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CHARTER SCHOOLS TODAY

Winter 2008

www.charterschoolstoday.com

THEWOODS ALEXANDER COMPANY, INC CHARTER SCHOOL Reusing Revitilizing Valuingand Individuality

THE MAG A ZINE FOR CH ARTER SCHOOL EX ECU TIVES

Woods Charter School

Valuing Individuality Produced by Todd Rodgers & Written by Joy Yoon

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US Executive Journal Summer Edition 2008 Charter Schools Today Winter Edition 2008

For ten years, Woods was housed in a shopping mall and was sometimes referred to as “the little school in the mall,” but in August 2008, the school moved into a brand-new, custom-designed building. “It is a testament to the work of a scrappy, smart, intrepid band of parents, staff, and educators who believed that it was possible to create a community where learning abounds and individuality is appreciated,” says recently appointed principal, Mr. Harrell Rentz. At

“If we are selected by a parent to be the best opportunity for their child, then we work diligently to help that child succeed at the highest possible level.” ~ Harrell Rentz

Woods Charter School, they strive to build a community where long-term relationships between students, teachers and parents enhance the learning process. They believe their students learn best when they are in small nurturing classes, are known and respected by their teachers and peers, are challenged by high expectations, and are encouraged to pursue a healthy range of activities outside the classroom. Within their small, safe and friendly learning community, they expect standards of conduct appropriate for a serious academic environment where honesty, civility and mutual respect are the rule, not the exception.

The Woods Charter School educational philosophy promotes a strong sense of personal responsibility in each student; preparing them for their future. As their students progress from grades K-12, they strive to enable each student to maximize their own potential. Woods utilizes a unique blend of principles built on the three programs that make up the curriculum: The North Carolina Standard course of Study (grades K-12), the Core Knowledge Program (grades K-8) and the Advanced Placement

Program (grades 9-12). The focus for elementary grades is to instill self-esteem, teach social skills and build core knowledge of fundamental facts and concepts.

Middle school utilizes knowledge by mastering core communication and analytical skills of reading, writing and basic math. High school builds upon knowledge and skills previously learned. High school students focus shifts to practicing advanced analytical thinking and effective communication in all subjects and they are encouraged to pursue independent study and projects.

Woods also focuses on the Core Knowledge curriculum framework, which is based upon the work of E. D. Hirsch at the University of Virginia. Core Knowledge is rooted in traditional liberal arts educational practice and has been updated to be more attuned with modern topics in multiculturalism and inclusion. Hirsch’s work is dedicated US ExecutiveCJournal Summer Edition 2008 |3 harter Schools Today Winter Edition 2008

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to academic excellence as well as fairness and equity in education.

Woods’ general approach is to mainstream all students into a core program and provide supplementary instruction and support based upon IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and PEPs (Personal Education Plans) for students with special needs. Woods has a successful Exceptional Children program, which includes individualized and small group work for those who qualify. Their EC professionals are experts in diagnosis and targeted instruction and support. Woods has developed a reputation for outstanding academics, and has become a destination for children with special needs. One of the keys to success of their program is the ongoing conversation between the Woods faculty and parents, to ensure that Woods is the best educational opportunity for their child. “If parents come to the conclusion that there might be a more appropriate school for their child, it is our responsibility to work with the parent to make that happen,” affirms Mr. Rentz. “If we are selected by a parent to be the best opportunity for their child, then we work diligently to help that child succeed at the highest possible level.”

At Woods, Mr. Rentz’s approach to standardized testing is to focus on doing what they believe is educationally sound. “We do have a testing coordinator who keeps an eye on the scores and points out problem areas, but our approach to improvement is always about what we can do better pedagogically in our classrooms or in terms of support for students in need rather than teaching to the test.” While Woods works to maintain competitive scores in all areas of standardized testing,

they equally strive to help their students develop in ways that are not measured by such tests. These skills include responsibility, integrity and compassion. The 12 Advanced Placement courses offered in the high school curriculum and personalized college counseling assistance has helped Woods rank 3rd on SAT scores in North Carolina, and has a greater than 90% level of acceptance to four year universities by their senior class. At Woods, they feel it is important to display just how good their “numbers” are; however, they also feel that it is equally important to remember the true measure of success: a well-rounded student who has more to offer than just numbers.

Teachers are an integral part of the programming at Woods.

Teachers teach best when they are “empowered and trusted, respected and supported, have the opportunity to influence the curriculum, know and respect their students, communicate and partner with parents and are free to explore different teaching methodologies,” says Mr. Rentz. At Woods, they start with a labor-intensive hiring process that involves introducing “the Woods way” to candidates and finding candidates who will work with them to achieve their goals. With the University of North Carolina, Duke, North Carolina State University, and many other schools close by, Woods Charter School is situated in an area where academic excellence is highly valued and attracts people who love what they do.

Mr. Rentz has been effective at handling the many challenges of managing a charter school. He advises other directors to pay attention and keep careful track of everything. “Be patient,” says Mr. Rentz, “Money finds vision and you need to work to articulate it. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity and we should be grateful each step of the way and express that.”

Finding vendors who work regularly and successfully with schools frequently seem to offer the best value.

According to Mr. Rentz, schools should strike a balance between creating long-lasting vendor relationships and constantly monitoring the situation to be certain they are getting maximum value today from each vendor.

He recommends the use of parent/teacher contacts to network into the business community, but be guided by needs and priorities and the value of goods and services

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in every transaction. “Educational institutions usually don’t have a lot of money and can be very demanding customers,” proclaims Mr. Rentz, “It is inspiring to find vendors who manage to turn a profit while at the same time extending themselves beyond job requirements to offer the school amazing value. We have been fortunate to find several vendors who do this.”

The evolution of Woods Charter School in the past decade is inspiring and Mr. Rentz feels fortunate to have inherited a strong enrollment (485 students with over 400 students on their waitlist), negligible dropout rate, graduation rate over 92%, and extremely effective special education program. In Mr. Rentz’s opinion, Woods has reached this point through “tenacity, a strong sense of community with a focus on academic excellence, a can do attitude and strong volunteer spirit.” He sees the school’s future growth to be that of a “more mature organization that efficiently takes care of business so that maximum energy can be devoted to developing the school program and working with young people.” Woods is currently evaluating their work in character education, and plans to further explore the best options regarding teamwork. “Traditionally schools

have focused on individual achievement; I believe that skills in building teams would also serve our students well. An inquisitive, creative mind in a healthy body – this will no doubt also continue to be important.” Woods will continue to be an institution that enriches the local community and the world by sharing what it has with the world around them.

COMPANY AT A GLANCE Established : 1998 Staff : 40 Students: 485 Principal : Harrell Rentz

www.woodscharter.org

LWM Installations Inc. provides quality installation of laboratory casework, fume hoods, counter tops and other laboratory equipment.

We have over 20 years of experience installing, remodeling and renovating laboratories for educational, research, medical and industrial applications.

We were honored to be part of the Woods Charter School project and are interested in partnering with other charter schools installing or expanding their science laboratory and classroom space.

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CHARTER SCHOOLS TODAY

Winter 2008

www.charterschoolstoday.com

Woods Charter School 160 Woodland Grove Lane Chapel Hill, NC 27514 United States