HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-19 BOT Agenda Packet Amended WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETING AGENDA
1500 SOLANA BLVD, BUILDING 7, SUITE 7100, COUNCIL CHAMBER
? WESTLAKE, TX 76262
•� NOVEMBER 4, 2019
5:00 PM MEETING
Vision Statement
Westlake Academy inspires college bound 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
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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. Any person desiring to make a public
comment must first be recognized by the presiding officer and sign in at the podium with
their name and address. Individual citizen comments are normally limited to three (3)
minutes; however, time limits can be adjusted by the presiding officer. The presiding
officer may ask the citizen to hold their comment on an agenda item if the item is posted
as a Public Hearing. 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. RECOGNITION OF SPORTS TEAMS.
S. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA.
6. 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. Report Regarding International Staff at Westlake Academy.
b. Report Regarding Giving Day and the Blacksmith Campaign.
Page 1 of 3
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion regarding an amendment to the Graduation Policy.
b. Presentation and discussion regarding Special Education Services.
8. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
Regular Session will begin immediately following the work 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.
3. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of
Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of
items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence.
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the meeting on October 7, 2019.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 19-18, Approving amendments to the Graduation
policy.
4. 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.
Page 2of3
S. 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 November 1, 2019, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings
Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
Tanya Morris, Assistant to the Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs or translation
services, please advise the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable
accommodations will be made to assist you.
Page 3 of 3
} WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEETING AGENDA
{ { 1500 SOLANA BLVD, BUILDING 7, SUITE 7100, COUNCIL CHAMBER
WESTLAKE, TX 76262
NOVEMBER 4, 2019
5:00 PM MEETING
Vision Statement
Westlake Academy inspires college bound 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
AMENDED AGENDA
This item was added to the work session agenda.
S. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated,
Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following:
a. Section 551.071 and 551.0821 - Consultation with School Attorney on the Operations
of the special education program when the consultation may contain personally
identifiable student information.
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 November 1, 2019, by 5:00 p.m. under the Open
Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
Tanya Morris, Assistant to the Town Secretary
If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs or translation
services, please advise the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable
accommodations will be made to assist you.
Page 1 of 1
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. "
Board of
Trustees
Item # 3 — Citizen
Comments
CITIZEN COMMENTS: This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on any
matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. Any person desiring to make a public
comment must first be recognized by the presiding officer, and sign in at the podium with
their name and address. Individual citizen comments are normally limited to three (3)
minutes; however, time limits can be adjusted by the presiding officer. The presiding
officer may ask the citizen to hold their comment on an agenda item if the item is posted
as a Public Hearing. 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 # 4 — No Supporting
Documentation
4. RECOGNIZING THE SPORTS TEAMS.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 5 — Review of
Consent Agenda Items
REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the meeting on October 7, 2019.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 19-18, Approving amendments to the Graduation
policy.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 6 — Reports
REPORTS
Reports are prepared for informational purposes and will be accepted as presented.
(there will be no presentations associated with the report items) There will be no separate
discussion unless a Council Member requests that report be removed and considered
separately.
a. Report Regarding International Staff at Westlake Academy.
b. Report Regarding Giving Day and the Blacksmith Campaign.
estlake Academy Board of Trustees }}
TYPE OF ACTION
Workshop -Report
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, November 04, 2019
Topic: Report Regarding International Staff at Westlake Academy
STAFF CONTACT: Jennifer Furnish, Secondary Assistant Principal
Strategic Alignment
Vision,Value,Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Ob'ective
Respect for Self and Academic Attract,Recruit&
Others Operations PYP/MYP/DP Retain the Highest
Quality Workforce
Time Line- Start Date:November 4, 2019 Completion Date:November 4,2019
Funding Amount: NA Status: N/A Source-N/A
Contract: No Forms: N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY(INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
Westlake Academy is committed to the IB Mission of creating a more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect. One aspect of creating intercultural understanding is
learning from individuals who come from cultures different than our own. Westlake Academy has
the privilege of employing a number of international staff who enrich our learning environment
and contribute to our unique sense of place.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff Recommends review of the document.
