Coffee and Conversation with the Principal March 12, 2015

According to the International Center for Leadership in Education’s website, “The Rigor/Relevance Framework is a tool developed by the International Center to examine curriculum, instruction, and assessment along the two dimensions of higher standards and student achievement 1 ” The topics of rigor, relevance, and, additionally, relationships, are helpful lenses through which to view the Ware Junior Senior High School experience. 1. The International Center for Leadership in Education. “Our Philosophy.” Accessed March 10,

Rigor speaks to the ways in which we challenge students to be college and career ready -- our primary mission. There are various measures of rigor that exist in any school, including standardized test scores, challenging course offerings, and other noteworthy achievement indicators such as AP scores. Accreditation also ensures. At present, WJSHS offers four Advanced Placement (AP) courses: Biology, Statistics, English Literature and Composition, and English Language and Composition. (Spanish in the next two years.) In addition, WJSHS offers the following honors level courses: English, Calculus, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Physics.

Students need to understand the connection between what they are learning in school, and their future – they need to see the relevance in order to be motivated and engaged. For students who are college-bound, the rigorous coursework that we provide will equip them with the content knowledge and skills necessary for success in higher education. For students who do not yet have a clear post-secondary vision, there are aspects of the daily student experience that are applicable to all. This is their workplace! Over the next several years, WJSHS will attempt to put in place additional elective course offerings that will help make the experience feel more relevant to more students. Several Current Electives: Biotechnology, Sci-Tech, Film, Psychology, Sociology, Government and Civics, Coding (2015), Drama (2015), Personal Finance, Marketing, Internships/Externships

Extracurricular opportunities engage students beyond traditional academics. Sports – Football, golf, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, cheering. National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, As Schools Match Wits Student Council, Junior High School Leadership Council, Class Officers High School Advisory Offerings – Domestic Violence Taskforce, Video Game Creation, Recycling, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Weight Training, Current Events, GSA, Sports Management, Math Help, Competitive Debating, Academic Assistance/Preparatory Skills, Student Publications

Simply put, students need instructors who care. Smaller class sizes, combined with the 84 minute block in the high school, allow for more individualized student/teacher interactions. Relationships help reinforce expectations. Similar to “hooks,” relationships keep students motivated and engaged. The recent WPS video at the Ware Business and Civic Association is a testament to the power of relationships. (View at At the end of the day, it’s the not the quality of the instructional materials or even the physical plant that truly determines the quality of the education; it’s the quality of the instructor and their ability to forge positive relationships. Every adult is a role model!

Class Enrollment Four year colleges52%32%40%44%36% 42%31% Two year colleges29%46%42%37%39%36%48% Armed forces9%2%3%7%4% 0 Work force10%16&13%12%21%24%7%15% Tech School0%2% 0% 3%2% Prep School 2

American International College, Anna Maria College, Arizona State U., Assumption College, Bay Path College, Becker College, Bennington College, Boston University, Bridgewater State U., Champlain College, Clark University, Curry College, Dean College, Duquesne U., Elms College, Emmanuel College, Endicott College, Fitchburg State U., Framingham State U., Franklin Pierce U., Hampshire College, Quinnipiac University, Quinsigamond C. C., Rensselaer, Rochester Institute of Technology, Roger Williams U., Salve Regina, Salem State U., S. Vermont College, Suffolk U., Springfield College, Smith College, Springfield Tech. C.C., St. Anselm College, St. John’s U., St. Michael’s College, Stonehill College, SUNY/Albany, Syracuse U., Temple U., University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, University of Maine, University of Lowell, University of Maine at Farmington, University of New England, University of New Haven, University of Rhode Island., University of South Carolina, University of North Chapel Hill, U. of El Paso, Virginia Tech., Wentworth Institute of Tech., West Carolina U., Western New England U., Westfield State U., Wheelock College, W.P.I., Worcester State U.,

15% increase in Proficient 9% decrease in Warning/Failing (WJSHS is Level 2) Performance Data

14% increase in Advanced 12% decrease in Needs Improvement (WJSHS is Level 2) Performance Data