HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-12-06 BOT Agenda PacketWESTLAKE ACADEMY
SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP
JUNE 129 2006
5:00 P.M.
TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM
2650 J. T. OTTINGER ROAD
1. CALL TO ORDER.
2. DISCUSS PROPOSED ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 2010 STRATEGIC PLAN (SEE
THE ATTACHED DRAFT STATEMENT WHICH WILL FORM THE
BASIS FOR THE DISCUSSION).
The Board will receive input from the public. If you are unable to attend, you
may submit written comments addressed to the President of the School Board.
3. ADJOURNMENT.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake,
2650 J. T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, Texas, on Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at 5:00 p.m.,
der the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
Q'j AA,
an Dwinnell, TRMC, CMC, fown 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.
Exhibit I
Strategic Plan
Add Objective F: Educate students and parents about the 113 programs and
grading system, articulating the benefits and superior attributes of the
curriculum in order to improve parental understanding of and participation in
the education process.
Actions taken:
1. Obligatory meeting was held with prospective MYP students and
parents to explain MYP program and grading. The meeting was well
attended with MYP Coordinator and present MYP students spoke and
answered questions.
2. Similar meeting for present MYP students and parents was held April
25th, 2006. The meeting was also well attended and received.
3. Hired an expert to set up system for equivalencies with local grading
patterns (expert will begin working on this in May 2006)
4. New parents for the incoming year received a notice attached to their
enrolment package advising them that an obligatory IB Introductory
meeting will be held in the Fall.
5. Informative meetings will require the attendance of students with
parents in order to improve the very poor attendance by parents at
meetings in the.past.
6. At least one of the two yearly individual parent conferences will be
student -led. This gives parents personalized insight into the
understanding of and participation in the educational process. Very
successful MYP student -led conferences were held in April and PYP
Student -led conferences are being held in May.
7. Standardized testing has been slated for all levels of the Academy
during the next months. This will give parents and teachers another
parameter for comparing students of like ages and grade levels at a
national level. Kindergarten through Grade 2 will use the Iowa Test of
Basic Skills during the Spring semester testing window; G4-9 (and up
in subsequent years) will use the Stanford tests during the Autumn
testing window. After this initial testing period, the Academy will
evaluate how often and at what grade levels these standardized tests
should be administered.
8. A PYP Newsletter will be written at regular intervals. The first issues
have already been distributed. This will help families understand the
fundamentals of the program.
Actions planned:
1. Workshops and meetings for parents on specific subjects or aspects of
the PYP, MYP and Diploma programs will be held. Plans already are
underway for:
a. Family Math Night;
b. the Learner Profile;
c. Parent Education Night;
d. a week-long celebration of Public Education Week.
2. Make articles more -readily available to the wider community published
in the IB World and other publications that focus on 1130.
3. Have more parents become involved in Community Service hours.
4. Publish curriculum documents on line — the MYP Matrix and the PYP
Program of Inquiry and the PYP Grade level Handbooks.
5. Publish (now underway) IB Assessment guidelines for both PYP and
MYP
6. Invite University representatives to speak about IB Diploma applicants.
Amend Objective G: Establish consistent reliable conduits of communication
between teachers and parents utilizing technology, personal meetings and
the criteria used in IB assessment tools.
Actions taken:
1. Weekly newsletters are now being issued by all teachers in hard copy
or electronically.
a. MYP will continue to issue a section letter, but more input
concerning specific subjects will be included.
b. PYP section newsletter will be issued regularly.
c. MYP subject criteria and rubrics are in student binders and posted
in MYP classrooms.
d. - PYP -students use rubrics regularly and these are posted I before I an
assignment is done.
Actions planned:
1. Reinstate more frequent Breakfasts with Head of School. Room
parents and any others interested will be invited.
2. Encourage parents to seek out ways to meet with the appropriate staff
when they have questions or need information. Also encourage
parents who do have a good understanding of the program and its
benefits and opportunities to share that with other families.
3. Survey all parents regularly to see where their major concerns lie and
use them to help direct Academy goals within the framework set. This
could be accomplished by expanding the survey sent to all parents
after the Blacksmith Apprentice Program drive; the survey sent this
year to all parents did include many topics that have to do with
satisfaction and dissatisfaction with school programs and policies.
4. Post sample grading criteria and rubrics on the school website.
Add Objective 1: Provide parents with access to resources and materials
used by the students to encourage participation and support at home.