ATTACHMENTS
Report: International Staff at Westlake Academy
Page 1 of 1
}
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 29, 2019
TO: Superintendent Amanda DeGan, Honorable President Laura Wheat and
Board of Trustees Members
FROM: Jennifer Furnish, Assistant Principal
SUBJECT: Teacher Report
As an IB world school, Westlake Academy welcomes and celebrates diversity in
its many forms. One of the attributes that contributes to Westlake's unique sense of place
is the number of staff members born outside the United States and the number of staff
members who have taught internationally. Approximately 20% of our staff was either
born outside the United States or has experience teaching and living outside the US for an
extended period of time (beyond just a semester abroad during college). We also have a
significant number of staff members who are the first generation in their family to be
born in the US. The cultural experiences shared with students through classroom
activities enrich student learning while developing a sense of international mindedness.
The presence of international staff allows students to experience ideas and traditions from
around the world without having to leave campus.
Our international staff share their culture in a variety of ways. I spoke with
several staff members in order to understand how their cultural roots are expressed in the
classroom. One of our staff members shares her culture through the celebration of
traditional festivals, stories, language, and person photos. She allows student to celebrate
the Feast of St. Lucia. Students dress in traditional attire consisting of a white gown and
red sash and walk the campus delivering treats. This teacher shares her native language
on a regular basis by mixing in phrases during daily lessons. She also has students read
stories and fables associated with her culture.
Another of our staff members from India shares stories from his childhood with
students. In fact, his stories are so popular, they are used as a reward for exceptional
class behavior and performance. Students are eager to hear about his home in India, his
dog, the education system, and how daily life differs from the US. His stories are so
beloved, students have shared them with me!
Another staff member shares experiences from her childhood to help her students
internalize the differences between countries and cultures. She tells students how lunch
in France lasts much longer than here in the US. She discusses the importance of food
and meals and how this plays an integral part of French society. She brings traditional
food and takes them to a French restaurant every year.
In regard to accents, a staff member shared the importance of having students hear
individuals speak with a variety of accents. She feels strongly that students need to have
1
an"ear"that is able to comprehend people from a wide array of backgrounds. She
pointed out that conversing with an individual who has an accent requires intense focus
on the conversation... students are forced to pay greater attention and she views this as a
benefit to her teaching! Students are always "tuned-in."
When speaking with students about the presence of international teachers, they
expressed how much they appreciate and enjoy this aspect of our campus. One senior
expressed how the international teachers are her"favorite"because they bring so much to
the classroom beyond content knowledge. In general, these international teachers are
viewed as "fun," "passionate," "worldly," and "the best."
As we continue to look for ways to expand international opportunities for our
students, it is important to remember to look inward. We have a wealth of knowledge on
this campus and students stated they would like more opportunities to learn from our
international staff and converse with them in casual settings (as opposed to the
classroom). There is considerable interest in learning everything about European soccer,
cricket, and long lunch periods.
2
estlake Academy Board of Trustees }}
TYPE OF ACTION
Workshop -Report
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, November 04, 2019
Topic: Discuss outcome of the Westlake Academy Foundation's participation in
the 2019 North Texas Giving Day fundraising event and the current status
of the 2019-20 Blacksmith Annual Fund.
STAFF CONTACT: Dr. Shelly Myers, Executive Director, Westlake Academy Foundation
Strategic Alignment
Vision, Value,Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Obiective
Academic Excellence Fiscal Stewardship PYP/MYP/DP Increase Financial
Capacity&Reserves
Time Line- Start Date: September 1,2019 Completion Date: August 31,2020
Funding Amount: N/A Status:N/A Source-N/A
Contract: No Forms: N/A
ExECUTIVE SUMMARY(INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
Per the BOT Affiliates policy, at least once a year all Westlake Academy affiliate groups will
meet with the Board of Trustees to discuss their activities and initiatives. This workshop
presentation will update the Board on current status of the Blacksmith Annual Fund fundraising
initiative, which included participation in the North Texas Giving Day event held September 19,
2019. This informative report will provide current campaign status, so that the Board and school
leadership can plan accordingly.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends review of the year-to-date report (information current as of October 25, 2019).
