To: Michael Green
From: Phil Pearson
Date: October 5, 2023
Re: TEAM Board Report
School Improvement Plan
An important part of the TEAM school improvement plan involved helping TEAM students to develop meaningful postsecondary goals and plans. Jeff Bockert started as a counselor at Woodland High School this year, and an important part of his duties is to support TEAM students. As TEAM registrations have slowed down (TEAM enrollment is at 108 at this moment), Jeff has been able to begin visiting with students at TEAM on a regular basis. Our intention is for Jeff to work with our TEAM juniors and seniors to develop written post-secondary plans and to celebrate those aspirations during our end-of-year celebrations.
As a TEAM staff, we have also taken a look at our procedures and policies with an eye on creating stronger accountability for progress towards graduation. In TEAM-speak, this means that every student is now working on a “due date model” which specifies expected academic progress on a student-by-student basis. Like any policy shift, this one may have unexpected side effects, so we’re remaining watchful.
Recognition
The four member TEAM team (six if you count me and Jeff) has done an amazing job adjusting to changing circumstances. Cyndy Grayson, in particular, is doing fantastic work and is especially shining in her role of connecting with families and students. She knows a lot of the students already, and her rapport with students is a major benefit to students. Jen Benedict also deserves some significant recognition for her time spent with TEAM students working on math and supporting TEAM staff in maintaining a good sense of order in the TEAM portables. My favorite recognition goes to a specific TEAM student, though. Last week, while I was at TEAM to provide math tutoring, one of the students came up to me and told me that she HAD been at a 50% in math, and NOW she’s at an 80%. I had also known this student from WHS last year, and it was wonderful to see how excited she was.
Upcoming Events
Many TEAM students participate in athletics and other events at WHS, so upcoming events at WHS are also upcoming events at TEAM. In addition, the TEAM staff is gearing up for the fall WALA conference, where OSPI leaders and experts in Alternative Learning update us on best practices and audit compliance information for ALE schools.