Actions taken:
1. PYP Class newsletters all include information on current Units of
Inquiry and suggestions for activities to be done at home.
2. PYP newsletters often include educational websites that reinforce
subject specific activities that are conceptually based (math, language,
science), as well as websites that are particularly useful for research
for young people.
3. Assignments are usually set out clearly on the homework page of the
school website and in the student agenda.
Actions planned:
1. Include more subject news in the MYP newsletter.
2. The Academy website is being redesigned. A team of teachers is
working on the contents and recommendations that include creating a
parent page with links and resources that will be valuable to helping
students at home.
Actions taken to address other concerns expressed by staff, students or parents
differentiation and teacher appraisal:
1. In core subjects, work is differentiated. It may be differentiated by:
a. Outcome: there is a general assignment; the criteria and rubrics
set and shared with students outline what is needed for the
highest mark. Thus students work to their ability.
b. Task: students are assigned different tasks according to their level
of conceptual understandings.
i. In MYP math classes there are differentiated groupings.
These are fluid and when one concept is mastered a
student may move into another group.
ii. There are also individualized computer math programs
currently being used for math to further help meet individual
needs (Success Maker and Renaissance Math).
c. Tutoring is offered by most teachers after school or during the day
for help in core subjects.
d. The very nature of IB offers many of these differentiation concepts
incorporated into the plans.
Actions planned for differentiation:
a. Plans are underway for implementing long-distance learning to
advance students who are years above their age group or who
have knowledge and talent in subjects that are not on offer at the
Academy.
b. A study group made up of teachers, parents and HOS all of whom
have had extensive study or involvement with students of high
ability have been meeting for two years and after much study are
now working on policies and identification means to assure that
students with all types of special needs are served to the best
ability of the Academy.
c. Increase staff development plans to include more courses on
differentiation.
2. Teacher Appraisal
Actions taken:
a. Teachers have been appraised during each of the two completed
years to date. Appraisals during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005
year were based on teacher self -appraisals using a standardized
template. Teachers then had an appraisal interview with the Head
of School and set up an Action Plan with goals, means to achieve
the goals, time frame, and evidence that goals had been achieved.
These appraisals form part of the teacher's file.
b. During 2005-2006 school year the Academy implemented a peer -
appraisal system. Peer appraisal, new to schools, has been
proven to be an extremely successful tool that improves
knowledge, performance and managerial skills for both the
appraiser and the appraised. These appraisals will be completed
by year's end.
Actions planned:
a. Share the template with parents and include the procedures for
carrying out appraisals in the personnel policies.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
AGENDA
JUNE 12, 2006
6:00 P.M.
BOARD ROOM - TOWN HALL
2650 J.T. OTTINGER ROAD
I. CALL TO ORDER.
2. 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 presentedmay
be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action.
3. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 06-06A - ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS
TO THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 2010 STRATEGIC PLAN.
4. 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 Board meeting held May 8, 2006 and Workshop
held May 22, 2006
B. Review and approve any outstanding bills.
5. ADJOURNMENT.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that the above notice was posted on the bulletin board at the front of the Town Hall of
the Town of Westlake, 2650 J.T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, Texas, on Wednesday, May 31,
2006, at 5 p.m., under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
J n Dwinnell, 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
RESOLUTION NO. 06-06-A
A RESOLUTION WITHDRAWING RESOLUTION 06-06-A AND SUBSTITUTING IN
ITS PLACE THIS RESOULTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF
DIRECTORS APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2010 WESTLAKE ACADEMY
STRATEGIC PLAN.
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy was founded based on a mission that includes
providing an innovative approach to education that focuses on the needs of each student; and
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Directors adopted the Westlake Academy
2010 Strategic Plan within the 2005-2006 budget; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors previously adopted Resolution 06-06 without the
benefit of any input from the Head of School and her faculty;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors and staff have now had the opportunity to receive
input from parents and staff concerning ways to continue improving Westlake Academy, which
prompted a review of the Strategic Plan document; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has concluded that certain Objectives should be
added to the section of the Strategic Plan entitled "Alignment of Goals and Objectives"; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors finds that it is in the best interests of the Westlake
Academy parents, students, and community to withdraw Resolution No. 06-06 and in its place
adopt this Resolution. .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF
DIRECTORS THAT:
SECTION 1: The Head of School is directed to amend the 2005-2006 Budget, 2010
Strategic Plan by adding or amending the following objectives:
Under Alignment of Goals and Objectives; Goal II, "Adhere to High
Expectations",
Add Objective F: "Educate students and parents about the IB programs and
grading system articulating benefits and superior attributes of the curriculum in
order to improve parental understanding and participation in the education
process.
