision to adopt the PYP, implement it and support it in its various aspects. • The parents for their commitment to seek additional funds to ensure the implementation of the programme after the expiration of the start -up grant from the Federal government. • The school administration for its dynamism and commitment to lead a community of learners and for providing a structure that will allow effective implementation. • The school administration for providing all staff with PYP training. • The teachers for their continued acceptance of the heavy demands placed upon their time, for their collaboration and for their dedication to making learning meaningful and significant to the students. • The teachers for their practice of assessment according to the IBO principles of assessment (some evidence observed). Recommendations • That the school insures that all documents requested by IBNA have been received (re. letter from IBNA dated 10 august 2004). • That the school continues to inform the school community about the finalities of the programme through publications, its web site and throughout the school building itself. • That the school continues to develop its library collection with the resources necessary for teachers and students in order to support inquiry. • That the school continues to revise its Program of Inquiry with attention to vertical coherence, central ideas age appropriate to children's development, and inquiry into written as statements instead of objectives. • That the school goes beyond the TEKS Texas Essential knowledge and skills and teach for conceptual understanding. • That the PYP coordinator visits authorized PYP schools upon IBNA recommendations and that teachers attend PYP regional workshops. • That the school makes sure that all teachers have a copy of the PYP programme and other relevant documents and use them as reference for their planning, also encourage them to use the OCC and to engage in discussion forums. • That the school continues to address the role of inquiry throughout the school community, not only through unit planners, but also through stand -alone subject areas • That the school makes provisions for active participation of specialists in elaboration and teaching of the transdisciplinary units of inquiry. Action As a Candidate School in the early stages of implementation, Westlake Academy will send its first progress report to the consultant by the end of February 2005. The report will include a narrative on the progress made and the difficulties encountered an updated action plan, copies of at least one completed planner per grade level and a response to the recommendations made by the consultant. Within 30 days the consultant will respond to the report. Westlake Academy will submit its 2nd progress report to the consultant by the end of April 2005 and an authorization visit could be planned in the Fall of 2005. NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TO THE CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF WESTLAKE, TEXAS: Notice is hereby given that the School Board of the Westlake Academy will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2005, in the Board Room of the Town Hall, located at 2650 J.T. Ottinger Road, in the Town of Westlake, Texas to consider the following agenda: 1. Meeting called to order and announce a quorum. 2. EXECUTIVE SESSION. _A. The Board will conduct a closed session under Texas Government Code section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters. B. Reconvene into open meeting. 3. Take any necessary action with respect to Item #2 above. 4. Citizens' Presentations: 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. 5. Special Recognition: A. Present a Proclamation to the House of Commons for their service to the community. 6. Consider a Resolution regarding IB PYP Consultation and subsequent Progress Report. 7. Consider a Resolution accepting the confirmation of membership with the Council of International Schools 8. Consider a Resolution adopting the School Calendar for 2005-2006. 9. Consent Agenda: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board 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. Review and approve minutes of the regular meeting held on December 13, 2004. B. Review and approve any outstanding bills. 10. Adj ourmnent. CERTIFICATION I certify that the above notice was posted on the front door of the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 2650 J.T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, Texas, on Friday, February 11, 2005, at 3: p.m., under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. an Dwmnell, Secretary The Board may at any time convene into executive session as authorized by Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss any item posted on the agenda If you planto attend thispublic 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 TO: Board of Directors, Westlake Academy FROM: Barbara Brizuela, Head of School DATE: February 8, 2005 SUBJECT: Meeting on February 14, 2005 ITEM: Consider a resolution to accept the PYP Consultation Visit Report and Reply RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval. BACKGROUND: The Academy had the first Consultation Visit from the IBO/PYP in November and we have recently received the report. The purpose of a Consultancy visit is to provide a blueprint for future improvement. Westlake Academy received a high number of commendations for a first visit. The Head of School and the Academy Staff have already begun addressing the recommendations of the Consultant. The First Progress Report should be sent by the end of February, the Second Progress Report by the end of April and Application, Part B needed before Authorization will be submitted before June lsc This report does not affect the budget. TOWN OF WESTLAKE RESOLUTION NO. 05-01 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY ACCEPTING THE PYP CONSULTATION VISIT REPORT AND REPLY: WHEREAS, the Town of Westlake Board of Aldermen accepts the report from the PYP Consultation Visit and the reply from Westlake Academy. WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen finds that the passage .of this Resolution is in the best interest of the Academy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY: SECTION 1. That the Board of Directors of Westlake Academy hereby accepts the PYP Consultation Visit Report and Westlake Academy's reply. SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its passage. