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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-17 BOT Agenda packetThe Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Board of Trustees Workshop but not prior to the posted start time. Mission Statement Westlake Academy is an IB World School whose mission is to provide students with an internationally minded education of the highest quality so they are well-balanced and respectful life-long learners. Page 1 of 3 WESTLAKE ACADEMY Vision Statement Westlake Academy inspires students to achieve their highest individual potential in a nurturing environment that fosters the traits found in the IB Learner Profile. Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-Minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING AGENDA September 11, 2017 1500 Solana Boulevard Building 7, Suite 7100 1st FLOOR, COUNCIL CHAMBER WESTLAKE, TX 76262 Workshop Session 5:00 p.m. Regular Session 6:00 p.m. Page 2 of 3 Work Session 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3.RECOGNIZE AND HONOR AP SCHOLAR STUDENTS. 4.REPORTS Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented. (there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion unless a Trustee requests that report be removed and considered separately. a.Back to School Report and Update of Primary Years Strings Program. b.Technology update report. 5.DISCUSSION ITEMS a.Presentation and discussion regarding the International Student Leadership Symposium (ISLS) 2018. b.Presentation and discussion regarding the 2017-2018 School Census. 6.REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. 7.BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION 8.ADJOURNMENT Regular Session 1.CALL TO ORDER 2.ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and Trustee Reports on Items of Community Interest pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Board of Trustees may report on the following items: (1) expression of thanks, congratulations or condolences; (2) information about holiday schedules; (3) recognition of individuals; (4) reminders about upcoming Board of Trustee events; (5) information about community events; and (6) announcements involving imminent threat to public health and safety. Page 3 of 3 3.CITIZEN COMMENTS: 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. 4.CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence. a.Consider approval of the minutes from the August 7, 2017, meeting. b.Consider approval of Resolution 17-13, Amending the School Sanctioned Trips policy. c.Consider approval of Resolution 17-14, Amending the Bullying policy. 5.FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the Superintendent with the requested item and the Superintendent will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member receives a second, the Superintendent will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item. 6.ADJOURNMENT ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER SECTIONS 551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE. CERTIFICATION I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 1500 Solana Blvd., Building 7, Suite 7100, Westlake, TX 76262, on September 6, 2017, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. _____________________________________ Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs, please advise the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable accommodations will be made to assist you. Board of Trustees Item # 2 – Pledge of Allegiance Texas Pledge: “Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to the, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.” 3. RECOGNIZE AND HONOR AP SCHOLAR STUDENTS. Board of Trustees Item # 3 – No Supporting Documentation REPORTS Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented. (there will no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate discussion unless a Trustee requests that report be removed and considered separately. a. Back to School Report and Update of Primary Years Strings Program. b. Technology update report. Board of Trustees Item #4 – Reports estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Workshop - Report Westlake Board Meeting Monday, May 08, 2017 TOPIC: Back to School Report and Update of Primary Years Strings Program STAFF CONTACT: Rod Harding (PYP Principal), Mr. Stacy Stoyanoff (Secondary Principal) Strategic Alignment Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome Objective Respect for Self and Others Citizen, Student & Stakeholder PYP / MYP / DP Enhance Westlake Academy's Unique Sense of Place Strategic Initiative Time Line - Start Date: August 17, 2017 Completion Date: September 6, 2017 Funding Amount: $0 Status - N/A Source - N/A EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) The report focusses on our ‘Back to School’ days for K-12 students, including the Solar Eclipse celebration and information leading up to the commencement of the PYP Strings program on September 6, 2017. The K-12 leadership emphasis on these days was to provide students with structure, procedures and integration of a ‘One School Together’ approach. The other important outcome was students enjoying their days and celebrating their return to WA to commence the new academic year. RECOMMENDATION Feedback from the Board of Trustees for the first days of school in 2018-2019. ATTACHMENTS Report Back to School Days at Westlake Academy August 18 - 22, 2017 The First Day of School (8/17) The PYP students were happy and eager to commence their first day to get to know their new teacher and for the teachers to commence building lasting relationships. Much of the time was spent in the classroom collaboratively working on procedures and expectations. Dismissal procedures were effective with Kindergarten students being dismissed at 2pm. This allowed all parents time to adjust to the pick-up line and ease congestion. In the secondary school (MYP/DP) the first day began with a welcome assembly. The students went through their A-day classes. The MYP advisories consisted of team building and a C3 assembly encouraging students to rise up to leadership, academics, and high school. At the Grade 11 advisory, students viewed and discussed a TED talk entitled “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator” and learned about the Diploma Programme, while the Grade 12 advisory spent time on “Earning the IB Diploma” and college counseling. In the afternoon, all K-12 students were treated with ice-creams, and this was greatly appreciated