SCHOOL DISTRICT #8
SCHOOL PLAN TO STRENGTHEN LEARNING 2014/15
WEG Community School
Mission Statement
At WE Graham Community School, our mission is to create a safe inclusive
environment where individuals strive to develop integrity and pursue wisdom,
excellence, and growth.
Context:
WE Graham Community School is a K – 10 facility that services the families in
Slocan City and the Upper Slocan Valley. The school has seen a reduction in both
students and staff over the last few years but is continuing to offer unique and
engaging programs for students. The current student population is 66. The
school is configured into 4 classes: K-3, 3-6, 7-8 (Outdoor Education Leadership
Program) and the Valhalla Wilderness Program for grades 9/10.
Goal:
To improve student achievement and engagement through hands on,
experiential, project-based learning, both in the classroom and outdoors.
Objectives: (if needed)
Students will connect curriculum with real world applications.
Evidence-Based Rationale:
We chose this goal because:
 we believe, based on our observations, that learning is more meaningful
when connected to real world applications.
 we believe this goal allows for all types of learning styles.
 we believe that students with learning challenges learn better and thrive in
active, alternate learning environments
 we believe that our location is rich in learning opportunities and we should
take advantage of them
 we believe that outdoor education will nurture environmental stewardship
 we believe group socialization is critical in developing leadership,
cooperation, team work, healthy relationships promoting social
responsibility
Evidence that has been observed:
 Students are better behaved and more cooperative when engaged in the
outdoors.
 Students are more empathetic when working to overcome challenges in the
outdoors.
 Students become more self-sufficient by demonstrating task persistence
and resilience.
Assessment tools and processes to assess progress on goals and
objectives:
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Student and parent surveys
Self-assessments
Teacher observation
District assessments
Instructional strategies/structures to be implemented to impact the
goal, worded as an inquiry question(s).
 Will using experiential learning increase the level of student engagement?
 Can an outdoor / environmental program impact student achievement?
Plans for staff development and collaborative work:
 Collaborative planning and reflection / evaluation time 3-4 times per year
(staff development fund; innovative practices grant)
 Staff visitation to an outdoor environmental school (mainly directed at our K6 program)
 Book study continuation: “Learning Outside the Classroom:Theory and
Guidelines for Practice” Use of these principles to promote engagement
Parental and community involvement strategies:
 Share annual plan with parents
 Parent volunteers for classroom, activities and driving
 Use community resources to connect students with their environment
Communication Strategies (students, staff, community):
 Creating and maintaining the school website to provide information
 Regular articles in the village newsletter; Valley Voice; Pennywise
 Magnetic sign as often as possible
Monitoring Plan Dates:
 December
 February
 May
One thing you are going to do to enhance the health status of
students in your school.
This year WEG is promoting nutritional health through the development of a
consistent breakfast and hot lunch program. We are also committed to a
significant daily physical education program.
One thing you are doing to help with the implementation of the
Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement and improve the performance of
aboriginal students.
WEG is part of the Slocan Valley of Schools which are working together to
provide a comprehensive Aboriginal Cultural Program for our self-identified
students. We are also trying to address their specific learning needs with our
existing Learning Support time.
School Plan Contributors:
Members: School Staff and School Planning Council
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Ed Nielsen WEG Principal
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Tamara Ireland School Planning Council
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Shannon O’Hara School Planning Council