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2005. ATTEST: Jean Dwinnell, Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: L. Stanton Lowry, Attorney Scott Bradley, Chairman Trent Petty, Chief Executive Officer Consultation Visit Report Westlake Academy Visit Date: November 22-23 2004 Visitor: Annie Tiziou Head of School: Barbara Brizuela PYP Coordinator: Barbara Brizuela Introduction The Westlake Academy is an open --enrollment Charter School which opened September 1, 2003. It is a public school and it operates under the rules of the Texas Education Agency. Whilst the Academy is required to administer state required tests such as the Texas Assessments of Knowledge and Skills (TASKS) it has embraced the IBO philosophy. Once the school's charter was approved, its founders, the Mayor and the Aldermen of the Town of Westlake, visited IB schools in the USA and in Europe to seek information before the architects would start the design. The school opened its doors in the fall of 2003 with classes from grades 1 to 6. Classes in Kindergarten and grade 7 were added in 2004-05 and the school plans to add one grade per year until itserves all grades K-12 with the MYP (starting in grade 7) and Diploma programme. All children from the Primary Geographic Boundary of the Westlake district are given priority for admission. Children from neighboring districts are given admission through a lottery system. The Academy is presently offering the PYP to 235 students. It has applied for Candidate status in February 2004. The school is located on beautiful grounds in a mostly residential area North West of Dallas. It comprises a main building organized in 3 "wings" with most classes and a lunch room, and an adjacent building that houses a full size gym, Art classes and a small theatre. The classrooms are large and functional, with movable partitions to allow team teaching. The main building is designed to allow direct access to the outdoors and each class can "move" outdoors in an enclosed area with semi -circle seating. The Town Hall which is housed in a third building and the 3 buildings form a campus with more than an architectural unity since the school shares services such as security, support for technology and some administration with the Town Hall. The school conducted a search for a Head through ECIS and Ms. Brizuela, a PYP trainer, was appointed in February 2003. She went on to hire a team of teachers who received a 3 -day on site introductory workshop, just before the school's opening. Some teachers were not asked to renew their contract and all the teachers new to the programme or to the school for the current school year were trained together in Austin in July 2004. The school appears to demonstrate a commitment to the development of international perspectives and understanding and has utilized the PYP profile to assist with this endeavor. It is obvious that the administrator and the staff are committed to the PYP philosophy and are dedicated to implementing it successfully. They have selected topics for the Programme of Inquiry and have begun to develop some central ideas and inquiries into for the units. Weekly meetings are scheduled to allow some collaborative planning and reflecting. The visitor conducted a two-day consultation visit; she interviewed the administrator, who is presently acting as PYP coordinator, the teachers and specialists, the part-time special education teacher, the part-time counselor, a group of parents. She also met briefly with the board members. She gave the administrator/PYP coordinator and the teachers some guidance to review the Programme of Inquiry as well as some guidance to implement further the PYP. Budget and resources The Westlake Academy receives all its maintenance and operation funds from the State of Texas. It, received start-up grant monies from the Federal government for 3 years (pre- opening) years and school years 2003-04 and 2004-05) the last year being the present one. As the town of Westlake holds the charter, town bonds were used for the building (over $17.5 millions for the first phase which the school now occupies). The school cannot exist on state funds alone and a Foundation is actively raising additional funds. The library is still: in its infant stage. A group of parents has received training to assist a part-time librarian and the school has a plan for development of human resources and collection. The school has chosen not to have a computer, lab and each class is fitted with 2 computers. In addition, teachers can sign up for a set of "Computers On Wheels", small portable and wireless units in a cart, thus allowing access for their class to information technologies when necessary. PYP Philosophy The school is evidently supportive of the philosophy of the PYP and it has a mission statement compatible with the