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1 | P a g e | Douglas County West Community Schools | 2015 Annual Progress Report

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elcome to Douglas County West Community Schools. It is a pleasure to be the superintendent of our great school system where our goal is to “create passionate learners” from pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. Since all students learn differently, our teachers work hard to meet ALL students’ needs in a positive, safe environment with the strong support of families and our community. Our smaller schools and classroom sizes encourage an abundance of personalized staff and student interaction, enabling each student to reach his or her maximum potential. DC West also offers extracurricular opportunities galore. Our award winning speech, drama, sports programs and robotics club, just to name a few, help to develop a wide range of student skills and encourage team-building. If you’re looking for a school that offers this kind of experience, come visit us for a tour and feel the friendly and inviting atmosphere. Talk with teachers, students and become part of our dynamic school system. Yes, DC West is the best kept secret in Douglas County. If you have questions or suggestions, please call me personally at 402-359-2583 or email at [email protected]. Herein you shall find our annual progress report which outlines DC West’s finances, assessment results and district updates that we provide to our community each year.

Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

2015 Annual Progress Report Douglas County West Community Schools


The Douglas County West Board of Education works with the community, administrators, teachers and students engaged in strategic planning to establish future goals while advancing excellence in public education through visionary leadership, fiscal responsibility and accountability. The 2015 District highlights represent some of the significant work accomplished on behalf of the entire Douglas County West community.

Improve and expand facilities and programs to achieve excellence Enrich community connections to strengthen support for the school district Maximize learning opportunities through technology, curriculum, and instructional strategies Adopted a $12,308,462 for the 2015 school year


82

96

81 82

92

78 72

91 94

66 64 69 71

75 74

97

84 79

55

91

Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 11

2014-15 Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA) % Proficient

Reading Math Science Writing

The District’s success is measured against the best school districts in the state using a variety of indicators and tests. NeSA, an acronym for Nebraska State Accountability Assessment, tests are given to students in grades 3-8th and 11th each spring to gauge whether grade levels meet or exceed state education standards.


AQuESTT – Accountability for a Quality Education

System, Today and Tomorrow, the first-ever results

of Nebraska’s new accountability system classifies

Douglas County West Community School District

among the GREAT school districts statewide.


MAP Testing MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a nationally normed achievement test administered to all DC West students in Kindergarten-10th grades. MAP is designed to measure growth in student learning for individual students, classrooms, schools, and districts. The tests provide accurate and immediate scores to help teachers plan instructional programs, place new students in the appropriate courses, and screen students for special programs. MAP tests use a RIT or “Rasch Unit” measurement-to-scale to estimate student achievement. RIT scores measure academic growth over time. The following charts indicate the projection of typical student growth and the actual mean of growth per grade level, per content area.



Regular

Instruction

41%

Special

Education

14%

Support

Services- Pupil

1%

Support

Services- Staff

5%

Board and

Administration

11%

Maintenance

and

Operation

19%

Transportation

4%

State and

Federal

Programs

5%

General Operation Budget

$12,308,462

Local

36%

County

0% State

36%

Federal

5%

Cash Balance

23%

Where Revenue Comes From by Source


Board of Education The Douglas County West Community Schools Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month at the Administration Building located at 401 S. Pine Street in Valley, Nebraska. Residents are welcome to write, call, appear and attend any meeting. Should you want to appear on the School Board Agenda, please make an inquiry prior to a meeting by contacting the Central Office at 402-359-2583, or send a written request to Superintendent Melissa Poloncic at PO Box 378, Valley, NE 68064. The B.O.E is an elected governing body serving as a liaison between the community and educators, charged with preparing strategic plans and approving the budget, drafting educationally-sound policies, assessing community priorities and developing District growth plans.


NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, or age, in admission or access to or treatment of employment, or in its programs and activities. Superintendent Melissa Poloncic handles all inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies. Call the Superintendent’s Office at 402-359-2583. Anyone interested in employment opportunities should call the same number.

