In Fall 2017, Wichita Public Schools held 20 listening tour sessions to introduce Superintendent Dr. Alicia Thompson, engage stakeholders around the future of WPS and seek input that will help shape the next WPS Strategic Plan. The feedback from these sessions is below. Additional online feedback, including from a Twitter listening session, and from a Spring 2017 student session, is also included.

Comments are included exactly as submitted with the following exceptions: personal identifying information has been removed; comments that covered multiple issues where separated into their unique issues. Comments are included in alphabetical order within each section; each row represents different respondents' answers.

How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

#WPSProud - it's good to be proud 2nd Step not normed for under 4 100% transparency from all parties. Schools are doing a A better understanding of each schools' unique culture and better job at that but the board seems to still have it's secrets. how to accommodate that

#WPSProud!! 2nd step supplementing A behavior plan. Teachers spend so much time trying to deal A creative hook - something that draws them to the with severe behaviors. I saw two principals, a few teachers information and an SRO look for a child in the building for 30 minutes. A behavior issue-this is ridiculous. Teachers are also concerned about their own safety. High school teachers are with students who are adult sized. There needs to be a strict behavior code and consequences. Parents are many times the problem and not the school’s responsibility but we have to give the other students a chance to learn.

259 4 school more focused on SECD 2nd step training A better/easier way for parents to give feedback and A discussion board would be nice to promote open dialogue. I suggestions on a regular basis. like the email updates, but am concerned that we cannot respond to the message. 2nd Step 6:50 start schools A great Strategic Plan which shows how you will increase A.T.(?) be in location where visible and accessible (leadership teachers and staff salaries over the next five years to equal exposure) what other districts are offering our staff to leave. Our greatest resource is our teachers and staff, and they need to be compensation equal to market value. To continue down the path will only increase the likelihood of staff unrest and failing attitudes. Another thing is we need to increase the technology in every classroom and in the teachers hands. This is both in the form of hardware and software. Students need the technology today in order to lead us into the future.

2nd Step A big challenge is to hire well qualified substitute teachers not A measurement for the "soft skills" Ability to get on BOE agenda just warm bodies. I feel like there are some teachers in WPS that need to retire . Some educators stay too long in the district and are burned out and take it out on students and parents. This also applies to some administrators. Some act like they don't even like kids. To be fair though I do know that student behavior is a challenge at times. Behavior of students has declined over the years.

1 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

2nd Step A little later school hours would help. My student gets up at A message of ownership to the parent population; support for Access 5:30 to be ready then comes home exhausted at the end of schools with PBS programs; fair raises the day. Buses run late a lot & the kids are charged as tardy. I don't feel that is their fault. SEHS is in the country with 4-way stops on all the major streets. Accidents are happening as the kids who drive do not know how to do those stops plus parents are in a hurry to get past the area. It's a disaster & needs to have lights - more traffic will get thru without problems. 2nd Step and a new focus on behaviors in the classroom. ABA training for teachers/staff who serve kids with autism A method for retaining teachers in this district that allows for Access to BOE decisions trusted relationships to be built so that teachers feel comfortable in reviewing their methods and trying new ideas.

A lot of enthusiasm Absences A more appropriate schedule. The one right now is terrible, Access to the principal - when requesting a meeting both for teachers and kids. If you want learning to "stick," you have to do better.

A lot of Magnet programs, gives choices Academic accountability vs social promotion - move the kids A more progressive look at how high school is taught. A more Accommodations for parents with out transportation on without mastery hands on, in the field way of teaching instead of expecting children to sit all day. I see this at every age level. Kids should be allowed movement in the classroom and not made to feel bad for being unable to sit still for long periods of time.

Abundance of programs for those in need - extra curricular Academic challenges - meeting needs of academically high vs A new attorney. It's sad that WPS pays an attorney well over Action activities low $100K to fall asleep in meetings WITH PARENTS present, and one who is so disrespectful and hateful toward teachers.

Academic progress monitoring Academic deficiency of students A plan for each individual school to raise money/request Actively being more engaged and reminded of meetings donations through regular mail and emails, text messages

Academics first Academic environment of struggling kids with those who are A plan for growth, a plan to keep educating kids for the real Actually BE open and transparent.Instead of trying to spin not behind world and not just teaching to the test, investing in teachers things to sound the way that parents or teachers want it to be, so they come to school with passion just say it the way it is.

Academics First. I like that you make academics a priority. Access to curriculum - standards A plan to attract male teachers as well as female teachers that Actually listen to the public, there is a disconnect within the are minority. A plan to hold parents accountable for their public and schoolboard children's behavior through education.

Acceptance and equality for students Access to technology & connection to communications A really great staff that can control any situation without actually listen to the results of these surveys. Show the excuse. parents you are trying to help the students not just focus on the money. Let the teachers have more control of the day to day decisions and give therm tools to serve all students not just the students at or behind grade level. Teach the teachers to help the advanced students as well.

Accessible leadership - listens & approachable According to the recent article about Southeast Highschool, it a set budget that accommodates raises and any unforseen Advertising board meetings and places to watch sounds like violence and behavior problems. issues

2 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Accessible teachers Account for different learning styles A solid tech plan to move us into 21st century learning for our Alert staff before media students and staff. Training for staff in this area as well. Students using H drives is antiquated and not effective. Departments need to do a better job communicating with one another. Acknowledging that there are concerns (high school) Accurate placement of students A sound financial plan and putting teachers as priority. Alicia's emails - more the better

Active Engagement ACT - SAT Kids are not being introduced to the material that's A strong leader, a new BOE, and communication. All kids no matter what needs to have a bus most kids are on the ACT - SAT Every high school should offer a class that bikes alone are walking alone preps kids for the standardized test. Lots of hidden talent fallen by the wayside; mearly because of the cost of the test/ lack of preparation. Active shooter Add enrichment for upper kids A system of morality and actually enlightening the minds of All schools have a talking/listening session the children instead of programing their minds with falsehood to be a tool and regurgitate the information that they were told verses teaching them how to think.

Addresses issues quickly Additional resources$$ A systemic approach for volunteer coordination Allow kids who aren't hand picked by the school administration to speak, you get biased answers when you only talk to kids who work fine in the current broken system.

Addressing diversity of learners through AVID/IB/etc Additional support staff A working budget, safe schools, community involvement. Allowing new teachers to have a voice.

Addressing staff shortages - hiring from within district Address the kids (all grade levels) who do not master the Academic & behavior support An opportunity for parents to be involved @ High School standards

Adopting more current curriculums (in math at least). I feel Addressing needs of # of student who have needs to be met Academic Feedback on the common core - is it working any communication is welcome. that the NTI program does a good job supporting new (basic needs) teachers, but needs to be expanded.

Adult education option - Chisholm Life Addressing the real issues of misbehavior - which are often Accessibility of district leaders Any meeting behind closed doors portrays the culture of outside our institutional reach; giving teachers fair pay raises; cliques. Provide the reason for changing curriculums. Provide more training on Sped for teachers; finding and retaining Sped research behind chosen curriculums. Quit allowing the middle teachers management level of employees (mtss coaches, technology coaches, etc.) to exist. They only create work for themselves in order to look busy and look like they are supporting teachers. If teachers don't know who a coach is or his/her purpose, they should not be working for the district.

Advertising & marketing WPS Admin and CST that have not been in the classroom (or have Accountability for teachers. Help teachers on how to deal with Appreciate & recognize teachers been away too long) trying to suggest/impose/voluntold us students who aren't their "normal" kid. Get administrators that how to handle behavior issues in our classrooms rather than know what good teaching looks like. Cut down on suspensions support us. and support students in other ways. Have higher expectations for all students. Advocacy - spend time in ICT volunteering - East Administration not listening to teachers Accountability: please figure out a way to make parents more Appreciation - we are all important accountable for their children's behaviors.

3 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Advocacy- tutors Administration. There seems to be a lot of micromanaging of Acknowledge employees - celebrate success Are there other ways to besides social medial? teachers. Teachers do not have any significant say in their day to day events. Teachers do not have any recourse for discipline when students are acting out. Money seems to be an issue. There seems to be more spent on administration rather than teachers and front line employees.

After school program (Stealth) Afterschool care for ALL middle schools, a variety of elective ACT Prep As a whole the district does a wonderful job with courses for kids to choose from; and Full day Pre-K programs communication through Parent Link as well as on the website. that are progressive in teaching/learning.

After school programs All of the social media meetings Action! Don't claim to listen, create listening sessions, put out Asking parents to sign up videos, thank me over and over again for my service, tell me I'm wonderful, and then give yourself a raise. Pay me what I am due for the HARD work that I do every single day with kids. After school tutor - Enc NY All schools have needs! Help! Actually listen. Dr. Thompson says these are listening Availability to present data to DLT, princps, board sessions, I'd be interested to see how much actually is implemented.

