Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Share "Thanks"

Dear Kilbourne Family, Monday, December 1, 2014


I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving celebrations with family and friends.  From my perspective, the excitement was in the air at Worthington Kilbourne High School the two days prior to Thanksgiving break.  Our students were happy, a little more rambunctious than normal and certainly looking forward to time away with family and friends not to mention the scrumptious Thanksgiving feast that awaited them on Thursday.  I took just a few minutes to share a message to all students and staff on Tuesday morning.  I encouraged everyone to take some time alone and reflect on what they were most thankful for and better yet, share those thoughts with others. So as you gathered around the dinner table to enjoy the food and fellowship with your loved ones, I hope your high school child spoke up and shared their thoughts with you and others.
We are so fortunate to live, work and learn in The Worthington City School District.  Of course, I am realistic in saying that there are days at Kilbourne that challenge us, but we are “Family” and we support each other through those days and for that, I am thankful.
We have choices in life and we all chose to be contributive members of The Worthington Kilbourne Family.  I am thankful to be a part of this community and appreciate all that you do for our students and staff.  




“Dream Big!”
Angie Adrean, WKHS Principal


Follow us on Twitter @WKHSWolves

Thursday, November 6, 2014

How are we making our students THINK?


How are we making our students THINK?



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...a blog co-authored through the eyes of Megan Humphrey, our Library Media Specialist and Angie Adrean, our Principal


“We are all in this together.”
#FI14
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Tuesday, November 4 was Election Day for all of us, and it was also “A Day of Learning” for all Worthington educators. Approximately 740 educators gathered on our Worthington Kilbourne HS/ McCord MS/ Granby Elementary campuses to collaborate, contribute, and connect. Our focus centered around gaining a further understanding of the rigor of the new standards, as well as the connection to our current assessment practices and the upcoming computer-based PARCC and AIR state assessments.  
The PARCC website (http://www.parcconline.org) explains, “high quality assessments will allow parents and educators to see how children are progressing in school and whether they are on track for postsecondary success. The PARCC assessment also provides teachers with the ability to identify students who may be falling behind and need extra help.” PARCC includes two Summative Assessment Components:


  • Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) administered after approximately 75% of the school year (February 16-March 20). The ELA/literacy PBA will focus on writing effectively when analyzing text. The mathematics PBA will focus on expressing mathematical reasoning and modeling real-world problems.  The ELA PBA consists of 3 Units and the Math PBA consists of 2 Units.  
  • End-of-Year Assessment (EOY) administered after approximately 90% of the school year (April 13-May 15). The ELA/literacy EOY will focus on reading comprehension. The mathematics EOY will call on students to demonstrate further conceptual understanding of the Major Content and Additional and Supporting Content of the grade/course (as outlined in the PARCC Model Content Frameworks).  The EOY for both ELA and Math consists of 2 Units each.
AIR (American Institute for Research) will provide the Social Students (American History and American Government) and Science (Physical Science) assessments to compliment the computer-based PARCC assessments. Each of these assessments will consist of 1 PBA and 1 EOY Unit.   
So, what does this mean for our students and our teachers?
As educators, we have a responsibility, regardless of our content area, to motivate our students in learning that engages them to think on a deeper and more complex level. During our “Day of Learning”, WKHS staff members were asked to produce a group definition of what the word RIGOR meant to them. Here is an example of a found poem created by four of our teachers:
Deep Immersion
Entrepreneurial, Initiative
Application, Agility, Adaptability
Complex, Critical
Quality, Questions
Solutions
Depth

As our teachers collaborate, they plan with intent to incorporate higher order thinking skills from Bloom’s Taxonomy including creating, evaluating, and analyzing. For example, rather than the traditional 1980-1990’s models (and yes, we are dating ourselves) of questioning and understanding through knowledge based comprehension and recall questions, we are now asking our students to take it a step further and apply knowledge to questions such as comparing and contrasting two to three texts about a similar theme or concept.
Below are several links that will allow you to navigate through the PARCC website including practice tests, technology tutorials, and rubrics.
Tutorial on Navigation of Test Technology Tools http://parcc.pearson.com/tutorial/
Rubrics and Answer Keys: http://parcc.pearson.com/sample-items/
Admittedly, the logistics and the accountability of the new state assessments have increased our anxiety and pushed us to self-evaluate and reinvent our practices. However, we can assure that Worthington Kilbourne High School teachers and staff value students’ personal and academic growth and are up to any challenges that come our way.  We are in this together and together we shall provide our students with the skills and knowledge to be successful not just on these new state assessments but in life beyond high school.
                             
#GoWolves

                                                                                            


Friday, September 12, 2014

The answer is, "YES!"

A  Message from Principal Adrean to the WKHS Community

Dear WKHS Family, September 2014

Last year during this same time, I started writing our September Newsletter and posed the question, “Is it possible that the opening of a new school year can get better and better every August?”  Well, I can now answer with much confidence after being here 3 years and now starting my 4th year.  The answer is, “YES!”  This answer is attributed to the collaborative work of our parents, our teachers and staff, and our students.  