Page ] of 2
ATTACHMENTS
WAF—Blacksmith Campaign Report(11.04.19)
Page 2 of 2
Westlake Academy Foundation
2019-20 BLACKSMITH ANNUAL FUND & BLACKSMITH GIVING DAY
BOT Report—November 4, 2019
RESULTS OF 2019 BLACKSMITH GIVING DAY
BLACKSMITH • North Texas Giving Day rebranded as "Blacksmith Giving Day"to help
parents see connection of Giving Day to Blacksmith Annual Fund (BAF)
. IVING ,
• Promotion/awareness via Back to School flyers, carline postcards, banners
and signage, and 2-week social media campaign (including Supt. DeGan
video!) prior to Giving Day on Sept. 19
DA4Y • Promoted "off line gifts" (cash, checks, stock, credit cards processed at
t WAF),which don't earn Bonus monies but also don't generate 4.99%fees!
• K-12 Grade Captains served as "Giving Day Ambassadors" and emailed
9 9•19 info/links/encouragement to their class parents prior to event
• • "100 Gifts for$10,000" Challenge at early evening lull sparked great surge,
W E S T L A K E A putting WAF atop the "Donations Leaderboard" of nearly 3,000 DFW non-
profits and set one-day BAF records for funds raised and number of gifts.
• Raised $853,705 from 452 gifts ($1,889 gift average). In 2018, we raised
$805,678 from 422 gifts ($1,909 gift average).
STATS & STATUS OF BLACKSMITH FUND(cis of 1ol25119)
• Campaign currently at$972,742 (94%of$1.03M goal) s�
including 52 corporate gifts totaling$84,617
• $1,454 average per-student gift for 667 students whose ,y
parents have donatedko&I
• $1,076 average per-student gift for all 901 WA students e,
• 72% OVERALL parent participation (394 of 545 families)
0 86%Westlake families (119 of 139) WcsFlc!
0 68% Extended Boundary families (276 of 407)
• 53% NEW parent participation (41 of 78 new families)
0 82%Westlake families (18 of 22)
0 41% Extended Boundary families(23 of 56)
• $3,731 average gift total from WL families
u .
• $1,584 average gift total from EB families -
• $2,009 average per-student gift from WL families A
• $978 average per student gift from EB families
CURRENT BLACKSMITH CAMPAIGN EFFORTS INCLUDE:
Follow us on • Weekly Communique+WAF eBlasts with donor recognition list
0 a West[akeAcademyFoundation �., ICI • Carline signs and banners listing donor families by grade
0 aroundadonWA • Ongoing social media posts to update, educate and motivate!
1-5)west}akeacademAwndation
• Targeted emails from Grade Captains to non-donor families
Campaign updates! "� • Tailored emails to new families on purpose of BAF, why support
Donor shout-outs! is important,various ways to give, etc.
Gifts-in-Action photos! fir . In November, Phonathon to solicit non-donors;Thank-a-thon to
Our Blacksmiths appreciate donors
THANK YOU! Exploring"challenge/match" opportunities as incentive to give
• Alumni campaign for"Tribute Gifts" to honor/thank favorite
teachers. Can donate and share remarks via dedicated Alumni
link on eCart. Remarks will be compiled for each teacher.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 7 — Discussion
Items
DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion regarding an amendment to the Graduation Policy.
b. Presentation and discussion regarding Special Education Services.
estlake Academy Board of Trustees }}
TYPE OF ACTION
Workshop -Discussion Item
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, November 04, 2019
Topic: Presentation and discussion Regarding an Amendment to the Graduation
Policy
STAFF CONTACT: Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Executive Director of Westlake Academy
Strategic Alignment
Vision,Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Ob'ective
Mission:Westlake
Academy is an IB World
School whose mission is to
provide students with an Increase the Future
internationally minded Academic MYP/DP Readiness of All
education of the highest Operations Students
quality,so they are well-
balanced life-long
learners.
