REPORTS TO THE BOARD

Woodland High School Report

To:  Michael Green, Superintendent

From: Phil Pearson

Date: January 17, 2024

RE: Woodland High School Board Report

School Improvement Plan

9th grade success in credit accrual has been established as a key predictor of eventual high
school graduation. As you might recall, WHS posted spectacular results with respect to this
metric both semesters last year, ending semester two with over 90% of 9th graders being on
track for graduation. Our goal is to push this momentum forward and make 90% our new
normal. Previously we were able to meet regularly as a 9th grade success team thanks to grant
funding. Unfortunately, that grant funding is not available this year, but we were able to fund a
half day workshop out of our building budget two weeks ago. In addition, our GRIT teachers are
heavily involved with grade checks for all students. The semester ends in two weeks. My plan is
that we push past the 90% mark. If we fall short, we’ll assess and improve. We have no
intention of going back to state averages.

Recognition

Student-led conferences (SLC’s) are coming up at the end of March. We’re doing some
significant work to sharpen SLC’s and make them more useful. On Friday afternoon (1-12), I met
with a team of teachers and Mike Lindsay to put some wheels on that wagon. I am a firm
believer that no success that a school ever has happens outside of the context of the team.
Someone answers the phone. Someone maintains the facilities. Someone handles the budget.
All of this happens so that someone else can meet with the parents or talk with the kids or write
the lesson plan. There is no such thing as a win that’s not a team win. On Friday, I became
impressed all over again with the insight, dedication, and just plain brilliance of the people who
work at WHS. If the effectiveness of any program including SLC’s was limited by what I could
come up with, we’d be in deep trouble. Those folks I met with on Friday immeasurably improved
the product (SLC’s) and the quality of our conversation.

Upcoming Events

As noted above, Student Led Conferences will occur the week of March 26th. Semester one
ends January 25th, and semester one finals will occur the week before. The TOLO dance is this
Friday, January 20th. The regular season for winter sports will be winding down in early
February. Today’s weather closure will necessitate the rescheduling of at least one basketball
game and the Night of the Arts event, which was scheduled to occur Tuesday, January 16th.