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10-05-09 BOT Agenda PacketThe Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Board of Trustees Workshop but not prior to the posted start time. Page 1 of 4 WESTLAKE ACADEMY Mission / Vision Statement Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become well-balanced, responsible global citizens. BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING AGENDA October 5, 2009 WESTLAKE TOWN HALL 3 VILLAGE CIRCLE – 2ND COUNCIL CHAMBERS/MUNICIPAL COURT ROOM FLOOR Workshop Session 4:30 p.m. Regular Session 6:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Workshop Session 2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM OCTOBER 5, 2009, TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. Page 2 of 4 (concepts and principles that underlie good governance) Board Assessment and Development 3. REVIEW AND DISCUSS STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS CHART. 4. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF A REPORT ON MUNICIPAL CHARTER SCHOOLS. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item. - None 6. ADJOURNMENT Regular Session 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS: This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. Any item presented may be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action. 4. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence. a. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees of the workshop and regular meeting held on September 21, 2009. Page 3 of 4 5. PRESENTATION BY WESTLAKE ACADEMY HEAD OF PRIMARY REGARDING THE WESTLAKE P.R.O.U.D. CAMPAIGN. 6. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING HOMEWORK, ASSESSMENT AND GRADE REPORTING, RETENTION AND TRANSFER COURSE CREDIT AND GRADUATION POLICIES. 7. BOARD CALENDAR - Monster Mash o October 24, 2009 - Pancake Breakfast o October 10, 2009 (8-11 am WA Dining Hall) - Board of Trustees Meeting o November 2, 2009 - Westlake Baja at Vaquero o November 16, 2009, 3:30 p.m. - Westlake Tree Lighting o December 3, 2009, TBD - Board of Trustees Meeting December 7, 2009 - WA Parents Shopping Day Out o December 19, 2009 (Benefiting Project 2010) - Career Day December TBD, 2009 - Westlake Academy Gallery Night event o February 26, 2010 - Bandana Bonanza o May 8, 2010 - Westlake Academy Graduation o May 23, 2010 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item. - None Page 4 of 4 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated, Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following: a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: Student Transfers. 10. RECONVENE MEETING 11. TAKE ANY NECESSARY ACTION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION, IF NECESSARY 12. ADJOURNMENT ANY ITEM ON THIS POSTED AGENDA COULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AS LONG AS IT IS WITHIN ONE OF THE PERMITTED CATEGORIES UNDER SECTIONS 551.071 THROUGH 551.076 AND SECTION 551.087 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE. I certify that the above notice was posted at the Town Hall of the Town of Westlake, 3 Village Circle, on Friday, October 2, 2009, by 12:00 p.m. under the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. CERTIFICATION _____________________________________ Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary If you plan to attend this public meeting and have a disability that requires special needs, please advise the Town Secretary 48 hours in advance at 817-490-5710 and reasonable accommodations will be made to assist you. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM OCTOBER 5, 2009, TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence. a. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees of the workshop and regular meeting held on September 21, 2009. b. Consider a Resolution adopting homework, graduation, assessment and grade reporting, and retention policies. Westlake Academy Item # 2 – Review of Consent Agenda Items Memo Town of Westlake To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees From: Tom Brymer, CEO Subject: Workshop Meeting of October 5, 2009 Date: September 23, 2009 Presentation and discussion of Strategic Planning Process Chart for Westlake Academy. ITEM Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who well balanced, responsible citizens. WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/VISION STATEMENT DRAFT – Westlake Academy Strategic Planning Processes Proposed Timeline for Steps: Step 1: Done Step 4: 10/7/09 Step 7: December, 2009 Step 2: Step 5: Step 8: Step 3: 10/2/09 Step 6: Step 9: January, 2010 •MVV •Draft Framework Step 1 Vet at WALT MeetingStep 2 •Review with WA Staff •In small groups - Look at EA's and 5 DO's from SP Step 3 Bring small group input to full staff meeting - develop Draft Plan Step 4 Discuss Staff input at WALT meeting and finalize proposed plan Step 5 Make finalized plan available to staff and/or discuss at meeting Step 6 Present to BOT at workshop Step 7 Meet w/ Staff to discuss plan & incorporate into meetings & cmmncatns Step 8 Adoption of final planStep 9 Meet w/ Staff to discuss plan & incorporate into meetings & cmmncatns Step 10 1 Memo Westlake Academy To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees From: Tom Brymer, Town Manager/CEO Westlake