Under Alignment of Goals and Objectives; Goal III, "Share responsibility of
educational development among parents, teachers, staff and community."
Add Objective H: "Establish consistent reliable conduit of communication
among teachers and parents utilizing technology, personal meetings, and
IB assessment tools."
And Objective I: "Provide parents with access to materials used by the
students to encourage participation and support at home."
SECTION 2: The Westlake Academy staff is directed to implement the actions described
in "Exhibit 1" related to the 2010 Strategic Plan, Goals and Objectives.
SECTION 3: The Head of School shall review the Strategic Plan each year in
conjunction with the annual budget and report recommendations and results back to the School
Board of Directors.
SECTION 4: Resolution No. 06-06 is withdrawn and this resolution shall become the
operative resolution concerning the matters contained herein.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS DAY OF 2006.
ATTEST:
Jean Dwinnell, Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
L. Stanton Lowry, Town Attorney
Scott Bradley, President
Barbara Brizuela, Head of School
Strategic Plan
Add Objective F: Educate students and parents about the IB programs and
grading system, articulating the benefits and superior attributes of the curriculum in
order to improve parental understanding of and participation in the education
process.
Actions taken:
1. Obligatory meeting was held with prospective MYP students and parents to
explain MYP program and grading. The meeting was well attended with
MYP Coordinator and present MYP students spoke and answered
questions.
2. Similar meeting for present MYP students and parents was held April 25th
2006. The meeting was also well attended and received.
3. Hired an expert to set up system for equivalencies with local grading
patterns (expert will begin working on this in May 2006)
4. New parents for the incoming year received a notice attached to their
enrolment package advising them that an obligatory IB Introductory meeting
will be held in the fall.
5. Informative meetings will require the attendance of students with parents in
order to improve the very poor attendance by parents at meetings in the
past.
6. At least one of the two yearly individual parent conferences will be student -
led. This gives parents personalized insight into the understanding of and
participation in the educational process. Very successful MYP student -led
conferences were held in April and PYP Student -led conferences are being
held in May.
7. Standardized testing has been slated for all levels of the Academy during the
next months. This will give parents and teachers another parameter for
comparing students of like ages and grade levels at a national level.
Kindergarten through Grade 2 will use the Iowa Test of Basic Skills during
the spring semester testing window; G4-9 (and up in subsequent years) will
use the Stanford tests during the autumn testing window. After this initial
testing period, the Academy will evaluate how often and at what grade levels
these standardized tests should be administered.
8. A PYP Newsletter will be written at regular intervals. The first issues have
already been distributed. This will help families understand the fundamentals
of the program.
Actions planned:
1. Workshops and meetings for parents on specific subjects or aspects of the
PYP, MYP and Diploma programs will be held. Plans already are underway
for:
a. Family Math Night;
b. the Learner Profile;
c. Parent Education Night;
d. a week-long celebration of Public Education Week.
2. Make articles more readily available to the wider community published in the
1B World and other publications that focus on IBO.
3. Have more parents become involved in Community Service hours.
4. Publish curriculum documents on line — the MYP Matrix and the PYP
Program of Inquiry and the PYP Grade level Handbooks.
5. Publish (now underway) IB Assessment guidelines for both PYP and MYP
6. Invite University representatives to speak about IB Diploma applicants.
Amend Objective G: Establish consistent reliable conduits of communication
between teachers and parents utilizing technology, personal meetings and the
criteria used in IB assessment tools.
Actions taken:
1. Weekly newsletters are now being issued by all teachers in hard copy or
electronically.
a. MYP will continue to issue a section letter, but more input concerning
specific subjects will be included.
b. PYP section newsletter will be issued regularly.
c. MYP subject criteria and rubrics are in student binders and posted in
MYP classrooms.
d. PYP students use rubrics regularly and these are posted before an
assignment is done.
Actions planned:
1. Reinstate more frequent Breakfasts with Head of School. Room parents and
any others interested will be invited.
2. Encourage parents to seek out ways to meet with the appropriate staff when
they have questions or need information. Also encourage parents who do
have a good understanding of the program and its benefits and opportunities
to share that with other families.