philosophy and the objectives of the IBO. The pedagogical team is fully supportive of the PYP and aware that more time is needed fully implement the programme. The team wrote an initial Programme of Inquiry, based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), when the school opened. This programme has since been revised and some planners are still at the initial stage at the present time. More time to develop and refine planners will be needed and future staff development regarding this area was suggested. The school plans to have a part-time PYP coordinator as of September 2005. The visitor has been able to get some evidence of some children being reflective and linking the learning happening at school with home life, also of some parents knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the finalities of the programme. Commendations • The school for the close alignment between its educational beliefs and values reflected in its mission statement and published documents with the beliefs and values that drive the PYP. • The school for its commitment to developing in its students the traits reflected in the student profile (early stages). • The board of the school for making a formal decision to adopt the PYP, implement it and support it in its various aspects. • The parents for their commitment to seek additional funds to ensure the implementation of the programme after the expiration of the start-up grant from the Federal government. • The school administration for its dynamism and commitment to lead a community of learners and for providing a structure that will allow effective implementation. • The school administration for providing all staff with PYP training. • The teachers for their continued acceptance of the heavy demands placed upon their time, for their collaboration and for their dedication to making learning meaningful and significant to the students. • The teachers for their practice of assessment according to the IBO principles of assessment (some evidence observed). Recommendations • That the school insures that all documents requested by IBNA have been received (re. letter from IBNA dated 10 august 2004). • That the school continues to inform the school community about the finalities of the programme through publications, its web site and throughout the school building itself. • That the school continues to develop its library collection with the resources necessary for teachers and students in order to support inquiry. • That the school continues to revise its Program of Inquiry with attention to vertical coherence, central ideas age appropriate to children's development, and inquiry into written as statements instead of objectives. • That the school goes beyond the TEKS Texas Essential knowledge and skills and teach for conceptual understanding. • That the PYP coordinator visits authorized PYP schools upon IBNA recommendations and that teachers attend PYP regional workshops. + That the school makes sure that all teachers have a copy of the PYP programme and other relevant documents and use them as reference for their planning, also encourage them to use the OCC and to engage in discussion forums. + That the school continues to address the role of inquiry throughout the school community, not only through unit planners, but also through stand-alone subject areas • That the school makes provisions for active participation of specialists in elaboration and teaching of the transdisciplinary units of inquiry. Action As a Candidate School in the early stages of implementation, Westlake Academy will send its first progress report to the consultant by the end of February 2005. The report will include a narrative on the progress made and the difficulties encountered an updated action plan, copies of at least one completed planner per grade level and a response to the recommendations made by the consultant. Within 30 days the consultant will respond to the report. Westlake Academy will submit its 2"d progress report to the consultant by the end of April 2005 and an authorization visit could be planned in the Fall of 2005. WESTLAKE A C A D E M Y I" PYP Prollress Report as result of Consultancy Visit Narrative: Westlake Academy was grateful for the feedback from our consultant, Annie Tiziou, at the end of the Consultation visit. We learned valuable lessons from having an expert give us advice from a new perspective. We received the Consultation Report and have addressed the recommendations, when applicable, and will continue to do so. We must point out that the first recommendation that the Academy "insures that all documents requested by IBNA have been received" is Not Applicable since IBNA has all necessary documents on file and has had since August 2004. The Consultant had not checked with IBNA offices before writing her report. During the last two and a half months since the Consultation Visit, the PYP team of teachers at Westlake Academy has worked diligently on the Programme of Inquiry and the planners. Intense discussion and sharing of ideas have proved to be very fruitful and the revised Programme. of Inquiry and sampling of completed Planners give testimony of the hard work and study. We have taken advantage of our regularly scheduled staff meetings as well as two early release days for students and a full day in-service day to work intensively on this aspect. Specialist teachers (Art, Music, Spanish and PE) have provided: invaluable input in checking for horizontal and vertical alignment and for increasing the transdisciplinary aspect of the planners, becoming more involved in the - planning and carrying out of the units of inquiry. As in any major