Academy Subject: Workshop Meeting of October 5, 2009 Date: September 28, 2009 Presentation and Discussion of a Report on Municipal Charter Schools ITEM Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become well-balanced, responsible citizens. WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT  Academic Achievement WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES  PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum)  Caring Environment  Fiscal Stewardship  Communication/Transparency  Engaged Stakeholders  Maximizing Each Child’s Potential The organizational structure, in terms of the management structure, for Westlake Academy was changed with the exit of the then Head of School. Since that time, the CEO has had a direct reporting relationship with the Academy’s Leadership Team. The Board directed that a report be prepared by staff examining what it meant to be a municipal charter school, how other municipal charter schools are structured and operated, and options for Westlake Academy regarding the same. This report will be presented and reviewed by staff with the Board at this workshop. The report covers numerous policy options, all of which have organizational and financial implications. BACKGROUND (including policy options and implications): FUNDING: No known funding impacts at this time, but actions related to options discussed in this report do have identified financial impacts. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board review and discuss this report with the staff at the workshop and identify any further information on this topic not covered in the report. Staff further recommends that once the Board’s discussion is deemed complete, that the Board take action on the report including giving final direction to the CEO regarding the Academy’s management structure recommendations. ATTACHMENTS: The report will be delivered to the Board under separate cover and will be posted on the Academy web site once it is complete later this week. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item. - None Westlake Academy Item # 5 – Future Workshop Agenda Items Westlake Academy Item # 6 – Workshop Adjournment Back up material has not been provided for this item. Westlake Academy Item # 2 – Pledge of Allegiance Texas Pledge: "Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible." Westlake Academy Item # 3 – Citizens’ Presentations This is an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on any matter whether or not it is posted on the agenda. The Board cannot by law take action nor have any discussion or deliberations on any presentation made to the Board at this time concerning an item not listed on the agenda. The Board will receive the information, ask staff to review the matter, or an item may be noticed on a future agenda for deliberation or action. CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed below are considered routine by the Board of Trustees and will be enacted with one motion. There will be no separate discussion of items unless a Board member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the general order of business and considered in its normal sequence. a. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees of the workshop and regular meeting held on September 21, 2009. Westlake Academy Item # 4 - Consent Agenda Items Page 1 of 4 MINUTES OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORKSHOP & REGULAR MEETINGS September 21, 2009 PRESENT: President Laura Wheat and Trustees Tim Brittan, Larry Corson, Carol Langdon Rick Rennhack, and Rebecca Rollins. ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Chief Executive Officer Thomas Brymer, Town Attorney Stan Lowery, Secretary Kelly Edwards, Finance Director Debbie Piper, Assistant to the Town Manager Ginger Awtry, Facilities and Recreation Director Troy Meyer, Head of Secondary Mark Garcia, Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz, Administrative Coordinator Darcy McFarlane, Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services Todd Wood, and Municipal Court Administrator Amanda DeGan. 1. CALL TO ORDER WORKSHOP SESSION President Wheat called the workshop meeting to order at 6:14 p.m. 2. REVIEW OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FROM SEPTEMBER 21, 2009, TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING AGENDA. President Wheat introduced the item and asked for questions related to the consent agenda items from the September 21, 2009, regular meeting agenda. Mayor Wheat asked that the minutes from the August 31st meeting be revised to include a summarized version of the comments during Citizens Presentations. Page 2 of 4 3. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF DRAFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ POLICIES CONCERNING: HOMEWORK, GRADUATION, ASSESSMENT AND GRADE REPORTING, AND RETENTION. Town Manager Brymer asked Municipal Court Administrator Amanda DeGan, Head of Secondary Mark Garcia, Head of Primary Jamie Schmitz to review the proposed policies with the Board. The staff addressed questions and concerns from the Board regarding the proposed polices as written. The Board provided direction for revisions of the policies as discussed to be included before adoption. The topic of ranking was discussed and the position is not to report ranking of students at this time but would be provided if necessary for scholarship applications. 