3. Survey all parents regularly to see where their major concerns lie and use
them to help direct Academy goals within the framework set. This could be
accomplished by expanding the.survey sent to all parents after the
Blacksmith Apprentice Program drive; the survey sent this year to all parents
did include many topics that have to do with satisfaction and dissatisfaction
with school programs and policies.
4. Post sample grading criteria and rubrics on the school website.
Add Objective I: Provide parents with access to resources and materials used by
the students to encourage participation and support at home.
Actions taken:
1. PYP Class newsletters all include information on current Units of Inquiry and
suggestions for activities to be done at home.
2. PYP newsletters often include educational websites that reinforce subject
specific activities that are conceptually based (math, language, science), as
well as websites that are particularly useful for research for young people.
3. Assignments are usually set out clearly on the homework page of the school
website and in the student agenda.
Actions planned:
1. Include more subject news in the MYP newsletter.
2. The Academy website is being redesigned. A team of teachers is working
on the contents and recommendations that include creating a parent page
with links and resources that will be valuable to helping students at home.
Actions taken to address other concerns expressed by staff, students or parents —
differentiation and teacher appraisal:
1. In core subjects, work is differentiated. It may be differentiated by:
a. Outcome: there is a general assignment; the criteria and rubrics set and
shared with students outline what is needed for the highest mark. Thus
students work to their ability.
b. Task: students are assigned different tasks according to their level of
conceptual understandings.
i. In MYP math classes there are differentiated groupings. These
are fluid and when one concept is mastered a student may move
into another group.
ii. There are also individualized computer math programs currently
being used for math to further help meet individual needs
(Success Maker and Renaissance Math).
c. Tutoring is offered by most teachers after school or during the day for
help in core subjects.
d. The very nature of IB offers many of these differentiation concepts
incorporated into the plans.
Actions planned for differentiation:
a. Plans are underway for implementing long-distance learning to advance
students who are years above their age group or who have knowledge
and talent in subjects that are not on offer at the Academy.
b. A study group made up of teachers, parents and HOS all of whom have
had extensive study or involvement with students of high ability have
been meeting for two years and after much study are now working on
policies and identification means to assure that students with all types of
special needs are served to the best ability of the Academy.
c. Increase staff development plans to include more courses on
differentiation.
2. Teacher Appraisal
Actions taken:
a. Teachers have been appraised during each of the two completed years
to date. Appraisals during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 year were
based on teacher self -appraisals using a standardized template.
Teachers then had an appraisal interview with the Head of School and
set up an Action Plan with goals, means to achieve the goals, time
frame, and evidence that goals had been achieved. These appraisals
form part of the teacher's file.
b. During 2005-2006 school year the Academy implemented a peer -
appraisal system. Peer appraisal, new to schools, has been proven to
be an extremely successful tool that improves knowledge, performance
and managerial skills for both the appraiser and the appraised. These
appraisals will be completed by year's end.
Actions planned:
a. Share the template with parents and include the procedures for carrying
out appraisals in the personnel policies.
MINUTES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
MAY 08, 2006
PRESENT: President Bradley and Board Members Bill Frey, Buddy Brown, and Fred Held
ABSENT: Board Members Don Redding and Larry Sparrow
OTHERS PRESENT: CEO Trent Petty, Head of School Barbara Brizuela, DPS Director
Don Wilson, Secretary Jean Dwinnell, Finance Director Debbie
Piper, Director of Marketing and Public Affairs Carolyn Sims,
and Facilities and Recreation Director Troy Meyer
1. CALL TO ORDER.
President Bradley called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. EXECUTIVE SESSION.
The Board convened into executive session at 5:33 p.m., as President Bradley read the item to
be discussed.
The Board reconvened into regular session at 6:48 p.m. There was no action to be taken.
3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS.
Mr. Scott Widdell, parent, thanked the Board and Ms. Brizuela for addressing issues regarding
the school and expressed his concern for the well-being of families. He stated that he feels the
school has lost good families, and that the responsibility of the Board is not to answer to IB, but
to the community and the students. He further stated that he feels the kids are learning to be
risk takers, to take responsibility, to help move things forward, and to speak up when necessary;
which is a healthy process.
Mr. Mike Garabedian stated that he feels parental involvement is welcome and that the school
has a high standard of academic excellence and discipline.
President Bradley advised that a rough draft had been prepared to address issues and concerns,
and that a workshop will be held on May 22nd to discuss the policies to be adopted. A
workshop will be held also on June 12d', if necessary, to further discuss the draft.