Time Line- Start Date:November 4,2019 Completion Date:N/A
Funding Amount: N/A Status:N/A Source-N/A
Contract: No Forms: N/A
ExECUTIVE SUMMARY(INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
Streamlining board policies and evaluating the effectiveness of board policies is a continuous
improvement process that must be initiated in order to maintain the efficient operation of the
Academy. The proposed changes to the Graduation Policy are designed to create greater clarity
for transfer students, to designate high school academic credits for select MYP courses, and to
meet new legislative requirements. In doing so, the footnote section of the policy was eliminated
and a section for transfer students was inserted. In addition, the number of credits that students
could earn prior to grade 9 was expanded.
Page 1 of 2
RECOMMENDATION
Seeking feedback on the proposed changes to the Graduation Policy.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Page 2 of 2
estlake Academy Board of Trustees }}
TYPE OF ACTION
Workshop -Discussion Item
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, November 04, 2019
Topic: Presentation and Discussion Regarding Special Education Services
STAFF CONTACT: Janet Bubert, Academy Attorney
Strategic Alignment
Vision,Value,Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Ob'ective
Mission:Westlake
Academy is an IB World
School whose mission is to
provide students with an Increase the Future
internationally minded Academic PYP/MYP/DP Readiness of All
education of the highest Operations Students
quality,so they are well-
balanced life-long
learners.
Time Line- Start Date:November 4,2019 Completion Date:N/A
Funding Amount: N/A Status:N/A Source-N/A
Contract: No Forms: N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY(INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
The purpose of the presentation and discussion regarding special education services is to provide
an overview of the special education laws applicable to public schools. The presentation and
discussion will include the regulations and procedures a charter school must follow for
identifying eligible students, completing evaluations, developing an appropriate education
program, and implementing services to ensure eligible students make sufficient progress based
on their individual circumstances.
The overarching purpose of the presentation and discussion regarding special education services
is to create a deeper understanding of the Academy's role in meeting the diverse needs of
students.
Page 1 of 2
RECOMMENDATION
Seeking greater understanding and support
ATTACHMENTS
None
Page 2 of 2
Board of
Trustees
Item #8 — Board Recap /
Staff Direction
BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST: President and Board of
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 Trustees
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 Item # 2 — Items of
and safety. Community Interest
✓ Coffee&Conversation with the Mayor/WA Board President
Monday, November 4, 2019; 8:00-9:30 am
NEW LOCATION: Westlake Fire-EMS Station No. 1, 2000 Dove Road (NW corner of Dove&Davis Blvd.)
-All are welcome&encouraged to join Mayor Laura Wheat at our new Westlake Fire-EMS Station No, i for our
second Coffee&Conversation at this location. We are so grateful to the Marriott for providing complimentary coffee
&tea at all previous Coffees over the years but we just couldn't resist moving these Mondays with the Mayor to
showcase our beautiful station for residents, WA parents, and our business partners!
✓ Board of Trustees Work Session/Meeting
Monday, November 4, 2019*
Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace-Bldg.7, Suite 7100 -Council Chambers
✓ Simply Westlake hosts Cooking Demonstration for Westlake Residents
11:30 am- 1:00 pm; Expressions Home Gallery, 325 Commerce St., Suite 100, Southlake
-RSVPs are requested by Nov. 1. Questions?Contact Connie Vernon Chase.
✓ Westlake Academy Parent Forum Series on Vaping (Open to any Westlake resident parent/grandparent)
Wednesday, November 6, 2019; 6:00-7:30 pm
WA Campus-Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH)
-Join us for a presentation on Vaping/E-Cigarette Prevention given by the Recovery Resource Council. This forum,
designed for parents, will include a presentation on the dangers of vaping nicotine& THC. The presenter will
provide insight into the newest trends and resources to arm parents with the knowledge to protect their students
and begin healthy informed discussions at home. Questions?Contact Secondary Counselor Lisa Phil/ios
✓ Westlake Honors our Veterans with a Westlake Academy Veteran's Day Program (Open to all veterans)
Monday, November 11, 2019
• Primary Grade Program: 8:15-9:00 am in the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH)
• Secondary Grades Program: 2:15-3:00 pm in the Gym
-Al/veterans are welcome&encouraged to attend as we join our students with a brief program in honor of YOU;
We have special music and speakers-all to show you our appreciation for your service;Secondary Grades'Program
will include a check presentation from our Town's Decoration Day Poppy Sales to Roanoke VFW)
✓ Planning &Zoning Work Session/Meeting
Monday, November 11, 2019*
Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace-Bldg.7, Suite 7100 -Council Chambers
✓ Westlake Baia; Hosted by the Westlake Academy Foundation
Monday, November 11, 2019; 6:00- 11:00 pm
The Vaquero Club, 2300 Vaquero Club Drive; Tickets are required
-Join us for the II th Annual Westlake Baja at Vaquero benefiting the students and teachers of Westlake Academy.