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS NOTICE All parents have the right to request information about teacher qualifications based on the federal No Child Left Behind law. For general information about District teacher qualifications, please visit the Nebraska Department of Education website at education.ne.gov under the State of the Schools Report section. To obtain specific teacher qualification information, please contact Superintendent Melissa Poloncic at 402-359-2583.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CHILD FIND Any resident of Douglas County West Community District may refer an infant, toddler or school-age child for special education services for speech, language, hearing, visual, physical or behavioral impairments, learning disabilities, or problems in mental development. Eligibility for services is outlined in the Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Contact school principal or District’s Special Education Department via the Superintendent’s office at 402-359-2583.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Douglas County West Community Schools offers counseling and referral services to students and families experiencing problems with peers or family relationships, violent/aggressive behaviors, eating disorders, drug/alcohol abuse or other concerns. Contact school principals or Superintendent’s office: 402-359-2583

NEBRASKA SEAT BELT REMINDER All children up to age six riding in any motor vehicle must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

ANNUAL REPORT The Nebraska Department of Education, Rule 10, under Regulations and Procedures for the Accreditation of Schools requires Douglas County West Community Schools to produce an annual report for district residents. Please direct inquiries to Superintendent Melissa Poloncic at 402-359-2583.

http://www.education.ne.gov/


PRE-K EARLY EDUCATION DC West’s Early Education Program philosophy is to nurture each child in an atmosphere that fosters cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and speech and language development at each individual’s own developmental rate. The program acknowledges that parents/guardians are a child’s first and most significant teacher. Daily curriculum is based on guidelines set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Teaching Strategies Gold. DC West’s early education program is run by state-certified teachers and support staff at the Waterloo campus complete with excellent child-to-teacher ratios. We offer two early education classrooms that run on Mondays through Thursdays, with morning and afternoon sessions for children age three and four. Contact Ginny Janning at [email protected] or 402-779-2646.

mailto:[email protected]


DC WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL We believe it is our responsibility to get all students off to a great school career. Our curriculum focuses on helping each student master reading, writing and math. We measure student success utilizing NeSA (Nebraska State Accountability) assessments and MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing to gauge individual student growth, student achievement while helping teachers develop instructional programs, place new students in the appropriate courses, while screening students for special services. These strong assessments support our students learning: Title I, High Ability Learner, English Language Learner, and Special Education. In 2014, DC West Elementary’s award-winning program earned the National Title I Distinguished School Award for the second time in six years. This year, The U.S. Department of Education named DC West Elementary as a distinguished National Blue Ribbon School for overall academic excellence. If you would like to tour DC West Elementary, please contact Elementary School Principal Duane Krusemark at [email protected].



DC WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL At DC West Middle School, we build, expand and help each student master core curricular skills in a safe and positive learning environment. We also focus on developing critical thinking to prepare students for high school and life. Using technology is integral in the classroom. Our middle school offers a traditional 10-period day with classes like Reading, Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, physical education, band and/or choir. Exploratory classes called “Specials” work into each student’s schedule on a 7-week rotation. Middle school “Specials” for 7th and 8th graders are French, Intro to Spanish, World Foods Class, Art and Computers. The 5th and 6th grade students take “Specials” in Social Skills, Media Skills, World Cultures, Art and Computers. The students also have homeroom, a time to collect and organize work and do homework. The daily academic advisory program (PRIDE) is a system of checks and balances per se, giving each student a designated teacher to oversee academic performance while ensuring success. Daily academic support is offered in High Ability Learner programs, Response to Intervention studies, English Language Learner and Guided Study Halls. The Falcons Rewards program, initiated monthly, rewards students for positive behaviors. Our extra-curricular activity offerings, such as athletics, fine arts and robotics programs set the bar high. The NeSA (Nebraska State Accountability) tests measure performance compared to districts statewide. MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing, conducted in fall and spring, gauges student achievement and progress, helping teachers establish the right curriculum to meet student needs. Each teacher has a webpage allowing for communication with parents, guardians and the community. A campus portal allows students and their parents to keep track of performance. We are proud of our middle school students, staff and curriculum, giving each child an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. If you would like to tour DC West Middle School, please contact Principal Jeremy Travis at [email protected].



Creating Passionate Learners

BELIEFS: DC West Community Schools believe…

Student achievement builds self-esteem.

Every student can learn and develop through successful experiences.

Each child will be provided educational opportunities that challenge him/her to meet his /her full potential.