Although the work of our parent led Landscape committee is on-going, they certainly put in more time and effort this Summer, and “YES”, our school was ready in August.  Grants were written for the removal of 20 plus year old shrubs and trees and were replaced with new hosta, burning bush, evergreens and lilies.  Trees were trimmed and new mulch was laid in several areas around our building.  Sidewalks were edged and excess trash and litter were gathered to add the finishing touches to our building, which we all consider our second home.   A “shout-out” to all of our parents, teachers, students and community members who helped make this happen.


Our teachers worked throughout the Summer to plan and prepare classroom lessons plans that are rigorous, engaging, and differentiated for all learners.  And “YES”, a few of these teachers even took the initiative to learn more about our High School Orientation and Transition Program called LINK.  These teachers and student leaders received extensive training that develops their skills as well as provides them with a vision of what it means to be a leader.  Link Crew provides an opportunity for students from numerous social groups to have a common goal and purpose, thus diminishing stereotypes that can unfortunately exist in our world.  Our goal at WKHS is to make sure our incoming Freshmen students feel welcomed, accepted and connected.  This sense of connectedness strongly influences a child’s academic success.  A “shout-out” to our Link Advisors Mrs. Nancy Smith, Mrs. Lauren Glaros and Mrs. Ellen Clark and to our Student Link Crew Leaders (90 Junior and Senior students).


The most important attribution to this “YES” answer is our students.  They are the reason we do what we do and the reason we are motivated to come to WKHS.  As the adults, we can do all of these things to help make the learning environment the best that it can be, but in the end, the students have the choice as to whether they will learn and grow.  The students at WKHS make the choice to do just that...Learn and Grow (and have Fun when doing it).
We talk a lot as a staff about how fortunate we are to be a part of such a strong community.  A “shout-out” to our students for making your academics priority, keeping it “klassy,” and for taking care of each other at all times.  We value you and the spirit that you bring to our high school.  


We believe in our work as educators and hope that you are pleased with what Worthington Kilbourne High School has to offer your child.  Our teachers and staff are some of the hardest working professionals I know, but we also know we can’t do it without your support.  Thanks for all that you have done and continue to do for our school.  There is no substitute for passion and commitment, which you give every day to your children and to our school to make it the great place that it is to learn and grow.

Let’s continue to say “YES” together for the success of our WKHS Family!

“Make Memories…”
Angie Adrean, WKHS Principal






Monday, July 14, 2014

Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports

PBIS

"Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is a school-wide systematic approach using evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making to improve school climate and culture:  to achieve improved academic and social outcomes; and to increase learning for all students.  It encompasses a wide range of systematic and individualized positive strategies to reinforce desired behaviors, diminish reoccurrences of challenging behaviors and teach appropriate behaviors to students." -State Support Team 11


Components of the PBIS Schoolwide Plan:
1.  Mission Statement
2.  Statement of Beliefs
3.  Building Expectations
4.  Encouragement Procedures
5.  Corrective Procedures
6.  Common Area Procedures
7.  Implementation Plan

 
We are committed to keeping Worthington Kilbourne High School a place where all students, staff and community can work and learn in a safe environment that is conducive to learning.  This plan will allow us to continue to enhance our schools culture and climate at Worthington Kilbourne High School.  Thanks to the leadership of Assistant Principal, Mr. Ken Nally and our PBIS Team (Angie Adrean, Rob Brown, Ed Chism, Cindy Fushimi, Kevin Johnson, Ralph King, Carol Miller, Ariel Schwartz, Vanessa Scott, Tom Souder, Jeff Todd and Sophia Whitehouse), we are ready to begin full implementation this Fall. 
 
Because we have an expectation that all students and staff are a "Part of the Pack," the acronym P.A.C.K. will provide us with clear and consistent targets.
 
P - Practice Respect
A - Act Responsibly
C - Commit To Be Involved
K - Keep it "Klassy"
 
 
 



Our WKHS Activity Club Cares About Kids!

Worthington Kilbourne High School is fortunate to have the support of a committed group of  30 plus Mom's.  These Mom's volunteer their time to "Make a Difference" in the lives of our entire Kilbourne Community, including students and staff.  Just this past year, they initiated a Community Cares Program called The BackPack Program to help feed our WKHS students who do not have enough food over the weekends.  Typically, these students qualify for free and reduced lunches, which is approximately 20% of our population.  These ladies work each week to put together bags of non-perishable foods that our students can take home in their backpacks for the weekend.  Our school counselors worked closely in this process as to be sure all names were kept confidential. 
 
The Worthington Activity Club set aside $1,500.00 to pay for this program.  However, because of the Kroger Community Rewards Program, a local book club fundraising program, individual and corporate gifts, they were able to donate over $3,500.00 to this new initiative for kids.  The generous contributions of all stakeholders is greatly appreciated. 
 "It takes a village..." and we definitely have a village at WKHS. 
Thanks for all that you do for our Kilbourne Community!
 
