2010 - 2011 ANNUAL REPORT
W W W . H I G H P O I N T A C A D E M Y. N E T
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Message from the Board President 4 Message from the Principal 5 Guiding Principles 6 Our Students 7 Our Team 8 Student Achievement 9 Accomplishments 11 Student and Parent Voices 13 Financial Accountability 15 Parent Volunteers High Point Academy
MISSION High Point Academy’s mission is to provide a strong foundation of academic excellence in partnership with family and community in which each individual is challenged to achieve his/her highest potential academically, socially, and personally.
HISTORY High Point Academy was founded in 2006 by a group of parents and local business, civic and educational leaders. The founders sought to create a school focused not only on high academic standards, but also on character education, community involvement, technology, language, and wellness.
2010 - 2011 GOVERNING BOARD Brandon Wyszynski President
Barbara Johnson Secretary
Bryan Gieszler Director
Ryan Frazier Vice President
Quanda Singleton Director
Joshua Raines Director
Joni Johnson-Powe Treasurer
Kevin Miller Director
Message From
Brandon Wyszynski
GOVERNING BOARD PRESIDENT
The 2010-2011 school year was quite a monumental time in High Point Academy’s history! During its fifth year of operation and during an extended winter break, the dedicated staff and administration said goodbye to the modular campus and its “outdoor hallways” and prepared to begin educating students in the school’s permanent home. As we made the transition into the dynamic new facility, it was also time to reflect upon the history of the school. Nearly six years ago, High Point Academy began as a vision by the founding board members to provide a new community called High Point with a solution to certain challenges. At the boundaries of the three intersecting school districts of Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools and the Brighton 27J School District, the challenge of improving the academic standards of students within a growing community was evident. With strategic direction provided by Dr. Terry Croy Lewis, the founding board submitted an application for a new charter school on August 15, 2005 to the Charter School Institute. The Institute accepted the application and approved a contract to operate under its purview. We are grateful to the Institute for granting the formation of this charter school, and we are grateful to the legislators and public servants in Colorado that provided an opportunity for charter schools to exist through the Charter School Act and the State Charter Institute Act. As a charter school, we believe that charters provide choice to the community, enable innovation, and give autonomy to leadership to make decisions quickly based on what works and what doesn’t, in order to provide the most effective instruction for each individual student. It is truly important that the bar of academic achievement is continually raised in every community, and we pledge to meet this goal within our new building. We shall continually focus on the mission of providing a strong foundation of academic excellence in partnership with family and community.
High Point Academy
Message From
Dr. Terry Croy Lewis principal/executive director
The 2010-2011 school year was our fifth year of operation and was a very significant year for HPA. Being able to move into our brand new facility was an incredible holiday present and was an excellent way to begin 2011. From one perspective, our school year was divided into two separate and distinct years; in January we had to learn the new building, new ways of doing things, and of course, a new carpool routine during the bitter cold winter weather. While the physical move divided the year, our mission and academic programs did not change, nor did our strong school culture based on expecting the best from our students and providing an academically rigorous school. From the beginning of the school year, the entire community worked together to focus on data-driven instruction. This meant that students were released early from school two Wednesdays per month so that staff could analyze student assessment data to determine the best instructional strategies to meet students’ needs. This time proved to be extremely valuable and we are thankful to our families for allowing us to do this critical work. In addition to implementing Data Teams last year, we greatly expanded our Response to Invention (RtI) Program, which allowed us to provide more intensive intervention to students who were struggling academically or behaviorally. Moreover, we implemented Fast ForWord, a program that provided intensive instruction for our English Language Learners and students who needed Speech and Language Services. Our focused attention on our academic program resulted in a much higher state rating on our School Performance Framework - we scored 14 percentage points higher than the previous year. This academic success is both thrilling and gratifying. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much we accomplished in one school year, thanks to our strong, hard-working, unified, and dedicated school community.
