HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 09-08 WA Adopting Paramaters for School Sanctioned Trips WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
RESOLUTION NO. 09-08
ADOPTING A POLICY PERTAINING TO BOARD PARAMETERS FOR
SCHOOL SANCTIONED TRIPS
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees has considered the proposed
policy establishing Board parameters for school sanctioned trips; and
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees finds that this policy will
enhance student achievement through the use of school sanctioned trips as teaching tools
to enhance and advance IB learning goals for Academy students; and
WHEREAS, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this
Resolution is in the best interests of the Academy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1. That the Board of Trustees of Westlake Academy hereby adopts
the proposed policy related to Board parameters for school sanctioned trips which is
attached as Exhibit A to this resolution.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution shall become effective upon the date of its
passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 9 DAY OF MARCH 2009.
Laura Wheat, President
ATTEST.
Sutter, Secretary Tom Chef Executive Officer
APPR D O FO
L, nton Lo ool horny
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TOWN OF WESTLAKE
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY
Policy No. 09 ;
Date Board Adopted;
Date Board Amended:
Effective Date:
Policy Name: Board Parameters for School Sanctioned Trips
Policy Cateciory: Student Achievement
Policy Goal: Students Who Become Well Baianced, 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 fit and promote this IB Learner Profile, the IB curriculum, as well as be of
direct educational value for the student participants of these trips.
To that end, student trips should be planned to coordinate as much as practical
with the Academy's school calendar. A school planned trip that occurs during the
time the Academy is in session should also adequately address the academic
needs of the students that cannot attend the trip. The Head of School or his
designate is responsible for establishing chaperone ratios that address safety
needs, All trips must be planned in accordance with requirements established in
the Parent-Student Handbook or other administrative procedures and
requirements approved and set out by the Head of School.
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 and all
trips that require students to be away from the property located at 2600 Ottinger
Road, Westlake, Texas, 76262.
Any trip taken away from the school is a privilege, not a right, and as such,
students are required to represent our school in a responsible manner. This
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privilege could be revoked as a disciplinary measure if deemed necessary by the
school administration.
The following are the Westlake Academy Residential Trips Policy Rationale and
Learning Outcomes:
Rationale:
At Westlake Academy, we believe that residential trips give the students greater
opportunities for experiential learning within an appropriate, relevant and
authentic context, as well as the chance to develop their independence and self-
management skills.
Time away from home helps cement and forge friendships, as well as
strengthening the bonds that they have with their teachers.
In addition to the aforementioned, residential trips afford students with the
opportunity of experiencing different perspectives and cultures, thus promoting
and developing greater understanding and international-mindedness.
Learning Outcomes:
DEVELOPING KEY SKILLS
• Using and applying knowledge, skills and understanding in different, realistic
and exciting contexts
• Developing the ability to work co-operatively
• Developing the ability to communicate successfully
• Showing initiative and a positive attitude
• Showing greater independence, moving towards self-reliance
• Becoming increasingly risk aware and increasing understanding and
independent action
RAISING ACHIEVEMENT BY BOOSTING SELF-ESTEEM AND MOTIVATION
• Raising self-esteem through successful participation and enjoyment
• Developing a positive attitude to learning
• Helping demonstrate strengths and understanding of limitations
• Encouraging responsibility
• Improving behavior
• Addressing disaffection
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DEVELOPING SOCIAL EDUCATION AND CITIZENSHIP
• The ability to work with others, accept and support them, building relationships
• Learning to tolerate others and respect their views — understanding equal
opportunities
• Learning to accept the consequences of their own actions
• Learning to defend their own point of view
• Encouraging a commitment to voluntary service
• Exploring attitudes and values they will carry into adult life
PROMOTING EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
• An appreciation of the natural world as a source of interest and challenge
• A concern for living things
• An understanding of the need for interdependence between people and the
environment
• Recognition of the effect of present actions on the future
• An increasing ability to access evidence and make personal decisions
PROMOTING HEALTH AND FITNESS AND A POSITIVE USE OF LEISURE
(where applicable)
• Developing a positive attitude to physical activities and a health lifestyle
• Developing and experiencing physical fitness and well-being
• Achieving success in physical activities
• Developing self-respect and self-discipline and the ability to cope with adversity
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