Alicia Thompson - vision, good communication - Great job! All the services that school provide - food, counseling, etc. Additional extra curricular activities other than sports and fine Avoid executive sessions @ Board meetings arts

Alienating staff and many students/families. Allowing a magnet to be a magnet Additional staff positions to support student (mis-)behavior; Be honest about ESOL classes and don't force people to take professional development for staff in this same area them. Offer them in off times, such as summer classes.

Align Standards Alternative education support. The students who are doing Additional support for fine arts Be Honest, transparent, and open. Provide information about well in alternative education should be able to participate in what is going on, how money is spent, and allow for feedback extracurricular activities with support to integrate them with online. their peers. This would be huge for some of these children.

Aligned curriculum Alternative schools need transportation Address behavior issues Be more transparent with parents/ community/staff about the school district budget, let them have a voice on where funds go and give more reasons as to why things get cut and if a job is cut - where does that excess work load go and how much $$ did it actually save

Aligning Curriculum across grade levels Amount of content on LUG Address inefficiencies - e.g. labor to ship a piece of $100 Be present. I have already seen an improvement in equipment 15 times communication.

All staff have a voice Another challenge is getting into magnet schools. I wish it was Adequate bandwidth Be proactive with news easier to get my student into a magnet school. Allison for example.

Allignment across grade levels Apparently budgeting our tax dollars. You could easily do just Adequate staffing to address needs of our kids Being open and transparent needs to begin at the top. as well teaching kids with half the budget your allowed now. Who knows how much of that money is wasted on pet projects, or pocketed by greedy admnnistrators, or spent on stuff not related and potentially harmful to learning (i.e. ipads).

4 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Allocating our resources Appreciating teachers. We haven't had a substantial raise in ( Administration needs to be sure to make parents aware of Better communication at the department level you know how long) I am in my 11th year of teaching and My enrollment procedures entirely, including online meal daughter who teaches in Houston made 12,000 more than me applications. in her first year. Got a 3,000 raise her 2nd year.

Allot of loving caring staff members Apps (Parentlink) not utilized well Adulting 101 Better email, surveys, times to drop in for discussions

Allowing parents choice with magnet schools. Are we looking at the data? Race, sex, type of referral - Advertise the good to the community, too much negative out Better school IDs not associated with directions, give educate staff there something to promote culture for students

Allowing teacher to build a repose with students As a former general education teacher and now special Agreed on life skills! I wish we could stop teaching to the test. Better use of school websites and not just parentlink education teacher we really need a better reading curriculum These kids take way to many standardized test. All learning to address the needs of our struggling and esol students. The styles need to be taken into consideration. Some children number of students coming to our district with mental health learn by doing, by hands on, and other by reading. Don't force and behavior needs is rising. We need more support for everyone to learn the same way. students suffering from mental health and trauma. We have excelent behavior support members that our schools, but I feel we need more of this support in general. Those support staff are helping manage many behaviors and maybe more training/professional development opportunities for both special education and general education staff would be beneficial. I also think we need more support and better training for support staff (para educators and LRE aides) . Many of these positions areally filled by people who have never worked in a school setting or with students with disabilities. I am seeing high turnover in these positions and issues with these staff members not fully understanding how to best serve students in the general education classroom (cwc).

5 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Allows students to prepare for college As a parent and substitute para, I see student behavior as one of the All leadership needs to have open communication with all better website for each school. biggest challenges. Student misbehavior, for whatever the reason behind it, creates an environment where the teacher's time, patience, resources, creativity, and talents are given to the few, at the expense of the many. An inordinate amount of quality teaching time and energy is spent on a few students who disrupt the class, but teachers by and large do not feel supported by adminustration to be able to have the disruptive child removed from the classroom. As a parent of children who care deeply about respecting teachers, following rules, trying to learn what they're being taught, this seems unjust. The quiet children in the classrooms get ignored while the disruptive ones get attention. I've subtituted and volunteered at my children's neighborhood middle school, Marshall, and I was appalled at the foul language and disrespect I observed during class time. I witnessed students use filthy language on front of their teacher and the entire class, that could be considered abusive and harassing, and I witnessed the teacher do nothing constructive to stop it. What kind of learning environment is that?! Why would I send my child to a school that allows it? That experience and a similar one like it another time I volunteered there made me want to move out of district. Our kids deserve better. They deserve to be in classrooms where there is a culture of learning, growing, and respect. Not where a culture of disrespect and foul-mouthed kids rule the classroom. Another major challenge I see is the discrepency in school resources. Some schools have modern technology such as a computer for every child who needs one, while other schools, like the one my children attend, do not. We are not a Title 1 school so we don't have a computer lab. We have laptops, not enough, that don't always work even during state testing. Do we want our children's education from WPS to be on par with other districts?

Always feel welcome in schools As a parent of two students who have and are being bullied, I All positions filled with qualified teachers not long term subs. Between ParentVUE, the emails, the texts, & phone calls, I feel that this area is a big challenge. In our experience, it has think we're good not and is not being handled well in the schools that our children have attended in the last few years. A zero tolerance policy should be pretty cut and dry. Zero tolerance- regardless of whether it is another student, Para or Teacher or coach

Amazing after school programs Asking teachers to teach+ manage classrooms with a high All schools need to be safe Blur lines between depts. – remove blinders & break down rate of trauma affected students. Also, the morale seems silos lower than I remembered.

6 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Amazing but over-worked administrators at my school. (Shout Attendance Allow district leaders to lead PDs for teachers/staff (stop BOE meetings need to be scheduled for input from the out to Julie Scott and Michele Zahner) paying outside presenters) community and parents. It seems that the BOE presents it as a business meeting and we are just there to observe it. It is very cold and unfriendly. When do parents, community members and teachers get to have input on things? How do they give input? Emails, newspaper, online, and Parent Link calls are all good ways to communicate information. The district just needs to make sure the communication is able to go both ways. At the BOE meetings it appears to only communicate what they've determined needs to be communicated. Make sure all of the issues the district faces is available for public view. Get input just like you are doing now with this survey. Give people a chance to be heard.

Amazing staff and facilities Attendance by staff & students Allowing parents/teachers to provide input regarding in- BOE meetings/community events streamed, use all options service/training topics

Amount of resources available for new teachers - providing on- Attendance policies - need more parent Also, if you have a teacher who has been moved to other BOE/district could share with community - not just teachers going resources, curriculum, NTI, etc. schools because they're terrible, please stop moving them around the district and just let them go. They affect every classroom they're in. If they're not doing their job then who would want them teaching their kids.

An area that we believe USD 259 is doing well in is offering Attracting and retaining strong teachers. Bringing technology Alternative education options for behaviors. Teacher support & Budget presentation - in layman's temrs children after school programs. I believe this is a great way to into all our schools so we can make sure students are ready rejuvenation. Individualize learning plans keep children engaged with learning and out of trouble. for post high school education or jobs.

AP, Concurrent, honors credits Awareness/training in dealing with kids who have experienced Alternative program for the social emotional student different Build a sense of community complete trauma. Resources to support staff/kids setting (don't qualify for PBS)

Apps (dojo) to communicate Bad behavior of students and lack of consequences for this Alternatives for students to complete school/grade Build trust behavior are crippling this school system and sending kids, parents and teachers to outside districts. Also the longer school day and too early of a start time.

As a teacher and a parent, I feel that WPS is off to a good Balancing needs of kids with research - start times, sleep, etc. Always assume the purest of intentions from everyone Bulleted emails start with your collaborative leadership initiative. My Son is a involved in the district. Weather they be administration, staff, AVID student and is off to a great start of learning strategies students, or public. that will help him to be successful in his future higher learning experience. Our staff cares about our students and it shows in the performance of the students. I love our district and I feel blessed that my Son has the opportunity to be in the largest urban school community in the state.

Asking for better communication and parent feedback. Basic needs of a majority of students. Students that come Another Bond issue (clean up issues) By letting us contact the higher up admins and not feel as if from homes with parents that don't have the skills that are the we aren't allowed to. By keeping us informed of all the new or most helpful. changes that are taking place.

7 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Asking for feedback to support schools Be brave and shorten the hours of school As a parent I have wondered why so much money is spent on Call more press conferences. downtown personal. I understand that the district is large but many things our missing from my child's education. My child's school has very poor technology. My child constantly tells me how the computers wouldn't work or the programs they were using would quit working multiple times during their computer lab time. I feel technology is a big part of our society and the district is very lack luster when it comes to using technology with the students. I had more technology when when I went to school then they have now. The curriculum, science, social studies, and reading are very out dated. I was told 2 math curriculums have be implemented before a new reading curriculum. Maybe that is why my child spends 2 and a half hours a day on reading curriculum because you do not have an updated one!