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GUIDING PRINCIPLES We foster a family-centered learning environment, including active and substantial parental involvement at all levels. Our primary focus is always on achieving the highest academic standards. We encourage and facilitate parental and community review of measurable school results in all areas of focus (academics, social, environmental, etc.) We maintain extended school hours to ensure students receive the student/teacher interaction and instruction they need to succeed. We employ the Core Knowledge Sequence to provide students with a rigorous, yet well-rounded education based on proven methodology and curriculum. Through Core Knowledge, we emphasize language arts (including classic literature), history and geography, visual arts, music, math, and science. All students participate in service learning projects to increase confidence and self-esteem and to raise students’ community awareness and sense of civic responsibility. We provide proven character education programs and implement strict enforcement of our school policies to ensure a safe and secure environment at all times. We offer a diverse range of language, wellness, fitness, technology, and social programs and activities to ensure development of well-rounded students. We utilize school uniforms to minimize parents’ costs and to ensure that students focus less on outward appearances and more on character. We ensure that students develop life management skills and that they demonstrate personal responsibility in order to prepare them for success in future academic endeavors in high school and beyond.
High Point Academy
OUR STUDENTS
460
High Point Academy is proud to serve a culturally diverse student population from preschool through eighth grade. 4% Asian
K-8 Student Count
75
2% Native American
Preschool Student Count 35% Caucasian
26% Hispanic
Free and Reduced Lunch Rate:
44%
33% African American
24% of our students
Districts of Residence: 4.5% Brighton27J
are English Language
2.5% Other
Learners. They represent 62% Denver Public Schools
31% Aurora Public Schools
14 different languages.
7% of students receive special education services.
Enrollment, 2006-2011 600
535 397
400
200
455
327 189
06-07
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08-09
09-10
10-11
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OUR TEAM Executive Director/Principal:
Business Manager:
Intermediate Team Lead:
Dr. Terry Croy Lewis
Alejandra Kemp
Nick Stachokus
CFO/Financial Consultant:
Office Manager:
Middle School Team Lead:
Rick Boos
Jacqui Carter
Angela Cummins
Dean of Students:
Enrollment Coordinator:
Specials Team Lead:
Kelle Bongard
Wendy Kimball
Erica Konieczny
Director of Assessment:
Preschool Director:
Michele garver
Evie Kight
Director of Communications:
Primary Team Lead:
Annette sloan
Candace Beasley
19 K-8 Classroom Teachers 5 Specials Teachers 3 Special Ed/Learning Support Teachers
11 Instructional Assistants 7 Preschool Teachers 2.5 Support Staff 4 Office Staff High Point Academy
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT 2011 CSAP Results:
High Point Academy Compared to Denver Public Schools’ (DPS) and Aurora Public Schools’ (APS) District Averages Elementary School % Proficient and Advanced
Middle School % Proficient and Advanced Key HPA DPS APS
High Point Academy Compared to Neighboring Schools Elementary Schools
Reading
Math
Writing
Archuleta
45%
51%
36%
Clyde Miller
51%
57%
40%
Florida Pitt Waller
46%
40%
33%
Green Valley
44%
39%
30%
Greenwood
38%
41%
27%
High Point Academy
67%
62%
51%
Marrama
61%
58%
47%
Omar D. Blair
69%
66%
56%
Second Creek
62%
59%
45%
Middle Schools
Reading
Math
Writing
Florida Pitt Waller
55%
41%
40%
Greenwood
61%
52%
58%
High Point Academy
62%
41%
52%
Martin Luther King
33%
21%
21%
Omar D. Blair
58%
51%
52%
*The numbers above refer to the percentage of students who scored proficient or advanced.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS Permanent Facility
SMART Technology
In January, after four and a half years on a temporary campus, HPA said goodbye to its modulars and moved into its new, 62,000 square foot home. The new building was debuted to families at a Family Grand Opening on January 7 and then was officially introduced to the community at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on January 14.
Thanks to generous grants from SMART Technologies and the Morgridge Family Foundation, HPA was able to greatly increase its investment in interactive whiteboard technology. When the school moved into its new facility, almost every classroom came equipped with a SMART Board.
Building Awards SLATERPAULL Architects, the company that designed HPA’s new building, won a Vision Award in the Education category from Floor Focus magazine for their innovative and colorful floor design. In addition, SLATERPAULL and Saunders Construction won an Excellence in Achievement Award from the Tilt-Up Construction Association for demonstrating creativity, quality, and ingenuity in their use of tilt-up concrete construction.