undertaking, we also have realized that the more you know, the more you still have to do. Although that can be a fiustrating realization, it is also a healthy one and teachers continue to find Central Ideas and ways of looking at their development that will result in further refining. We have also put a good deal of work into developing specific criteria for measuring growth in Transdisciplinary Skills which are part of our Report Card. A team of teachers has developed a first working draft for a Portfolio Policy (enclosed herewith) and this has helped to ensure common practice. At each Staff Meeting we have included an opening session when teachers share — through written narratives, videos or photos — examples of inquiry that have taken place in their classrooms. This has been of great help to all, providing exemplars to increase understanding of inquiry and to model. When the Consultant visited Westlake Academy we were in the midst of our first major fundraising campaign which ended at the end of November. This campaign was aimed at parent participation for raising additional annual funds for operating costs to cover the difference between what we receive from the State of Texas and what we know we need to operate a successful IB programme. We are pleased to report that there was 100% participation and that we are now assured of funds that will increase our ability to provide necessary resources and additional staff training. At the moment we are finalizing a list of books, CDs, etc. for an additional $20,000 for our library. A successful Book Fair in December has provided another $8,000 worth of books to support our Programme of Inquiry. The Westlake Academy Foundation has granted monies to send teachers on unscheduled 2005 staff development courses in Science and Differentiation. Plans are underway for naming a PYP Coordinator who is not the Head of School. That teacher, Elizabeth Bowie, has been sharing the coordination with the Head of School during the present school year and has been assuming many of the responsibilities for staff development. Ms Bowie came to Westlake Academy with prior PYP experience at the International School of Monte Carlo where she was took part in the authorization process but has been a full time Grade 4 classroom teacher to date. As of the 2005-06 school year she will have a half-time teaching load and will dedicate the other half of the day to PYP Coordination. This will provide invaluable assistance to teachers. Ms Bowie will be attending a Coordinator's workshop in Vancouver at the end of February. We have also had training sessions for all teachers on the use of the OCC. Although all teachers have had their passwords since August 2004, experience tells us that unless there is hands-on practice with resources, in this case the OCC, teachers are apt to not use the resources to the maximum. We have also subscribed to a video -streaming site (available from our local Educational Resource Center) and thus increased exponentially the number of media resources to be used in the classroom. In response to our Consultant's verbal report at the end of her visit, we have also taken strides in making PYP principles and practices more evident throughout the school. Central Ideas; Planners and student questions are much more readily visible and highlighted. Planners are up in every classroom and the Units of Inquiry together with their Central Ideas are much more readily visible as one enters the rooms. This has provided a greater focus for students, staff and parents. We have also taken the suggestion to deal with some of the more content specific TEKS during school Assemblies or pod assemblies. A parent information evening is planned for February 10th and it will include testimonials from students, teachers and parents, a question and answer session, as well as outlining the programme for new parents and providing additional information and updates for parents who have been at school since the opening in September 2003. We have planned workshops for parents who have additional questions and queries. Enclosures: Updated Action Plan Planners Programme of Inquiry Response to the recommendations made by the consultant Digital photos as evidence of work on the recommendations WESTLAKE ACADEMY MEMO TO: Board of Directors, Westlake Academy FROM: Barbara Brizuela, Head of School DATE: February 8, 2005 SUBJECT: Meeting on February 14, 2005 ITEM: Consider a resolution to accept the Academy's Regular Membership with the Council of International Schools RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval. In December, the Academy had a membership visit from the Council of International Schools. Upon submission of the report, CIS has extended to Westlake Academy an invitation of Regular Membership. The cost of membership for one year is $750. Part of that total was paid in September as Prospective Member dues. This amount has been accounted for in the 2004-05 school budget. TOWN OF WESTLAKE RESOLUTION NO. 05-02 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY ACCEPTING THE CONFIRMATION OF MEMBERSHIP WITH THE COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS: WHEREAS, the Town of Westlake Board of Aldermen recognizes the letter of confirmation for Regular Membership with the Council of International Schools. WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best interest of the Academy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY: SECTION 1. That the Board of Directors of Westlake Academy hereby accepts the confirmation letter from the Council of International Schools SECTION 2 That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its