Asking for feedback. Most teachers care about the students Behavior As I stated earlier, we need schools set aside specifically to Call parents when something happens at school. Do not send and want them to succeed. deal with the multitude of children we are seeing who have the child home to tell the parents. Have more meeting with problems greater than can be addressed in the average bulling issues classroom. Further, we need for teachers to be trained during regularly scheduled in-services rather than pulled out by grade level, leaving ill trained substitutes to deal with huge numbers of children multiple times a year

Asking parents for their ideas (thank you). Behavior At the higher level, change how school looks. Seven hours a Call, email, or even text the parents. Maybe even have day and 90 minutes class periods is not working. This aspect someone from each school whose main job is to keep the of school has never changed (except adding block scheduling). communication open between parents and teachers. The structure of school needs to fit the 21st century.

Asking the public for their opinions. Considering the students, Behavior - bullying (children and staff) AVID- AVID being an option at each school not enforced Celebrate the wins through social media and other parents, and teachers' well-being when making financial and email/text/phone messages. Be open about challenges and calendar changes share opportunities and challenges on these platforms as well.

Assistant principal is visible in classrooms - kids feel they have Behavior - expectations communicated to all parents Awareness of issues like student debt/college info in general Chance for all students to participate & share ideas with supt. open door policy

At a Title 1 building I never feel that I do not have the Behavior - training for teachers Back teachers in front of parents and students always--even if Circular communication resources for school supplies. I know friends in other states you have to reprimand them in private. that do not get school supplies furnished by their school.

At this time, nothing stands out that is being done well. It Behavior challenges: external factors impacting behavior Back to the old schedule (2 years ago) Clarify district program seems that there is significant room for improvement.

Athletics Behavior impedes learning Balanced relationship with teachers Classes to inform parents and help parents to help their kids during college readiness attempting to address the immediate concerns presented by Behavior impeding the ability to be rigorous in the classroom Balancing all the subject - more science, soc studies, music at Classroom visits more than observation STAY staff elementaries

Attempting to educate. Behavior in classrooms Be on one page. Give teachers more support and materials to Clear and consistent communication via email, website, enact the new programs. Facebook, etc.

8 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

AVID Behavior issues take time from instruction Be smarter in our technology purchases Come out and visit us. Give out positive praise. Rejoice in teacher accomplishments.

AVID Behavior issues, constant change in curriculum and Become more efficient about being accessable to parents Come to our school and see! expectations for teachers, equality of money and technology provided to schools, staff and parent communication and relationships, and parent support

AVID Behavior issues. I believe that district leadership is working on BEHAVIOR intervention!! you can not get to the academic until Come visit our schools without an agenda it and I thank you. I am a teacher and parent and I want what you deal with the discipline. It is keeping teachers from is best for all. teaching and students from learning

AVID Behavior management Being able to finish a program even though a family moves Coming w/out an agenda

AVID Behavior of students and the increasing workload for Being able to understand common core, they can't help their Comm from top down employees kids

AVID Behavior of students in the classroom. Being open to help from external groups (partnerships) Common, shared set of values, goals

AVID - 99.4% seniors graduation rate Behavior problems during school hours - bullying Better communication Communicate all ways - lots of times

AVID - adding kinder has been good behavior!!! it must be addressed. I feel that it is getting Better communication as we transition from elementary to Communicate as to why we are doing things, Visit classroom & worse, and something must be done. It is a community middle school spend quality time in our rooms problem.

AVID & other initiatives, Morale: this year is a shift of energy! Behavior, bullying, teacher support. Better communication between departments Communicate early also

AVID (giving our kids encouragement "you can do this") Behavior, trauma, mental health, etc. These are real issues Better communication between parents, students and staff Communicate in different ways - web, email, videos, text - and have inundated schools with untrained staff. ~Staff Alicia connects well with people - visitibility - open compensation and workload are very real issues. ~Restrictions communication on being able to teach what the students need instead of being bound by a strict pacing guide. This is also especially true with SPED students. We've lost the "individualized" part of the IEP.

AVID comprehension tool kit, Active engagement Behavior. Bist isn't working as far as I see. We also need more Better communication with parents communicate through technology- create a district website qualified Paras. that makes it easy for parents to access information to what is happening in the classroom and effective ways to help at home, allow parents to access their child's assessment information as soon as it is available- not waiting until conferences Make parents aware of policies and procedures that schools should have in place in order to increase accountability for consistent use of policies and procedures

9 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

AVID helps SECD Behavior. Teachers shouldn’t be expected to handle severe Better communication, taking more responsibility, enforcing Communication - videos & emails behavior and still teach twenty other students. It isn’t fair to believes and rules. the teacher or other students. As a volunteer I have seen some ridiculous behaviors that take away valuable education time. Outdated curriculum. Social studies still have Bush 41 in his first term. No wonder our students know nothing about how this country works. Teacher morale is critically low. The good ones are leaving for districts that seem to value them. A good example is the school board fighting and refusing raises for them then turning around and handing the superintendent a raise in her FIRST YEAR and planning to hire a deputy superintendent. Who gets a rais before the first year?? John Allison did the job for less money and no deputy superintendent. Makes it look like a woman can’t do the job as well as a man because she hasn’t need there a year and already needs help. A slap in the face of the teachers who have been told for years there is no money. Seems like the district found plenty all of a sudden. No wonder they are leaving and feel undervalued. A great way to save money is to look at the substitute system for paras and secretaries. I have done both positions and it was absolutely unneeded. I have done over 30 sub jobs and maybe for 3 of them it was necessary to have a substitute. Mostly the other paras and secretaries took over the duties and left the sub with nothing to do. It’s a waste of money. The positions should be evaluated as to whether a sub is truly necessary. Private business does not get subs for secretaries for a day or two to just sit there and do nothing and do just fine. This would save money. A para or secretary sub is basically a position holder.

AVID in elementary schools. Then the kids don't need it as BEHAVIOR... no student accountability for disruptive Better engagement from parents Communication before the decision not after much in middle school and can have more electives. Allowing behaviors. No real steps in place for teachers to deal with multiple recesses in elementary schools. Allowing teachers to problematic students who create an unstable learning explore things like flexible seating! Appreciate ParentVue to environment for students and teachers. LOW pay for teachers. help stay up on my students abilities and efforts. My children We are living paycheck to paycheck with massive loan feel their schools are second homes and we love that. amounts for the degrees received to TEACH our students. INSURANCE costs are too high or the deductible is too high making it difficult to get treatment, tests, services, etc... to keep us healthy.

AVID in MS & ES/District wide Behavior: research based strategies taught to staff better money and benefits for teachers. Communication calendar

Avid partnerships Behavior: teachers given flexibility in behavior systems Better pay for teachers and more requirements for Communication of changes, more effective (taking recess as punishment - no leverage) administrators

10 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

AVID Programs Behavioral issues are creating learning deficits for many of our better pay for the teachers Communication varies by school. We are in our first year of students. When students who want to learn are in classrooms life school and communication is poor. The calls for events are with students who don't, or don't care, the time the teacher sent the night of. Most people plan things ahead of time. We spends dealing with the student(s) who don't wastes valuable weren't told of the school dance until about a week and a half time for the others. We should also identify more gifted before it and I have another obligation so can't be there for students. There should be more out there, but currently, those my daughter's first dance. considered gifted are less than 2% of our student population. Special education on the other end is MUCH higher. Realistically we should have more of a bell shaped curve, therefore, we are probably over-identifying our special ed students. Maybe there are other, or better options?

AVID speakers - parents Behaviors Better programs for the gifted Communication via staff channel (employees only site)

AVID stars Behaviors that deter from the learning of students who want Better relationships better schools/SSC Community Outreach Centers - allow for more involvement to learn. Mental health

AVID, extracurricular activities and programs for regular Behaviors, teacher shortages in SPED & Support services Better safety and security; like heavy classroom doors that Concise/short emails, social media outreach education, ample time off for students and teachers, improved teachers can lock from the inside. Tornado safety rooms. overall external communications with the public,

Balanced school lunches Behaviors, the right teachers/staff for certain schools. Parent Better technology for 21st Century skills Consistency in method and location of info involvement.

Beautiful facilities/safe rooms Behaviors...bullying and not following instructions. Better technology, more support parents Continually ask for feedback

Being flexible with work, helping to get hired Behaviors/culture/morals Better training for teachers, staff, and security guards when Continue communication handling such students with learning disabilities and Oppositional Defiance Disorder.

Being in same building Ben efits/out of pocket/retirees Better training opportunities (grow who we have) Continue communication as Mrs. Thompson has done. Lead with transparency and ftrequency communication to teachers, parents and all who have an invested interest in WPS.

Being more open/transparent, encompassing Better “branding” needed – but perception? Better understanding of departments/how things work Continue efforts to hold area meetings, open surveys to elicit feedback, and encourage parental participation with school board sub committees.

