Advertisement
Minds and Matter: WB schools an educational leader? Let us count the ways
by Kevin Hatfield, School Superintendent · Op-Ed · July 28, 2016


The Board of Education, administrative team and our entire staff is excited to get the 2016 – 2007 school year started.


As a “Future Focused Community of Learners” we have so much to celebrate! Many student-centered, strategic initiatives have been implemented over the past few years.

Together, we have returned the District to its rightful spot as a recognized educational leader at region and state levels.

Here are just a few reasons for this claim:

• Growing numbers of students scoring 25 – 29 and 30 or higher on ACT.

• Record number of students receiving concurrent (college credit) credits saving our families thousands of dollars in post-secondary tuition.

• Improving reading and math proficiency trend line data

• Record numbers of students able to successful complete algebra at the end of 8th grade.

• The implementation of effective Standards-Based Grading (SBG) and student feedback processes.

• The implementation of effective Multi-tiered System Supports (MTSS) which consist of five (5) components: 1) Evidence-based curriculum and instruction provided at the universal level. 2) Universal screening of all students. 3) Evidence-based, instructional interventions at the targeted and intensive levels shall be provided to each student who needs them. 4) Progress monitoring for learners below expectations. 4) Data-based decision making throughout the system.

• A State-recognized Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) Plan designed to provide direct coaching and instructional support to teachers. (WBCSD was a “Round 2,” $248,000 grant recipient for this work.)

• Regional leadership in the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) courses; including robotics options for students at three levels.

• We are beginning our 5th year as a 1:1 district. This year, students in grades 4th through 12th will be provided their own Lenovo N22 Chromebook. Students in preschool through 3rd grade begin a 2:1 iPad program. (Two students for every one iPad.)

• Hoover’s Jess Burger is this year’s Elementary Principal of the Year for the State of Iowa!

• Sara Oswald, Principal, WBMS and the District’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation, is a recognized leader for the implementation of 21st Century Teaching and Learning Strategies.

• West Branch High School, under the leadership of Mr. Shannon Bucknell, was ranked as one of the top high schools in Iowa (Source: Iowa School Report Card system)

• We are expanding our “Leader in Me” framework that is now embedded in the culture of Hoover Elementary School into West Branch Middle School and West Branch High School. We will continue our Olweus program designed to provide social emotional learning and anti-bullying support.

• We have added a School Resource Officer (SRO) program to provide additional educational support at all three buildings. We welcome Officer Cathy Steen of the West Branch Policy Department!

• Award-winning, highly successful extra-curricular programs and clubs for all students.

• A Board of Education that puts the needs of students first while utilizing long-term, strategic plans to guide decisions.

• Caring, professional, student-centered teachers and employees!

• Engaged students, parents, volunteers and community members and school-affiliated groups!

• We have great school-affiliated groups like our WB PTO, Fine Arts Connections, All-Sports Boosters and our West Branch School Foundation (WBSF). The district could not afford to offer the “extras’ that your students deserve without the help of these dedicated groups. We need every parent in this community signed-up and ready to contribute to one or more of these important, student-centered groups!

While we are grateful for the recognition and success that we have achieved together for our students, we acknowledge areas in need of continuous improvements:

• Closing achievement gaps between student subgroups at various levels

• Providing equitable resources for struggling learners

• Ensure that all students are reading at grade-level by the end of 3rd grade.

• Providing 21st Century teaching and learning options that allow students ways to personalize their learning.

• Remaining vigilant in the enforcement of safety and security protocols for the 900 employees and students who arrive each and every day to our district.

• Continue to meet budget challenges tied to enrollments, course offerings and staffing.

We are dedicated in finding the balance that ensures high quality programming remains at all levels, while continuing to have one of the lowest “student to teacher” ratios in the region.

Finally, the West Branch Board of Education is considering a possible $18 to $20 million dollar school reinvestment referendum. It is exciting to think of a 700 seat performing arts center, a new two-story high school addition, buzz-in security foyers and doorways at all schools, expanded music practice rooms, new media center at the high school and improved efficiencies and academic improvements that will be found in a 6-12 Junior / Senior High School. The District’s facilities plan is highly aligned with City and housing developments and will support future growth! The Board is considering options for placing this highly-articulated improvement referendum before WBCSD voters in the winter or spring of 2017.

Over the next few months, staff, students and the community will have opportunities to provide additional input on this much needed 21st Century safety, programming and facilities reinvestment plan. Please visit the District’s web site for ongoing communications regarding this needed, facilities reinvestment work.

Go Bears!



Calendar

Highlights

• Monday, August 1 – District “Online Registration” Open for Parents (Parents may not register before August 1, 2016.)

• Monday, August 1 – District Coaches/ Directors/Coaching Volunteers Meeting, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, WBHS

• Thursday, August 4 – Building Secretaries Return to Buildings

• Wednesday, August 10 - District Walk-Up Registration: (12:00P.M. – 7:00P.M., WBHS)

*For families new to the district and families in need of assistance with the online registration

• Monday, August 15 – Laptop Rollout Night, 6:00 p.m., HS Auditorium *For families with students new to the district and incoming 4th and 5th grade students.

• Thursday, August 18 – “Meet the Teams Night” - 6:30 PM, Oliphant Street Field (Cheerleaders, Volleyball, Football, Cross-Country teams)

• Monday, August 22 - 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meet the Teacher Night (All Buildings)

• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - TUESDAY, AUGUST 23 (FULL DAY)

• No Early Release - Wednesday, August 24th, Wednesday, August 31 (Full Days)

• First Early Releases Begins on - Wednesday, September 7th

• No School - Monday, September 5th (Labor Day), Friday, Nov. 4 (Comp. Day)

• PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES - Nov. 2 & 3 and March 29 & 30



Kevin Hatfield is the superintendent of West Branch Community Schools. You may reach him at 319-643-7213 or khatfield@west-branch.k12.ia.us.