passage. PASSED, AND APPROVED ON THIS 14' DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2005. ATTEST: Jean Dwinnell, Secretary L. Stanton Lowry, Attorney Scott Bradley, Chairman Trent Petty, Chief Executive Officer 13 January 2005 Ms Barbara Brizuela Head Westlake Academy 2600 Ottinger Road Westlake, TX 76262 USA Dear Barbara COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS 21 a Lavant Street, Petersfield Hampshire GU32 3EL, UK Tel +44 1730 263131 Fax +44 1730 268913 E-mail cois@cois.org Internet www.cois.org .,We_.have received -the membership visit report from David Watson, and have pleasure in confirming your Regular Membership with the Council of International Schools. -par ,.,,In ticular:,Mr---W.atson w-mmented on the "pleasant and dynamic learning atmosphere of ,the school :.....:and the commitment of the school authorities to educational quality and long term vision". While thev Sthett visit was held jointly behalf of CIS and ECIS, latter reviews your Membership application I , I separately, and will communicate their decision in due course. Welcome to CIS Membership, and we look forward to helping you achieve a continuous improvement in .the learning environment for the students in your care. You are now entitled to the full range of CIS services, and to note CIS Membership on your stationery. irector Cc: Dixie McKay/ECIS David Watson Jim McKay/ Katherine White/ Gerry Percy/ Alan Conkey/ Nancy Maly WESTLAKE ACADEMY I0 43,1911 TO: Board of Directors, Westlake Academy FROM: Barbara Brizuela, Head of School DATE: February 8, 2005 SUBJECT: Meeting on February 14, 2005 ITEM: Consider a resolution to accept the proposed 2005-06 school calendar RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval. BACKGROUND: The school administration has proposed a school calendar for the 2005-06 school year. The calendar meets all the requirements of the TEA for 180 instructional days minus the allotted number of staff In Service days, early release days and start date. Once passed by the School Board the calendar will be submitted to TEA for final approval. This report does not affect the budget. TOWN OF WESTLAKE RESOLUTION NO. 05-03 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY AUTHORIZING THE 2005-06 SCHOOL CALENDAR: WHEREAS, the Town of Westlake Board of Aldermen approves the proposed 2005-06 school calendar and the State Expedited Waiver for three Staff Development Days and six Early Release Days. WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best interest of the Academy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY: SECTION 1. That the Board of Directors of Westlake Academy hereby adopts the 2005-06 Proposed School Calendar and State Waiver Request. SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its passage but contingent upon approval by the TEA. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2005. Scott Bradley, Chairman ATTEST: Jean Dwinnell, Secretary Trent Petty, Chief Executive Officer L. Stanton Lowry, Attorney WESTLAKE ACADEMY l CALENDAR ,. w 200 5-06 Pendin TE Aivroval r Cagan FS S 7 rr0�dpp T �rrrr�ro© Q©D�mm® _ F S 1 mmmmrrr 21 22 23'::24 �rrr�pp rr=rrr® w; IM 19 '20 21 22 26 27 28 29 23 ,m 30 8 9 ® MEMMMEMM 13 14 ,16`' 16 17'm 101 mmmmmmm 18 m�®mmmm 20 21 23 mmmmmmm mrrmirr�r 26 27 L29 30 m®mm�rm EM J28 w3m mm =MWIN WESTLAKE ACADEMY l CALENDAR ,. w 200 5-06 Pendin TE Aivroval r Cagan FS S 7 rr0�dpp T �rrrr�ro© Q©D�mm® _ F S 1 mmmmrrr 21 22 23'::24 25 rr=rrr® w; IM 19 '20 21 22 26 27 28 29 WESTLAKE ACADEMY l CALENDAR ,. w 200 5-06 Pendin TE Aivroval Cagan wi 1 S M T �rrrr�ro© T _ F S rrrr��p 21 3 4 w; IM 19 '20 21 22 26 27 28 29 23 ,m 30 8 9 ® MEMMMEMM 13 14 ,16`' 16 17'm 101 mmmmmmm 18 m�®mmmm 20 21 23 mmmmmmlu mrrmirr�r 26 27 L29 30 WESTLAKE ACADEMY l CALENDAR ,. w 200 5-06 Pendin TE Aivroval 0 First/Last Day of School Student/Staff Holiday A Early Release 0 Staff Development/Student Holiday Cagan 491 S M T �rrrr�ro© T _ F S rrrr��p 21 3 4 w; IM 19 '20 21 22 26 27 28 29 23 ,m 30 8 9 10 11 12 mc�c�r�r�nm 14 m mmmmmmm 18 m�®mmmm 20 21 23 24 mrrmirr�r 26 27 L29 30 �r�rrrr�o EM J28 w3m 0 First/Last Day of School Student/Staff Holiday A Early Release 0 Staff Development/Student Holiday 1111110-, 491 S M T �rrrr�ro© T _ F S rrrr��p 21 3 4 w; IM 19 '20 21 22 26 27 28 29 23 ,m 30 8 0 First/Last Day of School Student/Staff Holiday A Early Release 0 Staff Development/Student Holiday 1111110-, 491 S M T W T _ F S rrrr��p 21 3 4 5 —6-7 mmmmmmm 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 m mmmmmmm 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 L29 30 �rrr®rte EM J28 w3m 0 First/Last Day of School Student/Staff Holiday A Early Release 0 Staff Development/Student Holiday MITI JANUARY •: S M T W T _ F S 1 21 3 4 5 —6-7 mmmmmmm 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 m mmmmmmm 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 L29 30 31 EM J28 w3m MITI JANUARY •: S M T W T _ F S 1 21 3 4 5 —6-7 mmmmmmm 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 m 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 L29 30 31 EM J28 w3m mm =MWIN Staff Development or Bad Weather Day .Bad Weather/Regular School Day (Still have 3 half days to use if approved by TEA) s •: r�r=�© I29 mmmmmmm onn000Sam mm®m®mm m �®�rrrr �mm®®®m mama EM w3m Staff Development or Bad Weather Day .Bad Weather/Regular School Day (Still have 3 half days to use if approved by TEA) Total Days of Instruction 177 s •: r�r=�© mmmmmmm onn000Sam mm®m®mm m �®�rrrr �mm®®®m Total Days of Instruction 177 FEBRUARY onn000Sam m �®�rrrr �mm®®®m Total Days of Instruction 177 onn000Sam m �mm®®®m mama EM w3m mm =MWIN Total Days of Instruction 177 TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY STATE WAIVERS APPLICATION FOR EXPEDITED AND GENERAL STATE WAIVERS General Instructions. For Expedited Waivers, please complete Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4. For General State Waivers, please complete Sections 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7. Bolded items in Section 2 and Section 3 must be completed. Please direct questions to the State Waiver Unit at (512) 463-9630 or www.tea.state.tx.us/waivers. SECTION 1. