To: Michael Green, Superintendent
From: Phil Pearson
Date: December 8, 2022
RE: Woodland High School Board Report
Modifying our Unified Evacuation Plans
WHS was the target of two bomb threats recently, one in October and one in November. Historically, Woodland High School has been very proficient at evacuating the building in the event of a natural disaster or fire. As is typical for most schools, we evacuate the building to a single, predefined location and line up so that attendance can be taken and students and staff accounted for. We practice this procedure frequently, and we’re good at it.
Unfortunately, this procedure creates security liabilities that were not imagined or accounted for when it was designed. Woodland High School administrators and security staff are currently building a new procedure that would be used when a unified evacuation is called for, a bomb threat being a primary example.
The essential modification is the creation of several alternative evacuation destinations, one of which will be selected at random when an event occurs. WPD and FBI officers have provided technical assistance in selecting these locations to ensure that overall security can be maximized during the evacuation. Although important logistical details have yet to be worked out, several of these sites are available for immediate use. We anticipate using this randomized evacuation procedure during our next scheduled drill or in the event of an actual threat.
Other Campus Safety Developments
The WHS building safety committee has met regularly over the past 2 months and has identified several changes to procedures that are being implemented to enhance safety and security on campus. These changes include:
Specifics for each of these changes will be well publicized as details are developed
Some AVID Resources
Our WHS AVID team is due to present to the board on December 15th. If you’re interested in doing some reading ahead of time, here are some links you might explore.
What AVID Is / College & Career Readiness - Explore AVID Students by Grade Level
This website describes what AVID and what it provides and how it is not “one more thing to do” but instead aligns with the district goals “to accelerate and enhance the work that is already happening.” There is a section on how AVID looks at the secondary level.
WICOR Combo.pdf
This one-pager defines WICOR and how it is part of the curriculum.
The AVID Effect
This video examines how teachers offer opportunities for students so they can walk through the door. “Changing the culture, so kids think in the big picture now.” “AVID is hope for teachers because it gives teachers the tools to connect with and help students succeed.” 2-minute video
What Is AVID
This is a video from students’ perspective. 6-minute video. They have an elementary, middle school, and high school section. These sections are from the perspective of individual teachers. The high school section starts at 3:30.
AVID Strategies Students Enjoy in Class
9-minute video. Students talk about AVID principles that they benefited from.
People Like Me
2-minute video on how AVID impacted them to be successful.
Maria Hernandez - San Antonio Summer Institute 2017
A high school student who gave an inspirational speech at the AVID Conference one year. Notice the rhyming and gestures and the ability to really project her opinion about AVID. 6-minute video. She is “real.” Very inspirational.