WHS 2009 - A Progress Report

Construction Update

•50% of the building foundation has been poured.
•Harvey’s subcontractors have drilled for two of three permitted wells and are extremely pleased with the results.  The first well is sufficient to provide for the building’s needs and the second is a backup well. Total volume is almost three times the design criteria for the building site.
•Paving of the access road is scheduled to be completed this month. 
•Public access is restricted as it is an active construction site.

Hiring Update

•The high school principal search has been expanded.  The revised plan allows for candidates to be interviewed in late fall and the position to be filled in January, 2008.
•New Superintendent, Dr. Franklyn Bass has hired Amanda Lacaroz as a high school curriculum consultant to the district.  She will be working directly with the Superintendent’s office and is charged with refining the curriculum designed by the Curriculum Committee.  She will present monthly updates to the School Board as to what will be available to students in September, 2009.  Her subcontracted position will provide transition planning for students until the principal is hired.
•A transition team will be hired to begin July 1, 2008.

Athletic Committee Update

•The Committee has presented the School Board with its vision for athletic facilities at WHS that would provide for all interested high school athletes.  These facilities would also be available to the town.
•The School Board unanimously accepted the vision and agreed to research the cost of engineering work to plan for the additional athletic needs.

Integration Committee Update

•Members of the Integration Committee have met with the Guidance Department at Salem High School to discuss matters that effect Windham students currently enrolled in grades 8, 9, and 10. Informational nights for parents of these transitioning students are being planned and will be communicated through the schools and local media.
•Superintendent of Salem Schools, Mr. Michael Delahanty, spoke to parents of Windham’s 9th and 10th graders and recommended that all students interested in completing their high school education at SHS should send a letter expressing their interest to the Salem Superintendent’s office.  Letters should be sent by Spring, 2008.
•The Windham School Board voted to reconsider the results of the 2005 student election regarding high school colors.  The Integration Committee has been asked to work with students and parent volunteers to explore the possibility of a blue, gold and green color combination.

Curriculum Update

•The vision for the curriculum is to develop critical thinkers by exploring the linkage of “how” and “why” in all academic areas.
•Dr. Bass has been forging mutually beneficial partnerships between Windham High School and Boston College, UNH and Raytheon Corporation. This revolutionary approach would provide unique educational opportunities to WHS students and staff. Key administrators at Boston College are very enthusiastic about the potential to create new learning environments removed from the burden of outdated teaching methodologies. Dr. Bass also envisions opportunities for community participation in this collaboration.  

An informational report from the School Board’s Communication Committee keeping residents informed on the status of the Windham High School project.