Being positive! Implementing a social emotional curriculum, Better bus flexibility Board certified behavior specialist in every building Continue listening sessions trying to be proactive. Using great programs such as AVID and Leader in Me.

Benefit package is strong Better communication between parents and teachers BOE meeting process (restructure): open discussion with Continue listening sessions - have some during the school community day, include students

Benefits Better communication with parents on skills they can work on Brainstorming -- action Continue listening sessions (small group) at home with students.

11 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Benefits package value Better knowledge for transitioning to college Bring an end to professional development like many other Continue showing board meetings on-line (keep archive) surrounding school districts as it's not helpful and is destroying staff moral. Doing this would save the district an extreme amount of money as professional development requires so much more allocation in staff to fund. We already have a teacher shortage due to low district pay that jobs cut from dropping professional development can be saved to fill the unfilled jobs from those retiring.

Better communication (ways to go) Better promotion of our magnets Bring back administrator feedback surveys so that downtown Continue these small meetings but do more often? leadership and building leadership can receive feedback from their staff. It's required that teachers get student feedback--it should be required that administrators get staff feedback.

Better communication district wide Better treatment of Black children; Para Educators who are Bring back honor clases please, we have to challenge our Continue to do surveys. It shows what areas you are trying to unemployed during summer months without pay. They start students, help our teachers by reducing the number of grow in. the school year back in a major struggle financially, it's students in the classrooms. shameful and humiliation that district employees are receiving Food assistance and cash assistance for themselves and children. The district can do better and it should. It's sad that this issue has gone unnoticed, yet we see funds diverted in other areas.

Better school maintenance Better use of energy Bring back the Metros and other options for students who Continue using on-line tools need a different type of school to be successful. Not everyone is meant for traditional high school, and that is ok. All kids need different paths to success.

Bldg Teamwork Better Wi-Fi Bringing computers/technology, so we can make it into STEM Continue with listening sessions in the future

Block schedules Board certified behavior specialists (lack of) - School psychs, Budget to address areas of concern Continue with the updates, emails, district website counselors do not have skills

Bluts(?) society Boosting employee morale. A lot of emphasis is being placed Budgets - there's no incentive to save or leave reserves in Continue with the wellness newsletter and your updates on on boosting teacher morale, but a lot of the heavy work has budget (will be taken) - we waste money to save/protect where we are and how far to reach our goals, an something been put on classified staff. I feel this group is frequently left money that can boost attitudes and motivation. The reason I say this out. when school starts everyone is hyped and motivated by the time week three are sooner most people are looking for a day off or vacation, it seems mental burn out is starting. Just an observation.

Board hired local Superintendent Boundaries may need revised/ updated Build connections with families so they get involved Creating environments where we can share thoughts - everyone's voice matters

Bond issue completion - buildings are in great shape Breakdown of family Build relationships (use of parent view, etc.) Cross grade level

Breakfast pop-up kiosk at East Bring PLC back to building Building leaders need to support in order to keep veteran Culture is that key word. Some in this district believe there is teachers, make sure they feel valued more than one culture that exists so double standrds exists. When this district can truly become one culture, only then will the system change for the better.

12 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Budget cuts have been handled well Budget Bullying program, clear disapline plans, greater support for Differentiated in-service schools with high incidents of referrals, more support for SOK (south of Kellogg) schools that are experiencing a mental health crisis among their students.

Build students who are competent and proficient Budget Bus every kid Direct link to BOE minutes and explain

Building disgtrict spirit/morale Budget - continued uncertainty Bus stops are too far from our homes District 2 update sessions

Building maintenance and technology enhanced learning Budget - number of cuts made, reductions to staff despite Business partnerships District Assisting with establishing community partners opportunities. workload demands

Building Pro Develop Budget cuts, cutting back programs that affect kids is not the Bussing for all children like most cities/states District communication via principals option. Maybe partnering up with outside Organizations such as ours Warriros For Youth, Inc may take some of the load off financially & passing some of the cost to parents. I understand that many say they can't afford it but this is incorrect, some have their child's best interest at heart, it's a priority but many just don't want the responsibility. I deal with this first hand, cigarettes, beer, clubs, personal needs take priority. My contact info is 316 390 7056, if you're interested

Building strategies Budget is s biggest issue-- Schools are losing qualified Buy-in at building level - explain our "why", take ownership in district email teachers and librarians. Also other jobs are not being filled for facilities issues example band and orchestra teachers.

Bullying program Budget issues affecting education. Having to choose Buy-in, Stakeholding District grade level meeting to share longer/fewer days that in the end creates challenge for families. Competition with the suburban schools/negative perception by many.

Busing Budget issues, crowded classrooms, burnt out teachers Can new teachers be incentivized in other ways than salary District hotline for questions - are there recurring themes?

Busing - availability Budget issues. Although I do not know the full extent of our career counseling District leadership present in ALL buildings budget issues, I know it creates a problem.

Calendar works well within budget cuts (breaks) Budget of course and disengaged parents. The school day is Career is as important as college District newsletter too long and the classrooms are over crowded - I know both of these go back to budget. Hopefully when Brownback leaves this can get revisited.

Calendar. It’s great to have the calendars filled out throughout Budget restrictions lead to outcomes like the shortened school Career Ready along with college ready District staff in buildings more to show support the year before the school year starts. year that are NOT good for the students. Losing 15 days of instruction is a huge disadvantage to every kid of every age.

Calling parents with reminders and safety issues Budget, teacher compensation, calendar does not need to be CCC for college readiness District wide meetings part of the contract negotiations, unwilling to negotiate. Sticking to a curriculum or program instead of buying new things frequently.

Care about students budget, teacher morale, too much paperwork (for parents and CCC forming stronger bonds, district wide CCC Doing a great job with phone calls & emails teachers!)

13 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Career and Technical Ed (CTE) has expanded the last several Budgets to include decent wages for all employees, not just CCC take initiative to go to students Doing good job with voice mail, email, text years the upper administration at the district office. Wages need to be unfroze for all teachers. Great teachers leave because you fail to allow them the raises they deserve. Without raising the wages, we run the risk losing the greatest teachers our district has. Career days Build relationships with teachers & staff CCC’s – consistency issues – good opportunities, more don't know outreach

Cares about the students. Students are learning, even if it Buildings are not consistent in course offerings, schedules, Cell phone policy in schools - no cell phones for students or Don't know doesn't show on test scores- the most important life skills etc. teachers aren't on those tests!

Caring about and educating children despite horrible BULLING FROM TEACHERS AND STUDENTS. LOW TEST Centralized list of partners - identify possible purposes - what Don't make me jump through the hoops of a meeting (or conditions in the schools SCORES AND TOO MUCH HOMEWORK. ALSO BEHAVIOR IN can schools do to help series of them) to have my voice heard. I am filling this out. THE CLASSROOMS.

Caring about kids. Bullying Chance to shadow careers & easier to do so Dr. Thompson come to our classrooms, see what's going on . . drop in by admin &/or parents (unannounced) at lunch

Caring teachers Bullying at South - a teacher accusing a student of tattling (all Change Pando back to CIS and in every school Duplicate enrollment forms races)

Carnegie Math Bullying is still an issue Change the start and end times Educate community on outside factors

Catering to mental illness, strong support Bullying we’ve got zero tolerance yet nothing happens to the Change the way we instruct for the needs of our kids Educate community on why we need so much administration. bullies. Attendance contracts in elementary school how about What it means to educating kids. bullying contacts? If they see it it they report it. They won’t be a bully etc.

Celebrating diversity Bus issue, lots of people late, smaller bus capacity- driver changes in our food program and recognizing the under dogs Effectiveness of special programs - how is it measured? shortage who do so much work with little affirmations . For our builiding prinicipals to give us better communication training, to not be clickish and to treat us fair and it would be so nice to have an open door policy with our head principals. Working together as a teach at each school to provide the best that we can.

Certifications from school programs Buses too expensive to take fieldtrips Church partnerships Eight to Great - positive mindsets, the more positive we put out the more we'll get, positive is what undoes trauma challenged - rigor Buses! All children should be able to have a bus pick them up Citizenship /Government education Email by their house. I live in a low crime area for the most part but I recently saw that 40 sex offenders live within a 1 mike radius. I want to use the bus system but don’t feel comfortable having it daughter wait alone a black away to be picked up. Also, need more benefits for teachers and lunch should be more varied. I also think it’s cruel to not allow kids to socialize at lunch because the lunch monitors can’t stand the kids talking. There should also be an online way to put in requests for homework for excused absences.

14 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Challenging our gifted students and helping them get into Business/ community partnerships This goes with European Clarification for job titles - who reports to work when? - Where Email schools that will challenge them such as IB schools models of apprenticeship and also Randy Watson's vision. do we all fit? Clear understanding for all when snow days, inservices, etc.