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION FOR ALL WAIVERS. District Name: Westlake Academy (Charter School) County/District No. 220 - 810 Address: 2600 Ottinger Rd., Westlake, TX 76262 Telephone No. ( 817 - 490 - 5757 Fax No. ( 817) - 490 - 5758 Contact Person: Darcy McFarlane Telephone No. ( 817 490 - 5757 SECTION 2. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION FOR ALL WAIVERS. Superintendent: Trent Petty Typed Name Signature , Board President: Scott Bradley fill( Typed Name Signature Date Board Approval: SECTION 3. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION FOR ALL WAIVERS. Comments of appropriate Site -Based Decision Making Committee: see attached SBDM Committee Chairperson Signature SECTION 4. EXPEDITED WAIVERS. PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY. E Staff Development Waiver, pursuant to Texas Education Code (TEC) §25.081. This waiver allows the district to train staff my Various educational strategies designed to improve student performance in lieu of a maximum. ofthree days,of student.- instruction. Please state the number of days requested Please .check the years requested: 02004-2005 02005-2006 02006-2007 ❑ Reading/English Language Arts; Mathematics; Science; and/or Social Studies Staff Development Waiver;'pursuant to TEC'§25.081. cThis waiver allows the district to conduct additional staff training for reading/english language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies strategies aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in lieu ofa maximum of two days of student instruction. Please check the number of days requested: ❑ Reading/English Language Arts ❑ Mathematics ❑Science_ ❑ Social Studies_ Please check the years requested: 02004-2005 ❑2005-2006 ❑2006-2007 ❑ Staff Development through Participation in Eligible Conferences Waiver, pursuant to TEC §25.081. This waiver allows the district to send staff to eligible conferences for staff development to improve student performance in lieu of one day of student instruction. Please check the years requested: ❑2004-2005 ❑2005-2006 ❑2006-2007 ❑ Early Release Waiver, pursuant to TEC §25.082. This waiver allows the district to conduct school for less than seven (7) hours for a total of six (6) days of student instruction to provide additional training in educational methodologies and/or to provide time to meet the needs of students and local communities. Please state the number of days requested. 6 Please check the years requested: ❑2004-2005 E2005-2006 ❑2006-2007 ❑ Modified Schedule/TAKS Testing Days Waiver, pursuant to TEC §25.082. This waiver allows the district to modify the schedule of classes on TAKS testing days during the current school year to reduce interruptions during testing periods. This waiver is approved yearly. CDD -106R05 SECTION 4. EXPEDITED WAIVERS. O Textbooks for Photojournalism, Astronomy and Human Geography pursuant to TEC §7.056. This waiver allows the district reimbursement for the purchase of non -state adopted textbooks used in Photojournalism and Astronomy courses for which no textbooks were adopted by the state. Reimbursement is equal to the state maximum cost or the cost of the textbook, whichever is lower. Please check the years requested: ❑2004-2005 ❑2005-2006 02006-2007 SECTION 5. GENERAL WAIVER. Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs, pursuant to TEC 37.008(g). This waiver allows the district to use more than 18% of the district's SCE allotment to provide basic services for disciplinary alternative education programs established under Section 37.008. The school district is required to state the reason for needing to exceed the 18% limit and to report the number of students in each grade level, by demographic subgroup, not making satisfactory progress under the state's assessment system. This waiver is granted for one year and the waiver must be renewed in writing prior to the start of the school year through the Texas Education Agency waiver office for each subsequent year, in accordance with TEA policies and deadlines for filing. Please state the total percentage of the district's SCE allotment that is being requested to provide basic services at the DAEP. SECTION 6. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SECTION FOR GENERAL WAIVERS. Please check one: OCourse Requirement. ❑Pregnancy Related Services Break -In -Service ❑Disciplinary Alternative Education. Campus ❑Pregnancy Related Services On -Campus CEHI ❑Foreign Exchange Student ❑Study of Electronic Courses ❑Other Specify SECTION 7. ,COMPLETE THIS SECTION FOR ALL WAIVERS OTHER THAN EXPEDITED WAIVERS. PLEASE USE SEPARATE PAGE. 1. Give a brief narrative description of the requested waiver. 2..'..Does.the district or, campus plan reflect the need for this waiver? If yes, what is the specific objective impacted by the waiver? 3 ,;Cite Shy. Texas;Education:Gc.de<or.the Texas Administration Code that the district or campus wishes to waive? 4. Describe the plan to be implemented, if the waiver is granted. 