New Playgrounds Thanks to a generous grant from the Colorado Health Foundation, and with the help of many dedicated volunteers, the HPA community built two new playgrounds in spring 2011. The playgrounds were designed with the goals of encouraging moderate to vigorous physical activity and increasing community access to recreational exercise.
Data Teams During twice-monthly data team meetings, teachers analyzed student performance data and used their findings to make decisions about instructional methods, intervention, and allocation of resources. This close attention to data-driven instruction resulted in significant student growth and a feature article in the Leadership and Learning Center’s magazine.
School Performance Framework HPA’s School Performance Framework rating increased 14 percentage points in 2010-2011 compared to the previous school year. The school credits teachers’ work in Data Teams and an improved Response to Intervention program for this significant jump in student achievement.
A1 Organics HPA partnered with A1 Organics to compost school lunch waste. Over the course of the school year, over 24,000 pounds of biodegradable waste was turned into rich organic compost. High Point Academy
Improved Communication
Thinking Maps
HPA debuted a new website, a monthly High Point Perspective newsletter and parent and community e-blasts. It also began using SchoolCast, a rapid communication system that allows the school to quickly send text and phone messages to parents and staff.
Having previously implemented Thinking Maps in select classrooms, HPA teachers brought this useful tool to every K-8 classroom. Thinking Maps provide a common visual language for learning within and across subjects.
Service Learning
High School
HPA students helped local and national organizations, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Denver Dumb Friends League, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, and the Gathering Place. Students also helped to raise money for victims of the tsunami in Japan.
Many 8th grade graduates went on to attend highly regarded high schools, such as VISTA Peak and the Denver School of Science and Technology.
AVID After successfully bringing AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) to 4th and 5th grades last year, HPA expanded the program to 6th grade. AVID helps students to develop successful study and organization habits.
Summer Tutoring HPA successfully conducted a one-on-one tutoring program focused on providing overthe-summer support to a select group of students.
Fast ForWord In order to provide students who are English Language Learners or use Speech and Language Services with more intensive instruction, HPA began using Fast ForWord, a research-based reading intervention program.
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VOICES
Student Voices “Everybody here appreciates me.” “I always come to school feeling safe.” “At HPA, they push you to your highest ability.” “I enjoy how the teachers don’t allow slacking and they can see the students’ potential.” “The teachers here always believe in you, no matter what.”
High Point Academy
Parent Voices “HPA has been such a wonderful experience for our family. I have recommended so many friends to HPA and am happy to see them benefiting from such a great program as well!” “My children have excelled at High Point Academy. They are excited about the things they learn in their classes and enjoy the instruction of their teachers. The faculty is exceptional and really strives to push our students to their full potential.” “HPA is innovative and cares about student, staff, and parent needs. HPA is on the right track delivering higher education expectations and teaching parents and students the importance of wellness and volunteering. I am proud my children attend HPA.”
