Washington Community School District
Washington Community School District
Washington Community School District
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>Washington</strong> <strong>Community</strong><br />
<strong>School</strong> <strong>District</strong><br />
Administration Building/ Central Office<br />
404 W. Main Street, PO Box 926<br />
<strong>Washington</strong>, Iowa 52353<br />
(319) 653- 6543<br />
For current news, you!ll want to visit our great website! We<br />
keep it updated for YOU!<br />
www.washington.k12.ia.us<br />
Mission Statement<br />
The mission of the WCSD, in partnership with family<br />
and community, is to prepare for lifelong learning<br />
and productive membership in a global society by<br />
continually providing educational opportunities for<br />
the individual!s total development.<br />
2010-2011 <strong>School</strong> Board Goals<br />
1. Learning Proficiency<br />
• To increase the percentage of students in<br />
grades 3-8 & 11 who are proficient in: Reading<br />
Comprehension to 70%, Math Total to 75% and<br />
Science to 80% (measured by the ITBS/ITED<br />
national percentage proficiencies).<br />
2. Facilities Stewardship<br />
• Construction projects will be administered within<br />
the project!s budget and minimize the<br />
disruption to our student!s education.<br />
• Continue effort to achieve the long-term vision<br />
for district facilities & obtain financing by fall<br />
2011 for renovation of the Middle <strong>School</strong>.<br />
3. Communication will be respectful, transparent,<br />
productive, accurate, and ongoing.<br />
Progressive Visualization for the Future<br />
• <strong>Washington</strong> has been named one of the<br />
100 Best Small Towns in America- we are<br />
proud of our community!<br />
o Enjoy a friendly small town<br />
ambiance with proximity to larger<br />
metro areas!<br />
• Our vibrant & visionary school district is<br />
integral to the <strong>Washington</strong> community.<br />
o Largest school district in<br />
<strong>Washington</strong> County; 75 th largest<br />
high school of 395 in Iowa<br />
o We offer students the benefits of<br />
a large school with the quality of<br />
life of a small town.<br />
• Innovative Technology both in the<br />
classroom & administrative use.<br />
o New Disk Based Backup System<br />
for the districts electronic<br />
information (2010)<br />
o Route buses are equipped with<br />
digital camera systems (2010)<br />
o Pursuing a 1:1 Computer-to-<br />
Student Ratio (current= 1:2")<br />
o Improvements of high speed<br />
wireless network (2010)<br />
o 56 classrooms are media enabled<br />
& wired for surround sound<br />
o Usage of document cameras;<br />
Usage/ piloting: ETextbooks/ E<br />
Sony Readers/ iPads<br />
• Commitment to Diversity<br />
o Full-time Bilingual Outreach<br />
Coordinator on-site; assists non-<br />
English speaking students/families<br />
(K-12)<br />
o Individualized Advanced Spanish<br />
classes after Spanish IV/ Heritage<br />
Language Classes<br />
o 3 English Language Learner (ELL)<br />
Specialists<br />
o Cross Cultural Awareness<br />
activities/ training of staff<br />
• Advancements in Energy Efficiency<br />
o Geothermal<br />
o Upgraded heating/ cooling/<br />
windows/ lighting in many of our<br />
schools.<br />
• Modern Physical Fitness advantages<br />
o H.S. Baseball/ Softball Hitting<br />
Facility (2009)<br />
o Updated Weight Room (2006)<br />
o High <strong>School</strong> Softball Fields (2010)<br />
o Outdoor track (Case Field) open<br />
for community use (resurfaced<br />
2006)<br />
• Dedication to students: GREAT curriculum &<br />
program offerings!<br />
o Over 40% of our teachers have a<br />
Master!s Degree<br />
<strong>District</strong> Information<br />
• Class 3A, Southeast Conference<br />
• Enrollment: approx 1720 students<br />
• WCSD Employees: approx 260<br />
• <strong>District</strong> covers 208 square miles:<br />
centered in <strong>Washington</strong> County & a small<br />
portion of Jefferson Co. incl. cities of<br />
<strong>Washington</strong> and Brighton.<br />
• Class Scheduling: HS- 4 terms/yr, 4<br />
blocks; JH- 4 terms/yr, 5 blocks; Elem-<br />
trimester schedule<br />
• Transportation: a well maintained fleet<br />
of 19 buses runs 10 regular bus routes &<br />
1 special needs route. Transports approx<br />
700 students/ day. 10 route buses<br />
shuttle between each building & transport<br />
students living in <strong>Washington</strong> across town<br />
to their assigned attendance centers. 3<br />
buses dedicated to activity trips.<br />