4. CONSENT AGENDA.
A. Review and approve minutes of the Special Board meeting held April 24, 2006.
B. Review and approve any outstanding bills.
Mr. Brown moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Mr. Frey seconded the motion.
There was no discussion and the vote on the motion was as follows:
Ayes: Messrs. Frey, Brown, and Sparrow
Nays: None
President Bradley declared the motion carried unanimously and declared the meeting adjourned
at 7:02 p.m.
5. ADJOURNMENT.
Mr. Sparrow moved to adjourn.
Mr. Brown seconded the motion.
Ayes: Messrs. Frey, Brown, and Sparrow
Nays: None
President Bradley declared the motion carried unanimously and declared the meeting adjourned
at 7:02 p.m.
Approved by the Westlake Academy School Board on
2006.
Scott Bradley, President
ATTEST:
Jean Dwinnell, Secretary
MINUTES OF THE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOP
MAY 229 2006
PRESENT: President Scott Bradley and Board members Bill Frey, Buddy Brown, and
Fred Held
ABSENT: Board members Don Redding and Larry Sparrow
OTHERS PRESENT: Head of School Barbara Brizuela, Secretary Jean Dwinnell,
Finance Director Debbie Piper, Director of Marketing and Public
Affairs Carolyn Sims, and Facilities and Recreation Director Troy
Meyer
CALL TO ORDER.
President Bradley called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m.
1. DISCUSS PROPOSED ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE GOALS
AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 2010 STRATEGIC PLAN (SEE THE .
ATTACHED DRAFT STATEMENT WHICH WILL FORM THE BASIS FOR
THE DISCUSSION).
President Bradley explained the purpose of the meeting and advised that the next workshop
would be held on June 12''.
President Bradley gave the background of the proposed additions and amendments to the Goals
and Objectives of the 2010 Strategic Plan.
Ms. Brizuela advised that a senior management team had been formed to discuss issues and for
planning purposes. She reviewed the three issues in the Strategic Plan that have been amended
and/or added and advised that the MYP consultation was held in January; that the PYP
authorization was in March; that a systems expert in TEA and PEIMS has been hired and will
be able to translate the IB grades to an ABC scale (1-100) on a 4.0 GPA scale; that student -led
conferences have begun; that standardized tests have been given to Kindergarten through
Second Grade; and that a PYP newsletter has been started.
Ms. Brizuela stated that the school has come a long way, but that they are not where the staff
and faculty want to be. She explained "differentiation" and how the teachers were appraised
not only by their supervisors but also by their peers.
Discussion ensued regarding the availability of tutoring, the response of parents to the
newsletter, and the interest shown.
Mr. Frey asked Ms. Brizuela to review what we are looking for regarding the PYP and MYP.
Ms. Brizuela explained the process to achieve IB authorization and advised that she is hopeful
that the MYP authorization visit will come in September or October.
Mr. George Ledak explained that he reads the Newsletter each week and stated that he feels it is
the duty of the parents to read the information in the folder. He thanked the Board for bringing
the school to Westlake and advised that Ms. Brizuela has an open-door policy.
Mr. Jim Billington asked Ms. Brizuela to explain the purpose of the Senior Management Team
and expressed his concerns regarding the practice TAKS tests. He stated that his understanding
was that the school did not teach to the TAKS; however, there had been several practice tests,
which seemed to be against the school's policy.
Ms. Brizuela explained that the Senior Management Team serves in an advisory capacity only.
She advised that the practice TAKS tests had been given a limited number of times, and only
for the purpose of acquainting the students with the conditions under which the tests are given.
She reiterated that the Academy does not teach to the TAKS tests.
Mr. Mike Garabedian stated that once everyone is comfortable with the testing process, the
school should invest in football. He also encouraged differentiation.
3. ADJOURNMENT.
Mr. Held moved to adjourn.
Mr. Brown seconded the motion.
The vote on the motion was as follows:
Ayes: Messrs. Frey, Brown, and Held
Nays: None
President Bradley declared the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Approved by the Westlake Academy School Board on
Scott Bradley, President
ATTEST:
Jean Dwinnell, TRMC, CMC, Town Secretary
2006.
Exhibit 1
Strategic Plan
Add Objective F: Educate students and parents about the IB programs and
grading system, articulating the benefits and superior attributes of the curriculum in
order to improve parental understanding of and participation in the education
process.
