Westwood Way
Happenings In Panther Nation - December 2017
Panther Pride
Happy Wednesday!
Over the last several years, I have moved away from New Year’s Resolutions and have been focusing on an activity that identifies One Word that will be my focus for the year. As I have identified my word, it has become a driver for the way I approach my conversations, my interactions, my decisions, and the overall way that I live my daily life.
The One Word that I have selected during the last three years has been:
2015 – Relationships
2016 – Commitment
2017 – Brave
As I have selected these words, I have noticed an intentional purpose in my life and have found it to be an empowering alternative to making and not keeping my New Year’s Resolutions. With resolutions, it felt that I spent more time wishing and talking about what I wanted and this process has allowed me to move to taking action and seeing my dreams become a reality.
My process of discovering my One Word involves intentional pausing to be still and free from distractions, reflection on the past year, and then I begin to listen to my heart. Through this process, my One Word tends to find me more than me finding it. Typically I find a word or thought that begins to pop out at me during conversations, articles I’m reading, and while I’m listening to music. This word begins to resonate with me and then I know that my One Word has found me!!
If you are not already participating in One Word, I would like to invite you to join me as we prepare for 2018. You can find information at this link One Word. I am close to discovering my One Word for 2018, and I look forward to sharing it with you after we come back from the Christmas Break. Also, I would love to hear your One Word if you choose to participate.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Wade
School Board Update
During the November Board Meeting, the following items came before the School Board:
Christine Bedre discussed horizontal and vertical alignment while reviewing the process of breaking down the TEKS. Ths information was applied to the backwards design lesson planning process.
Mr. Stanford discussed placing artwork on the tennis court backboard and the challenges that needed to be considered.
Mr. Stanford discussed the new Pre-Employment Affidavit that is now included in the application and hiring process. This requirement is a result of Senate Bill 7.
The School Board and staff continued discussing the book Turning High-Poverty Schools into High-Performing Schools. Chapters 5 and 6 were discussed this month, and the board and staff will continue this discussion over the next several months.
The School Board unanimously approved the 2016-2017 Audit Report presented by Smith, Lambright, Associates. WISD received a clean audit.
The School Board tabled the discussion on the Superintendent's evaluation document.
The School Board unanimously approved the purchase of property and all the contents at 4509 West Oak and 4511 West Oak.
During the Special School Board Meeting on December 5, the School Board unanimously approved SAMCO as the districts financial advisor.
During the Special School Board Meeting on December 12, the School Board unanimously approved BWA as the districts architect firm.
During the December Board Meeting, the following items came before the School Board:
The FFA Officers discussed their experiences and reflections from attending the National FFA Convention.
Christine Bedre reviewed the three stages of backwards design. Step 1 was discussed using a sample TEK breakdown and then Step 2 was explored using sample unit assessment questions that were aligned to the TEK used in Step 1.
Christine Bedre presented a district PBMAS report. She discussed the District Leadership Team, their analysis of data, and the TAIS process that occurred in October. Finally, a comprehensive overview was given consisting of the district plan to correct areas of need and TEA submission update.
Janice Bryan presented a Primary campus update in which she discussed the focus for each program and support system on the campus.
Michelle Carroll presented an Elementary campus update in which she reviewed the progress of the campus in the areas of climate, academic performance, data, and leadership.
Mr. Stanford presented an overview of Policy Update 109. Update 109 encompasses changes in law from the 85th Legislative Session.
The School Board and staff continued discussing the book Turning High-Poverty Schools into High-Performing Schools. Chapter 7 was discussed this month, and the board and staff will continue this discussion over the next several months.
The School Board selected Jeffrey Presley as the 2017-2018 Proud Panther. Jeffrey will be honored at a future board meeting.
The School Board unanimously approved the bid of $36,500 by Lightfoot Air Conditioning for Westwood High School Walk-In Cooler and Freezer Replacement.
The School Board unanimously approved to un-table the discussion on the Superintendent's evaluation document.
The School Board unanimously approved to contract with Sheri Sides and Jenny Preston to develop the Superintendent’s evaluation document to line up with the Strategic
Plan developed in 2017.
The School Board unanimously approved Judy Thomason as Interim Principal at Westwood Primary.