The evening's festivities will include Mission Impossible"type golf challenges and Trackman long drive contest,
helicopter ball drop, cocktails and gourmet dinner, and intimate live entertainment from four of country mus/c's top
Grammy winning songwriters! Westlake Baja sponsors enjoy the full Vaquero experience...and then some!Exclusive
VIP Party and all the evening Baja fun, as well as an exceptional round of golf,played at your convenience. For
tickets,sponsorships&all the details, visit WestlakeAcademyFounoat/on.orgZbaL
✓ Westlake Academy Open Tour for Primary Grades K-5
Thursday, November 14, 2019; 3:45—4:45 pm
WA Main Entrance/Office— PYP Commons Area
All tours will begin in the Main Primary Years Building Commons Area at 4:00 p.m. Please arrive no ear/ier than
3:45 p.m. to allow for school dismissal to be completed. Pre-registration/s not necessary. Children are always
welcome to attend yet must be supervised by parents while touring the campus Thank you!
✓ Free Movie Screening hosted by Westlake Academy HOC,WA Foundation &the Town of Westlake for
Screenagers: The Next Chapter(Any Westlake Resident Parent, Grandparent, or Student in grades 6 or above
are welcome to attend but please RSVP at link below)
Thursday, November 14, 2019; 6:00—8:00 pm; Harkins Movie Theatre in Southlake Town Square
-Tickets are free but reservations are required as seating is limited,and a snack-pack voucher will also
be provided!This docuf/lm/s produced and created by Dr. Delaney Ruston in her continued research on raising
youth a stress-filled digital age and draws links of screen usage and mental health concerns. Dr. Ruston sets out to
uncover how we understand these challenges in our current screen-filled society.And how we as parents and
schools empower teens with skills to overcome mental health challenges and build emotional agility, communication
savvy, and stress resilience. Questions?Contact Secondary Counselor L/sa Phillips
✓ Westlake Academy Fall Musical Production:Annie(Two performances)
Saturday evening, November 16, 2019; 7—9:30 pm AND Sunday afternoon, November 17, 2019; 2-3:30 pm
WA Campus-Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH); Visit West/akeAcademy.org for more deta//s or ema//Mr. Phil Mueller Tickets
can be purchased/n the school office for$10 per person.
✓ Town Council Work Session/Meeting
Monday, November 18, 2019*
Westlake Town Hall, Solana Terrace-Bldg.7, Suite 7100 -Council Chambers
✓ Westlake Academy CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 25—Friday, November 29, 2019
✓ Westlake Municipal Offices CLOSED for the Thanksgiving Holidays
Thursday, November 28—Friday, November 29, 2019
-Trash&Recycling collections will be delayed one day this holiday week to Saturday,Nov.30. No collections
will take place on the normal Friday service day this week.
*For meetinagendas 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.
Board of
Trustees
Item # 3 — Consent
Agenda
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 meeting on October 7, 2019.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 19-18, Approving amendments to the Graduation
policy.
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
October 7, 2019
PRESENT: Trustees: Alesa Belvedere, Carol Langdon, and Rick Rennhack.
ABSENT: President Laura Wheat, Michael Barrett, and Greg Goble.