Actions taken:
1. Obligatory meeting was held with prospective MYP students and parents to
explain MYP program and grading. The meeting was well attended with
MYP Coordinator and present MYP students spoke and answered
questions.
2. Similar meeting for present MYP students and parents was held April 25th
2006. The meeting was also well attended and received.
3. Hired an expert to set up system for equivalencies with local grading
patterns (expert will begin working on this in May 2006)
4. New parents for the incoming year received a notice attached to their
enrolment package advising them that an obligatory IB Introductory meeting
will be held in the fall.
5. Informative meetings will require the attendance of students with parents in
order to improve the very poor attendance by parents at meetings in the
past.
6. At least one of the two yearly individual parent conferences will be student -
led. This gives parents personalized insight into the understanding of and
participation in the educational process. Very successful MYP student -led
conferences were held in April and PYP Student -led conferences are being
held in May.
7. Standardized testing has been slated for all levels of the Academy during the
next months. This will give parents and teachers another parameter for
comparing students of like ages and grade levels at a national level.
Kindergarten through Grade 2 will use the Iowa Test of Basic Skills during
the spring semester testing window; G4-9 (and up in subsequent years) will
use the Stanford tests during the autumn testing window. After this initial
testing period, the Academy will evaluate how often and at what grade levels
these standardized tests should be administered.
8. A PYP Newsletter will be written at regular intervals. The first issues have
already been distributed. This will help families understand the fundamentals
of the program.
Actions planned:
Workshops and meetings for parents on specific subjects or aspects of the
PYP, MYP and Diploma programs will be held. Plans already are underway
for:
a. Family Math Night;
b. the Learner Profile;
c. Parent Education Night;
d. a week-long celebration of Public Education Week.
2. Make articles more readily available to the wider community published in the
18 World and other publications that focus on 1130.
3. Have more parents become involved in Community Service hours.
4. Publish curriculum documents on line — the MYP Matrix and the PYP
Program of Inquiry and the PYP Grade level Handbooks.
5. Publish (now underway) IB Assessment guidelines for both PYP and MYP
6. Invite University representatives to speak about IB Diplomaapplicants.
Amend Objective G: Establish consistent reliable conduits of communication
between teachers and parents utilizing technology, personal meetings and the
criteria used in 113 assessment tools.
Actions taken:
1. Weekly newsletters are now being issued by all teachers in hard copy or
electronically.
a. MYP will continue to issue a section letter, but more input concerning
specific subjects will be included.
b. PYP section newsletter will be issued regularly.
c. MYP subject criteria and rubrics are in student binders and posted in
MYP classrooms.
d. PYP students use rubrics regularly and these are posted before an
assignment is done.
Actions planned:
1. Reinstate more frequent Breakfasts with Head of School. Room parents and
any others interested will be invited.
2. Encourage parents to seek out ways to meet with the appropriate staff when
they have questions or need information. Also encourage parents who do
have a good understanding of the program and its benefits and opportunities
to share that with other families.
3. Survey all parents regularly to see where their major concerns lie and use
them to help direct Academy goals within the framework set. This could be
accomplished by expanding the survey sent to all parents after the
Blacksmith Apprentice Program drive; the survey sent this year to all parents
did include many topics that have to do with satisfaction and dissatisfaction
with school programs and policies,
4. Post sample grading criteria and rubrics on the school website.
Add Objective 1: Provide parents with access to resources and materials used by
the students to encourage participation and support at home.
Actions taken:
1. PYP Class newsletters all include information on current Units of Inquiry and
suggestions for activities to be done at home.
2. PYP newsletters often include educational websites that reinforce subject
specific activities that are conceptually based (math, language, science), as
well as websites that are particularly useful for research for young people.
3. Assignments are usually set out clearly on the homework page of the school
website and in the student agenda.
Actions planned:
1. Include more subject news in the MYP newsletter.
2. The Academy website is being redesigned. A team of teachers is working
on the contents and recommendations that include creating a parent page
with links and resources that will be valuable to helping students at home.