Champs - systems to keep kids on track Busing. The regular morning and afternoon buses are fine. But Clarity (in priorities) and how it impacts all organizations email the activity buses can be a pain. I still have to drive to drop off locations to pick up my students. Boundary lines. With the new Southeast high school building, the district lines need to be adjusted. The new location of SE makes it the furthest high school from my house, yet, we’re still in the SE district. This means buses are traveling extra distances for students who live in my area and must attend SE as a student as those who participate in athletics. I think a re-drawing of boundary lines is worth looking into. Sports at NEM. Northeast Magnet has been around for several years and has a good amount of students who also participate in athletics. Instead of using extra buses to take them to their base schools (which requires more than one bus), the students can stay at NEM and compete as their own team. I think this will help unify the school as well as free up buses for other areas.

CHAMPS/ACHIEVE Busing/school start times (too early) Clear communication among district and building personnel. email

Changes were not drastic BUSSING!! Since I moved to Witchita 5 years ago I found it Clear decisions. Develop friendships of honor amongst all Email impossible all children did not have access to bussing. It was leaders . . . . District/Admin/Teachers/parents very hard for me and still is trying to get my children back and forth to school. If you have to work and take your children to school it's almost impossible. Especially when you have and 8 to 5 job. You almost have to choose between working and taking your children back and forth to school. You don't won't and can't allow your small child to walk alone across 4 lanes of traffic on a busy street, so I ask for all parents what are we supposed to do? I was once asked about carpooling but I can't allow for my children to ride with strangers that I myself have just met. Small children can not and should not have to ride public transportation, so once again what shall we do?

Character building - 2nd Step Calendar Clear expectations and communication of what is coming next EMAIL

Choice for magnet schools Calendar - length of day (behaviors!) Clear plan with buy-in from all stakeholders Email

Choice of course offerings (secondary) Calendared vacation days - impact on new staff, especially Clear set of goals for WPS made by community Email

Choices Fair, Magnet School options, information for parents Can't tutor kids after school because of bus at 5 and closes at Clear top-down structures, expectations and plans. E-mail regarding current instruction practices, SCOPE 5:30

Choices for kids - CTE classes, Magnet Categorical teachers feel admin don't know enough about Cat Clear vision for district - how all employees fit Email to do Marzano well

15 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Churches Challenges related to diversity – resources Clearer time frames for resolving teacher shortage and budget Email issues. More consistency.

Circle of friends Challenges with younger parents - impact on learning Closed too many schools in the past Email Texting Social media Through my child’s school

Circle of friends program Change buy in from all areas Club time within schedule email and discussions

Clear vision statement Changing curriculum - avenue for getting help - passingon Collaboration & communication Email and I really like the video messages. students who are not prepared

Cleveland - sign language & autism program Changing world - keeping up with it College credit Email and phone calls

Collaboration Child Study Team changes college prep for all students, focus on what happens next for Email and phone calls. I appreciate that both our children’s the kids, prepare for future schools call with important messages on school events and issues. I think this would be helpful from the school board as well.

Collecting data/feedback (openness to criticism) Class blocks can be too long - Brooks College student mentors Email and phone.

College career centers for scholarship & post secondary Class size College visits, earlier in the year Email and school visits

College readiness Class size College/job opportunities information Email and social media

College Readiness- organization Class size Common sense in decisions E-mail and social media.

Comm levels improved - work order system Class size for core/state tested courses! High school class Commonality with communication between school and home email and text sizes for English and math should NEVER be over 20 for any reason! CWC English/math classes need to be even smaller. No wonder test scores are stale for USD 259. If learning matters AT ALL in high schools, make it a priority! School leadership sets the tone for the school. Allow parents and teachers - site councils should be in on the interviews-to have input on who is coming to their school. Principals must be accountable to teachers and parents. Many principals and even district leaders don't even live in USD 259..how can they really believe in our schools when their own children go to other districts? Increase ESOL teachers at each school to match the growing enrollment. Look at boundary lines for schools. Some schools are crowded beyond capacity. Evaluate each year. Re- think the re-assignment idea for students expelled for fighting or repeated violent behavior. High school students who fight or threaten to fight need to be in a small, contained environment like E-school, Gateway, or the alternative school. Retain quality teachers! Reward quality teachers for staying.

Comm with coordinators Class size still large Communicate within. I dropped off a doctor's note for my son. Email but SSC doesn't have time - supervisors bring attn to The PE teacher didn't get it and made my son run on a bad important ones - no time to look ankle. When I went back to the office, the lady told me that it was in a pile on the secretaries desk. It was a week before the PE teacher received it.

16 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Commitment to excellence Class size. Cost of materials that teachers and students have Communicating better with parents informing them with what Email info before community knows. to cover. Ability for teachers to share information on students is going on with the district. as they age up. (My daughter struggled each year about 3rd quarter. No teacher believed it until it was too late to provide her extra support. Then one teacher had her two years in a row and was able to help motivate her so she could finish the year out on a high. That then helped the following year!) Children with behaviors/trauma. Smaller class size would help with this. Continue to encourage play in Kindergarten. IT is a a form of learning!

Commitment to our families CLASS size. At all levels. It is the only reason - I wouldn't Communication - parent/staff involvement Email is great send my kids to WPS. I love the teachers and the programs but kids slip through the cracks when teachers have 32 kids in one room. Autonomy with schools. We are so big. Why are all high schools not on the same bell schedule?

Communicates the positive, not just the negative reg. Class sizes Communication - telling our story Email is great. students (?)

Communicating Class sizes x 2 Communication between community and school districts. Email is sufficient. Public discussions or conferences to address issues or communicate information would work well too.

Communicating successes Classroom behavior and administrative support. Communication for transient students Email is the best way. Also I like the chance to get to have my voice heard by the questions I am filling out now.

Communicating through emails Classroom funding such as outdated textbooks, technology, Communication liaison in each buidling Email or phone and resources to best serve our students. Outdated infrastructure. For example, we need to update the designs of our schools. Our schools are outdated and don’t support 21st century learning. We need an update overall from the classrooms and resources to the overall look and feel (safety) of our schools.

Communicating to the public or informing the public about Classroom management: teachers don't have the resources to Communication needs to improve a lot - within and outside Email phone calls letters and Meeting with the public things going on. handle some of their "problem" children, and incoming district teachers don't get enough training about this. (Spoken as someone who will be a new teacher next year.) LISTEN to teachers, paras, and parents about this. I have heard nightmare stories from fellow students and educators. I know that many aspects of funding are beyond district control, and that SPED staff are hard to find, but please listen to parent and teacher requests for assistance in this area.

CommunicatING with me about my children who attend Classroom sizes are too big and the school day is too long. Communication! Not broken! Strong leadership Email text and open meetings at eqch school Southeast High School and Curtis Middle School

Communicating with parents about students progress Clear policies and procedures Communications Email w/video

Communicating with parents. Closing gaps (acting all as one team) - redefine our goals Communications needs to go up and down, not just one way Email works best for me.

17 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Communicating with the parents of the district. Closing the achievement gap between the races Community Eligibility Provision needs to be researched as a Email, continued community listening sessions way to improve the hunger issue. There are new ways in order to not lost At Risk Funding.

Communication Collaboration We spend too much for consultants and Community involvement – both from us being involved and Email, face to face materials rather than empowering and building from within. I community w/us made a document to help teacher collaborate and share: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ib1vRFL2duZVYbr- a_G83zYuN_dThZsLBPWvihUIMVQ.

Communication Collaboration- partnerships between departments to improve Community involvement/support email, facebook, communcation with the teachers curriculum

Communication - phone calls/ texts/web -- school and Dist Commitment to parent feedback and communication. When Community liaison/list Email, local news , send flyer home with kids level you child is in trouble at school and you ask the teacher for a meeting to try to understand what is the problem and or situations that are existing and you hear crickets. What does it take? Communication - text messages Common Core Math Community outreach - costs, problems, resource allocation. Email, newsletters, news broadcasts with local news Engage with churches, neighborhoods, corporate sponsors city/county government, municipalities and others to find new advocates for your messages.

Communication - videos, small snip-its (parents are engaging Communicate more & differently Community partnerships Email, parent-links

Communication is exceptional. Communicating/engaging new staff Community partnerships Email, phone calls, text, online.

Communication is getting better Communication Community partnerships (eg. WSU, college students) email, phone, mail

Communication is improving among the departments. Communication Community support & opportunities Email, social media

Communication overall Communication – interdepartmental, district-wide perceptions, Companies that the district utilizes for state assessment Email, social media, parent link, news media, print external, parents purposes need to be changed. The outcomes need to be more newsletters. I love ParentVue. I love it when teachers email meaningful and more purposeful. Our children should be me about what's going on in class for my middle and high learning the skills that they need to compete within society. school age children. America is ranked 12th in education, but some school districts, including this one, doesn't seem to be preparing these kids for success. We need to reinforce basic life skills too, such as problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and teaching them how to incorporate those skills into real-life situations.