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FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY 2010 - 2011 ACTUAL BUDGET Beginning Fund Balance
$442,044.49
Revenues Per Pupil Revenue Preschool Revenue Full-Day Kindergarten Tuition Other Revenues
$2,734,960.17 $154,072.51 $58,100.00 $237,442.81
Total Revenues
$3,184,575.49
Beginning Fund Balance and Revenues
$3,626,619.98
EXPENDITURES Salaries and Benefits Salaries
$1,717,013.15
Benefits
$472,906.16
Instructional Purchased Services Supplies and Materials Property-Related Services
$53,813.18 $249,224.83 $68,589.60
Administration Property-Related Services
$304,360.12
Purchased Services
$169,088.05
Supplies and Materials
$39,098.86
*Transfer to Food Service Fund
$60,123.70
Total Expenditures
$3,134,217.65
High Point Academy
GRANTS Federal/State Grants $63,250.00
Title I Title III - ELL
$2,100.00
Gifted and Talented
$2,742.16
IDEA - ARRA Funds
$41,280.00
Title IIA
$1,500.00
ELPA
$2,339.06
Foundations Buell Foundation- Qualistar
$6,435.99
Colorado Health Foundation
$72,334.00
Total Grant Revenue
$191,981.21
Total Revenues with Grants $3,376,556.70 Beginning Fund Balance and Total Revenues $3,818,601.19 Total Expenditures with Grants $3,326,198.86 Ending Fund Balance $492,402.33
An important part of High Point Acad partnership with the families it serve tirelessly gave their time and energy Coly Alidou
Teresa Frasier
Vynessa Allsop
Ria Galindez
Bernice Alvarez King
Michael Gassert
Melissa Anderson
Bryan and Kelli Gieszler
Jogita Auzina
Linda Gomez
Michelle Axelrod
Jeremy and Tonya Gray
Nancy Ballester
Stephanie Greene
Tara Barnes
Penny Hamilton
Audrey and Jason Bixler
Angela Harris
Angie and Jeff Blackwood
David and Lynda Hildred
Herman and Becky Bohnhoff
Ja’Net Hurt
Amy Bowen
Stacey Jaszkowiak
Larry and Laura Burdette
Jennifer Johansen
Renee Burnes
Michelle Johnson
Nicole Byrne
Evette Juarez
Brad and Jodi Byrnes
Christi and Devan Julian
Debbie Cera-Butler
Michelle Kassisse
Chris and Christina Chavez
Alejandra Kemp
Nya Cooper
Meheza Kilou
Linda Copeland
Wendy Kimball
Joan and Joe Cordo
Yvonne Kohlmeier
Liz Crowson
Aaron Larson
Charlotte Davidson
Deanna and John Lee
Celina Ellis
Dena Loftin
Sherry Epps
Andrea Lopez
Marilyn Faamatuainu
Linda Loth
High Point Academy
demy’s mission is working in es. Many thanks to the parents who y during the 2010-2011 school year. Drue Lovgren
Jonathon and Magdalena Rodock
Lori and Rocky Lucero
Felicia Rodriguez
Amelia Matarazzo
Jenn Sanders
Russell Mazurik
Stephanie and Travis Schadegg
Gina McCloud
Cecilia and Robert Sciba
Diane and Tiger McDonald
Mike Selle
Beth and Jay McGee
Eva Solorzano
Melinda McKenzie
Darlene Stacie
LeDawn McQuarters
Jacque Stallman
Sandra Mele
Cookie Steen
Kevin and Sarah Miller
Joe and Shaunda Steffen
Sharmane Miranda
Dan Stevenson
Della Montoya
Jared Stong
Jennifer Moore Toal
Beth and Kristopher Swanson
Cassandra and Keith Moy
Valerie Sweely
Cheryl and Nathan Nash
Cheryl and Pat Taylor
Nickole Nieto
Louise Torrie
DeShaun and Shanna O’Dell
Rhonda Truesdale
Addy O’Riley
Andrew and Lisa Valencia
Thomas and Vicki Price
Aleice Vazquez
Katherine Prough
Kathy Weber
Renee Pryor
April Williams
Susan Radaelli
Rachel Wilrye
Jill Richardson
Tina Yono
Amanda Riegel Gregory and Lavinia Rodgers
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We’re forever grateful for the generosity of our supporters.
Our community partnerships make it possible for us to achieve our mission.
Buell Foundation Colorado Health Foundation Colorado League of Charter Schools Enterprise Holdings Foundation High Point Educational and Community Foundation King Soopers Morgridge Family Foundation Noodles and Company Premier Manufacturing SMART Technologies Sporting News Grill Tracy Carolyn Photography Walmart
A1 Organics Charter School Institute Colorado League of Charter Schools Colorado Preschool Program Denver Dumb Friends League Denver Preschool Program Far Northeast Principals’ Leadership Council Grades of Green HPA Parent-Teacher Organization Hope Valley Church Revolution Foods Slow Food Denver Sporting News Grill The Wellness Initiative YMCA Before and After School program Special thanks to the team that took our building from ground-breaking to ribbon-cutting in just eight months.
6750 N. Dunkirk St. Aurora, CO 80019 (303) 217–5152 www.highpointacademy.net
LNR Property Inline Management Saunders Construction SLATERPAULL Architects Consilium Design J3 Engineers Silver Bluff Companies