4. DISCUSSION OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. President Wheat introduced the item asking Vice President Charlotte Ryan to address the Board regarding their Goals and Objectives. The HOC will be revising the fund raising programs, allowing the HOC to maintain all the programs. President Ryan explained the Script program. They also plan to expand their Social Events and Watchdogs efforts. The HOC will purchase a computer to record all volunteers within the school, establish more social gatherings for parents including a 10% discount at local restaurants, introducing an e-newsletter and allow parents to purchase advertising space on the monument signs. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no items submitted for consideration. 6. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat adjourned the workshop at 7:41p.m. Regular Session 1. CALL TO ORDER President Wheat called the Regular meeting to order at 7:56 p.m. with all Trustees present. Page 3 of 4 2. CITIZENS' PRESENTATIONS a. Presidential Service Award Recognition Each young lady spoke providing their backgrounds and community service events in which they participated. President Wheat presented each young lady an individual Proclamation recognizing their service. 3. CONSENT AGENDA a. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees regular meeting held on August 31, 2009. b. Review and approve minutes of the School Board of Trustees of the workshop and regular meeting held on August 3, 2009. MOTION: Trustee Corson made a motion to approve the consent agenda with revisions to the August 31, 2009 regular minutes as discussed. Trustee Langdon seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 4-0. 4. BOARD CALENDAR President Wheat reviewed the Board calendar. - Board of Trustees Meeting o October 5, 2009 - Board of Trustees Meeting o November 2, 2009 - Vaquero Baja (fundraiser for the Academy) o November 16, 2009, 3:30 p.m., Vaquero - Westlake Tree Lighting o December 3, 2009, TBD - Board of Trustees Meeting December 7, 2009 - Westlake Academy Gallery Night event o February 26, 2010 - Westlake Academy Graduation o May 23, 2010 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no items submitted for consideration. Page 4 of 4 6. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Board, President Wheat asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION: Trustee Langdon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Rennhack seconded the motion. The motion carried by a vote of 5-0. President Wheat adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON OCTOBER 5, 2009. _________________________________ Laura Wheat, President ATTEST: ____________________________________ Kelly Edwards, Town Secretary Memo Westlake Academy To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees From: Jamie Schmitz, Head of Primary Subject: Regular Meeting of October 5th, 2009 Date: September 22nd, 2009 Presentation by Westlake Academy Head of Primary regarding the Westlake P.R.O.U.D. campaign. ITEM Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who become well-balanced, responsible citizens. WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/ VISION STATEMENT X Academic Achievement WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES X PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum) X Caring Environment Fiscal Stewardship Communication/Transparency X Engaged Stakeholders X Maximizing Each Child’s Potential ‘Westlake P.R.O.U.D.’ is a brand new community and culture building campaign that will be launched at a whole school student assembly on Friday, September 25 BACKGROUND (policy implications) th . This initiative, which is being led by the Westlake P.R.O.U.D. committee (comprised of k-12 staff and student representatives), focuses on and promotes the traits of the IB Learner Profile through the acronym ‘P.R.O.U.D.’, which represents: patience, respect, open- mindedness, understanding and discipline. N/A FUNDING N/A RECOMMENDATION None. ATTACHMENTS: Memo Town of Westlake To: Honorable President and Members of the Board of Trustees From: Tom Brymer, CEO Subject: Regular Meeting of October 5, 2009 Date: September 23, 2009 Consider a Resolution adopting additional Trustees policies for Westlake Academy covering the following topics: ITEM Homework Policy Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy Retention and Transfer Course Credit Policy Graduation Policy Westlake Academy is a nurturing, community owned International Baccalaureate Charter School whose mission is to achieve academic excellence and to develop life-long learners who well balanced, responsible citizens. WESTLAKE ACADEMY MISSION/VISION STATEMENT Academic Achievement WESTLAKE ACADEMY VALUES PYP, MYP, DP (IB Continuum) Caring Environment Fiscal Stewardship Communication/Transparency Engaged Stakeholders Maximizing Each Child’s Potential BACKGROUND The Board has adopted a series of policies intended to direct and guide the Staff in the education of the students at Westlake Academy. To further support those efforts, the above mentioned topics are recommended by Staff for adoption. Guidelines consistent with the Board policy directives will be