Communication regarding School assignments, activities and Communication - understanding wants/expectations, going Compassionate people who are truly in their positions for the Email, social media, videos, more town halls other events at school are communicated very well. The new both ways betterment of our children. If we care about these kids now, second step curriculum is great and my 1st grader is coming they will have a better opportunity to grow into productive home and sharing the lessons with us. The school seems to members of society. They are the future of schools, make decisions based on data and the district has a wide governments, as well as the future of our families. We need to variety of activities and programs as students get older. invest (everyone of us) in this future

Communication w/students- social media Communication (good and bad) - employees and parent Compensation must be competitive - all levels Email, Text concerns. Just open communication

18 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Communication with parents about emergencies and out of the Communication between district departments Compensation to retain staff Email, texts, calls ordinary events

Communication with personnel and parents is good and Communication between parent and teacher/administration Connecting vocational skills to school Email, videos, PD. always open.

Communication with public (media, social) Communication due to size of district Consequences for behavior and a no tolerance policy. A Email/video updates from Dr. Thompson revision of the length and start times of the school day. No other district starts as early and ends as late as WPS.

Communication. I enjoy getting updates from school about Communication is lacking compared to other districts. We Consider the needs of all the children. Email; Provide an option for parents to share concerns about things that are coming up in the schedule. came from Valley Center, and were able to enroll for the principals who are clearly not dealing with issues in schools. I upcoming year online. We did not have to then go to the realize you don't want to have parents complaining, but when school for enrollment. I didn't realize I had to do both, and the there is a principal that is not being a leader parents need to website and communication from the district was unclear to know something is being done at the district level. me. Parents should have the option of doing one or the other. They could learn from others how to do the process more efficiently with better communication to the parents through emails. Community and family relationships Communication is sometimes not effective (with issues like Consistency in what we do. Emails bullying)

Community engagement, lots of opportunities for students to Communication of opportunities from district Consistency, continued support and communication between Emails get involved. also think it’s really cool that we have career staff and administrators of all levels pathway classes and a partnership with WATC.

Community events Communication with all stakeholders, professionalism, treating Consistency. Example: There is a new testing system in place E-mails - newsletters. Board minutes openly available on-line teachers with respect, changing curriculum without giving it a this year math and language arts. The district utilized AIMS and easy to find. chance to succeed, wasting money on things instead of Web just long enough for the test scores to start carrying people, just to name a few. meaning in a way that could track a child's progress and now a new tool has been chosen. Inconsistency seems to be about the only thing that is consistent with this school district.

Community events Communication with community Consistent community concern - maintain and build new Emails and social media relationships with community. Mentoring & more experience

Community involvement Communication with parents- they’re not getting newsletters Consistent curriculum Emails and texts

19 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Community involvement - opportunity and opennness Communication with teachers concerning academics Consistent curriculum and training E-mails are a good way. Phone calls are okay, but they shouldn't be relegated to only when a child is "in trouble". A phone call to let me know that my struggling child has experienced a success(es) over the course of a school day and/or week, would be welcomed. Teachers also need to be honest when it comes to their assessments of the children; to me, this has to mean that the teacher CARES ABOUT THE CHILDREN THEY TEACH! I feel like teachers in this district have lost compassion and respect for the children. I don't know how many times my high-school son has came home and narrated a story about a teacher making a racist comment (like the PE teacher at West High School), or an incident in which a teacher lost all emotion-regulation ability, and just flat- out started yelling at the children, or my child specifically. These teachers have to give respect in order to earn it from these children. That's an age-old "golden rule". Why aren't these USD 259 teachers held to this standard?

Community organizations who have partnered with schools in Community awareness Consistent leadership. Emails are best for me. In my busy life I don’t have time to go 259 to some meeting to meet or listen to you. I hate Twitter get OFF of there.

Community outreach for Big Brother, Big Sisters, etc. Community involvement Contact person for community resources Emails are great. Newsletters dont always get to me in time if at all.

Community partners - strong village Community needs to be more invested Continue listening Emails are helpful

Community Partnerships has benefitted schools Community pride Continue to seek regular surveys to seek input - via email Emails from Superintendent

Community partnerships/involvement Community resources/partnerships. Tier 3 behaviors, Continued commitment to excellence at all levels. Continued emails or phone calls. I know within the last month I have increased mental health illness & poverty compassion toward every student with a desire that each one recieved a call from my sons school almost everyday, but I succeed. A plan and a place for our most difficult students so have noticed a number of those messages repeat in the they don't get bounced around because no one can handle middle of the recording. them. Listen to your teachers. Advocate for them at the every level (BOE, State, etc.) Robust supports for categorical SPED programs. Mental health teaching early, grade school. Open communication is an excellent start. Transparency with the public will help keep them on your side. But I sense you already know that.

Community service opportunities Community support of schools - voting for pro-public school Continued focus on acceptance and changing the way the Emails or sharing information in Facebook representatives community sees the school district.

Community student involvement Community trust Continued focus on educating children so they are prepared E-mails such as these. Facebook. for future jobs and future challenges.

Community Support Community/state support, Student behavior Continued improvement on customer service = better Emails, be upfront, honest communication

Compost at high schools Compensation - competition Continued positivity, listening & frequent visits to schools emails, newsletters

20 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Comprehension Tool Lit (need training) Compensation/Bennies Continued staff training for trauma, reinforcement for staff to E-mails, text messages, conferences are good means. I like want to work and stay at this district. the workshops where in small groups, parents, staff and students can openly express their needs. I would like to see the students be able to participate, speak up more without feeling fear of retaliation on those that think are in power.

Conference - elementary Competition with partnerships Continued transparency & communication Emails, texts and phone calls are all good ways to communicate. Open communication with Principals is helpful too. Communication seems to be going well now.

Conflict resolution went well Conference set up for middle school Create a true high capacity foundation much like other emails, texts, and through conversations with administrative districts to raise public support, corporate and foundation staff funding to meet resource gaps and grow programs to create positive outcomes for students. Strategic partnerships in the community to support initiatives that provide a win-win situation for all involved.

Connecting with kids. Teachers are dedicated to helping kids Conferences, information via Facebook, Arts, STEM Create critical thinking students Emails; the whys of decisions would be nice. and on learning.

Connections to schools - how we fit it. Silos going away Connecting parents to resources Creating fair discussion Emphasis on relationships

Connections with other schools Connecting school to real life Cross training - too many jobs where capacity is not in place Empower employees to make decisions balanced with need to control

Consistence from school to school Connecting students to resources they need Cumbersome application process Encourage communication outside email

Consistent in Vertical Teaming Connecting with parents to get on the same page about Curriculum computer programs that are user friendly End the secretive meetings. Provide actual feedback to behavior. Lack of male teachers that are minority. Caucasus parents when surveys are completed. Do not skew results to teachers have minimal understanding of students from various fit the agenda of the administration. cultures. Student behavior Lack of funds Racism among students Consistent Reading & Math curriculum Connection between community, school and family Curriculum that enhances intelligence not deters it. Longer Engaging staff that actually execute the decision and plans lunch times for small children. Busing for students that live more than a few blocks away. 2.5 miles is way to far. Especially in Kansas' often extreme weather. Hiring friendly receptionists for school offices. Contact for volunteering Considering environment at home (time change) DECA/YEK at all Schools Expand on what is being done, be honest and forthcoming.

Continuing to serve the middle ground student's education. Consistency across district Dedicated planning time with/support staff & teachers Expectation of communication from admin to parents (particularly regarding students with special needs)

Cooperate sponsors Consistency between schools- curriculum, class requirements, Definitely more time devoted to training paras, more time to Explain standards recognition, absences, plan with IEP managers

Core curriculum primary grades Consistency building to building - technology, worktime, Department understanding of how we support priorities Explain why decisions are made - money spent on project supplies, training, planning for new resources, competency in (AMAC/Southeast) all areas

Counseling is always available Consistency in schools (between) Development to become an effective leader Facebook, email and phone/texts are the best way to communicate.

21 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Counselors communication Consistency of consequences Differentiated Pro/D Facebook, email, robo calls. I've been very impressed with the superintendents meet and greets. On the other hand, I have no idea who my board person might be. We are new to the city.

Cracking down on bad behavior with students Consistency with partnership - showing up Directory list on web site, centralized list Facebook, online media, WPS website, robo calls

Crafts program Consistency with reading material Discipline and Jesus Facebook, Twitter

Creative solutions for issues Consistency: My youngest child had to switch elementary Dismantle the high school administrator "good ol boy" society Feedback - ask for it! schools this year and the difference between Kensler and that has been present for years...where so many know dirt on Peterson is staggering. Kensler was so much better with others and use it to their advantage. Put in place strong organization, communication, consistency between grade level leaders of high integrity that are willing to hold students and teachers, calendar/website updates and so many other things teachers accountable. that support a child's ability to be successful. Peterson seems to be all over the place and no where near as supportive as Kensler was.

