A few questions to consider....

As I work on our part of the WASC report, I have a couple of questions for all of you. Please feel free to post your ideas/comments here so I can do my best to incorporate your feedback in our report. Don't feel like you need to respond to each item.

Here are some of the Action Plan Items from our 2008 review. What have we done (strengths) & what do we still need to do (areas for growth)?

1. Increase respect for school property/rules/policies
2. Involve more teachers in school leadership and extra-curricular activities
3. Improve staff morale
4. Explore increased student participation in the development and review of school policies and programs
5. Explore developing a peer-coaching program
6. Continue refining smaller learning communities
7. Develop a comprehensive staff development plan
8. Explore increased student participation in the development and review of school policies and programs
9. Create more curriculum development time
10. Develop a comprehensive staff development plan
11. Communicate content standards and ESLRs (now school-side goals) to all stakeholders
12. Continue refining smaller learning communities

Thanks everyone, I can't wait to read your thoughts.

Take care, Rachel Hallquist

survey results!

Hi everyone,

At our last meeting, we looked at the student survey. Here is a link to part of the survey:

http://northgatehighschool.net/Info/WASC/tabid/507/Default.aspx

For the other part of the survey, students had the opportunity to respond 3 questions. Here are the questions with my summaries:

1. Do students have the opportunity to make positive contributions to the school & community?

Overall students are pleased with the opportunities to participate, though a few said they didn’t care to. Students talked about enjoying clubs, sports and other extra curricular activities. Students enjoyed clean-up days and would be happy to participate in more clean-up days.

2. What can be done at Northgate to build school spirit & pride?

Many students felt that school pride & spirit was low. Students asked for more rallies, spirit days, friendly class competitions, places to voice opinions, & more clean-up days. Students also wanted more activities & spirit supporting all sports and activities, not just football, and that spirit needed to be addressed all year long, not just the beginning of the year and homecoming week. Students also wanted opportunities to contribute to the community.

3. What is one change you would like to see at Northgate?

The most common request was for windows and natural lighting, an open computer lab at lunchtime, an open campus and block scheduling. Students also wanted other students to pick up their garbage & recycle more.

Students felt strongly that teachers contribute to the experience. There was some anger about “good” teachers being laid off & less money for classroom supplies. Many students also felt that activities, events and sports were too expensive.

What does the survey tell us?

Are any of the results surprising?

Welcome Everyone!

Good work finding the blog! Here are our 2 questions to ponder. As you think about these questions, remember to focus on the topic of our group (VISION). Please post by April 2nd.

1. What additional data will your group need to identify areas of strength/growth for your area of focus?

2. What questions do you have as we move forward?

Our next face-to-face meeting is Thursday April 22nd, same room, at 2:10. See you there!