Curriculum
Review, Reflect, Revise.
This is the process that must take place after a six weeks ends to embark upon the planning for our students and to meet their academic needs. Review data to find each student's’ strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on the lesson taught, activities planned, and the task (work/assignments) given to the student preparing for TEK mastery. How could there have been misalignment? Are students utilizing prior conceptual knowledge in the subject to apply their academic learning? Finally, revise links for upcoming lessons, activities, and task given to students to ensure alignment with the objective. By utilizing this process, we as educators can provide academic excellence for all students.
Our first vertical alignment session was very successful. This day revealed organic conversation that highlighted our educator's desire for all students to be successful. Feedback from the survey sent out will be used to plan professional development along with tailoring our February alignment day to fit your department/campus need.
Utilization of the TEKS Resource system documents continues to be a primary demand across campuses’. Our instructional technologist, Mrs. Luna, has now completed two professional development Lunch and Learn opportunities for each campus. These opportunities will continue after the Christmas Break and into the spring semester. If there is a department/grade level need for specific training, please submit it through the following google survey link: Click Here
Instruction - Classroom Accommodations and the Link to Language, Vocabulary, Content Supports:
As online testing evolves, teachers continue to find ways to differentiate their instruction preparing students for STAAR. TEA has released a document to help bridge the gap between online supports and classroom accommodations. Click Here to view the 2017 classroom integration chart.
Instructional Materials Update:
In the 2018-2019 school year: The K-8 ELAR instructional materials adoption cycle will begin while high school ELAR instructional materials review process begins. This year also consist of implementation of science streamlined TEKS and adoption of social studies streamlined TEKS. Health, PE, and ELPS TEKS will be reviewed next school year along with the issue of the proclamation of 2021.
In the 2019-2020 school year: The K-8 TEKS and instructional materials will be implemented, high school ELAR instructional materials will be adopted, and social studies streamlined TEKS will be implemented. Health, PE, and ELPS will be chosen with the instructional materials for the three and pre-kindergarten systems will begin the review process.
Accountability:
Our district leadership met at the end of October to analyze the PBMAS ratings and complete the TAIS process. There was collaboration and excitement as we finished our district improvement plan. Our district team will continue to communicate this strategy to each campus while monitoring the progress throughout the spring semester.
Teacher Leadership Opportunity
Have a great idea? Are your students engaged in a particular activity? Have you ever wanted to lead a teacher professional learning session? If so, submit your idea here. Teacher Leadership Opportunity - Google Form
Finally, Barnes & Noble offers an educator discount reward system. Educators are eligible for 20% discount card. Sign up in store at no cost. Employees must show a current school ID or pay stub to receive the discount card.
Special Programs
Federal and Special Programs operations are in full swing on a daily basis. Our campus counselors and ESL and RtI coordinators continue to work diligently in identifying and serving all special populations. Additionally, we continue to work with campus principals to ensure all federal funds are used most appropriately to maximize the academic development of all of our students.
In October, we held two Parent Nights set aside for the parents of our students served in our English as a Second Language program. On the first night, we shared information about our ESL program and heard feedback from the parents about resources and strategies we can offer to help them as they work with their children. At our second meeting, Michelle Brooks, PEIMS coordinator, conducted a Skyward presentation. The parents had the opportunity to set their preferred language, log in and view their child’s grades and attendance. We also had time to show them some of the programs and activities their children do at school. Special thanks to Mrs. Harris for translating and our campus ESL coordinators for helping out on both nights. We also thank the High School Spanish Club for their help with childcare. These evenings appeared to be very beneficial to our parents, and we plan to hold at least two more next semester.
December End of Course STAAR Exams took place last week. This was our last administration for the 2017 Testing Year. We would like to send a huge thank you to Jeffrey Tauber and the high school faculty and students for a job well done during testing. Preparations continue for Spring assessment. The 2017 Assessment Conference provided a range of useful information from accommodation resources, interim assessments, online testing, data management and assessment programs.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Business & Finance
1. We are currently reviewing the 2017-2018 budget to compare actual expenditures to budget numbers. In this way, we can oversee spending patterns. Any areas in which we are overspending, we may need to space out purchases. We will also monitor required spending areas to determine adequate expenses or purchases. At this time of the year, ideally, the budget should be around 50% remaining.
