School District Annual Report Sample | Omaha Neb Public Relations Firm

1 | P a g e | Douglas County West Community Schools | 2015 Annual Progress Report
Welcome to Douglas County West
Community Schools. It is a pleasure to
be the superintendent of our great
school system where our goal is to
“create passionate learners” from pre-
kindergarten through grade twelve.
Since all students learn differently, our
teachers work hard to meet ALL
students’ needs in a positive, safe
environment with the strong support
of families and our community.
Our smaller schools and classroom sizes encourage an abundance of personalized staff and
student interaction, enabling each student to reach his or her maximum potential.
DC West also offers extracurricular opportunities galore. Our award winning speech, drama,
sports programs and robotics club, just to name a few, help to develop a wide range of
student skills and encourage team-building.
If you’re looking for a school that offers this kind of experience, come visit us for a tour and
feel the friendly and inviting atmosphere. Talk with teachers, students and become part of our
dynamic school system.
Yes, DC West is the best kept secret in Douglas County.
If you have questions or suggestions, please call me personally at 402-359-2583 or email at
mpoloncic@dcwest.org.
Herein you shall find our annual progress report which outlines DC West’s finances,
assessment results and district updates that we provide to our community each year.
Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent
2015 Annual Progress Report Douglas County West Community
Schools

The Douglas County West Board of Education
works with the community, administrators,
teachers and students engaged in strategic
planning to establish future goals while advancing
excellence in public education through visionary
leadership, fiscal responsibility and accountability.
The 2015 District highlights represent some of the
significant work accomplished on behalf of the
entire Douglas County West community.
Improve and expand facilities and
programs to achieve excellence
Enrich community connections to
strengthen support for the school district
Maximize learning opportunities through
technology, curriculum, and instructional
strategies
Adopted a $12,308,462 for the 2015 school
year

82
96
81 82
92
78
72
91
94
66 64
69 71
7574
97
84
79
55
91
Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 11
2014-15 Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA) % Proficient
Reading Math Science Writing
The District’s success is measured against the best school districts in the state using a
variety of indicators and tests.
NeSA, an acronym for Nebraska State Accountability Assessment, tests are given to
students in grades 3-8th
and 11th each spring to gauge whether grade levels meet or
exceed state education standards.

AQuESTT – Accountability for a Quality Education
System, Today and Tomorrow, the first-ever results
of Nebraska’s new accountability system classifies
Douglas County West Community School District
among the GREAT school districts statewide.

MAP Testing
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a nationally normed achievement test administered to all DC
West students in Kindergarten-10th
grades. MAP is designed to measure growth in student learning
for individual students, classrooms, schools, and districts. The tests provide accurate and immediate
scores to help teachers plan instructional programs, place new students in the appropriate courses,
and screen students for special programs. MAP tests use a RIT or “Rasch Unit” measurement-to-scale
to estimate student achievement. RIT scores measure academic growth over time. The following
charts indicate the projection of typical student growth and the actual mean of growth per grade level,
per content area.

Regular
Instruction
41%
Special
Education
14%
Support
Services- Pupil
1%
Support
Services- Staff
5%
Board and
Administration
11%
Maintenance
and
Operation
19%
Transportation
4%
State and
Federal
Programs
5%
General Operation Budget
$12,308,462
Local
36%
County
0%
State
36%
Federal
5%
Cash Balance
23%
Where Revenue Comes From by Source

Board of Education
The Douglas County West Community Schools Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month at
the Administration Building located at 401 S. Pine Street in Valley, Nebraska.
Residents are welcome to write, call, appear and attend any meeting. Should you want to appear on the School
Board Agenda, please make an inquiry prior to a meeting by contacting the Central Office at 402-359-2583, or
send a written request to Superintendent Melissa Poloncic at PO Box 378, Valley, NE 68064.
The B.O.E is an elected governing body serving as a liaison between the community and educators, charged with
preparing strategic plans and approving the budget, drafting educationally-sound policies, assessing community
priorities and developing District growth plans.

NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE
The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status,
disability, or age, in admission or access to or treatment of employment, or in its programs and activities.
Superintendent Melissa Poloncic handles all inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies. Call the
Superintendent’s Office at 402-359-2583. Anyone interested in employment opportunities should call the
same number.
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS NOTICE
All parents have the right to request information about teacher qualifications based on the federal No Child
Left Behind law. For general information about District teacher qualifications, please visit the Nebraska
Department of Education website at education.ne.gov under the State of the Schools Report section. To
obtain specific teacher qualification information, please contact Superintendent Melissa Poloncic at 402-
359-2583.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CHILD FIND
Any resident of Douglas County West Community District may refer an infant, toddler or school-age child
for special education services for speech, language, hearing, visual, physical or behavioral impairments,
learning disabilities, or problems in mental development. Eligibility for services is outlined in the Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Contact school principal or District’s Special
Education Department via the Superintendent’s office at 402-359-2583.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Douglas County West Community Schools offers counseling and referral services to students and families
experiencing problems with peers or family relationships, violent/aggressive behaviors, eating disorders,
drug/alcohol abuse or other concerns. Contact school principals or Superintendent’s office: 402-359-2583
NEBRASKA SEAT BELT REMINDER
All children up to age six riding in any motor vehicle must be properly secured in an appropriate child
restraint system that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Nebraska Department of Education, Rule 10, under Regulations and Procedures for the Accreditation of
Schools requires Douglas County West Community Schools to produce an annual report for district
residents. Please direct inquiries to Superintendent Melissa Poloncic at 402-359-2583.

PRE-K EARLY EDUCATION
DC West’s Early Education Program philosophy is to nurture each child in an atmosphere that fosters
cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and speech and language development at each individual’s own
developmental rate. The program acknowledges that parents/guardians are a child’s first and most
significant teacher.
Daily curriculum is based on guidelines set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children
and Teaching Strategies Gold. DC West’s early education program is run by state-certified teachers and
support staff at the Waterloo campus complete with excellent child-to-teacher ratios. We offer two early
education classrooms that run on Mondays through Thursdays, with morning and afternoon sessions for
children age three and four. Contact Ginny Janning at vjanning@dcwest.org or 402-779-2646.

DC WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
We believe it is our responsibility to get all students off to a great school
career. Our curriculum focuses on helping each student master reading,
writing and math. We measure student success utilizing NeSA (Nebraska State
Accountability) assessments and MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)
testing to gauge individual student growth, student achievement while
helping teachers develop instructional programs, place new students in the
appropriate courses, while screening students for special services.
These strong assessments support our students learning: Title I, High Ability Learner, English Language
Learner, and Special Education.
In 2014, DC West Elementary’s award-winning program earned the National Title I Distinguished School
Award for the second time in six years. This year, The U.S. Department of Education named DC West
Elementary as a distinguished National Blue Ribbon School for overall academic excellence. If you would
like to tour DC West Elementary, please contact Elementary School Principal Duane Krusemark at
dkrusemark@dcwest.org.

DC WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
At DC West Middle School, we build, expand and help each student master core curricular skills in a safe and
positive learning environment. We also focus on developing critical thinking to prepare students for high school
and life. Using technology is integral in the classroom.
Our middle school offers a traditional 10-period day with classes like Reading, Math, Language Arts, Science,
Social Studies, physical education, band and/or choir. Exploratory classes called “Specials” work into each
student’s schedule on a 7-week rotation. Middle school “Specials” for 7th
and 8th
graders are French, Intro to
Spanish, World Foods Class, Art and Computers. The 5th
and 6th
grade students take “Specials” in Social Skills,
Media Skills, World Cultures, Art and Computers. The students also have homeroom, a time to collect and
organize work and do homework.
The daily academic advisory program (PRIDE) is a system of checks and balances per se, giving each student a
designated teacher to oversee academic performance while ensuring success. Daily academic support is offered
in High Ability Learner programs, Response to Intervention studies, English Language Learner and Guided Study
Halls. The Falcons Rewards program, initiated monthly, rewards students for positive behaviors. Our extra-
curricular activity offerings, such as athletics, fine arts and robotics programs set the bar high.
The NeSA (Nebraska State Accountability) tests measure performance compared to districts statewide. MAP
(Measures of Academic Progress) testing, conducted in fall and spring, gauges student achievement and
progress, helping teachers establish the right curriculum to meet student needs.
Each teacher has a webpage allowing for communication with parents, guardians and the community. A campus
portal allows students and their parents to keep track of performance. We are proud of our middle school
students, staff and curriculum, giving each child an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. If you would like to
tour DC West Middle School, please contact Principal Jeremy Travis at jtravis@dcwest.org.

