1. Windber Area School District
Comprehensive Plan
Overview
November, 2015

2. Comprehensive Plan Components
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.

3. Comprehensive Plan Components
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.

4. Comprehensive Plan Components
Shared Values
We believe that our plan is focused on the improvement of present educational programs and sets high expectations of achievement (growth) 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 framework for success for all students.

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

6. Comprehensive Plan Components
Students will be able to be:
• Problem Solvers
• Collaborators
• Innovators
• Communicators

7. AREAS ADDRESSED
Element 1: Professional Development Continued Training, Tech Cycle, Element 2: Environment/Culture School Wide Behavioral Support, Diversity, Student Support Element 3: Instruction Curriculum Cycle, Guided Reading, PACS, AP (cont.), STEAM (cont.)

8. AREAS ADDRESSED
Element 4: Assessment Data review, CDTs, Keystone Exams, SAT/ACT Element 5: Adapted Learning Inclusion (co-planning), Gifted (acceleration), Transition, Autism Element 6: Graduation/Post Secondary Attendance, Career Pathways, Identifying/Maximizing Potential

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

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

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

12. DISTRICT GOALS
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.

13. DISTRICT GOALS
GOAL 4: Establish a District system that fully ensures barriers to student learning are addressed in order to increase student achievement and graduation rates. (zero drop outs, meaningful post-secondary opportunities)

14. DISTRICT GOALS
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 (growth).

15. DISTRICT GOALS
GOAL 6: Establish a District system that encourages the community to promote, and sustain a shared vision of positive school climate and ensures family and community support of student participation in the learning process.

16. DISTRICT GOALS
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.

17. ACCOMPLISHMENT #1 Implemented Botvin Prevention Program - WAMS.
US News and World Report Bronze Level High School (Seven Years in a row).
Governor's Award – Windber Area Middle School.
Improved student attendance data at the High/Middle and Elementary Schools.
Implemented Guided Reading Program at the Elementary School (researched based program).
Implemented the academic acceleration program at the Middle and High Schools.

18. ACCOMPLISHMENT #1
Developed and implemented plans for physical plant revitalization.
Maintained a district wide security initiative (SRO, drills, upgraded emergency plans).
Achieved district wide Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP) over the past ten years.
Retooled Middle School and High Social Studies Programs.
Introduced Advanced Placement courses.
Enhanced post secondary prep program in the tenth and twelfth grade

19. ACCOMPLISHMENT #2
Maintained high level District Wide Professional Development.
Updated EL/MS Science programs (FOSS).
Established inter-district partnerships.
Enhanced district-wide gifted program.
Continued Curriculum Cycle.
Facilitated Curriculum Revisions (Course of Studies - COS)
Obtained Highmark grants to construct a elementary bio-tech garden area.

20. ACCOMPLISHMENT #2
Analyzed district assessment data and reviewed with faculty on a regular basis.
Participated in regional Special Education parent meetings.
Maintained Alternative Education Program for Windber Area School District students.

21. ACCOMPLISHMENT #3 $200,000 NFL Grant. $50,000 PDE Safety Grant.
Updated and Upgraded District Technology.
Implemented district wide diversity program.
Enhanced employee mentorship program.
Established Encore offerings and increased faculty planning time.
District-wide inclusion model in place (K-12).

22. ACCOMPLISHMENT #4
Established District Wide System of Redundant safety/security procedures and practices.
Concluded the implementation of Handwriting Without Tears Program.
Adjusting instruction to align with PACS.
Developing Standards Based Report Card (K-2).

23. ACCOMPLISHMENT #4
Study Island assessment system has been implemented and data used for student assistance.
DRA II Assessments has been implemented and data used for student assistance.
LETERS Professional Development to Elementary School Teachers (continuing).
Implemented Building Level Data meetings.

24. ACCOMPLISHMENT #5
Update the district wide parent contact/communication system (text).
Enhance the District web site.
Explore additional media options.

25. ACCOMPLISHMENT #6 Enhanced Parent Involvement:
• Parent Financial Aid meetings
• Wellness Program
• Elementary Parent Group (Parent Teacher Organization - PTO)
• Title - I Involvement
• Special Education Parent Evenings

26. ACCOMPLISHMENT #7 ACCOMPLISHMENT #8
Strengthened Post Secondary relationships (student visits to post secondary locations)
ACCOMPLISHMENT #8
Established Elementary STEAM Program

27. ACCOMPLISHMENT #9
Enhanced SAT/ACT preparations.

28. Additional: Plan of public display for 28 days. Mid-point review 2017
Good until September 2018.