Westwood Way
Happenings In Panther Nation
Panther Pride
Happy Monday!!
In an attempt to increase communication, we have created a monthly digital newsletter. Our goal is to share news and events from the multiple departments and to increase your awareness of the operations of our district.
As we venture out on this journey of trying new things, our focus can drift to fear as we think about how it would feel if we fail. But isn't life about facing our fears and understanding that we only learn as we try new things, fail, try again, fail, and continue to try. Eventually, we master the new concept and learn a new skill in the process. True learning can only occur in the process of failing, learning from it, and trying again!!
I encourage you to join me on this journey as we attempt things we have never tried before and redefine fail as the First Attempt In Learning and fear as False Evidence Appearing Real. Let's be brave as we do what is best for students!!
Wade
School Board Update
Our current students discussed the pressures of taking a high-stake test and their desire to learn content at a deep level versus at a level to pass a test. They highlighted benchmark testing and tutorials as areas that help them in preparing for these assessments. Our recent graduates praised the staff of Westwood ISD for preparing them at a higher academic level than their current classmates. The students also treasured the connections they had with staff members and the small school experience that allowed them to connect with a diverse group of students.
The board was presented with the District and Campus Improvement Plans as a 1st Read and will be able to review these documents prior to the March meeting.
John Folmar presented the Technology Report in which he discussed E-Rate funding and highlighted the challenges we are experiencing with current staff and student devices.
The board received documents and an overview of Policy Update 107 as a 1st Read. This update deals primarily with gifts, fundraising, expense reimbursement and compulsory attendance.
The Microsoft software license agenda item was tabled until the March meeting when we will have a firm quote available.
The board recognized the service of Kyle Lock, retiring as High School Principal, and Judy Evans, resigning as Elementary Principal. Both were praised for their dedication and commitment to their respective campus.
The board unanimously approved administrator contracts for Christine Bedre, Scott Nettles, David Hale, Sonya Brown, Janice Bryan, Kevin Hayes, Cindy Christian, and Tiffany Carwell.
Curriculum
Curriculum meetings held with each grade level and department on all campuses were fabulous opportunities to share the successes of our students and identify potential areas for growth. Additional meetings will be held this spring.
Assessment season is upon us! We are gearing up for training and preparations for the 2017 testing opportunities. Students are working energetically, preparing to show us what they have learned.
Special Programs
Starting this school year, Westwood ISD began implementation of the Multi-Sensory Teaching Approach (MTA) as part of our dyslexia program. This program is an Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach to teaching reading that combines Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (or muscle) instruction. We are currently serving several students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our awesome MTA teachers are witnessing growth and confidence in their students with the application of this program.
Business & Finance
Our Payroll Department worked extremely hard through January so that we could release paychecks early. We were able to pay on January 20th instead of the normal pay date of January 25th. We all appreciated their hard work.
We are beginning the budget process for the fiscal year 2017-2018. Our first assignment will be to develop the budget calendar. Currently, the campus principals and the directors are reviewing their current budgets to adequately fund the remainder of Fiscal Year 2016-2017. This will also help them in beginning preparations for the new budget year.
PEIMS
PEIMS summer and mid-year data submission to the new TSDS system was a success! Westwood ISD was in the last group of districts required to submit all data to the new TSDS system that was first implemented just a few years ago. Although there were many challenges learning the new state required system, we had a lot of support and worked together to meet all state required deadlines. We are already working together to ensure clean and accurate data for our next submission this summer.
Food Service
Our department has increased participation 8% in the Lunch program, with both the implementation of Free Lunch for all students and working with the menu to prepare more things the students enjoy. We currently have approximately 75% of our students eating lunch in the cafeteria.
We recently won an award for the Texas Local Products Challenge, by utilizing a number of food items that are from Texas.
The National School Breakfast Week is March 6th through 10th.
Facilities Services
WISD has a little more than 300,000 square feet of buildings on over 140 acres. Facility Services consists of (3) three departments, (maintenance, grounds, and custodial) and has 21 full-time employees. The objective of the Facility Services is to support WISD’s vision, mission and goals by providing clean and presentable facilities combined with cost effective responsive maintenance.
Our department has recently repaired the road behind the Primary School, replaced engineered wood fiber and sand in the large sandbox at the Primary School, and renovated the Bus Barn.
Transportation
This year has been the best year we have had in the Transportation Department. Westwood Transportation currently has sixteen regular routes and two Special Needs bus routes and transport an average of 900 - 1,000 students each morning and afternoon. Currently, we travel 838 miles per day and have had 187 trips for 15,792 miles for the first semester.
The Maintenance Department also completed the Transportation renovation project and we moved back into our building. A special “Thanks” to Josh Shultz and his staff for their hard work.
Technology
Sherry Luna, several teachers, and I were able to attend the annual TCEA conference in Austin earlier this month. We attended sessions to learn about new technology and instructional technology strategies that we think will help our teachers and students better utilize technology in their classrooms.
Our technicians have worked hard all school year to respond to help requests in a timely manner. They have worked more than 1250 request during the school year and more than 275 requests since we returned from Christmas break.
We are in the early stages of selecting staff members to serve on a committee to help evaluate the design and functionality of our district websites. With the information gathered during the evaluation process, we hope to redesign our websites and make them more functional for staff members, students, parents, and community members.
Athletics
Our spring sports are getting into full swing and we encourage you to take time out of your busy schedule to watch a game. The students would love to see you!