by all students and staff. The Second Day of School (8/18) PYP students again reviewed procedures and expectations with their teachers and spoke to students about casual dress, Ipads and digital citizenship. MYP (Grade 6-10) and DP (Grades 11& 12) students met with their advisors to discuss school procedures on technology agreement, uniforms, spirit and house dress and emergency procedures. Meetings also included messages from the counselors and discussions on Community, Action, Service (CAS). Grade 11 also did the Gregorc learning style delineator. This will be used in their TOK classes throughout the year. This also was our whole school picnic day with secondary assisting PYP students in getting their hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as talking about amazing stories that only our younger students can tell. Special thanks to Mr. Burmudez and the dining hall staff for their support and service. Solar Eclipse (8/21) Put on your glasses! Kindergarten through Grade 4 celebrated the solar eclipse through activities and video links. The reason for in-class activities at these levels is the concern of taking off their glasses through curiosity. Grade 5 -12 met on the soccer field to observe the eclipse with ISO approved glasses. Special thanks to Mrs. Rhoda Hahn for organizing the event. Organization of the PYP Stings Program Ms. Alethea Hopkins has provided a welcoming environment in which to develop the PYP Strings program. Ms. Hopkins plays a varying range of instruments and will provide a strong program for students in the PYP and ensemble groups after school. Benefits of playing a stringed instrument/Why are we programing strings in an IB World School? • Music delivered in a dedicated and structured way is linked to better performance in all academic areas, but especially math • Understanding and interpreting music is unique to the way it stimulates the brain, but opens up greater abilities throughout the mind • Learning a stringed instrument in an ensemble environment ensures children grow in hand/eye coordination, focus listening skills and cooperative socialization with the goal of creating something as a group, rather than as an individual Organization of the program • Grades 2 (violin only) and 3 (preferred instrument or instrument from last year) will have a year-long mandatory program consisting of one 40min small group (up to 10 students) per week • Grades 4 and 5 will continue to be optional • MYP students in Grade 6 will have the option of an after-school program that will be taken by the strings teacher estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Workshop - Report Westlake Board Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017 TOPIC: Technology Update Report STAFF CONTACT: Jason Power, Director of Information Technology Strategic Alignment Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome Objective Academic Excellence People, Facilities, & Technology PYP / MYP / DP Improve Technology, Facilities & Equipment Strategic Initiative Time Line - Start Date: August 7, 2017 Completion Date: June 6, 2017 Funding Amount: N/A Status - Funded Source - General Fund EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) The attached report includes a review of technology the 2016-2017 school year and technology plans for the 2017-2018 school year. RECOMMENDATIONS Review of the information contained in the Technology Update Report ATTACHMENTS Report Town of Westlake Westlake Academy IT Department _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 1500 Solana Blvd., Building 7, Suite #7200  Westlake, Texas 76262 Metro: 817-490-5711  Fax: 817-430-1812  www.westlakeacademy.org Technology Update Report The 2016-2017 school year was a year of several important technology improvements and updates for Westlake Academy and the 2017-2018 school year will see continued benefits from our previous progress. Below is a summary of the almost 1900 devices and services managed by the IT department for over 1000 Westlake Academy staff and students. iPads, laptops, SMARTBoards and apps are heavily utilized for global collaboration projects with schools in different areas of Texas as well with other states and countries like Canada, Argentina, and Mexico. We continue to use Apollo integrated with Google Classroom, ManageBac and classroom management of iPads with Apple Classroom. Teachers learn throughout the school year during PD events by utilizing a Google Classroom as the course room for their learning and content and resource sharing. Also, Westlake Academy was featured as a case study for Showbie, a collaborative classroom app: https://www.showbie.com/case-studies/successful-11-implementation-through-diligent- planning/ iPads - We began the 2-16-2017 school year by deploying over 1000 new iPad Air 2 tablets and cases to all staff and students as part of our 1-to1 iPad initiative. The larger screens, increased storage, and faster processing provided by the iPad Air 2 proved to be a great benefit to both staff and students over the smaller and less powerful iPad mini tablets we had been using for the previous 2.5 years. We have learned valuable lessons over the past several years of our 1-to1 rollout and the rollout this year is in progress and moving quickly. Town of Westlake Westlake Academy IT Department _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 1500 Solana Blvd., Building 7, Suite #7200  Westlake, Texas 76262 Metro: 817-490-5711  Fax: 817-430-1812  www.westlakeacademy.org Laptops – Over the summer of 2016 we purchased and deployed new MacBook Pro laptops to all Academy staff. The laptops that were replaced were moved into laptop carts for student use, bringing us to a total of 220 laptops - student and staff laptops, with the student laptops in 8 laptop carts stationed across the campus. Over the summer the IT department checked all laptops in the student carts for issues and repaired and updated them as necessary. SMARTBoards – We currently have 35 SMARTBoards across campus and plan to add five more this fall and possibly another three in the spring of 2018. Managed Printing – At the end of the 2015-2016 school year we began testing PaperCut, a managed printing solution. After successful testing we deployed it for staff use over the 2016-2017 school year. PaperCut allows us to better manage our printers and better understand how and when they are used. PaperCut also allows us to offer printing and copying to our students. We will be enabling this option soon with more