Each child is important and is a unique individual with special talents.

The district is accountable to the community for student performance and fiscal responsibility.

Physical and emotional safety is essential for learning.

A positive learning and teaching environment can be created through courtesy and through the mutual respect for the dignity of every person.

The educational process should prepare students to live with and affect change.

Students, parents and teachers share the responsibility for learning.

Public Education is the responsibility of the entire community.

More inside!

Dear Valley and Waterloo Communities, Each year DC West publishes an Annual Report for our communities to provide an overview of finances, assessment results, and district updates. Our students and staff do amazing work in our classrooms each and every day. We are proud of them for making a difference within our communities. A report such as this cannot capture our district’s story of growth and excellence, but will be a snapshot in time and reflective of everyone’s collective work. We thank our parents, students, staff and community members for making a difference in the lives and education of our students. With that, we share the facts. Sincerely, Melissa Poloncic, DC West Superintendent

DC WEST HIGH SCHOOL DC West High School’s enriching programs, solid core curriculum and full plate of specialty classes is why the school stands out among the rest, as well as small classroom size. Specialty classes include Industrial Tech, Power Drive, Electricity, Construction Management, Beginning and Advanced Woods, Welding, Small Engines, Drafting, Weight Training, Advanced Art, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Ceramics, Health, Sports Medicine, Drama, Speech, Band and Chorus. Students may take four years of Foreign Language courses in Spanish or French. Classes are technology-driven, with PC’s and Apple computers used in coursework. There's an alternative education program and a 15-day credit recovery summer school. DC West proudly offers a dual diploma system allowing high school students to pursue a "High School Diploma" requiring 48 credits or a "Diploma with Distinction" with 56 credits. Students may take honors courses and dual credit classes through Metro Community College and University of Nebraska at Omaha. Exciting pluses include the iPad 1:1 Initiative, our “Falcons Rewards System” awarding students for positive behaviors, and distance education classes. The counseling department implements a daily Keystone Adviser Time, yearly tolerance and acceptance programs, ACT preparatory classes, senior career, and college readiness classes. Teachers communicate with students, parents, the school board and the community on individual websites and the campus portal. Our building provides extra security including a 16-camera surveillance system, locked exterior doors, buzz-in entry within our closed campus. There’s a plethora of award-winning extra-curricular activities from which to choose. If you would like to tour DC West High School, please contact Principal Jim Knott at [email protected].



EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNER This program is designed for students unable to communicate fluently or learn effectively in English, who often come from non-English-speaking homes and backgrounds, and who typically require specialized or modified instruction in both the English language and in academic courses. The objective is to teach, at each individual’s own pace, the English-language skills needed to fully participate in American society, allowing the student to achieve his/her full academic potential in school, and return to the regular classroom where teachers deliver instruction entirely in English. The ELL Instructional Plan and Rule 15 detail how DC West identifies, assesses, teaches and implements the program. We offer ELL classes and support at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. For more information contact Julee Kallenbach at [email protected].

SPECIAL EDUCATION DC West offers a range of specialists who work with your child, whether the problems stem from physical disabilities, learning difficulties or emotional issues. Your child may be eligible for what are called "related services." These include counseling, speech therapy, and physical and occupational therapy. DC West Community Schools offer special education from birth through age 21 for students who qualify under state and federal guidelines. Services cover 13 disability categories such as Autism, Developmental Delay, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Impairments, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech-Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment. State-certified teachers deliver special education services based on an individual student’s needs documented in an Individual Education Plan (IEP). For more information contact DC West Special Education Director Allison Nields at [email protected].



ATHLETICS / ACTIVITIES DC West provides competitive, award-winning extra-curricular activities that promote teamwork and skill-building - all within a positive environment. Our programs help students physically, mentally and emotionally. Our current list of activities include Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Golf, Soccer, Track, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Robotics, Newspaper, Yearbook, Speech, One-Act Play, All-School Play, FBLA, Power Drive, Quiz Bowl, Cheerleading, Dance Team, Art Club, Science Club, World Language Club, Student Council, National Honor Society. For more information contact DC West Activities Director/Assistant Principal Troy Glock, at [email protected].

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