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Amanda DeGan, Board Secretary Kelly Edwards,
Dr. Mechelle Bryson, PYP Principal Rod Harding, PYP Assistant
Principal Beckie Paquin, Secondary Principal Stacy Stoyanoff,
College Counselor Carl Tippen, Deputy Town Manager Noah
Simon, Assistant Town Manager Jarrod Greenwood, Registrar
Kim Gardner, Director of Communications Ginger Awtry,
Communication Manager Jon Sasser, Director of Information
Technology Jason Power, Director of Facilities & Public Works
Troy Meyer, and WA Foundation Executive Director Dr. Shelly
Myers.
Work Session
1. CALL TO ORDER
Trustee Langdon called the work session to order at 5:41 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Trustee Langdon led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Board.
BOT Minutes 10/07/19
Page 1 of 3
4. RECOGNITION OF THE MERIT SCHOLARS.
The Board recognized the following scholars:
National Hispanic Recognition - Kevin Hoffman and Kristina Hoffman
National Merit Commended Scholars - Preston Landry Griffin, Liana Hampton, Kevin
Hoffman, Grace Parkey, Nishta Patel, Axel Ramone, and Kaito Robson.
S. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS LISTED ON THE REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA.
No additional discussion.
6. REPORTS
a. PYP Strings report —A Two Year Perspective.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. Presentation and discussion regarding the Leavers data.
Dr. Bryson and Mrs. Gardner provided a presentation and overview of the data.
Discussion ensued regarding number of students that have left and reasons why,
staff reaching out to parents to determine the reason for leaving, student gains, and
that most reasons are a personal choice to leave the academy.
b. Presentation and discussion regarding college readiness data over the last five years.
This report will include discussion concerning PSAT, SAT, and ACT trends at Westlake
Academy and its impact on student college and future readiness.
Mr. Tippen, Mr. Stoyanoff, and Dr. Bryson provided a presentation and overview of
the item.
Discussion ensued regarding the recent scandals and affects for students applying to
college, colleges revaluating admittances processes, and admittance requirements for
athletes.
8. BOARD RECAP / STAFF DIRECTION
No additional direction.
BOT Minutes 10/07/19
Page 2 of 3
Regular Session will begin immediately following the work session
1. CALL TO ORDER
Trustee Langdon called the regular session to order at 6:15 p.m.
2. ITEMS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
Ms. Awtry provided an overview of the upcoming events.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Consider approval of the minutes from the meeting on September 9, 2019.
b. Consider approval of Resolution 19-16, Approving a Distribution of Non-School
Literature Policy.
c. Consider approval of Resolution 19-17, Approving a Student Communications
and Publications policy.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to approve the consent
agenda. Trustee Belvedere seconded the motion. The motion
carried by a vote of 3-0.
4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No future agenda items.
S. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Board, Trustee Langdon asked for a motion
to adjourn the meeting.
MOTION: Trustee Rennhack made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Belvedere seconded the motion. The motion carried by
a vote of 3-0.
Trustee Langdon adjourned the regular session at 6:18 p.m.
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON NOVEMBER 4, 2019.
ATTEST:
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary Carol Langdon, Trustee
BOT Minutes 10/07/19
Page 3 of 3
estlake Academy Board of Trustees }}
TYPE OF ACTION
Regular Meeting - Consent
Westlake Board Meeting
Monday, November 04, 2019
Topic: Consider approval of a Resolution approving amendments to the
Graduation policy.
STAFF CONTACT: Dr. Mechelle Bryson, Executive Director of Westlake Academy
Strategic Alignment
Vision,Value, Mission Perspective Curriculum Outcome
Ob'ective
Mission:Westlake
Academy is an IB World
School whose mission is to
provide students with an Increase the Future
internationally minded Academic MYP/DP Readiness of All
education of the highest Operations Students
quality,so they are well-
balanced life-long
learners.
Time Line- Start Date:November 4,2019 Completion Date:N/A
Funding Amount: N/A Status:N/A Source-N/A
Contract: No Forms: N/A
ExECUTIVE SUMMARY(INCLUDING APPLICABLE ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY)
Streamlining board policies and evaluating the effectiveness of board policies is a continuous
improvement process that must be initiated in order to maintain the efficient operation of the
Academy. The proposed changes to the Graduation Policy are designed to create greater clarity
for transfer students, to designate high school academic credits for select MYP courses, and to
meet new legislative requirements. In doing so, the footnote section of the policy was eliminated
and a section for transfer students was inserted. In addition, the number of credits that students
could earn prior to grade 9 was expanded.