details being sent to students, parents and staff as part of the process. Network Upgrades – In late fall of 2016, we were able to replace our aging wireless network with more powerful and faster wireless access points across the entire campus. The new wireless systems also allow us visibility into our network, and provides better options for managing devices and troubleshooting issues. Students and staff saw a significant increase in network usability and access after the upgrade was completed. Town of Westlake Westlake Academy IT Department _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 1500 Solana Blvd., Building 7, Suite #7200  Westlake, Texas 76262 Metro: 817-490-5711  Fax: 817-430-1812  www.westlakeacademy.org 3D and Large Format Printers – Through a grant from the Westlake Academy Foundation we were able to purchase three 3D Printers and setup a flexible learning design space. The space is available for teachers and students to develop 3D design projects work on 3D coding. A 42-inch large format printer was also purchased as part of the grant. The large format printer allows students and staff to print artwork, posters, etc. at up to 42-inches wide. Virtual Reality - Westlake Academy was chosen to participate in the Pioneer Program of Google Expeditions, a program where students and teachers are able to go on a VR (virtual reality) “field trip”. A Google Expeditions team visited our campus with several classes participating in the event. We have also purchased a classroom set of VR goggles with plans to integrate VR experiences in our classrooms. Coding and Robotics - We offer two successful ongoing after school clubs on coding that are following the HOUR OF CODE curriculum and Google's CS first program. We also include Robotics with Lego Mindstorms in the programs and, through a grant provided by the Westlake Academy Foundation we have ordered a new set of Sphero robots for the programs this year. We have manipulatives that work together with the iPads (Tiggly), as well as manipulatives for coding like Bloxels and Town of Westlake Westlake Academy IT Department _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 1500 Solana Blvd., Building 7, Suite #7200  Westlake, Texas 76262 Metro: 817-490-5711  Fax: 817-430-1812  www.westlakeacademy.org Turtle Bots. We are also looking into participating in the FIRST Lego League competitions this year -https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll STEM - STEM Projects are permeated throughout the school in the form of STEM challenges or maker spaces. Teachers have the opportunity to also be designers and "makers" to have hands on opportunities and experience learning engagements that they can later recreate in their classrooms. DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Presentation and discussion regarding the International Student Leadership Symposium (ISLS) 2018. b. Presentation and discussion regarding the 2017-2018 School Census. Board of Trustees Item # 5 – Discussion Items estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION _ Regular Meeting - Discussion Westlake Board Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017 TOPIC: Presentation and Discussion of the International Student Leadership Symposium (ISLS) 2018 STAFF CONTACT: Alan Burt, Athletic Director/Student Life Coordinator Strategic Alignment Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome Objective Mission: Westlake Academy is an IB World School whose mission is to provide students with an internationally minded education of the highest quality, so they are well- balanced life-long learners. Citizen, Student & Stakeholder MYP / DP Strengthen IB Philosophy & Implementation Strategic Initiative Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives Time Line - Start Date: September 1, 2017 Completion Date: April 1, 2018 Funding Amount: NA Status - Source - Contributions/Grants EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) One of the cornerstones of the IB mission is international mindedness. As an IB World School, our goal is to create opportunities that expand our students’ frame of mind that transcends international borders. In addition, global collaboration is a critical component in preparing our students to successfully compete in a global 21st century marketplace. During the past 6 years, Westlake Academy Grade 10 students have participated in the International Student Leadership Symposium (ISLS). We are exceedingly proud of the outcome as the Board of Trustees have heard from students that participated in the ISLS. The ISLS is made up of students from 8 different countries. The list of schools that make up the ISLS are: Westlake Academy, Westlake, TX Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, PA Nanjing Foreign Language School, Nanjing, China American British Academy, Muscat, Oman Gaus Gymnasium, Worms, Germany The Marin School, Buenos Aires, Argentina Caistor Yarborough Academy, Caistor, United Kingdom Edmonton Islamic Academy, Edmonton, Canada Uplands College, White River, South Africa International School of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium For the 2018 ISLS, Westlake Academy has the honor of being the host school. Dates for the symposium are March 20 – 28, 2018. As a host, we will have 54 students and 18 teachers from the schools listed above on our campus for 7 days. There is much to be done in preparation and execution of the symposium. Previous ISLS attendees are working behind the scenes to ensure all needs are covered. Committees have been developed which include: hospitality, transportation, logistics, host homes, IT, activities, volunteers, guest speakers, etc. The students are leading the planning as part of their leadership organization titled “GLOW” which stands for Global Leaders of Westlake. Westlake Academy will reap benefits as a host. These would include but not limited to: o Aligns with our Vision, Values, & Mission o Community involvement o Bringing and exhibiting students of various cultures to Westlake. o Westlake students demonstrating their culture through the IB Learner Profile RECOMMENDATION Support in hosting the 2018 International Student Leadership Symposium at Westlake Academy. ATTACHMENTS No Attachment; however, two of our students who attended the ISLS in Nanjing, China in 2017, will be available to answer questions. estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Workshop - Discussion Item Westlake Board Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017 TOPIC: Presentation and Discussion Regarding Student Enrollment and the 2017- 2018 Census STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Furnish, Secondary Assistant Principal Ange Bumgarner, Registrar Strategic Alignment Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome Objective Planned / Responsible Development Citizen, Student & Stakeholder PYP / MYP / DP Improve the Efficiences of Operational Systems Strategic Initiative Time Line - Start Date: August 17, 2017 Completion Date: September 11, 2017 Funding Amount: $0 Status - N/A Source - N/A EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) Westlake Academy continues to draw interest from citizens throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who reside in our primary boundary or one of our approved secondary boundaries. Westlake had over 2,500 students on the lottery for the 2017-2018 school year and we have enrolled more residents in kindergarten than ever before. This presentation and discussion will look at our total enrollment and break this data down into a variety of categories including the number of Westlake residents in attendance, how many students are attending Westlake from each Westlake neighborhood, number of students attending Westlake Academy from various surrounding Independent School Districts, and other relevant demographic data and trends. RECOMMENDATION Staff is seeking input and reflection regarding on census data. ATTACHMENTS Data will be presented at the board meeting. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS a. Consider approval of the minutes from the August 7, 2017, meeting. b. Consider approval of Resolution 17-13, School Sanctioned trips policy. c. Consider approval of Resolution 17-14, Amending the Bullying policy. Board of Trustees Item # 6 – Review of Consent Agenda Items BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION Board of Trustees Item # 7 – Board Recap / Staff Direction Board of Trustees Item # 8 – Adjournment Work Session ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and Trustee Reports on Items of Community Interest pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415 the Board of Trustees may report on the following items: (1) expression of thanks, congratulations or condolences; (2) information about holiday schedules; (3) recognition of individuals; (4) reminders about upcoming Board of Trustee events; (5) information about community events; and (6) announcements involving imminent threat to public health and safety.  Grade Level Curriculum Meetings (for parents & students) -Wednesday, Sept. 6: Grade 1 6:00-6:45 pm and Grade 4 6:45-7:30 pm -Thursday, Sept. 7: Grade 2 6:00-6:45 pm and Grade 3 6:45-7:30 pm -Wednesday, Sept. 13: Secondary Grades 6-12, 6:00 – 8:00 pm All meetings to take place in students’ applicable classrooms  Danish & Dialogue w/ Academy Leaders Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017; 8:00 – 9:00 am WA Campus-Lee Fieldhouse Classroom  Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor/Board President Monday, September 11, 2017; 8:00 – 9:30 am (Moved from first Monday due to holiday) Marriott Solana Hotel – Great Room Board of Trustees Workshop/Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017*; 5:00/6:00 pm Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace, Bldg. 7-Suite 7100, First Floor – Council Chambers Monthly House of Commons (PTO) General Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017; 8:00 – 9:00 am WA Campus-Lee Fieldhouse Classroom Town Council Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017*; 6:15 pm Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace, Bldg. 7-Suite 7100, First Floor – Council Chambers  North Texas Giving Day -One day online giving extravaganza created in 2009 by the Communiities Foundation of Texas (CFT) to help build awareness and support for nonprofits in the North Texas region–now the largest community- wide giving event in the world! Thursday, September 14, 2017; 6:00 am – Midnight -Visit NorthTexasGivingDay.org for a list of worthy organizations. Have you considered giving to our community’s school through the Westlake Academy Foundation on North Texas Giving Day?  WHPS hosts Annual Constitution Day Saturday, September 16, 2017: 5:30 – 7:30 pm Solana’s Plaza (Bldg. 4) Courtyard Board of Trustees Item # 2 – Items of Community Interest  Planning & Zoning Workshop/Meeting Monday, September 18, 2017* Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace, Bldg. 7-Suite 7100, First Floor – Council Chambers  Charles Schwab Groundbreaking Celebration in Westlake (Private Event) Tuesday, September 19, 2017; 2:00-5:00 pm Texas Barn at Circle T Ranch -This is an “invitation only” event from Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.  Town Council Workshop/Meeting Monday, September 25, 2017* Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace, Bldg. 7-Suite 7100, First Floor – Council Chambers *For meeting agendas and details on WA calendar events or Municipal calendar events, please visit the Westlake Academy website or the Town of Westlake website for further assistance. CITIZEN COMMENTS: 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. Board of Trustees Item # 3 – Citizen Comments CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the August 7, 2017, meeting. b. Consider approval of Resolution 17-13, Amending the School Sanctioned Trips policy. c. Consider approval of Resolution 17-14, Amending the Bullying policy. Board of Trustees Item # 4 – Consent Agenda BOT Minutes 08/07/17 Page 1 of 5 WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING August 7, 2017 PRESENT: President Laura Wheat, Trustees: Michael Barrett, Alesa Belvedere, Carol Langdon, and Rick Rennhack. Wayne Stoltenberg arrived at 6:53 p.m. ABSENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Tom Brymer, Assistant to the Superintendent Amanda DeGan, Board Secretary Kelly Edwards, Executive Director Dr. Mechelle Bryson, PYP Principal Rod Harding, PYP Assistant Principal Beckie Paquin, Secondary Principal Stacy Stoyanoff, Secondary Asst. Principal Jennifer Furnish, Registrar Ange Bumgarner, Director of Finance Debbie Piper, Director of Human Resources & Administrative Services Todd Wood, Director of Facilities and Parks & Recreation Troy Meyer, Director of Communications Ginger Awtry, and Director of Information Technology Jason Power. Work Session 1. CALL TO ORDER President Wheat called the work session to order at 5:13 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE President Wheat led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags. BOT Minutes 08/07/17 Page 2 of 5 3. REPORTS a. Report regarding international teachers, a review of the immigration status of non- permanent residents employed at Westlake Academy. b. Report regarding Faculty Turnover and student/teacher ratios for the 2016-2017 school year, including comparisons with surrounding districts and IB charter schools for the 2015-2016 school year. Trustee Rennhack asked for discussion regarding this item. Discussion ensued regarding tenure, average tenure, various reasons for leaving such as personal growth and commutes, rates of ISDs, and legacy teachers. Additional discussion ensued regarding how we support our teachers, the on- boarding process and cost, and deeper dive into the numbers. c. Report regarding the New School Year 2017-2018 School Focus/Theme. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Discussion and overview of the IMES2017 and Summer Student Travel. Mr. Harding, Mrs. Busico-Flight, and Dr. Bryson provided a presentation and overview of the summer travel and events. Discussion ensued regarding locating a school in Canada for the Exchange Program, increasing the number of partner schools to ten (10), breadth of the entire student body, and participation costs. b. Presentation and discussion regarding STAAR EOC results and student assessments completed during the 2016-17 school year. Mrs. Furnish, Mrs. Paquin and Dr. Bryson provided a presentation and overview of the testing results. Discussion ensued regarding the English results and changes in the exam, Lucy Calkins program, and that there was not an option to reschedule testing for Grade 8 students. c. Presentation and discussion regarding the 2017 Westlake Academy (WA) student performance on International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) assessments. BOT Minutes 08/07/17 Page 3 of 5 Mr. Stoyanoff and Dr. Bryson provided a presentation and overview of the assessments. Discussion ensued regarding number of students missing the diploma by a point, tracking high performance, reasons for the low Spanish ab-initio results, and predicting grades. In 2020 they will be changing tracts in IB Math, increasing skills for MYP students by additional practice, grammar, pacing in the Senior year, social skills and AP Scholars. 5. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. No additional discussion. 6. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION Deeper dive into the turnover numbers, evaluate if possible an achievable goal and establish a plan. Review methods to increase participation in International Mindedness. Methods to improve student social skills as necessary. Review screening process for hiring DP Teachers and beyond. 7. ADJOURNMENT President Wheat adjourned the work session at 7:00 p.m. Regular Session 1. CALL TO ORDER President Wheat called the regular session to order at 7:01 p.m. 2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST Ms. Awtry provided an update regarding the upcoming events. 3. CITIZEN COMMENTS No one addressed the Board. BOT Minutes 08/07/17 Page 4 of 5 4. CONSENT AGENDA a. Consider approval of the minutes from the June 5, 2017, meeting. b. Consider approval of Resolution 17-09, Amending the Westlake Academy Personnel Manual for the 2017-2018 school year. c. Consider approval of Resolution 17-10, Awarding the bid for property/casualty insurance products and services to Box Insurance Agency for FY 2017-2018 in the amount of $135,460.00. d. Consider approval of a Resolution 17-11, Authorizing the Superintendent to Execute a Contract with the Education Service Center Region 11 for various Business and Student Support Services for the operation of Westlake Academy. MOTION: Trustee Stoltenberg made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. 5. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 17-12, APPROVING THE AMENDED YEAR-END BUDGET FOR WESTLAKE ACADEMY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2017 AND ADOPTING THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2018. Dr. Bryson and Mrs. Piper provided a presentation and overview of the highlights for the 2016-2017 school year. They also provided an overview of the challenges for the 2017- 2018 school year. Discussion ensued regarding monthly enrollment meetings, ISD spending on facilities, student capacity with the current campus configuration, number of school days, Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding, state funding as discussed during the special legislative session, resident enrollment percentage increase, maximum acceptance of students, and enrollment boundaries. President Wheat opened the public hearing. No one addressed the board. President Wheat closed the public hearing. MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to approve Resolution 17- 12. Trustee Barrett seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS No future agenda items. BOT Minutes 08/07/17 Page 5 of 5 7. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. MOTION: Trustee Belvedere made a motion to adjourn the regular session. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. President Wheat adjourned the regular session at 7:59 p.m. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2017. ATTEST: ____________________________ Laura Wheat, President _____________________________ Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Page 1 of 2 estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Regular Meeting - Consent Westlake Board Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017 TOPIC: Consider Approval of a Resolution Amending the School Sanctioned Trips’ Policy STAFF CONTACT: Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Executive Director Strategic Alignment Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome Objective Vision: Westlake Academy inspires college bound students to achieve their highest individual potential in a nuturing environment that fosters the traits found in the IB Learner Profile. Academic Operations PYP / MYP / DP Strengthen IB Philosophy & Implementation Strategic Initiative Time Line - Start Date: September 11, 2017 Completion Date: N/A Funding Amount: N/A Status - N/A Source - N/A EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) The purpose of this agenda item is to seek approval of the amended School Sanctioned Trip’s policy. Changes reflect modifications made to the identified trips per grade level along with clarifications regarding