published in the Parent/Student Handbook. These policies were reviewed by the Board at is September 21, 2009, workshop. Not applicable at this time. FUNDING Adoption of the Resolution of policy proposals for Westlake Academy. RECOMMENDATION ATTACHMENTS: Resolution 09-18 adopting Board policies related to the following topics: Student Achievement: Homework Policy Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy – Secondary Retention and Transfer Course Credit Policy Graduation Policy WESTLAKE ACADEMY RESOLUTION NO. 09-18 ESTABLISHING BOARD POLICIES INTENDED TO DIRECT AND GUIDE THE DAILY OPERATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES OF THE STUDENTS AT WESTLAKE ACADEMY, IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS. WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees desires to establish policies to assist the staff and students in attaining their educational goals at Westlake Academy; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees desires to comply with State and Federal laws and regulations as it pertains to education and school requirements; and WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best interest 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 following Board policies: Homework Assessment and Grade Reporting Retention and Transfer Course Credits Graduation PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 5th DAY OF October, 2009. ___________________________________ ATTEST: Laura Wheat, President _________________________________ ___________________________________ Kelly Edwards, Secretary Thomas Brymer, Chief Executive Officer APPROVED AS TO FORM: __________________________________ Janet Bubert, School Attorney 1 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - : Date Board Adopted: Date Board Amended: N/A Effective Date : Policy Name : Homework Policy Policy Category : Student Achievement Policy Goal : Creation of an effective and supportive learning environment Policy Description : Westlake Academy is a school with a desired outcome of high academic achievement for each student. In support of this outcome, homework is considered as an integral component of a student’s school career and serves the vital purpose of assisting the student in their pursuit of knowledge. Homework is viewed as: • An avenue to increase and enhance student learning • Providing additional drill, practice and study • A support vehicle for teaching and developing personal responsibility • Informing parents of the subject matter and classroom lessons of their child Staff will develop uniform homework requirement guidelines for all grades and place the information in the Parent/Student Handbook and on the Academy’s web site on an annual basis. Allowances and contingency plans will be developed for excused absences along with consequences for unexcused absences and the submittal of late assignments. In addition, schedules for student/teacher tutorials will be included in the homework requirement guidelines. 2 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - (continued) : Parents are encouraged to assist the Academy’s instruction program by providing the student with the necessary tools and time to complete the homework requirements. Failure to adhere to the homework requirements will subject the student to the possibility of receiving poor/failing grades on assignments. Continued abuse of the homework requirement guidelines will subject the student to the progressive disciplinary policy of the Academy. 1 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09- : Date Board Adopted: Date Board Amended: N/A Effective Date : Policy Name Secondary – Middle Years Program and Diploma Program : Assessment and Grade Reporting Policy Policy Category : Student Achievement Policy Goal : Definition, uniformity, and transparency in the Academy’s Secondary (MYP and DP) assessment and grading policy Policy Description : Uniform assessments and grade reporting standards are a significant component of the success of the Secondary (MYP and DP) student’s at Westlake Academy. As such, the following purposes of these standards are necessary to accurately reflect the academic achievement of the student: • Ability of the assessment / grading system to report actual classroom performance on exams, homework assignments, projects, etc. • Allow the parent to easily identify and gauge their child’s performance • Consistency across grade level(s) of assessment application and grade reporting • Assist colleges in determining the achievements of the students • Demonstration of college readiness • Identification of any subject area where a student may need additional assistance to reach educational goals 2 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - (continued) In consideration of the need to establish comprehensive grade reporting and assessment policies for the student body of Westlake Academy, the following numerical grades will be utilized by the Staff to indicate academic performance on report cards. : A = 100 - 90 points B = 89 - 80 points C = 79 - 70 points F = 69 points and below I = Incomplete for extenuating circumstances (to be determined by the Head(s) of Section) Staff will administer a variety of assessments to measure student knowledge and progress throughout the year. The frequency