Page 1 of 2
RECOMMENDATION
Approval of the resolution and approval of the policy
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution and policy
Page 2 of 2
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION 19-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CONSIDERING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE GRADUATION POLICY
6.04.
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy ensures compliance with all State legislative mandates
on graduation; and
WHEREAS,Westlake Academy ensures an International Baccalaureate World Education
for all students; and
WHEREAS,Westlake Academy works to update all policies in a timely manner to reflect
legislative changes and ensures these policies are easily accessible to stakeholders; 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: 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.
WA Resolution 19-18
Page 1 of 6
SECTION 3: That this resolution shall become effective from and after its date of
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 4th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2019.
ATTEST:
Laura Wheat, President
Kelly Edwards, Board Secretary
Janet S. Bubert or L. Stanton Lowry,
School Attorney
WA Resolution 19-18
Page 2 of 6
TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 6.04:
Date Board Adopted: May 12, 2014
Date Board Amended: May 6, 2019
Effective Date: November 4, 2019
Policy Category: Student Achievement
Policy Name: Graduation Policy
Policy Goal: Establishing graduation requirements, defining commencement
participation requirements, and determining Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor
Graduate criteria.
Policy Description:
Graduation Requirements - As reflective of Westlake Academy's rigorous and enriching
International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and a desire to foster college readiness,
students who graduate from Westlake Academy will complete a program of study that
includes high academic standards and additional credit hours making them eligible for
the Distinguished Level of Achievement recognition.
Students must complete all graduation requirements identified in this policy to receive a
Westlake Academy diploma. Those requirements are as follows:
• Earn the necessary credits as required for the Foundation High School Program
with at least the Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement as outlined by the Texas
State Board of Education;
• Complete the requirements to earn the Distinguished Level of Achievement;
• Achieve satisfactory performance on required state end of course assessments;
and
• Complete all requirements to sit for and receive an IB Diploma.
The academic credit requirements for a Westlake Academy diploma are identified in the
chart below:
WA Resolution 19-18
Page 3 of 6
Graduation Policy Credits
GROUP Foundation Plan Westlake Academy
with Distinguished Level of Achievement
1 Language and 1.0 English 1 1.0 English 1 4.0
Literature 1.0 English 2 1.0 English 2
1.0 English 3 2.0 IB English Literature
1.0 English 4
2 Language Acquisition 2.0 Language B 3.0 Language B 5.0
2.0 IB Language B
3 Individuals and 1.0 World Geography or 1.0 World Geography or 5.0
Societies World History World History
1.0 US History 1.0 Humanities
0.5 Economics 1.0 US History
0.5 Government 0.5 Economics
0.5 Government
1.0 IB Individuals and Societies
4 Sciences 1.0 Biology 1.0 Biology 4.0
2.0 Lab Science 1.0 Lab Science
2.0 IB Science
5 Mathematics 1.0 Algebra 1 1.0 Algebra 1 5.0
1.0 Geometry 1.0 Geometry
1.0 Math 1.0 Algebra 2
2.0 IB Mathematics
6 Arts/ Electives 1.0 Fine Art 1.0 Fine Art 2.0
5.0 Electives 1.0 IB TOK
PE Physical Education 1.0 PE 1.0 PE 1.0
IB Core Personal Project 0.0
IB Extended Essay
IB CAS
Total 22.0 26.0
Pre-High School credits can be earned in Language B, Mathematics, and Fine Art in
Grade 7 and/or Grade 8. Students may be awarded up to 3.0 credits on their high
school transcript.
