Welcome to Douglas County West Community Schools. Another year brings another opportunity to share our DC West pride and how we unite as

Falcons. As superintendent, it is a always a pleasure to lead our great school system and strive to achieve our goal to “create passionate learners” from Pre-K-12th grade.

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 in Waterloo and Valley, ten lake-side neighborhoods, and rural areas.

DC West’s educational strategy is designed to increase the amount of time students learn.

DC West's rigorous academics enable all students to achieve their highest potential, coupled with a rich variety of extracurricular activities. Our integral programs in athletics and the arts help students become well-rounded, both

thphysically and emotionally. DC West's small-sized student population gives all Pre-K-12 graders positive opportunities to engage and participate.

Douglas County West Community Schools puts great emphasis on community building, strategic planning, and business partnerships – that strengthens learning for all.

Here's what parents typically say what they like best about DC West:

?Small school size and low student-to-teacher ratio;?Friendly teachers and staff; and?Community-like atmosphere.

Our students and staff do amazing work in the classroom, each and every day. We are proud of their accomplishments. A thank you goes out to all: parents, staff and our supportive community who positively support the lives and education of our children.

There are 918 students enrolled at DC West Community Schools. DC West High School has 280 students, 237 attend DC West Middle School, while 401 are enrolled at DC West Early Childhood/Elementary. The past five years the District experienced enrollment growth of 175 students.

Indeed, the heart and soul of DC West Community Schools are our students, families, staff and Board. As our objectives ebb and flow as we grow, we're always willing to step back, look at the big picture and celebrate our success.

We'd love to introduce you to DC West! Check out our web page at www.dcwest.org . Follow us on social media. Or, consider calling my office at 402-359-2583 for more information, and a tour.

Herein you shall find our annual progress report which outlines DC West’s finances, assessment results and district updates.

Dr. Melissa Poloncic, Superintendent

2016 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.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS- IN -

JANUARY 2017

ELECTION OF OFFICERS- IN -

Kelly Hinrichs - PresidentElizabeth Mayer - Treasurer

JANUARY 2017

DISTRICT FACILITY PROGRESS UPDATE

VALLEY CAMPUS EXPANSION

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO CONVERT TO K-5TH | MS 6-8TH GRADES

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

To meet our aging facilities urgent needs after the defeat of two bond issues, our communities asked the Board of Education to complete, in stages, a number of noteworthy improvement projects. We're using a mix of General Fund dollars, Qualified Capital Purpose Understanding Funds (QCPUF), and depreciation.

Last summer, we demolished the preschool in Waterloo and relocated classrooms to portables in Valley, placed next door to DC West Elementary. Strategically, this makes sense. We also installed fire sprinklers on the majority of the Valley campus and built six new ADA-compliant public restrooms. The $2.3 million facility project came 8% under our budget. At DC West Middle School in Waterloo, we installed six portable classrooms.

Underway, starting this spring, is construction of a new wing at the Valley campus, to be located on the south-side of the high school that will accommodate DC West Middle School students beginning in fall 2017. The

th thmain campus addition will house classrooms and restrooms for middle school students: grades 6 through 8 .

Always looking to the future, should the need arise, the middle school addition may later be converted to high school locker rooms, weight rooms and other physical education spaces.

Meanwhile, starting summer 2017, the district is scheduled to begin safely decommissioning the outdated Waterloo campus.

As Valley campus facilities take new shape starting this spring, DC West Elementary School shall absorb 5th th

grade students, (presently served by the middle school). This means that beginning fall 2017, Pre-K-through 5 thgraders will be served by our elementary school. The 5 grade classrooms will be located in the current DC

West Elementary and adjacent portable.

In summary, commencing fall 2017, DC West Elementary shall serve Pre-K-5th grade. DC West Middle School th th th thshall consist of 6 , 7 and 8 graders, and the high school remains the same serving 9-12 graders. The exciting

news is that the Valley campus expansion project is scheduled to welcome all students, teachers and staff on the first day of school. There are a lot of wonderful things happening at DC West!

The Board of Education is presently developing a plan-of-action to address the aging and crowded elementary school wing, special education classrooms, HS science rooms and make ADA-compliant any remaining locker rooms and physical education spaces.