2. Payroll is still learning the new TRS reporting system as well as preparing for another early payroll due to the Christmas holidays.
3. Accounts Payable is still managing travel at this time of the year with basketball tournaments, Band competitions, UIL programs, CTE, etc. It is a very busy time of year for activities.
PEIMS
Westwood's PEIMS department successfully completed the first fall submission. We are thankful for all the hard work that each department contributed. We will now be working with our finance department to get started on our midyear submission. Midyear submission consists of actual audited financial data from the previous year. This is used to report data to the state legislature, monitor expenditures, audit district, etc.. We will have data ready for submission no later than January 25th. We are confident in quality the quality of our data and look forward to another submission complete!
Food Service
1) The School Café app is almost complete, more information coming soon!
2) Primary, Elementary, and High School have gotten PERFECT health inspections!!!
3) The Child Nutrition Department will be having a “Be A Hero” program starting in January.
4) Cafeteria Managers will be reviewing menus and new ideas to incorporate into the menu starting in February. Jambalaya, Frito Pie, Red Beans & Rice are just a few on the “trial” list.
Facilities Services
Current
- Seasonal general maintenance
- Safety and Security Audit
- Improving Accessibility at stadium
- Installation of 18 Expo boards
- Preparations for baseball and softball season
Completed
- Installation of stage lighting at the High School Fine Arts
- Tree trimming at the Primary and Junior High
- Repaired roof leaks at Primary
- Replaced broken restroom dispensers
- Seeded ryegrass on baseball, softball, and practice fields
Transportation
First of all, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The Transportation Department continues to meet the needs of Westwood students with minimal problems. The last of the video cameras have been installed for this year. We had six regular route buses and two Special Needs buses completed. Next year we will install only four cameras to complete the three-year camera project. We have moved some buses around and are proud to say our route buses, and Special Needs buses are air-conditioned. Overall, our bus fleet is in good condition. Our Department continues to be fully staffed as we head into the New Year. I appreciate everyone's support for the first semester of school.
Technology
We have had a busy and exciting month in the Technology Department. We've delivered multiple Chromebook carts to campuses this month, and we've been able to work requests for help rapidly. As I mentioned last month, we are in the process of purchasing and setting up a new district app for iOS and Android devices. The campus principals and district supervisors were able to get a first glimpse of the new app earlier this week. We are confident that the app will serve as a useful point of information for our students, staff, parents, and community members. We are hoping that the app will go live sometime in January.
John Solomon was named District Auxiliary Employee of the Month at the last board meeting. If you see John out and about on your campus, please take the time to congratulate him on this achievement. John works extremely hard daily to provide support for all users in the district. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Athletics
The boys basketball team is 14-1 finishing second in the Grand Saline Tournament with an overtime loss to #4 Big Sandy in the championship game. The boys won the Franklin Tournament this past weekend beating five teams to win the trophy over Grapeland in the championship game.
The boys Jr High teams are in the 3rd week of district play and are improving each week. Participation in the Jr High is strong, and the kids are playing well.
Boys soccer starts in two weeks with boys teams working hard in athletics preparing for their up and coming season.
Powerlifting team started workouts two weeks ago and will be attending their first meet when we get back from the Christmas break.
In Football, Jailyn Tatum was named Offensive Newcomer of the Year in our district. Micheal Page, Callan Dickson, Trey Walters, and Jaren Turner were named 2nd Team All-District. JT Herndon, Jatavious Wilson, and Zac Morrow were named Honorable Mention.
WHS Girls Basketball record is currently 4 – 9 on the season and 0-1 in district play losing to Frankston 47-48 in OT. We are working hard to improve each day at practice, and we are making progress. We face Teague on this Friday, games start at 5:00 pm with JV.
Soccer after school practice began last week, and Coach Rawls has said things are going well. The girls are working really hard to get ready for their season.
Softball offseason workouts began last week also.
Jr High Basketball teams are competing hard this season, our 7th grade A team got their first win of the season defeating Leon 25-10. We are focusing on the fundamentals of the game, and building confidence in our girls and our 8th-grade team is working hard to improve as well.