Transfer Student Guidelines and Exemptions - Transfer students must complete WA
graduation requirements and achieve a minimum of 26.0 credit hours with the
applicable exemptions in the areas listed below:
• For transfer students lacking Language Acquisition credits within WA's course
offerings, a student who enrolls in Grade 9 will have a minimum requirement of
4.0 credits in the same language through the WA course offerings; a student who
enrolls in Grade 10 will have a minimum requirement of 3.0 credits in the same
language through the WA course offerings; and a student who enrolls in Grade
11 will have a minimum requirement of 2.0 credits in the same language through
the WA course offerings.
WA Resolution 19-18
Page 4 of 6
• Personal Project is a requirement for any student entering Westlake Academy
before or during the first semester of Grade 10. Students who enter in G11 are
exempt from the Personal Project.
Additional Endorsements —Westlake Academy students who complete the Westlake
Academy graduation requirements can also select and earn other endorsements as
defined in the Texas Education Code.
Eligibility to Participate in Commencement Ceremony—Westlake Academy seniors who
have satisfied all Westlake Academy requirements for graduation are eligible to
participate in the graduation ceremonies; however, disciplinary infractions may
jeopardize a student's opportunity to participate in the commencement ceremony
consistent with the student code of conduct and as determined by the Executive
Director.
For students who have not successfully completed all coursework, an exception may be
made in the event that a senior lacks one (1) credit towards the graduation
requirements. The student must have a plan approved by the Executive Director to
complete the credit prior to the beginning of the next school year. No other exceptions
to participation in the graduation ceremony will be granted except as required by law.
Academic Recognition - Westlake Academy will encourage and recognize academic
achievement through the establishment of a class Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor
Graduates. These recognitions are determined based on a student's Cumulative Grade
Point Average (CGPA) as recorded at the end of the third reporting period of a student's
senior year.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian — The graduating senior with the highest CGPA will be
recognized as Valedictorian, and the graduating senior with the second highest CGPA
will be recognized as Salutatorian. In the event of a tie for Valedictorian, the students
will share the honor and no Salutatorian will be designated. Additionally, Valedictorian
and Salutatorian eligibility requires attendance at Westlake Academy for at least the six
consecutive semesters immediately preceding graduation. Further, the Superintendent
or his/her designee may deem a student ineligible for these recognitions if the student is
in violation of Westlake Academy's student code of conduct, other school requirements,
Town code, or State codes.
Honor Graduates - A graduating senior whose weighted CGPA is 90% or above will be
determined to be an Honor Graduate and will be duly recognized at commencement.
The Executive Director and his/her designee are granted the authority to include
students whose CGPA is 90% or above at the end of the final semester.
WA Resolution 19-18
Page 5 of 6
Rank in Class - Rank in class is determined by CGPA and will be used for the purposes
of:
• Identifying students eligible to obtain automatic admission to Texas public
universities based upon a university's uniform admission policy and in
accordance with the Texas Education Code. This information will be reported
directly to institutions by Westlake Academy staff.
• Determining Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Outside of the above circumstances, Westlake Academy is a non-ranking high school.
Operational guidelines consistent with this policy will be detailed and published in the
Parent/Student Handbook.
In the event a student does not complete all Westlake Academy graduation
requirements by the end of the student's twelfth (12t") grade year due to unexpected
circumstances, the student may seek Board approval for and the Board may approve an
alternate graduation plan consistent with the State's foundation high school program
requirements, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the student.
Students Receiving Special Education Services —Westlake Academy will comply with
federal and state laws and regulations applicable to graduation requirements for eligible
students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
To the extent required by law, Westlake Academy will provide a summary of
performance for graduating students receiving special education services. This
summary will consider, as appropriate, the views of the parent and student and written
recommendations from adult service agencies on how to assist the student in meeting
postsecondary goals as well as any required evaluation information.
The Academy shall issue a certificate of attendance to a student who receives special
education services and who has completed four years of high school but has not
completed the student's individualized education program (IEP). A student eligible to
receive a certificate of attendance shall be allowed to participate in a commencement
ceremony with students receiving high school diplomas. A student may participate in
only one commencement ceremony under this provision.
Dates Amended:
10/05/15
11/02/15
WA Resolution 19-18
Page 6 of 6
Board of
Trustees
Item # 4 — Future Agenda
Items
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 — Adjournment
Regular Session