Creating Passionate Learners
BELIEFS:
DC West Community Schools believe…
 Student achievement builds self-esteem.
 Every student can learn and develop
through successful experiences.
 Each child will be provided educational
opportunities that challenge him/her to
meet his /her full potential.
 Each child is important and is a unique
individual with special talents.
 The district is accountable to the
community for student performance and
fiscal responsibility.
 Physical and emotional safety is essential
for learning.
 A positive learning and teaching
environment can be created through
courtesy and through the mutual respect
for the dignity of every person.
 The educational process should prepare
students to live with and affect change.
 Students, parents and teachers share the
responsibility for learning.
 Public Education is the responsibility of
the entire community.
More inside!
Dear Valley and Waterloo Communities,
Each year DC West publishes an Annual Report
for our communities to provide an overview of
finances, assessment results, and district
updates. Our students and staff do amazing
work in our classrooms each and every day. We
are proud of them for making a difference
within our communities. A report such as this
cannot capture our district’s story of growth and
excellence, but will be a snapshot in time and
reflective of everyone’s collective work. We
thank our parents, students, staff and
community members for making a difference in
the lives and education of our students. With
that, we share the facts.
Sincerely,
Melissa Poloncic, DC West Superintendent
DC WEST HIGH SCHOOL
DC West High School’s enriching programs, solid core curriculum and full plate of specialty classes is why the
school stands out among the rest, as well as small classroom size. Specialty classes include Industrial Tech,
Power Drive, Electricity, Construction Management, Beginning and Advanced Woods, Welding, Small Engines,
Drafting, Weight Training, Advanced Art, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Ceramics, Health, Sports Medicine,
Drama, Speech, Band and Chorus. Students may take four years of Foreign Language courses in Spanish or
French. Classes are technology-driven, with PC’s and Apple computers used in coursework. There's an
alternative education program and a 15-day credit recovery summer school.
DC West proudly offers a dual diploma system allowing high school students to pursue a "High School Diploma"
requiring 48 credits or a "Diploma with Distinction" with 56 credits. Students may take honors courses and dual
credit classes through Metro Community College and University of Nebraska at Omaha. Exciting pluses include
the iPad 1:1 Initiative, our “Falcons Rewards System” awarding students for positive behaviors, and distance
education classes.
The counseling department implements a daily Keystone Adviser Time, yearly tolerance and acceptance
programs, ACT preparatory classes, senior career, and college readiness classes.
Teachers communicate with students, parents, the school board and the community on individual websites and
the campus portal.
Our building provides extra security including a 16-camera surveillance system, locked exterior doors, buzz-in
entry within our closed campus. There’s a plethora of award-winning extra-curricular activities from which to
choose. If you would like to tour DC West High School, please contact Principal Jim Knott at
jimknott@dcwest.org.

EARLY LANGUAGE LEARNER
This program is designed for students unable to communicate fluently or learn effectively in English, who
often come from non-English-speaking homes and backgrounds, and who typically require specialized or
modified instruction in both the English language and in academic courses. The objective is to teach, at
each individual’s own pace, the English-language skills needed to fully participate in American society,
allowing the student to achieve his/her full academic potential in school, and return to the regular
classroom where teachers deliver instruction entirely in English.
The ELL Instructional Plan and Rule 15 detail how DC West identifies, assesses, teaches and implements the
program. We offer ELL classes and support at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. For more
information contact Julee Kallenbach at jkallenbach@dcwest.org.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
DC West offers a range of specialists who work with your child, whether the problems stem from physical
disabilities, learning difficulties or emotional issues. Your child may be eligible for what are called "related
services." These include counseling, speech therapy, and physical and occupational therapy.
DC West Community Schools offer special education from birth through age 21 for students who qualify
under state and federal guidelines. Services cover 13 disability categories such as Autism, Developmental
Delay, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple
Impairments, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech-
Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment. State-certified teachers deliver
special education services based on an individual student’s needs documented in an Individual Education
Plan (IEP). For more information contact DC West Special Education Director Allison Nields at
anields@dcwest.org.

ATHLETICS / ACTIVITIES
DC West provides competitive, award-winning extra-curricular activities that promote teamwork and
skill-building - all within a positive environment. Our programs help students physically, mentally and
emotionally.
Our current list of activities include Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Wrestling,
Baseball, Golf, Soccer, Track, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Robotics, Newspaper, Yearbook, Speech,
One-Act Play, All-School Play, FBLA, Power Drive, Quiz Bowl, Cheerleading, Dance Team, Art Club,
Science Club, World Language Club, Student Council, National Honor Society. For more information
contact DC West Activities Director/Assistant Principal Troy Glock, at tglock@dcwest.org.
-- end --

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School District Annual Report Sample | Omaha Neb Public Relations Firm