• Food Service: approx 88% students eat<br />
hot lunch daily. Daily on -site preparation<br />
of food in each attendance center with<br />
breakfast program, salad bar and a la carte<br />
items offered.<br />
Learning Goals of WCSD:<br />
• Global society participation in a productive/<br />
responsible manner<br />
• Lifetime interests/ ability development<br />
through complex, critical & creative<br />
thinking<br />
• Effective reading, writing, communicating &<br />
mathematical skills<br />
• Concern & respect for self/ others and the<br />
changes around us<br />
• Establish personal goals with an<br />
understanding of adaptable/ flexible future<br />
anticipation<br />
• Recognize humanity!s interrelationship with<br />
nature<br />
• Understand & demonstrate experiences in<br />
technology<br />
• Comprehend economic planning & personal<br />
finance<br />
• Ability to plan, achieve/ maintain sound<br />
mental & physical fitness<br />
• Art appreciation & experiences<br />
Stewart Elementary (Grades K-3)<br />
821 North 4 th Ave, <strong>Washington</strong>, IA 52353<br />
(319) 653- 3244<br />
Rhoda Harris, Principal<br />
Ryan Gratz, <strong>School</strong> Adminis Mgr (SAM)<br />
Student population: approx 446 students<br />
Staffing: 40 teachers, 19 other staff<br />
Teacher-to-Student Ratio= 1:11<br />
Technology advantages:<br />
• 149 Computers for student use:<br />
SuccessMaker lab & Mobile computer labs<br />
• 19 classrooms are media enabled with<br />
surround sound<br />
• Document cameras for visual learners<br />
Achievements/ Highlights/ Programs:<br />
• Character Counts Program<br />
• Inquiry based Math program (Investigations)<br />
• Hands on Science program (FOSS kits)<br />
• Strong Booster Program/ Volunteerism<br />
• Strong Partnerships with <strong>Community</strong><br />
• A curriculum that interests & excites<br />
• Strong tie of Elementary school to entire<br />
family of schools in the district<br />
• Success Maker (K-3 rd grade)<br />
• NEW reading series (Journeys)<br />
• Walk-to-Read & Walk-to-Math implemented<br />
(strong core & focused instruction)<br />
• <strong>Washington</strong> YMCA KidConnection provides<br />
after-school child care on site<br />
• Partner with HACAP to provide #Operation<br />
Backpack$ food program
• Preschool & alternative kindergarten taught<br />
by Early Childhood certified teachers (IA<br />
Quality Preschool Program Standards)<br />
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Johnson Co.<br />
partnership (school-based mentoring)<br />
• High involvement of families/ parents<br />
Lincoln Elementary (Grades 4-6)<br />
606 S 4 th Ave, <strong>Washington</strong>, IA 52353<br />
(319) 653- 3691<br />
David Hoffman, Principal<br />
Ryan Gratz, <strong>School</strong> Adminis Mgr (SAM)<br />
Student population: approx 420 students<br />
Staffing: 30 teachers, 21 other staff<br />
Teacher to Student Ratio= 1:14<br />
Technology advantages:<br />
• 131 computers for student use<br />
• Document Cameras for visual learners<br />
• 24 classrooms are media enabled with<br />
surround sound<br />
Achievements/ Highlights/ Programs:<br />
• Emphasis placed on literacy: Focused<br />
resources to improve reading instruction,<br />
Read 180 Scholastic Program, System 44<br />
Program in place (targets the 44 blends/<br />
sounds of the English Language)<br />
• Strong Math & Science Programs (EIE:<br />
Engineering is Elementary Program, current<br />
STEM grant, Contraption Challenge, Family<br />
Math Night, ELI: Inquiry Science Focus)<br />
• Understand & promote the correlation of<br />
exercise/physical education stimulating<br />
brain activity & increased learning.<br />
Promote/ Practice Healthy Initiatives: Heart<br />
monitors, rock climbing wall, daily fitness<br />
• Lego League Learning/ Competition<br />
Program- consistently score high<br />
• High parental/ community involvement<br />
Junior High <strong>School</strong> (Grades 7-9)<br />
1111 South Ave B, <strong>Washington</strong>, IA 52353<br />
(319) 653- 5414<br />
Curtis Mayer, Principal<br />
Aaron Six, <strong>School</strong> Adminis Mgr (SAM)<br />
Student population: approx 412 students<br />
Staffing: 35 teachers & 16 other staff<br />
Teacher to Student Ratio= 1:12<br />
Technology advantages:<br />
• 168 computers for student use<br />
• AVerVision Cameras/ Document cameras<br />
• 4 mimios & 8 mimio pads<br />
• 15 media enabled classrooms<br />
Achievements/ Highlights/ Programs:<br />
• Literacy Focus: Read 180 Scholastic<br />
Program, System 44 Program in place,<br />
Independent Reading/ Increased Reading<br />
