West Oso Independent School District

Volume: 2     Issue:  8

March 2003

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS JUST FOR PARENTS
 

 April continues instructional programs for parents.  The programs vary in length and subject matter, but are aimed at helping parents support their children’s education and themselves.  In March, we conducted four sessions:   Income Tax Help for Beginners,   Food Handlers Permit Class, First Aide for Automobiles, and Softball Camp.  In April we will offer Barbecue Tips and Defensive Driving.  All courses are free.  Make plans to attend one or all.   Remember education is a life long process

Texas Education Agency Will Visit West Oso ISD

 West Oso ISD will be visited by members of the Texas Education Agency the week of April 14-17, 2003.  West Oso schools have been preparing for the visit and welcome members of the Texas Education Agency.  The purpose of the visit is to review various special programs:  Bilingual Education, English as a Second Language, Dyslexia, Gifted and Talented, Migrant Education, and others.  West Oso ISD will host a parent roundtable on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at West Oso Elementary at 6:30 p.m.  Parents are invited to this meeting to voice their opinions about West Oso’s Special Program.

West Oso Elementary 3^rd. Grade  TAKs Reading Scores

West Oso Elem. tested 106 3^rd grade students on March 4, 2003.  Results demonstrated that 104    were successful.  Thirty-four (34) students failed the TAKs reading test.  Acceleration instruction is now underway at West Oso Elementary.   West Oso ISD scored below the state average of 89%. WOISD had a 75% success rate.  West Oso Elementary was 14% points below the state average.  WOISD administration celebrates with those students who were successful and will work with 3^rd graders to increase the number of students passing on the second testing date,  April 30, 2003.

DISTRICT EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL

West Oso ISD District Educational Improvement Council meets once a month to discuss districtwide issues.  This past month, March 2003, the committee met and discussed textbook waivers to allow the district to be reimbursed for college and AP textbooks, the 2003-2004 school calendar was reviewed and West Oso Dress Code proposed revisions were presented.  Mr. Palacios reviewed the budget process for the coming year.  Dr. Garza reviewed the process the Texas Education Agencies (DEC) team will use when evaluating special programs in West Oso ISD. Highlights of each of the District Improvement Committee's monthly meetings will be posted on the West Oso website.

TALKING WITH KIDS ABOUT TOUGH ISSUES

This website offers practical, concrete tips and techniques for talking easily and openly with young children ages 8 to 12 about some very tough issues.  It is part of a national campaign by Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation.

http://www.talkingwithkids.org/

Parent Guides to Testing Posted

The brochure A Parent Guides to Testing Requirements is provided to us by the State of Texas in PDF format.  This guide provides information about what state laws require, frequently asked questions, and what parents can do to help.  For more information visit TEA website

www.tea.state.tx.us/
student.assessment/
resources/ssi/
parent_brochure

April 2003

May 2003

2003/04 School Calendar

The West Oso ISD Board of Trustees adopted the 2003/2004 school calendar at the March 24th meeting. This calendar received the majority of votes from the staff when presented for review.

Safeguards in Crisis Situation

The safety of students and staff members continues to be our number one priority in the West Oso ISD. Currently, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, our schools must recognize the potential for dangerous and unusual situations. Even though our schools have not been targeted to be at risk, we have a plan with safeguards in place to manage a variety of crisis situations.

Parent/School Compact

Parents some you have not returned your Parent/School Compact that was sent to you by each of our schools earlier in the year.  We ask that you read and sign this compact.  Education is a team effort between the school and the home.  If you have any questions or did not receive a parent/school compact please call your school principal