international travel. These changes are designed to provide the Academy with greater latitude in selecting locations of camps for curriculum related travel. It is important to note that school sanctioned trips are designed as a means to pursue, promote, and enhance the IB learning goals for Academy students as set out in the IB Learner Profile. Page 1 of 2 RECOMMENDATION Review and approve the amended School Sanctioned Trips’ Policy ATTACHMENTS Resolution and Policy Resolution WA 17-13 Page 1 of 6 WESTLAKE ACADEMY RESOLUTION 17-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVING AN AMENDED SCHOOL SANCTIONED TRIPS POLICY WHEREAS, Westlake Academy is responsible for operationalizing the learner profile as defined by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO); and WHEREAS, School sanctioned trips are a means to strengthen the operationalization of the learner profile, this board policy must be revised to reflect new practices; and WHEREAS, Current adopted policy does not reflect current practice, this board policy must be revised to reflect these new practices; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake Academy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY: SECTION 1: That, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety. SECTION 2: That, the Board of Trustees Westlake Academy, hereby approves the amendments to the School Sanctioned Trips policy for Westlake Academy attached to this resolution as Exhibit “A”. SECTION 3: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the invalid provision. Resolution WA 17-13 Page 2 of 6 SECTION 4: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of passage. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 11th DAY OF September 2017. ___________________________________ Laura Wheat, President ATTEST: ________________________________ ___________________________________ Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent APPROVED AS TO FORM: ________________________________ Janet S. Bubert or L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney Resolution WA 17-13 Page 3 of 6 Exhibit A TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 6.02: Date Board Adopted: March 9, 2009 Date Board Amended: September 11, 2017 Effective Date: September 11, 2017 Policy Category: Student Achievement Policy Name: School-Sanctioned Trips Policy Goal: Students Who Become Well Balanced, Life Long Learners Policy Description: The Board of Trustees supports Academy-sanctioned trips as a means to pursue, promote, and enhance IB learning goals for Academy students as set out in the IB Learner Profile. As such, all school-sanctioned trips should complement and promote the IB Learner Profile, the IB curriculum, as well as provide direct educational value to the student participants. In an effort to provide the safest possible environment for the students of Westlake Academy, this policy for student trips will be enforced on any travel opportunities that occur away from the property located at 2600 J. T. Ottinger Road, Westlake, TX 76262. Proposing and Developing Student Travel Opportunities School-sanctioned trip - Any travel opportunity for Westlake Academy students that is led by the members of the Westlake Academy faculty is considered a school-sanctioned Westlake Academy trip and must comply with the requirements set forth by this policy and any applicable administrative procedures for student travel. The Executive Director shall be responsible for ensuring appropriate administrative procedures are developed to ensure effective and efficient implementation of this board policy. Administrative procedures shall be subject to approval by the Superintendent. Resolution WA 17-13 Page 4 of 6 I. General Requirements ● Trip proposals should be submitted to the Executive Director or his/her designee at least 12 months prior to the proposed departure date. Proposals will be reviewed initially by a committee that includes the Executive Director, appropriate Principals, and others as assigned. Acceptable proposals will be forwarded to the Superintendent for review. The Superintendent will forward acceptable proposals to the Board of Trustees for final approval. ● Student trips will be limited to travel dates within the Academy’s approved school calendar. ● An appropriate ratio of faculty to students will be established by the Executive Director for all approved trips and will include at least one male and one female faculty member. ● All chaperones for school-sanctioned trips will be members of the Westlake Academy faculty and staff. Parents may be provided the opportunity to attend certain domestic student trips with their child. Such opportunities will be identified in the information distributed about the trip to Westlake Academy families. ● Students participating in school-sanctioned trips must be in good standing as outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook and the Academy’s administrative procedures for school trips. A student may be restricted from participating in a school trip at any time that the student’s standing changes. Such restrictions may result in the forfeiture of payments made to the school prior to the time the restrictions were imposed. ● All students participating in a school-sanctioned trip must use the transportation arranged by the Academy. An exception may be made for student’s traveling with a parent or guardian as identified in the administrative procedures for school trips. ● A student’s participation in a school-sanctioned trip is a privilege, not a right. Students participating in school trips are expected to represent Westlake Academy in a responsible manner. The Academy’s code of conduct and other expectations identified in the Parent/Student Handbook apply at all times during school-sanctioned trips. During school trips, students remain subject to the disciplinary processes contained in the Parent/Student Handbook. ● Trip proposals must include an opportunity for students to share their experiences with the Westlake Academy community. ● Once a proposal is approved, the trip leader(s) will work with the Executive Director or his/her designee to ensure all applicable policies and administrative procedures are followed. All student trips must be organized in accordance with the requirements established in the Parent-Student Handbook and other applicable administrative procedures. Resolution WA 17-13 Page 5 of 6 II. Anticipated Trips by Grade Level The following trips have been identified as curriculum enhancing