2008-2009 Annual Report

Graham-Kapowsin High School

ContaCts

22100 108th Ave. EGraham, WA 98387

Address

(253) 683-6100

Phone

Jennifer Bethman

Principal

Amy Low, Ed Petersen

Assistant Principals

Jennifer Iyall

Secretary

1,398

Enrollment

MissionThe mission of Graham-Kapowsin High

School is to provide a superior learning envi-ronment in which all students have access to quality instruction and rigorous coursework. Extensive co-curricular activities and support systems will both enhance personal academic success and prepare all students to become lifelong learners and productive, responsible, global citizens.

What Makes Us speCial

At GKHS we believe that education is both

a right and a privilege bestowed upon every

citizen of our nation. We have established the

following goals to provide, encourage, and

promote a quality education:

• Provide rigorous, comprehensive and varied programs in vocational and general education with an emphasis on technol-ogy, occupational awareness, and high expectations for all students.

• Offer a multitude of college preparatory courses which enhance intellectual devel-opment leading to success in post-second-ary education.

• Assist students in developing personal qualities, such as work ethic, goal setting, responsibility, accountability, and self-discipline.

• Support all students in their participation in at least one co-curricular or extra-curric-ular activity.

• Provide an atmosphere where every student is well known by at least one adult in the building.

CoMMUnity ConneCtions

Our facility is used by many community

groups such as Graham Community Learning

Center, Graham firefighters, homeowners’

associations, Girl Scouts and the Taekwondo

Academy. We enjoy sharing our building with

the community.

Raising expeCtations and standaRds

We know that high expectations lead to

success. That’s why we believe in raising the

bar for both students and staff. When we

believe that people can achieve great things

– and expect them to do it – more often than

not, they rise to the challenge.

In 2008-09, about XXX students took AP

classes. That number is increasing each

semester as we emphasize the importance of

rigorous coursework.paRent and CoMMUnity involveMent in leaRning

One of the most important ways that

parents are involved in learning is attendance

at student-led conferences. Students develop

portfolios of best work during the year

and lead a conference with a staff member

and their parents. GK has an active Booster

organization that supports both academic

and athletic programs, as well as many parent

volunteers. Call us if you’d like to volunteer!

Wasl ResUlts

WASL 2009

10th grade GKHS District State

Reading 83.7 81.4 81.2

Math 33.0 30.3 45.4

Writing 93.7 86.9 86.7

Science 33.2 28.2 38.8

WASL 2008

10th grade GKHS District State

Reading 83.9 81.6 81.8

Math 38.2 35.0 49.6

Writing 93.5 89.3 86.8

Science 36.2 28.8 40.0

deMogRaphiCs

Wasl & ayp

aRts & athletiCs

We have vibrant arts and athletics programs at GKHS, with the goals of deepening the

connection between students to school and fostering student talent. Our band and choir

regularly win awards for their professional sound. The choir earned the distinction of traveling

to New York City in 2007 to perform at Carnegie Hall. Students actively participate in a wide

range of sports. GKHS is a member of the SPSL South League.

Ethnicity GKHS District

American Indianor Alaska Native: 4.2% 3.2%

Asianor Pacific Islander: 6.6% 8.8%

Black: 6.3% 11.9%

Hispanic: 7.6% 11.8%

White: 75.3% 64.3%

FrEE &rEducEd Lunch: 25.3% 40.0%

unExcuSEd AbSEncES: N/A 0.2%

droPout rAtE: 3.4% 5.7%

ExtEndEd grAduAtion rAtE: 91.0% 80.4%

We’re proud of our students’ achievement, especially in writing and reading. In 2009, nearly

94 percent of 10th graders met standard on the WASL writing test and and about 84 percent

met standard on the WASL reading test. Both scores topped the state average for the two

subjects. At the same time, we know we have work to do in math and science. Among 10th

graders, 33 percent met standards in math and and roughly the same amunt passed the

science exam. We are offering a greater selection of math courses to our students, as well as

providing increased training to teachers to help them reach struggling students in math and

science.

GK did not meet adequate yearly progress, as defined by the “No Child Left Behind” Act. Of

the 36 categories measured, our school missed 8 of the required targets. GKHS is in Step 3 of

Improvement.

Bethel sChools

Bethel School District serves about 17,500

students in 17 elementary schools, five junior highs,

three comprehensive high schools, one alternative

junior high/high school, and an online academy. The

district has won national awards in technology and

communications, as well as state awards in profes-

sional development, energy conservation, and the

arts. In addition, five district teachers have earned

“Washington State Teacher of the Year” in the last 25

years -- more than any district in the State.

The Bethel School District covers 215-square miles

in south Pierce County. The area is one of the fastest

growing in the Puget Sound region. In 2006, district

voters passed both a four-year levy for operations

and a $175 million bond to build new schools.

distRiCt BUdgetIn 2007-2008, the district’s budget was $158 mil-

lion, about 80 percent of which went to salaries and

benefits. About 1,050 certificated staff and about

1,000 classified (support) staff work for the district.

District revenues generated by the State, federal

and local taxes during the 2007-08 school year

were approximately $8,870 per student. Of that,

the district spent about $8,768 per student on

expenditures.

ToTal Revenues $8870/per student

ToTal expendiTuRes $8768/per student

State - 75%

Federal - 7%

Local - 18%

Central Admin - 8%

Building Admin - 6%

M & O - 7%

Child Nutrition - 3%

Transportation - 5%Teaching - 67%

Other - 3%

For more information, please visit http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us

top-notCh staff

Graham-Kapowsin High School has 67 classroom teachers. They average 9 years of teach-

ing experience and 52 percent have a master’s degree. Ninety-seven percent of our teachers

are considered Highly Qualified under the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act. They are joined by a

wonderful support staff who have students’ best interest in mind in all that they do.