Creative with introducing new ways to enlighten the children's Consistent application of board policies and procedures by all Disruptive behaviors exhibited in the classroom have to be Follow thru minds. district buildings- misuse of policies among buildings (using prevented through a combination of methods; increased social recess as consequence, misuse of curriculum materials, services, enhanced emotional support, alternative classrooms, misuse of public behavior systems) WPS is currently behind community and family engagement, smaller classroom sizes, surrounding districts when it comes to 21st century learning and more para support. and being college/career ready- technology integration is an area to improve immediately, this requires learning for all teachers in order to impact all 259 students WPS is also challenged by the amount of time taken to produce revisions and changes. It seems that parents who voice concerns and take actions steps are more likely to get timely results than if it is the district attempting to revise or implement change.

Credit Union of America Grants! Consistent level of communication from teachers District advisory group or District "site council" that includes For staff - email and videos, For community members - social parents - maybe have one for each quadrant media

Crisis situation training Contacting teachers District curriculum staff more present in buildings Forums like this

CTE Continue providing the best education to our students with our District leadership visits Frequently would rather have more emails/videos with shorter current budget. info than huge emails

CTE offerings in High School Continues parent involvement District Strategic Plan Friendly Portal/Onbase

CTE program - WATC for students Controlling bullying and communication between teachers and Districtwide sharing of ideas Get ahead in communication instead of after the fact parents. I also feel like it’s not every parents job to provide school supplies for the whole class!

CTE Programs/options for students Convenient parking for facilities staff at building Do we have a vision for what we are doing the technology. Get rid of teacher jargon when talking to parents

CUA Cost control - Fiscal responsibility training Dress codes in high schools, more uniforms in high schools Get to know the teachers and middle schools

Curriculum Cost of administration - disparity of funding to classrooms, top DUMP COMMON CORE!! Getting into schools to observe - wee what your work is going heavy expensive towards

22 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Curriculum and planning time Cost of health insurance During winter time kids are waiting too long to go inside the Give parents an opportunity to tell you what their children not schools the other way around

Curriculum is excellent Crunched curriculum Early childhood support Go to different departments

Customer service Curriculum changes frequently Easing restrictions on licensing Good

Customer service - follow through Curriculum changes frequently Educate public on agreed upon expectations Good news about internal services

Customer service for schools Curriculum for SPED - Reading levels Education of parents & family resources Has improved greatly over the past few months cutting days of the school calendar that aren't necessary Curriculums are questionable. My daughter stopped doing Educators who understand the differing needs of students and Have a positive presence spelling by 3rd grade and I had to teach her at home because are willing to think and go outside of the box to ensure her spelling was not great despite her being a gifted student. student success. Lunch times are far too short for young students. 20 mins is poor for a kindergartener or first grader to try and get through a line and eat with no talking. Lets be realisitic. They are small children. This isnt the military. Unacceptable. Busing should not be kept from students who live too close. My daughter lives 2.5 miles from the school, crossing several major highways and if we can't pick her up from school at 2:30 when she gets out she is expected to walk all that way susceptible to sex traffickers and poor weather. So we sacrifice possible better job opportunities to be able to pick her up. Magnet Schools starting at 6:50 is quite ridiculously early. I don't understand why that is necessary. It's also a burden on parents having to pick up so early. Several of the receptionists at the schools I have noticed seem to be very rude, especially to students. I'm not sure why this is a trend but I guarantee there are plenty of people willing to work those jobs that are friendly. I always feel like I am bothering them when I need something by their response. Unacceptable. If it is known a child has lice, it is NOT a HIPAA violation to send a letter out to parents that there has been exposure. I work in the medical field. I took an entire course on HIPAA. It's only a violation if you release a student's name. There MUST be notification to parents to check their children's hair to keep it from spreading. Especially with the treatment resistant lice now. The policies on this are atrocious. There is nothing wrong with sending a generic letter remind parents to check their children's hair.

Data Dialog Deadlines for teachers to put in grades Effective leadership. Not more assistant superintendents, not Have follow through with what is said more administrators, but leaders who view the budget like it is their own business to protect and grow.

Data driven Dealing with SPED diagnoses and trusting parents about Effectiveness of Resources Have the teachers openly communicate and utilize the concerns information that we parents give them to better our children's education instead of being smug and condescending about how they know what they're doing and completely disregard what input we as parents have to offer to help.

23 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Data driven district Deffered maintenance ELA curriculum Having more listening sessions

Data Driven instruction Developing programs for technology VS anti-bullying and eliminating wasteful programs while supporting strong Having roving school board meetings in different HS locations other needs performers.

Data, AVID, WICOA, college visits Differential guide for unique student needs Emphasis/training for social/emotional needs of kids & staff Hear the same message from the "top" and follow through

Dedicated educators Differential Magnet vs regular school Employee compensation/better healthcare - good recruitment Hear the same message in give updates tools and current retention

Dedicated recess! Differential PD - grade levels & building Employee education program Help teachers understand I want to hear about my children and their day. Provide community service options for parents and kids. Provide more than fun nights at school and better understanding of what my children are learning.

Dedicated teachers Differentiation for high achievers. Employee handbooks High school curriculum - Communication, news station, podcast (media production)

Demerit card celebrations Discipline policy needs to change. Minorities seem to have Employee retention - compensation, labor study, surveys to Hiring Dr. Thompson was a huge step in the right direction. more strict consequences when it comes to assess turnover issues She is an amazing educator and leader, but from what my expulsion/suspension. Some kids seem to be targeted by staff - fiends and colleagues who know her personally say, she is an students labeled by staff, unfair treatment even better person. Additionally, continue these feedback opportunities, be present at PTO meetings to gather feedback. Oh, and please encourage our school board officials to role model the emotional maturity we expect of our students.

Departmentalized Discipline protocol - addressing infractions (looking at Empower employees to make decision, closer to where the Honor wjat we do our thoughts, suggestions and opinions restorative and punitive) work is done; authority to resolve

Departmentalizing elementary District in-services not relevant to transition Encourage teachers that evaulation model is in place for How can we get more people to come? Can we do a live feed - growth/improvement Facebook Live - use social media

Departments are working with each other District makes schedules for elem. Encouraging underclassmen How do we make it personal? Face to face, phone calls, staff facebook, texts/text video link

Dept Grades District needs more $$$ Establish a weather guideline for when students are absent I always appreciate e-mail communication. Mrs. Graves, our due to weather principal, also does a very good job with the robo-calls for any announcements. My son's teacher, Shannon Rains, also does a great job at communicating via Parent VUE and e-mail.

Depth Knowledge chart District staff in buildings - need to introduce/identify Establish core beliefs I am actively engaged and I communicate. I like knowing what themselves is going on but recently have received phone calls, texts and emails. I feel it is a bit overkill.

Depth of knowledge District vehicle Evaluation tools that seek to provide student success in each I am quite pleased with your level of communication with me individual subject. More money put into creating success for as it stands. I do not feel "in the dark" about any issue student learning by subject. Also, principals should teach at regarding my department. least one class each nine weeks and instructionally coach teachers at least once a month to provide instructional leadership.

24 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Desing & construction dept Ditto! Everyone being on the same page I appreciate frequent emails and FB posts. Hearing information on the news is irritating.

Despite what we may hear, there are some amazing things Diverse behavior/social needs of students, time to help Excellent administration and excellent teachers. This requires I appreciate the listening sessions that are being conducted, happening in our district, from elementary level through high students with behavior needs & time to plan for rigor. above average contracts and salaries. Treat teachers as the but I honestly don't see them making a difference. If change school. Student's are being challenged academically, they professionals they are and allow them to teach without being was honestly desired for our district, then more effort would truly are stepping up the rigor, but having fun in the process, micromanaged. Administrators who will advocate for best have been put forth to resolving the negotiations dispute with all the while, learning and growing. I'm very grateful and glad practices for teachers and students, using programs from the teachers. to be a part of the WPS team. around the world

Did not mix us up too much with the longer days Diverse learning styles in digital age Expand trauma informed schools district wide I believe email is the most effective way to communicate with most parents.

Different magnet options Diverse needs of kids creates D.I. issues - behavior, academic, Expectations should be consistent across buildings, so when I believe that communication is good. emotional needs principals move it's not completely different.

Differentiation of curriculum of students & group Diversity and racism especially to immigration - empowering Expenses of school need addressed that doesn't hurt student I don’t see a current problem in this area. students and families

Discipline in schools seems to be pretty good. Offering choices Diversity in staff (lack thereof) Exposure to different job opportunities for all high school I don't care how, just give teachers a substantial and much - IB @ East, PIB @ Robinson, various magnet options students deserved raise to make up for years of minimal to no raise. 3- 4% raise is a slap in the face especially since we were told teachers were to be a top priority and millions in extra funding to the budget this year were spent elsewhere.