and type of assessment utilized will be program specific, - i.e. Primary, Middle or Diploma Program. In the Secondary School (Middle Years and Diploma Program), a student shall not be required to complete more than two major assessments on the same day. In addition, SENIORS in the Diploma Program sitting for the IB exams, may be eligible for final exam exemption based on absence criteria Report Cards - Westlake Academy will send home four (4) report cards and two (2) interval progress reports each year. The report cards will be sent home at the end of each quarter. The interval progress reports will be issued within the quarter grading period. Parent Teacher Meetings – Staff will conduct two (2) parent/teacher conferences per year − one (1) each semester. This will allow parents to meet with teachers to briefly discuss their child’s progress. Additional concerns will be addressed at individually scheduled conferences available at any time during the school year. 3 Letter Grades for Citizenship - Staff will assign a letter grade for student citizenship using the following criteria: E = Excellent Observes the rules all of the time S = Satisfactory Observes the rules most of the time N = Needs Improvement Observes rules infrequently/inconsistently U = Unsatisfactory Almost never observes the rules Elements of the IB Learner Profile will be to be used to assess citizenship grades. • Practices respect • Uses self-control • Talks at appropriate times • Obeys school rules • Works well with others • Uses acceptable language • Follows Uniform Code • Follows Honor Code Guidelines consistent with these policies will be developed by Staff and published in the Parent/Student Handbook. 1 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09- : Date Board Adopted: Date Board Amended: N/A Effective Date : Policy Name : Retention and Transfer Course Credit Policy Policy Category : Student Achievement Policy Goal : Describe criteria/circumstances for student retention based on unsatisfactory academic achievement and develop guidelines for acceptance of transfer course credits Policy Description : In order to ensure academic achievement and the mastery of the necessary skills to advance to each subsequent grade level, the Staff of Westlake Academy will develop specific Retention Guidelines for the students, which will be published in the Parent/Student Handbook on an annual basis. Legally mandated and internally required assessments will be administered to assist the teachers in determining if a student has attained the necessary educational understanding to advance to the next grade level. The assessments may include, but are not limited to, grade/subject specific examinations, essays, homework assignments, group and individual projects, and state mandated assessment tests. Summer School/Alternative Educational Programs - Students, who do not meet the necessary requirements for advancement, must complete a comparable course in summer school or through an alternative education program. A student who fails three (3) or more core classes may not advance to the next grade level. 2 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - (continued): Students who do not satisfactorily complete a state required course for high school graduation must complete the course through a summer or alternative educational program approved in advance by the Head of Secondary or his/her designee prior to being considered for graduation from Westlake Academy. Students who fail a core course must retake the class during the summer session immediately following the academic year in which the class was failed. If not offered at Westlake Academy, it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to locate a summer school or alternative educational program within their home district for remediation that is acceptable for credit and approved by the Head of Secondary or his/her designee. Westlake Academy reserves the right to accept or deny summer school credit. Prior to attending summer school or any alternative educational program, parents and students should obtain written approval from the Head of Secondary or his/her designee to ensure that the credit has been approved and is acceptable by the Academy. Evaluation of Credits for Transfer Students – The Academy accepts credits from other schools accredited by the State of Texas. Courses will be evaluated by a counselor to determine if the course meets the requirements for graduation from a Texas high school, as well as from Westlake Academy. All transfer grades earned in accredited schools will be converted to Westlake Academy grading scale and course designation consistent with the Academy’s standards. In order to receive credit for completed work, students entering Westlake Academy from a non-accredited school or from home schooling must take credit-by-exam (CBE) tests approved in advance by Westlake Academy. Students are responsible for any applicable fees associated with these tests and must achieve acceptable test scores as determined by the Head(s) of Section. Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Testing and Remediation – The Board of Trustees and the Staff of Westlake Academy are committed to student success on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and takes seriously its obligation to provide students the support and assistance they need to succeed. 