Verdugo Hills High School WASC Self-Study Page 1

2 Year Progress Report and 6 Year PlanPrincipal’s ReflectionAs part of my second interview with local District staff, a few specific goals from the stance ofthe local District were outlined including improving relationships with parents andcommunity (and public relations in general), increasing enrollment, more use of data toimprove student achievement, and establishing an involved and active presence on thecampus. What I also found at Verdugo that was not explained to me at the time, was adedicated and veteran staff, a strong and connected community with historical ties to theschool, and a diverse student body with the friendliest students in the District. I also found a“big-small” school. A school on the smaller size, but large enough to offer a comprehensiveprogram in academics, arts, and athletics. In the last year, I believe we have made progresstowards meeting all of these goals and more.Communication/PR2011-12Social Media/Website: We rejuvenated the school website, adding news items withgraphics on a regular basis (usually daily) and added extensive photos in the photo albumsection. We also started updating parts of the website and replaced the scrolling photos ofthe campus on the home page with photos of students. Alongside the website, we alsodesigned a new Facebook Page and started a Twitter account, both of these linked on theschool website. In addition to the main school Facebook Page, We also designed a page forGlee Club and the 75 th Anniversary. Photos and news items were added to all three forums,website, Facebook, and Twitter throughout the year on a regular basis. Between 700-1000people visit the website every day, up to 1650 visit the Facebook page on any particularday, and there are 55 people following Verdugo on Twitter.Use of Blackboard Connect phone system: The District uses Blackboard Connect to makeautomated calls home. We established a routine call to parents, students, staff, andcommunity every Sunday evening to give updates regarding Verdugo and to shareimportant news items or events.Daily Bulletin and Announcements: We created a Daily Bulletin every day, posted it on thewebsite, and distributed to teachers to post in classrooms. The Daily Bulletin wassometimes also e-mailed to staff.Monday Memo/Verdugo Update: A Monday Memo was issued to teachers and staff on(mostly) a weekly basis. The Monday Memo included reminders, updates, important newsitems, calendar, and more. I also created a quarterly newsletter, the Verdugo Update, where203