Comprehensive PlanOverview

October, 2013

District Profile

Mission The mission of the Windber Area School District is

through a framework of communication involving all stakeholders; create an educational environment that provides physical, intellectual, and emotional safety while presenting students with engaging opportunities that will allow them to develop to their maximum potential.

Vision The vision of the Windber Area School District is

to ensure all students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, technology and attitudes necessary to solve problems, communicate effectively, and be responsible citizens, while preparing for a life of continual growth and learning through a premier educational environment.

Shared Values The Windber Area School District undertook a

thorough process to complete a Comprehensive Plan. We believe that throughout the process we focused on our improvement of present educational programs and set high expectations of achievement for all of our students. To accomplish this for our students, we have planned modifications to our curriculum, instruction, and assessment procedures to yield this success for all students.

Core ValuesThe Windber Area School District has the core values of:

• Safety• Student Development• Communication

Holistic Instructional Targets• 21st Century Skills

 

Students will be able to be:

• Problem Solvers• Collaborators• Innovators• Communicators

 

Element 1: Professional Development Continued Training, Tech Cycle,

Element 2: Environment/CultureSchool Wide Behavioral Support, Diversity, Bullying

Element 3: InstructionCurriculum Cycle, Guided Reading, Common Core, AP, STEAM

Element 4: AssessmentData, CDTs, Keystone Exams, SAT

Element 5: Adapted LearningInclusion, Paraprofessionals, Gifted,Transition, Autism

Element 6: Graduation/Post SecondaryAttendance, Career Pathways, Graduation Projects

Element 7: Infra-StructureFiscal, Technology, Facilities

Element 8: Community InvolvementSurveys, Activities, Partnerships

GOAL 1: Establish a direct system that fully ensures the consistent implementation of effective instructional practices across all classrooms in each school.

GOAL 2: Establish a District system that fully ensures professional development is focused, comprehensive and implemented with fidelity.

GOAL 3: Establish a District system that fully ensures staff members in every school use standards aligned assessments to monitor student achievement and adjust instructional practices.

GOAL 4: Establish a District system that fully ensures barriers to student learning are addressed in order to increase student achievement and graduation rates.

GOAL 5: Establish a District system that fully ensures students who are academically at risk are identified early and are supported by a process that provides interventions based upon student needs and includes procedures for monitoring effectiveness.

GOAL 6: Establish a District system that fully ensures each member of the district community promotes, enhances, and sustains a shared vision of positive school climate and ensures family and community support of student participation in the learning process.

GOAL 7: Establish a District system that fully ensures the District’s resources effectively address instructional priorities aligned with the District’s vision and mission and fully ensures that the expenditure and accounting of funds meets all legal and ethical requirements within the parameters of generally accepted accounting practices.

Olweus District Wide Bullying Prevention Program.

US News and World Report Bronze Level High School (Five Years in a row).

National Blue Ribbon Winner - Windber Area Elementary School.

Revised Attendance Policy at the High/Middle and Elementary Schools.

Implemented Everyday Math Program at the Elementary School (researched based program).

Implemented the UCSMP Math Program at the Middle and High Schools.

Analyzed and developed plans for continued physical plant development.

Initiated a district wide safety committee. Achieved district wide Adequately Yearly

Progress (AYP) over the past nine years. Retooled Middle School and High School

Guidance Programs. Introduced Advanced Placement courses. Integrated career exploration into the eighth,

tenth and twelfth grade

• Introduced HEAL - District Wide Professional Development.• Adjusted and Updated graduation projects.• Established a district wide safety committee.• Enhanced High School dual enrollment program.• Established Curriculum Cycle.• Facilitated Curriculum Revisions (Course of

Studies - COS)• Obtained Highmark grants to construct a fitness

room for students/staff.

• Analyzed district finances and developed a plan to maximize resources.• Analyzed district assessment data and reviewed

with faculty on a regular basis.• Participated in regional Special Education parent

meetings.• Created Alternative Education Program for

Windber Area School District students.

• $250,000 Classrooms for the Future Grant.

• Updated and Upgraded District Technology.

• Implemented district wide diversity program.

• Enhanced employee mentorship program.

• Instituted continuing Professional

Development Program.

• District wide inclusion model in place.

Established District Wide System of Redundant safety/security procedures and practices.

Implemented Handwriting Without Tears Program.

All students High/Middle/Elementary School are writing responses to questions and following Pennsylvania State Standards.

Initiated Standards Based Report Card.

• Study Island and 4 Sight Assessments have been implemented and data used for student assistance.

• Dibles and DRA II Assessments have been implemented and data used for student assistance.

• LETERS Professional Development to Elementary School Teachers.

• Implemented Department Chair Meetings (monthly)

Implemented a district wide parent contact/communication system.

• Implemented community outreach events:oBusiness BreakfastoGrandparents Visitation Day at the

Elementary SchooloMinisterium ConnectionoRecreation Planning

Enhanced Parent Involvement:• Middle School Parent Group (Parent Teacher Student Organization - PTSO)

• Parent Anti-Bulling Program• Wellness Program• Elementary Parent Group (Parent Teacher Organization - PTO)• Title - I Involvement• Special Education Parent Evenings

• Strengthened Career and Technology Center relationships (Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center - GJCTC)

Established STEM Program

Revamped High School and Middle School Schedules.