5: ' :How -will granting this waiver help achieve the district or campus's objective? ;6. ; Pleasee explain how the schooldistrict or campus will evaluate the impact of the waiver towards meeting the district or campus's goal. 7. Please specify the school years for which the waiver is requested, to a maximum of three years. E12004-2005[12005-200602006-2007 All applications should be mailed or faxed. The fax number is (512) 475-3666. State Waiver Unit Texas Education Agency 1701 North Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701-1494 Phone (512) 463-9630 CDD -106R05 Westlake Academy Section 3. As an open -enrollment charter school offering the IB, PYP and MYP, Westlake Academy needs to have many opportunities for staff development. As our school day is longer than the norm and curriculum offerings broad we feel -the students will benefit by these measures. 2600 JT Ottinger Road • Westlake, Texas 76262 Metro: 817-490-5757 . Fax: 817-490-5758 + www.westlakeacademy.org MINUTES OF THE DRAFT WESTLAKE ACADEMY SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP AND MEETING December l3, 2004 Present: Scott Bradley, President Buddy Brown, Member Bill Frey, Member Fred Held, Member Don Redding, Member Larry Sparrow, Member Trent Petty, CEO Barbara Brizuela, Head of School Ginger Crosswy, Secretary Absent: No one Item #1: President Bradley -called the workshop to order at 3:05 p.m. by announcing a quorum. Item #2: Hear and discuss a report from the President of the Westlake Academy Foundation Board concerning the Blacksmith Apprentice Program. President Bradley introduced Mr. Rick Rennhack who told the Board that the program has generated $255,000 which includes the matching funds. 85% of the Academy families participated with 100 % participation from the Town employees and Academy employees. There were 27 Academy families who did not participate and after the first of the year they will be contacted to find out if this issue should be addressed differently next year. Item #3: Hear and discuss a report from the Head of School concerning the use of funds received from the Blacksmith Apprentice Program for current school year 2004-05. Ms. Brizuela stated that these funds would be used for operations to cover the budget shortfall. She said that she would like to hire one additional teacher but she intends to stay within the budget. She told the Board that the Book Fair was a huge success in selling over $10,000 in books to 167 students. The Academy will receive 25% of this in cash and $1300.00 in kind. She reported that there would be a sports camp held during the Christmas vacation, spring break and the summer break as well. The Academy will be starting a math program in the near future as an after school program. Item #4: Hear and discuss a report from the Head of School concerning the recent IBO and ECIS visits. Ms. Brizuela said the 1130 consultant was here for a PYP visit on November 22 and 23. She stated this was a very productive visit and proceeded to give the Board the steps that would be followed to obtain the IBO designation for the Academy. She then explained that the Academy has submitted a membership application to the ECIS and that was the reason for their visit. Item #5: Discuss desirability of establishing an early childhood center for three and four year old children. President Bradley told the Board he placed this item on the agenda to get everyone's opinion before pursuing this matter. He said there are several questions that will have to be answered before it will be known if this is even possible and he would like the Board's direction before he begins this process. After a lengthy discussion the Board asked President Bradley to gather information regarding these questions and put this item on a future agenda to discuss again. Item #6: Hear and discuss a report from the CEO on the legislative agenda. Mr. Petty spoke outlining the items that he sees as the important matters that Ms. Jody Richardson, the Town's lobbyist, should concentrate on this year. Mr. Brown left during this item. Item #7: Hear and discuss a report from the CEO and the Head of School concerning schedule and financing of future staffing and campus expansion. Ms. Brizuela stated that as the older students reach the 12th grade there will be policy decisions to be made regarding the funding of the IBO exams. The Academy can either charge the student for -the cost or seek outside funding. Mr. Petty briefly explained his ideas for classroom expansion during the next two school years. Item #8: Discuss future planning issues for staff consideration. President Bradley asked for anyone's .ideas or comments regarding the future of the Academy. There were several ideas mentioned including an exchange program for 5th graders, a career fair, and a sister school program. Item #9: The workshop was recessed at 5:45 p.m. Item #10: The Board reconvened into the regular meeting at 6:05 p.m. Item #11: The Board recessed into executive session at 6:07 p.m. as President Bradley read the items to be discussed. The Board reconvened into open session at 6:09 p.m. Item #12: There was no action needed coming out of executive session. Item #13: Citizens' Presentations: Kelly and Mark Mayhew, of 2650 Dove Road spoke regarding the policy stating that if a family moves out of Westlake their child has to go into the lottery the next year. They have lived in Westlake for 3 years and have a child who started kindergarten this year. They would like there to be some time limit that if a family lives in Westlake and a child attends the Academy for a certain time period the child would be allowed to stay in the Academy if the family has to move out of Town. Item #14: Special Recognition: This item was moved to a future agenda. Item #15: Hear and discuss a report from the President