WASHINGTON-CALDWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT

“Future Focus”

“Future Focus” is a periodic update as to the progress our school district is making concerning student achievement, curriculum, and facilities.  It is intended to engage the community we serve in a dialogue to look for ways to improve.

“Future Focus” is intended to be two-way communication.  Input, dialogue, and decision-making are essential in discovering ways to improve.  However, I realize whether it is reading this information on our website, or reading our weekly Parent Update sent home each week with our students for parents, or reading my monthly column published by the Waterford Post; these are all one-way communications.  There are other opportunities to share your ideas for example at the monthly school board meetings (held the third Monday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m. in our school library), or by attending any number of activities and events held at school. 

We want your input!  We need your ideas!  Please share them so our school district can become an even better one for our young people.  Thank you!

Sincerely,

Mark Pienkos, Ed.D.

Superintendent/Principal

262-662-3466, ext. 166

mpienkos@washcald.com

Student Achievement:

• September 26, 2008 – Faculty/Staff Afternoon In-Service focusing on Knowledge and Concepts Examinations.  Besides information on these important assessments, teachers reviewed previous test results in preparation to the administration of the WKCE tests in November.
• November, 2008 – WKCE tests administered.  Results expected in April/May.
• September, 2008 – “Star Gazing” recognition program implemented.  The focus of the program is to “catch students doing the right thing.”  Students receive certificate to take home, as well as a copy posted in multi-purpose room.
• September, 2008 – Bulldog Awards program implemented at monthly school board meetings recognizing students, staff, and community members for going above and beyond expectations.
• November, 2008 – Waterford Kiwanis Club partners with Washington-Caldwell to present honor roll certificates to students in grades 6,7 & 8, as well as B.U.G. (Bringing Up Grades) and Terrific Kids Program to students in Kindergarten through grade 5.  

Curriculum:

• September – May – Ongoing articulation meetings with Waterford Area Schools.
• September, 2008 – School board requests a curriculum inventory to take place.
• October, 2008 – Teachers surveyed regarding curriculums being taught.
• November, 2008 – Teachers meet at afternoon in-service to review progress being made.
• February, 2009 – Team of teachers meet with CESA 2 curriculum consultant to discuss curriculum process.
• February 27, 2009 – Teachers attend Waterford Area In-Service day.

Facilities:

• September 2, 2008 – First Day of the 2008-09 school year.  Dr. Pienkos’ first day at    Washington-Caldwell.
• Mid-September, 2008 – Pienkos becomes familiar with Highway 164 road project and its impact on school safety, as well as distractions to educational program.
• October, 2008 – Letter sent to the Department of Transportation requesting speed study on 164, as well as reduction of speed in front of school (request denied).
• November, 2008 – Traci Gengler, D.O.T. Highway 164 Project Manager, appears at School Board Meeting to explain road project and impact on our school.
• November, 2008 – Pienkos requests permission from school board to investigate ways to alleviate safety concerns, eliminate traffic distractions, (noise), ADA issues, and inefficient boilers.  Architect Bill Henry from Kehoe-Henry & Associates (Elkhorn) was asked to provide facility concepts.
• January, 2009 – School Board discusses possible monetary settlement offered by D.O.T.  School district legal counsel requested to negotiate with D.O.T.
• February, 2009 – Architect Henry presents initial building concepts to those present at the monthly committee meetings.  These were preliminary ideas that the School Board will discuss at its regularly scheduled meeting on February 16. Community input is welcomed.

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