3 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - (continued): All students at TAKS-testing grade levels, (Grades 3-11) will be administered regular benchmark testing to ensure they are making appropriate progress through the required TAKS curriculum. Students who are not making adequate progress will receive remedial assistance. In addition, students who have failed a TAKS test in the previous year will be required to attend remedial classes/tutorials. The schedule(s) will be developed by Staff and communicated to the parent/guardian of the students needing additional assistance. Operational guidelines consistent with the above policy directives will be detailed and published as necessary by Academy Staff in the Parent/Student Handbook on an annual basis. 1 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09- : Date Board Adopted: Date Board Amended: N/A Effective Date : Policy Name : Graduation Policy Policy Category : Student Achievement Policy Goal : Defining the commencement participation requirements; establishing Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor Graduate policy; Policy Description : Eligibility for Commencement – W estlake Academy seniors who have satisfied all Academy requirements for graduation are eligible for participation in the graduation ceremonies. For students who do not meet the requirements, an exception may be made in the event that a senior lacks one (1) credit towards the graduation requirements. The student must have a plan approved by the Head of Secondary to complete the credit prior to the beginning of the next school year. No other exceptions to participation in the graduation ceremony will be granted. Only students who have completed all the requirements of Westlake Academy will receive a diploma. Those requirements are as follows: • Completion of a minimum of 29 credit hours according to the Westlake Academy Program of Studies • Not assigned to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DEAP) setting during his/her senior year at the Academy or any other educational setting 2 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - (continued) : As reflective of the Academy’s rigorous and enriching IB curriculum and desire to foster college readiness, students who graduate from Westlake Academy will complete a program of study, which includes higher academic standards and additional credit hours than those established through the guidelines of the State of Texas. Students who receive a Westlake Academy high school diploma will have completed a minimum of 29 hours of course work, which reflects those higher levels of academic achievement. The graduation requirements detailing the necessary courses are incorporated into the policy by addendum A. Approved Courses Included in Formal Grade Point Average (GPA) - All courses taken at the secondary level at Westlake Academy which contain specific objectives, determined by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and are not modified in content will be included when calculating grade point average. The following general criteria govern the calculation of the grade point average: • GPA will be calculated by the Counselor and rounded up to the nearest whole number • GPA will be determined using semester grades earned in state approved courses • Grades earned in courses completed at other fully accredited school(s) and transferred to the Academy will be included in determining grade point average Course criteria must be consistent with the standards established at Westlake Academy. Correspondence courses, Credit-by-Exam, Dual Credit courses, courses modified in content, Pass/Fail courses, Local Credit courses not required for graduation, Advanced Placement Exams, International Baccalaureate Exams and grades earned in credit-bearing courses taken prior to Grade 9 will not be included in the calculation of formal GPA, but will be reflected on the student’s Academic Achievement Record/Transcript. 3 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - (continued) : Quality Points for IB Courses - Beginning in Grade 9, Westlake Academy will award ten (10) points to the final grade for any IB Diploma Program or Advanced Placement course. Raw grades in the course must be a passing grade of 70% or better to receive quality points. Raw semester grades are shown on a student’s report card and Academic Achievement Record (AAR)/Transcript. Indicators for quality points will be included on the Report Card and the AAR/Transcript. Quality points will be included in GPA calculation and this weighted GPA will appear on the student’s transcript. Grades earned in IB/AP courses taken at other accredited districts will receive quality points if the following conditions are met: • Quality points awarded from other schools will not exceed or be less than the numerical weight of quality points awarded at Westlake Academy • The previous school provides official documentation of advanced courses Academic Recognition - Westlake Academy will encourage and recognize academic achievement through the establishment of a class Valedictorian, Salutatorian and Honor Graduates. Only grades earned at Westlake Academy and those earned at schools approved by Westlake Academy will