Valley Campus Addition

Revenue By Source

General Operation Budget By Function

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At Douglas County West Community Schools we create passionate learners by maximizing student achievement through dynamic learning experiences which inspire and provide a quality education for all students within a safe and community-supported environment.

MAP TestingMAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a nationally normed achievement test administered to all DC West students in

thK-10 grades. MAP measures growth in 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 academic achievement 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.

DC WEST EARLY EDUCATION CENTER | PRESCHOOLDC 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 located in portable classrooms at the Valley

campus, next door to the elementary school.

The preschool is run by state-certified teachers and support staff with excellent child-to-teacher ratios. We offer

two early education classrooms that run on Mondays through Tuesdays, with morning and afternoon sessions

for children age three and four.

Questions? Please contact DC West Elementary School Principal Duane Krusemark by phone at 402-359-2151 or

email at dkrusemark@dcwest.org.

DC WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

EARLY EDUCATION CENTER

CONTACT US

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 and student achievement. This information helps teachers develop instructional programs,

place new students in the appropriate courses, while screening students for special services. These strong

assessments support students’ learning: Title I, High Ability Learner, English Language Learner, and Special

Education.

In 2015, the

DC West Elementary's award-winning program earned the

2014 National Title I Distinguished School Award for the second time in six years.

Our preschool, located at the Valley campus next door to DC West Elementary marks the start of a child’s formal

education. Our goal is to nurture the growth of the whole child by providing an atmosphere that fosters social-

emotional, cognitive, language, literacy, mathematics and physical development.

If you would like to tour DC West Elementary and/or the Early Education Center, please contact Principal Duane

Krusemark by phone at 402-359-2151 or by email: dkrusemark@dcwest.org.

U.S. Department of Education named DC West Elementary as a distinguished National Blue Ribbon

School for overall academic excellence. Additionally,

DC WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL

CAMPUS RELOCATION REMINDER!

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. 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

th th7-week rotation. Middle school “Specials” for 7 and 8 graders are French, Intro to Spanish, World Foods Class, Art and th thComputers. The 5 and 6 grade students take “Specials” in Social Skills, Media Skills, World Cultures, Art and Computers.

The students also have home room, 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 to ensure 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 activities include athletics, fine arts and robotics - setting the bar high.

The NeSA (Nebraska State Accountability) tests measure performance compared to districts statewide. MAP testing, (Measures of Academic Progress) conducted in fall and spring, gauges student achievement and progress. The results help our teachers establish the right curriculum to meet student needs.

Each teacher has a web page to communicate with parents, guardians and the community. A campus portal allows students and their parents to track performance. We are proud of our middle school students, staff and curriculum! Each child is given an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. If you would like to tour DC West Middle School, please call 402-779-2646 or email Principal Jeremy Travis at jtravis@dcwest.org.

Beginning Fall 2017, DC West Middle School will be located on the Valley main campus and shall serve 6-8th grades.

DC WEST HIGH SCHOOLDC West High School's enriching programs, solid core curriculum and full plate of specialty classes is why our 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 course work. 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” recognizing 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, and a 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 call 402-359-2121 or contact Principal Jim Knott at jimknott@dcwest.org.

NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS NOTICE

SPECIAL EDUCATION CHILD FIND

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

NEBRASKA SEAT BELT REMINDER

ANNUAL REPORT

The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, or age, in admission or access to or treatment of employment, or in its programs and activities. Superintendent Dr. Melissa Poloncic handles all inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies. Please contact the district office at 402-359-2583. Dial the same number to learn about employment opportunities.

All parents have the right to request information about teacher qualifications based on federal law. For general information about District teacher qualifications, please visit the Nebraska Department of Education website. To obtain specific teacher qualification information, please call Superintendent Dr. Melissa Poloncic at 402-359-2583.

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 the school principal or the district's special education department via the central office at 402-359-2583.

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 the school principal where your child attends, or please call Superintendent Dr. Melissa Poloncic at 402-359-2583.

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.

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 Dr. Melissa Poloncic at 402-359-2583.

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Copyright February 2017. DC West Community Schools. All Rights Reserved. Produced by Susan Stern, Communications Consultant | Office: 402-212-7489