Comprehensive Plan Overview October, 2013

District Profile Mission  The mission of the Windber Area School District is through a framework of communication involving all stakeholders; create an educational environment that provides physical, intellectual, and emotional safety while presenting students with engaging opportunities that will allow them to develop to their maximum potential.

Vision  The vision of the Windber Area School District is to ensure all students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, technology and attitudes necessary to solve problems, communicate effectively, and be responsible citizens, while preparing for a life of continual growth and learning through a premier educational environment.

Shared Values  The Windber Area School District undertook a thorough process to complete a Comprehensive Plan. We believe that throughout the process we focused on our improvement of present educational programs and set high expectations of achievement for all of our students. To accomplish this for our students, we have planned modifications to our curriculum, instruction, and assessment procedures to yield this success for all students.

Core Values The Windber Area School District has the core values of: Safety Student Development Communication Holistic Instructional Targets 21st Century Skills

Students will be able to be: Problem Solvers Collaborators Innovators Communicators

Element 1: Professional Development Continued Training, Tech Cycle, Element 2: Environment/Culture School Wide Behavioral Support, Diversity, Bullying Element 3: Instruction Curriculum Cycle, Guided Reading, Common Core, AP, STEAM

Element 4: Assessment Data, CDTs, Keystone Exams, SAT Element 5: Adapted Learning Inclusion, Paraprofessionals, Gifted, Transition, Autism Element 6: Graduation/Post Secondary Attendance, Career Pathways, Graduation Projects

Element 7: Infra-Structure Fiscal, Technology, Facilities Element 8: Community Involvement Surveys, Activities, Partnerships

GOAL 1: Establish a direct system that fully ensures the consistent implementation of effective instructional practices across all classrooms in each school.

GOAL 2: Establish a District system that fully ensures professional development is focused, comprehensive and implemented with fidelity.

GOAL 3: Establish a District system that fully ensures staff members in every school use standards aligned assessments to monitor student achievement and adjust instructional practices.

GOAL 4: Establish a District system that fully ensures barriers to student learning are addressed in order to increase student achievement and graduation rates.

GOAL 5: Establish a District system that fully ensures students who are academically at risk are identified early and are supported by a process that provides interventions based upon student needs and includes procedures for monitoring effectiveness.

GOAL 6: Establish a District system that fully ensures each member of the district community promotes, enhances, and sustains a shared vision of positive school climate and ensures family and community support of student participation in the learning process.

GOAL 7: Establish a District system that fully ensures the District’s resources effectively address instructional priorities aligned with the District’s vision and mission and fully ensures that the expenditure and accounting of funds meets all legal and ethical requirements within the parameters of generally accepted accounting practices.

 Olweus District Wide Bullying Prevention Program.  US News and World Report Bronze Level High School (Five Years in a row).  National Blue Ribbon Winner - Windber Area Elementary School.  Revised Attendance Policy at the High/Middle and Elementary Schools.  Implemented Everyday Math Program at the Elementary School (researched based program).  Implemented the UCSMP Math Program at the Middle and High Schools.

 Analyzed and developed plans for continued physical plant development.  Initiated a district wide safety committee.  Achieved district wide Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP) over the past nine years.  Retooled Middle School and High School Guidance Programs.  Introduced Advanced Placement courses.  Integrated career exploration into the eighth, tenth and twelfth grade

Introduced HEAL - District Wide Professional Development. Adjusted and Updated graduation projects. Established a district wide safety committee. Enhanced High School dual enrollment program. Established Curriculum Cycle. Facilitated Curriculum Revisions (Course of Studies - COS) Obtained Highmark grants to construct a fitness room for students/staff.

Analyzed district finances and developed a plan to maximize resources. Analyzed district assessment data and reviewed with faculty on a regular basis. Participated in regional Special Education parent meetings. Created Alternative Education Program for Windber Area School District students.

$250,000 Classrooms for the Future Grant. Updated and Upgraded District Technology. Implemented district wide diversity program. Enhanced employee mentorship program. Instituted continuing Professional Development Program. District wide inclusion model in place.

 Established District Wide System of Redundant safety/security procedures and practices.  Implemented Handwriting Without Tears Program.  All students High/Middle/Elementary School are writing responses to questions and following Pennsylvania State Standards.  Initiated Standards Based Report Card.

Study Island and 4 Sight Assessments have been implemented and data used for student assistance. Dibles and DRA II Assessments have been implemented and data used for student assistance. LETERS Professional Development to Elementary School Teachers. Implemented Department Chair Meetings (monthly)

 Implemented a district wide parent contact/communication system. Implemented community outreach events: o Business Breakfast o Grandparents Visitation Day at the Elementary School o Ministerium Connection o Recreation Planning

 Enhanced Parent Involvement: Middle School Parent Group ( Parent Teacher Student Organization - PTSO) Parent Anti-Bulling Program Wellness Program Elementary Parent Group (Parent Teacher Organization - PTO) Title - I Involvement Special Education Parent Evenings

Strengthened Career and Technology Center relationships ( Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center - GJCTC)  Established STEM Program

 Revamped High School and Middle School Schedules.