determine the student’s academic recognition. Calculating and Reporting GPA - A counselor will determine a student’s GPA calculation at regular intervals as determined necessary by the Head of Secondary. The intervals will be communicated through the use of the Parent/Student Handbook. Rank in Class - Rank in class will only be reported for the purposes of: • Automatic admission of the top 10% of the class into a Texas public college or university • Consideration for scholarships 4 TOWN OF WESTLAKE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES POLICY Policy No. 09 - (continued) : Valedictorian and Salutatorian - Graduating seniors with the top two cumulative grade point averages (CGPA), as determined by the Head of Secondary or his/her designee, will be eligible to serve as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively. In the event of a tie for Valedictorian, the students will share the honor and no Salutatorian will be designated. All courses and corresponding numerical grades used to determine GPA must not be modified in content and must be identified by the state as regular, honors, and AP or IB courses in order to qualify for Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Valedictorian and Salutatorian eligibility requires attendance at Westlake Academy for six (6) consecutive semesters preceding graduation. Further, a student who is in violation of the Academy codes and requirements, Town code, or State codes, may be deemed ineligible by the Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee to represent Westlake Academy as the Valedictorian or Salutatorian. Honor Graduates - A graduating senior’s weighted cumulative grade point average (CGPA) rounded to 90% or above will be determined to be an Honor Graduate and will be duly recognized at commencement. All courses and corresponding numerical grades earned to determine GPA must not be modified in content and must be identified by the state as regular, honors, and AP or IB courses in order to qualify for Honor Graduate status. The Head of Secondary and his/her designee are granted the authority to include students whose CGPA is 90% or above at the end of the final semester. Operational guidelines consistent with the above policy directives will be detailed and published by Academy Staff in the Parent/Student Handbook on an annual basis. 5 Graduation Requirements Side-by-Side Comparison WA WA NHP TEA Distinguished* Actual Required English 4 4 4 4 Mathematics 5 4 4 4 Science 4 4 4 4 Social Studies 4 4 4 3.0 Gov’t 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Economics 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Foreign Language 5 3 3 3 Physical Education 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Health 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Speech 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Technology 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 Fine Arts 2.0 1.0 2.0 1.0 Tok 2.0 2.0 1.0 n/a Electives 1.0 1.0 2.5 2.5 CAS/Extended Essay 1.0 0.5 n/a n/a (32.5) (29.0) (29.0) (26.0) *Source: TEA Website http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter074/ch074f.html BOARD CALENDAR - Monster Mash o October 24, 2009 - Pancake Breakfast o October 10, 2009 (8-11 am WA Dining Hall) - Board of Trustees Meeting o November 2, 2009 - Westlake Baja at Vaquero o November 16, 2009, 3:30 p.m. - Westlake Tree Lighting o December 3, 2009, TBD - Board of Trustees Meeting December 7, 2009 - WA Parents Shopping Day Out o December 19, 2009 (Benefiting Project 2010) - Career Day December TBD, 2009 - Westlake Academy Gallery Night event o February 26, 2010 - Bandana Bonanza o May 8, 2010 - Westlake Academy Graduation o May 23, 2010 Westlake Academy Item #7 – Board Calendar FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Any Board member may request at a workshop and / or Board meeting, under “Future Agenda Item Requests”, an agenda item for a future Board meeting. The Board member making the request will contact the CEO with the requested item and the CEO will list it on the agenda. At the meeting, the requesting Board member will explain the item, the need for Board discussion of the item, the item’s relationship to the Board’s strategic priorities, and the amount of estimated staff time necessary to prepare for Board discussion. If the requesting Board member receives a second, the CEO will place the item on the Board agenda calendar allowing for adequate time for staff preparation on the agenda item. - None Westlake Academy Item # 8 – Future Agenda Items EXECUTIVE SESSION The Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated, Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following: a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: Student Transfers. Westlake Academy Item # 9 – Executive Session Westlake Academy Item # 10 – Reconvene Meeting EXECUTIVE SESSION The Council will conduct a closed session pursuant to Texas Government Code, annotated, Chapter 551, Subchapter D for the following: a. Section 551.071(2) – Consultation with School Attorney on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter: Student Transfers. Westlake Academy Item # 11 – Take any Necessary Action, if necessary Westlake Academy Item # 12 – Adjournment Back up material has not been provided for this item.