of the Westlake Academy Foundation Board concerning the Blacksmith Apprentice Program. Mr. Rennhack gave the Board an update on the program stating that at the next Foundation meeting he is going to put forth a motion that the Foundation write a check to the Academy for $100,000. (See Item #3 for details.) The Board thanked Mr. Rennhack and his committee for their efforts given to this program. Mr. Rennhack thanked Mr. Petty and Ms. Carolyn Sims for their work as well. Item 416: Consider a Resolution approving the annual audit report from Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. for FY 2003/04. President Bradley stated that the representative from Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. has not arrived due to traffic problems and this item will be moved to a later time on the agenda. Item #17: Consider a Resolution adopting an amendment to the Parent/Student Handbook. Ms. Brizuela explained this item to the Board. Ms. Brizuela was asked if the section of the amendment that reads "Girls in Grades 1 - 7" could be changed to "1 - 12" so it would not have to be amended again next year. Ms. Brizuela directed the Secretary to change "1-7" to read "1 onward". There was a motion by Mr. Frey, seconded by Mr. Redding, to adopt Resolution No. 04-16 with the noted correction. There was no further discussion and the motion carried unanimously. Item #18: Consent Agenda. There was a motion by Mr. Held, seconded by Mr. Sparrow, to approve the consent agenda which included the following: A.. Review. and approve minutes of the regular meeting held on November 22, 2004. B. Review and approve any outstanding bills. ;There was no discussion and the motion carried unanimously. Item #16: Mr. Jerry Gaither with Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P. arrived at this time and Mr. Petty introduced him to the Board. Mr. Gaither gave a report on the annual audit for FY 2003/04. that has just been completed. There was a motion by Mr. Redding, seconded by Mr. Held, to adopt Resolution No. 04-15 which approves the annual audit. After a short discussion the motion carried unanimously. Item #19: There was a motion by Mr. Held, seconded by Mr. Frey, to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Approved by the School Board on , 2004. Scott Bradley, President I� Ginger Crosswy, Secretary AL • Academy Fund 647-23-2941 Checks issued in January 2005 Blue Cross Blue Shield $5,088.45 Premiums 1476 Borden $260.87 Milk Purchases 1477 Dental Select $185.14 Premiums 1478 Federal Express $11.10 Shipping 1479 Fleet Capital $232.88 , CoperLease 1480 Dana Guruprasad $136.63 Classroom Supplies 1481 Henry Brother $170.00 Security Supplies 1482 Learning Partners .$270.00 Language Therapy 1483 Office Depot $682.33 Classroom & Office Supplies 1484 Peak Educational $1,300.00 Student Evaluations 1485 Margaret Schmitz $50.42 Classroom Supplies 1486 Town of Westlake $1,547.84 Gas & Water Invoices 1487 Unum Life Insurance $93.50 Premiums 1488 Weaver Tidwell $2,500.00 Audit 1489 daniella White $311.67 Classroom & Office Supplies 1490 Susan Shields $1,405.00 Student Evaluations 1491 Aviva Life Insurance $254.00 Annuity Payment 1492 Fidelity Investments $200.00 Annuity Payment 1493 Metropolitan Life Insurance $25.00 Annuity Payment 1494 Transamerica Life Insurance $100.00 Annuity Payment 1495 USAA $500.00 Annuity Payment 1496 Vanguard Group $100.00 Annuity Payment 1497 Dallas Symphony $235.00 Field Trip 1498 Aviva Life Insurance $254.00 Annuity Payment 1499 Fidelity Investments $200.00 Annuity Payment 1500 Metropolitan Life Insurance $25.00 Annuity Payment 1501 Transamerica Life Insurance $100.00 Annuity Payment 1502 USAA $500.00 Annuity Payment 1503 Vanguard Group $100.00 Annuity Payment 1504, TOTAL $16,838.83 Fund 199 - General $11,572.88 Fund 224 - Grant $1,570.00 Fund 258 - Grant $3,508.90 Fund 287 - Grant $187.05 Fund 411 -Technology $0.00 TOTAL $16,838.83 1 of 1 2/9/2005 11:06 AM N KELLER SCHOOL DISTRICT Sunday, March 13, 2005 ( 388 Employees want to keep job perk Keller school district teach- ers and administrators would be allowed to -enroll their children in the schools where they work under a pro- posal by Super- intendent fames veiten- heimer. Trustees are expected to discuss the rec- ommendation Monday night. Melhart The trustees voted last month to close 10 schools to transfers, including children of employees who live outside the district or in the attendance zone of another school. But teachers asked the trustees to let them keep one of the few job perks they said they receive. Under the proposal, the chil- dren could transfer to any cam- pus where the parent works unless adding the child would require a class size waiver, hir- ing an additional teacher or leasing a portable building. The Texas Education Agency must grant a waiver for classes from kindergarten to grade four that have more than 22 students per teacher. Academic Decabdw As Keller High School stu- dents prepare to go to Chicago in April to compete in the national Academic Decathlon, future academic decathletes competed recently in the Keller district's elementary schools. Heritage and Whitley Road elementary schools tied for the grand championship in the district's UIL academic competition Feb. 26. Both schools received a trophy. All 15 elementary schools in the district competed. Kelly McUmt covers the Keller school district, (80 6853854 t nwffion@starreteg W"XGm -..t 9 yy. Y &X4" X940 mnMirfilnm";---qR t" Hills Xi`R '�" , .: al-01- '.:110, 10 1 8 ."i. rzxi .1125=32:55' dv � Y � y M *Kt MR REX,OWN. - - - - - - - - - X335-'15;45��' . . . . . . . . ivfT�i HIsI a llol :k X5 4 535 , URpSE� O uASsEtIIB, ., .rr f..