trips, which the Board agrees are appropriate to continue to offer to Westlake Academy students subject to the discretion of the Executive Director: Grade Trip Format/Location Occurrence Primary K – 2 Daytime field trips (local, no overnights) 3 Unit of Inquiry related trip (domestic) Spring Ex. Camp Tyler, 2 night stay, Whitehouse, TX 4 Unit of Inquiry related trip (local, no overnights) Spring 5 Unit of Inquiry related trip (domestic) Fall Ex. Sky Ranch in October, 2 night stay Secondary 6 Team Building (domestic) Fall Ex. Camp Eagle, Rocksprings, TX, 3 night stay 7 Daytime field trips (local, no overnights) Fall or Spring 8 Historical Trip related to Humanities (U.S. History) (domestic) Spring Ex. Washington D.C. 9 Daytime field trips (local, no overnights) Fall Ex. Leadership, team building 10 College Tour Opportunity (domestic) Spring Overnight (# of nights TBD) 11 College Tour Opportunity (domestic) Fall Overnight (# of nights TBD) 12 Senior Retreat (domestic) Fall Overnight (# of nights TBD) Resolution WA 17-13 Page 6 of 6 III. International Trips Any international trips will be considered based on student/teacher interest in specific academic, leadership, and service initiatives (e.g. Shoulder to Shoulder, Leadership Symposium, San Miguel Immersion Program, etc.). All international trips must adhere to all Westlake Academy Board Policies and administrative procedures for school- sanctioned trips. These school-sanctioned trips may be offered at various times throughout the year upon the recommendation of the Executive Director and approval by the Board of Trustees. IV. Financing Trips, Insurance, Permissions, etc. ● Participation in school-sanctioned trips is voluntary and all students participating shall be responsible for all fees and costs associated with the trip. ● Students are also responsible for all incidental costs associated with travel, including, but not limited to fees associated with transportation to airports or other departure locations, passport fees, required vaccinations and/or suggested medications, and money for souvenirs, snacks, and other incidentals. ● Generally, all trip expenses are non-refundable. An explanation of any refund opportunities will be included in the trip-specific information provided to families prior to committing to participation on a school-sanctioned trip. ● A student must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in any school-sanctioned trip. For each trip, the Academy will also identify any other documentation that will be required prior to a trip’s departure, which may include liability waivers, behavior agreements, medical service authorization form, emergency contact information, and any other information deemed necessary by the Academy administration. Failure to provide the required information prior to the departure date may result in denial of the opportunity to travel and forfeiture of any amounts paid related to the trip. V. Final Note All student trip planning is the responsibility of Westlake Academy faculty and staff, subject to the restrictions of this policy and administrative procedures for student travel. Parent input is encouraged and will be considered; however, all final decisions will be made by Academy administrators and the Board of Trustees as identified in this policy. The Board of Trustee shall always have final approval of all out-of-state, school- sanctioned trips. Such approval shall consider the immunity laws applicable for the destination, school and employee liability for damages arising from accidents and/or injuries that may occur during the trip, the stated educational value of the trip, and whether participation results from advancement in a regional or national competition. Dates Amended: 08/16/10 estlake Academy Board of Trustees TYPE OF ACTION Regular Meeting - Consent Westlake Board Meeting Monday, September 11, 2017 TOPIC: Consider Approval of a Resolution Amending Bullying Policy. STAFF CONTACT: Beckie Paquin, Assistant Primary Principal Strategic Alignment Vision, Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome Objective Respect for Self and Others Citizen, Student & Stakeholder PYP / MYP / DP Strengthen our Westlake Academy Culture Strategic Initiative Outside the Scope of Identified Strategic Initiatives Time Line - Start Date: September 11, 2017 Completion Date: December 31, 2015 Funding Amount: N/A Status - N/A Source - N/A EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY) In accordance with Texas Education Code 37.0832, the Board is being asked to adopt a policy concerning bullying and cyberbullying. This will amend the previous board policy 3.03 previously amended on October 5, 2015. RECOMMENDATION Staff Recommends approval of this amended policy. ATTACHMENTS Resolution and Amended Policy 3.03 dated September 11, 2017 Resolution 17-14 Page 1 of 5 WESTLAKE ACADEMY RESOLUTION 17-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES AMENDING BULLYING POLICY 3.03, TO DEFINE BULLYING PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY. WHEREAS, the Texas Education Agency changed the definition of bullying in the 82nd Legislative Session of the Texas Legislature and, WHEREAS, bullying can threaten a student’s physical and emotional safety at school; and, WHEREAS, bullying can negatively impact a student’s ability to learn; and, WHEREAS, Westlake Academy is required by the Texas Education Agency to adopt the new definition of bullying; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake Academy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF WESTLAKE ACADEMY: SECTION 1: That, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety. SECTION 2: That, the Board of Trustees Westlake Academy, hereby approves the new bullying policy for Westlake Academy attached to this resolution as Exhibit “A”. SECTION 3: If any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution without the invalid provision. Resolution 17-14 Page 2 of 5 SECTION 4: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of passage. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 11th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2017. ___________________________________ Laura Wheat, President ATTEST: ________________________________ ___________________________________ Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Thomas E. Brymer, Superintendent APPROVED AS TO FORM: ________________________________ Janet S. Bubert or L. Stanton Lowry, School Attorney Resolution 17-14 Page 3 of 5 Exhibit A TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 3.03: Date Board Adopted: August 3, 2009 Date Board Amended: September 11, 2017 Effective Date: September 11, 2017 Policy Category: Parent, Student and Faculty Relations and Expectations Policy Name: Bullying Policy Policy Goal: Creation of a supportive and safe learning environment Policy Description: Westlake Academy policy and procedures are designed to promote a safe and productive learning environment. Westlake Academy shall prohibit bullying, including cyberbullying, as defined by applicable law, Texas Education Code 37.0832, and this policy. The procedures necessary to implement this policy will be published in the Parent/Student Handbook and on the Academy website. Prohibited Conduct Bullying, which includes cyberbullying, means a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that: 1. Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or of damage to the student's property; 2. Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student; 3. Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or 4. Infringes on the rights of the victim at school. Resolution 17-14 Page 4 of 5 Cyberbullying means bullying that is done through the use of any electronic communication device, including through the use of a cellular or other type of telephone, a computer, a camera, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, a social media application, an Internet website, or any other Internet-based communication tool. The prohibited conduct identified in this policy applies to: 1. Bullying that occurs on or is delivered to school property or to the site of a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property; 2. Bullying that occurs on a publicly or privately-owned school bus or vehicle being used for transportation of students to or from school or a school- sponsored or school-related activity; and 3. Cyberbullying that occurs off school property or outside of a school- sponsored or school-related activity if the cyberbullying: a. Interferes with a student's educational opportunities; or b. Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a classroom, school, or school-sponsored or school-related activity. Westlake Academy prohibits retaliation against any person, including a victim, a witness, or another person, who in good faith makes a complaint or who is involved in an investigation concerning an incident of alleged bullying. A student who intentionally makes a false claim, provides false information, or refuses to cooperate with an investigation regarding bullying shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Procedures for Reporting & Investigating Bullying Complaints Complaints about bullying conduct should be made as soon as possible after prohibited conduct occurs using the procedures identified in the Westlake Academy Parent/Student Handbook. Failure to timely report may impair the Academy’s ability to investigate and effectively address the conduct. Westlake Academy will establish procedures for reporting and investigating bullying complaints, which will be included in the Parent/Student Handbook and available on the Academy’s website. The procedures shall include: 1. Actions a student should take to obtain assistance and intervention in response to bullying; 2. Procedures for reporting an incident of bullying or cyberbullying, including a procedure for a student to anonymously report an incident of bullying; 3. Procedures for providing notice of an incident of alleged bullying to: a. A parent or guardian of the alleged victim on or before the third business day after the date the incident is reported; and b. A parent or guardian of the alleged bully within a reasonable amount of time after the incident; Resolution 17-14 Page 5 of 5 4. Procedures for investigating a reported incident of bullying, including taking prompt interim action calculated to prevent bullying during the course of an investigation, if appropriate; 5. Procedures for determining whether the reported incident of bullying occurred, reporting the investigation findings, and appealing the findings of the investigation; 6. Opportunities for access to counseling for a student who is a victim of or a witness to bullying or who engages in bullying. Academy staff shall take all reasonable measures to respect the privacy of a complainant, a person against whom a complaint is filed, and any witnesses or persons contributing information to a bullying investigation. However, limited disclosures may be necessary in order to conduct a thorough investigation. Disciplinary Consequences If the results of an investigation indicate that bullying occurred, the Academy shall impose appropriate disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Westlake Academy Code of Conduct and may take other corrective action that is reasonably calculated to address the conduct. In the event an investigation concludes that improper conduct occurred that did not rise to the level of bullying, as defined by this policy, the Academy may take appropriate action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or any other corrective action deemed appropriate by Academy administrators. Any conduct that constitutes bullying, including cyberbullying, shall be considered a serious offense that may result in a student’s expulsion from Westlake Academy. A student shall be expelled if the student: 1. Engages in bullying that encourages a student to commit or attempt to commit suicide; 2. Incites violence against a student through group bullying; or 3. Releases or threatens to release intimate visual material of a minor or a student who is 18 years of age or older without the student's consent. Westlake Academy will not impose disciplinary action against a student who, after an investigation, is found to be a victim of bullying, on the basis of that student’s use of reasonable self-defense in response to the bullying. Any disciplinary action related to bullying imposed on a student with a disability will comply with applicable requirements under federal law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Section 1400 et seq.). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the Superintendent with the requested item and the Superintendent will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member receives a second, the Superintendent will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item. - NONE Board of Trustees Item # 5 – Future Agenda Items Board of Trustees Item # 6 – Adjournment Regular Session