School Improvement Workshop Results Released
April 24, 2012
The School Improvement Workshop, organized by the PTSA in conjunction with Principal Ginter, is a valuable tool for brainstorming ideas and concerns that parents, students and teachers may have regarding Rio Americano. All of the students and parents that attended were asked to give suggestions as to what changes they would like to see at Rio Americano. The purpose of the discussion is not to brainstorm whether ideas can be carried out, but rather, to identify issues, ideas and concerns the families and faculty at Rio believe need to be implemented or changed.
The format for the workshop is simple. All present were invited to sit in a semi-circle and report their ideas- which were recorded on paper for all to see. The ideas were then displayed on the walls, and after the brainstorming session ended, each attendee was given six dots and asked to place one dot next to each issue they supported or found most important. There were over 75 ideas and suggestions made – and the fact that there may not have been as many votes for some as others in no way diminishes their importance or their value.
The PTSA thanks all those who attended. We had a large student turn out, which was invaluable. The PTSA plans to continue holding an annual School Improvement Workshop and we hope that parents, students and faculty attend to give the PTSA and the administration much needed input.
| I would like to see at Rio Americano…. | Votes |
| Consistency/Coordination of curriculum within departments |
21 |
| Additional languages offered |
14 |
| Whiteboards in staff rooms to communicate major assignments |
10 |
| Participation in club or school sports count for P.E. credit |
10 |
| Independent study classes/courses offered |
10 |
| Community and school celebration of academic/athletic excellence |
10 |
| Healthier food options |
8 |
| Rio have a “permanent” school status |
8 |
| New stadium/amphitheater |
8 |
| Cleaner restrooms |
6 |
| Mandatory school wide community service project |
6 |
| Hand driers instead of paper towels in restrooms |
5 |
| Library/computer rooms open earlier |
5 |
| Institute a Junior ROTC program |
5 |
| Later daily start time |
4 |
| Make sports (PE) a sixth period class |
4 |
| Class unity activities that involve parents |
4 |
| More Visual Arts Classes options |
4 |
| Band participation at athletic events (Pep Bands) |
3 |
| Reinstate busing for Rio students |
3 |
| Tablets and ebooks |
3 |
| Big brother/big sister programs for students |
3 |
| Offer String instrument class |
3 |
| New pool equipment |
3 |
| Offer human anatomy class |
3 |
| More AP classes offered |
2 |
| Move main office to Special Ed. Department |
2 |
| Surge protectors for outlets |
2 |
| Carpool registry |
2 |
| Have multiple drop off points for students in the AM to avoid congestion |
2 |
| Shade covering with lighting on stage |
2 |
| Better quality intercoms |
2 |
| More meaningful class assignments |
1 |
| Student government class should qualify as VP Arts class |
1 |
| More “Go Green” projects |
1 |
| More programs for incoming freshman |
1 |
| Make CIVITAS an Honors class |
1 |
| Offer woodshop as VP Art class |
1 |
| Devise a system to test into AP Science classes |
1 |
| New bleachers on soccer field |
1 |
| Need trainer for athletes |
1 |
| More AP VP Arts classes |
1 |
| Institute an Honors Spanish 3 class |
1 |
| More recycling bins for paper |
1 |
| Promote academic competitions |
1 |
| Shade over pool bleachers and new pool bleachers |
1 |
| Better scheduling of test times |
1 |
| Open WiFi on campus |
1 |
| Remove cell phone limitations for students on campus |
1 |
| More field trips, including college field trips for students not in AVID program |
1 |
| Improve quality and timing of ConnectEd phone messages |
1 |
| Offer three levels for English courses (traditional, honors and AP) |
0 |
| Expand seating around stage/amphitheater |
0 |
| More stable class scheduling |
0 |
| Mandatory fundraiser for each sport |
0 |
| Fresh paint throughout school |
0 |
| New lockers in Halls A and B |
0 |
| Traffic control |
0 |
| Newer computers for labs |
0 |
| New artwork in library |
0 |
| Visual performing arts based on effort rather than talent |
0 |
| Eliminate peer grading |
0 |
| Offer AP Art History |
0 |
| More research into additional funding for school |
0 |
| New grass on senior lawn |
0 |
| Open campus |
0 |
| Teacher/Parent Class sponsor |
0 |
| Gates to hallways locked later after school |
0 |
| Alternative discipline to suspension |
0 |
| Offer more vocational classes |
0 |
| Insititute a Student Honor Board |
0 |
| More water fountains |
0 |
| More secure bike racks |
0 |
| More tutoring time after school |
0 |
| Cleaner campus/better lunch clean up |
0 |
| Visual announcements |
0 |
| Exit interviews |
0 |
Tom Nelson • Apr 24, 2012 at 6:19 AM
If you are interested in the results from School Improvement Works in 2009, 2008, 2007:
http://teacher.sanjuan.edu/files/73682/schoolimprovementworkshop2009.pdf
http://teacher.sanjuan.edu/files/73682/sipworkshop2008.pdf
http://teacher.sanjuan.edu/files/73682/sipworkshop2007highvotes.pdf
In 2010 and 2011 the Rio community participated in creating Rio Strategic Plan instead of having the annual School Improvement Workshops.
The action plans which Rio worked on for the years 2010-2011 were:
Tactic # 1: Action Plan # 3: Complete the P21 Mile Guide (Partnership for 21st-Century Skills) and or other assessments to evaluate Rio’s 21st-Century accomplishment and needs annually.
Tactic # 2: Action Plan # 1: Adopt “LinkCrew” as Rio’s Transition Program to provide orientation, mentoring, connectedness and support for all 9th graders.
Tactic # 2: Action Plan # 2: Expand available tutoring services to include options before school and during lunch.
Tactic # 3: Action Plan # 4: Implement a comprehensive system to communicate all school-related activities to all families.
Tactic # 4: Action Plan # 1: Create a student store with raider gear to foster school spirit and pride.
Tactic # 4: Action Plan # 5: Implement instruction around integrity, ethical behavior, and respect based upon definition created by a student/staff/parent group.