If you are interested in supporting our Worthington Activity Club, you can do so by enrolling in the Kroger Community Rewards program with your Kroger Plus card at
 
 
 
 


Thursday, June 12, 2014

"Stronger Together"


Worthington Kilbourne High School Office Staff (minus five)!


As the school year came to a close on Monday, June 2nd, our Office Staff decided it was time for a gathering away from school.  These times spent together talking, laughing and sharing stories is vital to the success of any organization.  Relationships are the foundation of our success, but building this trust and respect amongst one another does not just happen without a concerted effort from all of us.  We are "Stronger Together" because of the commitment we have to one another.  Thanks to all of you for your dedication to Worthington Kilbourne High School and each other.  I am honored and grateful to be a part of the Kilbourne PACK!

I wish you a restful, relaxing and rejuvenating Summer!  Please take some time to "Rest Your Mind!"

"Dream Big!"
Angie

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Why Read?


Why is READING important?
“It’s summertime Ms. Adrean, why should we read?”
“Why read? Well, let me tell you why you should read” replied Ms. Adrean 

Reading is a fundamental skill!  In order to function in today’s society, you must be able to expand your mind and develop your imagination…reading will help you do this. The more you read the more educated you become.  It is how you learn and discover new things.  It also helps to develop your creative side, even if you don’t think you have that side. Reading is fundamental in developing a positive self-image and strong communication skills.  It forces you to use your brain and believe it or not, it is enjoyable. 
 
I encourage you to make the time this summer to read!

Below is a “Bookshelf” your teachers have created for you just in case you struggle with choosing a book.  Can you guess which teacher suggested which book?


“How to Win friends and Influence People” –Dale Carnegie
“The Greek Way” –Edith Hamilton
“The Fault in Our Stars” –John Green
“Everyday” –David Levithan
“Ancient Rome” –Robert Payne
“My Sister’s Keeper” –Jodi Picoult
The Divergent Series
“Divergent, Insergent & Allegiant” -Veronica Roth
“Lone Survivor” –Marcus Luttrell
“Looking for Alaska” –John Green
“Code Name Verity” –Elizabeth Wein
“Cinder” –Marissa Meyer
“This is What Happy Looks Like” –Jennifer Smith
“11/22/63” –Stephen King
“The Glass Castle” -Jeannette Walls
"Eleanor and Park" -Rainbow Rowell
"The Circle" -Dave Eggers


"The more you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."  
-Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"



Friday, January 3, 2014

Alumni Extravaganza


Happy New Year from Worthington Kilbourne High School!
 

As most leaders do, I too set goals for myself and for our school at the start of the 2013-14 school year.  I put these goals in writing in our August Newsletter that goes out to our entire school community.  Putting goals in writing helps me be more accountable, but I must admit, I was skeptical about reaching my goal of hosting an "Alumni Extravaganza" for our school community. 

"Where would I begin?  How would I organize such an event?  Would I have the time?  Are students and staff really interested in such an event?  ...and so on"

I should have known that our students would come through and help me make this happen.  After reading my August Newsletter, our IB Business teacher, Mrs. Kucharek, shared my letter with her class as she thought it was important to help them understand my goals.  They shared a strong interest in the "Alumni Extravaganza" vision and asked Mrs. Kucharek when it was going to happen.  Mrs. Kucharek and I spoke and I shared with her that I did not think I would have time to accomplish such a task.  It was almost as if she was happy to hear these words and immediately said with much excitement, "Can we help you?"  I was thrilled and thus I began a partnership with Mrs. Kucharek and her IB Business students. 

In early October, I shared my "dream vision" with our IB Business class.  I was their client and they treated me as such.  They listened to my ideas and asked me back to their classroom several times until we agreed on a plan.  I continued to work with them, but I must admit, they took this plan over and I am thankful they did.  I am so proud to say that this event was better than my original plan because the students were in charge.  They took over and "owned" this project under the direction of their teacher.  It is amazing what happens when we give the ownership to our students!

 

The big day took place on the day we returned from Winter Break, Thursday, January 2, 2014.  We had approximately 40 Kilbourne graduates return and speak with current students in small group settings in our library.  Student questions included; “How has Kilbourne prepared you for the future?, What suggestions would you give to our current students about class selection?,  Should I take more IB, Honors and/or AP classes to help prepare for college?,  What is dorm- life like?,  How did you choose your college?  How much do college admissions look at your GPA?  ACT/SAT scores?,  Do college admissions really Google me to learn more about me as a person?,  How did you meet new friends in college?,  Did you have a job while in high school/college?,  How did you make new friends in college?,  When did you decide on a major?,  What if I do not like my college professor?,  Will my professor know me and how do I get academic assistance if I need it?,  How do you balance college athletics and your studies?,  How important is note-taking? Etc...”  The questions continued to grow as the conversations grew.  It was so exciting to watch our current students learn from our Alumni.  Although they only had a class period, I truly believe our students took away very valuable information that they will be able to use as they begin to research their post-secondary future. 

 

A big “Shout-Out” to our Kilbourne Alumni, IB Business Class and Mrs. Kucharek for continuing to make great things happen!