Action Plan & Tracking<br />
• Devoted ELL/ Learning Center assists<br />
students who require 1-1 on academics<br />
• Strong Math & Science Programs: Gateway<br />
to Technology, ELP, Inquiry Science Focus<br />
(FOSS Kits)<br />
• Fitness for Life Focus<br />
• Character Building: Student Council,<br />
Participate in National outreach program<br />
against Bullying (Olweus), Student of the<br />
Month Program, Snowflake<br />
• Strong CORE PIE Group (Parents Involved in<br />
Education)<br />
• Full range of Athletic offerings<br />
• Promote <strong>Community</strong> Service: Orange/ Black<br />
Give Back Day, Builders Club/ Kiwanis<br />
Amer!s, Service Projects, Strong<br />
<strong>Community</strong> Program<br />
High <strong>School</strong> (Grades 10-12)<br />
313 South 4 th Ave, <strong>Washington</strong>, IA 52353<br />
(319) 653- 2143<br />
Erik Buchholz, Principal<br />
Randy Schrader, Dean of Students<br />
Student population: approx 374 students<br />
Staffing: 29 teachers, 24 other staff<br />
53% of teachers have a Master!s Degree<br />
Teacher to Student Ratio= 1:13<br />
Technology advantages:<br />
• 221computers for student use<br />
• IBooks, Macs, Digital Camcorders, Scanners,<br />
LCD projectors and business computers<br />
• Piloting ETextbook/ ESony Readers/ iPads<br />
Achievements/ Highlights/ Programs:<br />
• Advanced Placement Courses offered:<br />
Biology, Calculus, Chemistry and English (as<br />
well as other online opportunities)<br />
• Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)<br />
taken at local Kirkwood <strong>Community</strong> College<br />
• Kirkwood Career Academies: Health<br />
Sciences, Engineering, Business Information<br />
Systems, Automotive Technology,<br />
Geospatial Information Systems, Graphics &<br />
Media Communications<br />
• Strong Math & Science Programs: Project<br />
Lead the Way Engineering Academy, Strong<br />
Academics, First place in Statewide 2010<br />
Physics Olympics<br />
• College Credit Courses- WHS students are<br />
among top achievers in college credit<br />
• Regional High <strong>School</strong> (students from<br />
outlying schools attend here for higher<br />
level classes): i.e. Health Sciences<br />
• Avg GPA: 3.06 on a 4.0 scale; Graduation<br />
rates at 95% and/or above (97%: 2009)<br />
• ACT Scores (2009 = 22.4 avg) above<br />
State & National Average (third highest<br />
score out of all 3A Division schools)<br />
• ITED scores above state projections:<br />
Results for Class of 2010 were 85%<br />
proficient at the reportable 11 th grade level<br />
• FINE (First in the Nation in Education)<br />
Recognition Awardee<br />
• Athletics: WHS competes in 17 different<br />
boys/girls sports<br />
• Numerous student clubs & organizations<br />
• Strong Fine Arts Pgm: Div 1 ratings in<br />
Vocal Music & Marching Band<br />
• On average 90% attend Post Secondary<br />
Education<br />
• Silver Cord Commendation Award Program<br />
(awards/ recognizes students for volunteer<br />
services)<br />
• On-The-Job Training (OJT) & Job<br />
Shadowing/ Mentoring<br />
• Host to College Fair Day for surrounding<br />
area (over 70 colleges participate)<br />
• Personal Learning Plan (PLP) personalizes<br />
individual education<br />
• NEW High <strong>School</strong> coming in 2012!<br />
Assure Center (9-12 Alternative H.S.)<br />
105 Westview Drive, <strong>Washington</strong>,IA 52353<br />
(319) 653- 7378<br />
Veta Thode, Principal<br />
• Student population: approx 25<br />
• Staffing: 2 teachers, 2 other staff<br />
Technology/ Achievements/ Highlights:<br />
• Offers both teacher-led & independent<br />
study classes<br />
• 7 computers for student use<br />
• Dedicated Staff to helping students<br />
become successful in academics<br />
• Focus on social aspects: responsibility, selfesteem,<br />
teamwork/ skills to live as an<br />
active member of our society<br />
• Our overall goal for students at the Assure<br />
Center is High <strong>School</strong> completion<br />
Administrative Team<br />
Dr. Mike Jorgensen, Superintendent<br />
Jeffery A. Dieleman, Bus Mgr/ Board Sec<br />
Veta Thode, Curriculum Dir<br />
Yota Giardino, Food Service Dir<br />
Woody Harden, Dir of Transportation<br />
Lori Asbury, Home <strong>School</strong> Coordinator<br />
Mary Alice Smith, Special Education Dir<br />
Jeff Brock, Technology Dir<br />
John TeBockhorst, Asst. Dir of Technology<br />
Heather Lujano, Bilingual Outreach Coordinator<br />
Mike Richardson, Maintenance Supervisor<br />
Lori Knoll, Public Relations Coordinator<br />
9/2010
Change language