Actions taken to address other concerns expressed by staff, students or parents —
differentiation and teacher appraisal:
1. In core subjects, work is differentiated. It may be differentiated by:
a. Outcome: there is a general assignment; the criteria and rubrics set and
shared with students outline what is needed for the highest mark. Thus
students work to their ability.
b._ Task: students are, assigned different tasks according to their level of
conceptual understandings.
i. In MYP math classes there are differentiated groupings. These
are fluid and when one concept is mastered a student may move
into another group.
ii. There are also individualized computer math programs currently
being used for math to further help meet individual needs
(Success Maker and Renaissance Math).
c. Tutoring is offered by most teachers after school or during the day for
help in core subjects.
d. The very nature of IB offers many of these differentiation concepts
incorporated into the plans.
Actions planned for differentiation:
a. Plans are underway for implementing long-distance learning to advance
students who are years above their age group or who have knowledge
and talent in subjects that are not on offer at the Academy.
b. A study group made up of teachers, parents and HOS all of whom have
had extensive study or involvement with students of high ability have
been meeting for two years and after much study are now working on
policies and identification means to assure that students with all types of
special needs are served to the best ability of the Academy.
c. Increase staff development plans to include more courses on
differentiation.
2. Teacher Appraisal
Actions taken:
a. Teachers have been appraised during each of the two completed years
to date. Appraisals during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 year were
based on teacher self -appraisals using a standardized template.
Teachers then had an appraisal interview with the Head of School and
set up an Action Plan with goals, means to achieve the goals, time
frame, and evidence that goals had been achieved. These appraisals
form part of the teacher's file.
b. During 2005-2006 school year the Academy implemented a peer -
appraisal system. Peer appraisal, new to schools, has been proven to
be an extremely successful tool that improves knowledge, performance
and managerial skills for both the appraiser and the appraised. These
appraisals will be completed by year's end.
Actions planned:
a. Share the template with parents and include the procedures for carrying
out appraisals in the personnel policies.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Invoices Paid in May 2006
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a : c; f ,MOtUNT�
' r i
2293
5 -May
I Borden
Milk Purchases
$425.00
2294
5 -May
Office Depot
Admin & Classroom Supplies
$442.78
2295
5 -May
Dental Select
Dental Insurance Premiums
$250.51
2296
5 -May
Banc of America Leasing
Copier Lease
$232.88
2297
5 -May
Elizabeth Bowie
Classroom Supplies
$39.40
2298
5 -May
Darcy McFarlane
Field Trip Fees for 1st, 2nd, 7th Grade - offset by collection from students
$4,582.76
2299
5 -May
Robert Foley
Legal Services (Visa for Juan Carlos Herrera and Elizabeth Bowie extension)
$3,100.00
2300
5 -May
Laura Gibbs
Supplies for Lunch Room
$3.99
2301
5 -May
Laura Gibbs
Supplies for Lunch Room
$46.75
2302
5 -May
Tracy Odom
Supplies for Drama Department -all money offset by student collection
$70.73
2303
5 -May
Twelve Oaks Catering
Lunch Purchases
$6,184.75
2304
5 -May
Westlake Ace Hardware
Trophies for Derby Race - offset by donations from Maguire Partners & Vaquero
$138.79
2305
5 -May
Crestmont Baptist Church
Track Rental for Derby Race - offset by donations from Maguire Partners & Vaquero
$400.00
2306
8 -May
Aviva Life Insurance
Annuity Payments
$200.00
2307
8 -May
Fidelity Investments
Annuity Payments
$200.00
2309
8 -May
Great American Plan
Annuity Payments
$67.00
2310
8 -May
Oppenheimer Trust
Annuity Payments
$92.00
2311
8 -May
Transamerica Life
Annuity Payments
$100.00
2312
8 -May jUSAA
Annuity Payments
$500.00
2313
16 -May
Borden
Milk Purchases
$429.55
2314
16 -May
Office Depot
3 Laserjet Ink Cartridges - Fax Toner Cartridges - Copy Paper - Binding Combs
$1,116.49
2315
16 -May 11BO
Advanced Teacher Training Workshop Fee for Liz Bowie
$770.00
2316
16 -May
Southlake Florist
Flower Arrangement for Jill Riche
$62.95
2317
16 -May
School Specialty
Classroom Supplies - Art Craft Paper
$249.17
2318
16 -May IHartford
Insurance
Workers Compensation Insurance
$1,324.68
2319
16 -May
Kaleidoscope
On -Site IT Daily Support
$1,437.50
2320
16 -May
Susan Shields
Diagnostic Evaluation Services - Special Ed
$3,765.00
2321
16 -May
Robert Foley
Legal Services (Liz Bowie extension $1000) (Temp Work Card Simon Aisthorpe $490)
$1,490.00
1 of 2 5/31/2006 4:25 PM
Invoices Paid in May 2006
i rr t
GHECKif =GKDATES a iVOT ,i
,IENDDR'NAME �" , .,v,,,t .� E5. BNOUNT~.
