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5/17/2008
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Commitment to Student Success

   The West Valley Schools, known for providing an outstanding basic educational program, enjoy the benefits of strong community support, and many characteristics which promote student success for each student every day. Some of these characteristics include:

A highly qualified and caring staff
A comprehensive core curriculum stressing research-based/relevant teaching strategies
Various electives to meet individual needs and interest
Special education services and programs for special needs students
School enrichment model for elementary students
Accelerated, Advanced Placement programs for secondary students
"Free" college tuition/credit for qualifying high school juniors and seniors
Counselor and intervention services in all schools
Vocational education emphasizing school-to-work transitions and job-related experiences
Exemplary extra-curricular programs stressing participation and success
State achievement scores which exceed state and national averages
Active parent partnerships in all schools
Modern and well maintained facilities
Access to technology for all students
Fully accredited schools, with up-to-date instructional materials
Excellent Child Nutrition, Transportation, and Maintenance programs

Our Mission

The mission of the West Valley School District, a vital partner in a proud and caring community, is to ensure that all students achieve their highest level of knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to be responsible and productive citizens, effective communicators, creative problem solvers and life-long learners.  Through mutual support and the combined efforts of our families, schools and community we will provide a safe, high quality learning environment in which each student experiences success every day.

Our Beliefs

We believe that ..............

all individuals are entitled to educational opportunities that will maximize their potential.
success builds self-esteem; self-esteem builds success.
every individual has intrinsic value and deserves to be treated with respect.

every individual is responsible for contributing to and improving the quality of life.

the primary responsibility for the child belongs to the family.
education is a shared responsibility of the school, student, family and community.
every individual can learn.
the family, the schools and the community depend on each other for strength and guidance.

striving for excellence has value and requires commitment.

individuals choose their own behavior.
the strongest influence in the development of the individual is the family.
every individual has a unique set of characteristics and capabilities.
higher expectations for the individual lead to higher performance.

Our Objectives

to have all of our students successfully complete their individual achievement program.
to have all students learn what is essential for success at their next appropriate level.
to have all students enter into productive endeavors following the successful completion of their educational programs.
to provide a safe physical environment that enhances the educational process as the West Valley School District continues to grow.

Our Strategies

We will implement expanded age and ability appropriate learning opportunities to ensure that all students meet state standards, extend their learning, experience challenge and move into their adult roles as responsible citizens.
We will maintain our facilities to a high standard to ensure a safe, secure and healthy learning environment while maximizing the longevity of our facilities and equipment.
We will expand our ability to understand differing views in a diverse world and we will model acceptance, inclusion, and respect of individuals.
We will build trust, ownership and collaboration throughout West Valley by enhancing communication* and involvement** within our community.
 


*communication is two-way, listening and providing information
**involvement is two-way: community involved in schools and schools involved in the community

Every day, our schools meet the challenge of providing the knowledge and skills students need for the 21st Century.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

The West Valley School District and its entire community are dedicated to creating schools where each student experiences success every day. In order to achieve the School Board's beliefs and mission, the West Valley Schools Tomorrow has been adopted into policy to ensure continual improvements in the district. Central to this strategic plan are goals which support our five Student Learning goals:

 

Upon graduation from the West Valley School District, students will:

  1. Read with comprehension, write with skill, and communicate effectively and responsibly in a variety of ways and settings.
  2. Know and apply essential core concepts in mathematics, physical and life sciences, technology, social studies and history, geography, arts and humanities, health and fitness.
  3. Think analytically, logically and creatively, integrating experience and knowledge to form reasoned judgment.
  4. Understand the importance of quality work and how effort, performance and decisions directly affect life-long learning and productive employment.
  5. Demonstrate responsibility for themselves and show respect, concern and caring for all.
 
Guiding the West Valley Schools Tomorrow's implementation are various advisory committees of parents, staff, students, school board members, and community members. Their role is to regularly assess progress of our plans and provide suggestions in program improvements and implementation.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT
 
The district is the third largest in the Yakima Valley. The West Valley School District covers 250 square miles in the West Yakima area, currently serving 4,500 students. Student enrollment is projected to remain constant over the next several years.
 
The district operates six elementary schools kindergarten through fifth grade, one middle school grades six and seven, one junior high school grades eight and nine, and one high school grades ten through twelve.

HUMAN RESOURCES
 
The West Valley School District is the thirteenth largest employer in the Yakima Valley with over 500 full and part-time employees, funded from state, federal, and local sources. Most of these employees are assigned to schools, providing direct services to students on a daily basis. Over 60% of our certificated staff hold master’s or doctorate degrees.
 

SCHOOL DISTRICT FINANCE
 
The total general operating budget for the district exceeds $29,000,000 per year. Of this figure, approximately eleven per cent will be provided from special levy funding. The district maintains a fiscally responsible approach to all district operations, while maintaining appropriate support for classroom instruction and district needs.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
 
Recognizing the positive impact of community and parent involvement and volunteer support on instruction, the West Valley Schools maintain strong and active Parent Teacher Associations and booster clubs. Partnerships include collaborations with social service and governmental agencies, universities, YMCA, parents and/or other community interests. Volunteers are active in the schools throughout the year to raise public awareness of educational issues, create a better understanding of the educational programs, and help students to be productive citizens.
 
 

BOARD OF EDUCATION
 
Goals, policies, and operating guidelines for the West Valley School District are established by the five member Board of Education elected for four year terms of office from five geographic area districts throughout the West Valley area. The Board holds bimonthly meetings, which are open to the public. For meeting schedules and agenda information, contact the Superintendent's office at 972-6000.
 
 

WEST VALLEY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mike Meyer, President
Sasha Kinloch, Vice President
Mike Carey
Jim Roberts
Staci Verbrugge
Dr. Peter Ansingh, Secretary


 
The West Valley School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender or disability. This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular school activities. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Title IX/RCW 28A.640 Officer and/or Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Rick Ferguson, 8902 Zier Road, Yakima, WA 98908; 972-6016.
 
8902 Zier Road • Yakima, Washington 98908-9299
(509) 972-6000
Fax (509) 972-6001
Dr. Peter Ansingh, Superintendent of Schools
School Directory/Contact Page


Questions or Comments?

West Valley School District 8902 Zier Road Yakima, WA 98908 509.972.6000