2322
16 -May
Federal Express
Costs to ship legal items to Robert Foley
$36.68
2323
16 -May
Laminator Whse
Laminating Supplies
$95.94
2324
16 -May
CSAF
Renew Annual Membership Dues
$125.00
2325
16 -May
William MacGill
Misc Nursing Supplies
$207.55
2326
16 -May
North International
Mesh Jersey Shorts and Shirts - offset by student collections
$488.00
2327
16 -May
Durham School Services
Charter bus for 1st grade field trip to Dallas Aquarium
$249.15
2328
16 -May
Unum Provident
Disability Insurance
$327.40
2329
16 -May
Houghton Mifflin
Standardized student testing
$1,404.93
2330
16 -May
Jean Shivers
Classroom Supplies
$26.32
2331
16 -May
Darcy McFarlane
Get -it -Right Sports - Payment for Softball Umpires
$196.00
2332
16 -May
Gina McNeeley
Birthday Cake and Card for Staff Birthday
$20.86
2333
16 -May
Dee Jammal
Classroom Supplies t
$151.80
2334
16 -May
Gail James
Supplies for Drama Department -all money offset by student collection
$92.01
2335
16 -May _
Sandra Friesen
Classroom Supplies
$79.97
2336
16 -May
Linda Smith
Classroom Supplies
$29.99
2337
16 -May
Tracy Odom
Supplies for Drama Department -all money offset by student collection
$165.07
TOTAL
$31,419.35
Fund 199 - General
$25,232.84
Fund 865 - Class Funds
$6,186.51
TOTAL
$31,419.35
2 of 2 5/31/2006 4:25 PM
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
Invoices Paid in June 2006
2353 6 -Jun Banc of America Lasing Copier Lease
E
$232.88
2354
6 -Jun
Barbara Brizuela
Calling Cards & Interview Job Candidate in London
$470.66
2355
6 -Jun
Borden
Milk Purchases
$690.00
2356
6 -Jun
Carol Fullerton
Bar Codes for Library Books
$23.97
2357
6 -Jun
Daniella White
MYP Binders, Labeling Tape, Batteries
$106.59
2358
6 -Jun
Darcy McFarlane
Plates, Cups, Straws for the Lunchroom
$84.42
2359
6 -Jun
Dental Select
Dental Insurance Premiums
$236.96
2360
6 -Jun
Elizabeth Bowie
Classroom Supplies
$88,84
2361
6 -Jun
First United Methodist
Buuilding Rental Fee for Choir Performance
$100.00
2362
6 -Jun
Jeff Ritchey
Sound Technician for Choir Performance at First United Methodist
$50.00
2363
6 -Jun
Julie McGough
Travel Expense - Gifted & Talented Conference in San Antonio
$541.68
2364
6 -Jun
Keller Trophy & Awards
Trophy Plates and Ribbons for Pine Card Derby
$14.70
2365
6 -Jun
Kid Connection
Diagnostic Evaluation Services - Special Ed
$720.00
2366
6 -Jun
Laura Gibbs
Lunchroom
$3.99
2367
6 -Jun
Laura Weaver
Nursing Supplies
$60.19
2368
6 -Jun
Mireida Rubayo
Items used for PYPIMYP Field Day
$34.20
2369
6 -Jun
Office Depot
Admin & Classroom Supplies
$759.49
2370
6 -Jun
Patty Frey
Supplies for Drama Department -all money offset by student collection
$78.69
2371
6 -Jun
Philadelphia Insurance
General Liability Insurance
$4,027.58
2372
6 -Jun
Susan Shields
Special Ed - Diagnostic Evaluation Services ($1,135); Speech Therapy ($1,995)
$3,130.00
2373
6 -Jun
Tracy Odom
Supplies for Drama Department -all money offset by student collection
$104.50
2374
6 -Jun
Twelve Oaks
Lunch Purchases
$3,399.00
2375
6 -Jun
Unum Life Insurance
Life Insurance Premiums
$87.75,
TOTAL
$15,046.09
Fund 199 - General
$14,698.20
Fund 865 - Class Funds
$347.89
TOTAL
$15,046.09
1 of 1 6/8/2006 2:20 PM