District backpack program Diversity of behavior Exposure to specific program I don't know how to answer this politely. For as many assistant superintendents and other downtown leadership we have, you guys sure do a good job of doing "stuff". You send schools lots of "data" but with no practical plan to actually implement an intervention that would successfully cure issues within the district. I feel district led inservices are extremely mechanically and the majority of the content could be covered in 25% of the time allotted. You guys are beating the "model best practices" to death and it wastes time and resources (kind of like your colored marzano books that are irrelevant now). I think district leadership should consider streamlining your initiatives in such a way that 1) content can be taught effectively and quickly (to professionals, not 5th graders (so ditch the champs, achieve, and voice level slides)) 2) communicate with your principals in a way that they are not constantly looking down on their phone rather than up at the kids/faculty 3) administer with GRIT, don't be afraid of litigation because you are effectively implementing data driven concepts (like consistent consequences for misbehavior) 4) get parents more involved with chronic absenteeism (rather than asking teachers to do magic shows to keep kids engaged and coming to school) 5) and i don't know, stop creating "tasks force" compiled of downtown people who haven't been in the classroom in the last 5 years

District calendar - schools all the same Diversity of the teaching staff Extra para support in classrooms. I enjoy the phone calls and emails. Quick surveys like this one are also beneficial.

25 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

District cares what students think Diversity. This district is not diverse enough, in regards to Fair allocation of FTEs - FTEs don't always move with student I feel like text messages, phone calls and email are great ways faculty/staff. I also think this district marginalizes minority population - student/teacher ratios to stay connect with parents. children/families. Many activities and programs are not all- inclusive. I feel like faculty and staff fail at creating a school environment that fosters acceptance and togetherness.

District employees are professional Good food choices Do all schools need student support techs? Fair market compensation I feel our district is TOO LARGE. We could try every communication method under the stars and because of the size of the district and the diversity, there is not one best way to communicate with everyone.

District initiatives on the cutting edge. Curriculum aligned with Do not have a dedicated person for early childhood, No Family Engagement I feel positive changes have already occurred with this under common core standards. MTSS for academic and behavioral curriculum for self contained pre K and Dunlap. Alicia Thompson. I love the emailed links to videos. Conflict concerns. Behavior/Emotional support students/families, with district and union is always stressful. Developmentally appropriate practice for preK and Kindg

District is more visible - part of communnity (i.e. Chilli Fest) Doing what is best for children as far as being physically active Family Engagement (more resources?) I feel processes/methods currently in place are adequate. and the length of the school day, as well as homework load. Parents need to let educators do their job. You should be more We are putting too much on them when nu.wrous studies have worried about teaching my child calculus and less worried shown shorter days and less homework are better about how to keep me informed of every little thing.

District Wide Champs and Tier 1, 2, 3 behavior plan. Doing what we've always done Feedback from staff & parents I feel that the listening sessions are very good start with being transparent on decisions made by our district. It will be important to continue to visible and accessible in our community. Our district culture is not strong, and we have the chance to improve it with the steps being taken.

District wide units of support to support mobility Doing what’s best for kids in such a large district and making Feedback on how partnerships are working I feel the school does a great job with communication between everyone fit the mold... them and my family

District work groups - driving sustainability/implementation of Don’t squeeze a whole lesson into one week Fewer but better initiatives (all new at one time is challenging) I feel you already do. There are so many channels accessible district initiatives/MTSS to me as a parent. You're doing a great job.

District-wide implementation (Pacing guides) Don't dumb down the curriculum - challenge more Fill SPED teacher positions I get a feeling that what we do is not respected

Diverse opportunities- Drivers ed classes Finances, that is a big issue in our district. I get a text message, phone call, and email whenever the principal needs to communicate with parents. I think that part is fine. I'm not sure what else the administration could do. I've had great experience with the teachers. The communication I've had has been impressive.

Diversity Drop off/pick up traffic issues Financial I have appreciated the phone calls with references to the website.

Diversity Due process for students Financial concerns I have no concerns in this area.

Diversity Duplicated efforts - frustration Financial Literacy I like Parent Vue but would love to be able to access school sports and other activities on it.

26 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Diversity - everyone is valued Each time a new curriculum, standard or adjustment is made Financial literacy I like the emails and texts. But, I do know that a lot of staff do it is made in the entire district. Instead of gradually adding it not read all of their emails. I have no other suggestions. to lower grades, and then progressing over the years. Students miss out on critical information because they didn't get taught those concepts with the new change. It hurts kids overall when it is just dumped on them.

Diversity will aid in future workforce experience for students Ease of getting transcripts Financial plan (is it ready for today's problems) - prioritize I like the idea of this online survey. I like the listening needs sessions. I like the collaboration of district personnel for listening sessions.

Does well as largest district in state Economic diversity Financial recognition for good perfomance I like the parent links but really having friendly staff is how I learn best what is happening in school

Doing what's best for kids? Educate schools/principals on SSC workload/regs Financial security from the state. I like the videos and emails from Dr. Thompson.

Dr. Thompson very approachable Educate to global economy - align curriculum to jobs Financial support for quality teachers who take a genuine I like the videos. Make them short and frequent. Too long and interest in children and their learning. your hardworking teachers won't watch them--we're busy!

Dreambox Educating community Find a feedback model to see if students are becoming life I love that Dr. Thompson is open and visible at buildings. long learners Would love to see her make time to engage or talk at every building. Might also consider an electronic mailbox that is open 24/7 for staff to send in notices about issues, but also what possible solutions might work. List problems buildings might be having or if they need supplies or resources that another building might have and can assist with. It's just like why do we have schools decorate for prom and then throw decorations away? Whey can't most of the items be recycled and shared? And this is just one example.

Dreambox - Interv & enrich Educating on cyberbullying Find out why district staff don't send own children to WPS I love your videos - Superintendent updates, emails - your presence

Dual credit offering Educating teachers/staff on how to access work order system, Finding resource, who is available for what I prefer online surveys like this. I don't have the time to awareness of standards commit to coming to the sessions around town, although that is a great thing for those who can attend. Listening to classroom teacher input on curriculum would also be huge. In 13 years, I have never been able to give my opinion on curriculum moves. I may not be a curriculum specialist, but I am the specialist of my students. I know their needs inside and out. Honor me as a professional and listen to my opinion on student needs. The needs at each building and each classroom vary so much, and a one size fits all curriculum is a terrible idea!

Dual language - Horace Mann, Cloud Educating those students who pose and need lots of Finding the best practices and giving teachers & staff time & I think communication is improved. Seeing AMAC intervention, behavior training. resources to TEACH and REACH every child. Too many administration in schools is great. Just because we are a large initiatives at once . . .MORE doesn't mean rigor/better . . Less district doesn't mean we have to act like one. but really good STUFF

27 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Dual language program - Horace Mann Education is what workforce wants Focus on "Main" district gaol I think for the most part, that is being done now. What I hear from crew persons at the SSC is they would like to see more from the BGMS supervisors. I know they are very busy, but an hour long Q&A session in individual shops might help. There would probably be more complaining than anything else, but I believe these guys want to be heard. Right or wrong, the do have opinions and feel as if they aren't always being heard. I honestly believe it would be beneficial to them if no one else.

Earthquake drill Efficiency challenges to internal work; ease of access; access Focus on attendance I think the district does pretty good about communicating. points with readers Email and surveys are good. I also really appreciate hosting the Choices Fair. I haven't been yet and intend to go to look at district choices for my kids.

Educate well on bullying & harassment, awareness & dealing Elementary lunch times need fixed so that all children have Focus on engaging families and maybe have a way to teach us I think the district does well with emails, phone calls and with plenty of time to eat, even if their class is the last on through about the different kinds of math ideas and reading so I can texts. This way people have multiple ways to get information. the lunch line. help with homework. We need more help in the classrooms I also enjoy conferences because I get important information too- from the teachers.

Educating kids and taking care of our community's children. Elementary teachers are primarily focused on reading and Follow through I think there has been a huge improvement in this area this math, but kids are still being moved up to middle school year. behind their grade level. Why is this still happening if social studies and science subjects have been cut down? It seems to me that reading textbooks is what kids need to learn as they move up in grades. That isn't happening which results in the kids continual struggle when in middle and high school.

Educating SPED students Elem-MS-HS curriculum transitions - aligning curriculum, Follow through on what you heard. Realistic expectations. I think you are communicating just fine. across programs

Educating students ELL can be challenging - number of Follow up for children behind I think you are doing this well. The text messages and voice mails are great! Maybe have a "state of the month" address to all parents to let us know how things are going, anything new on the horizon, concerns of teachers and administration, etc.

Education is priority ELL supports & Kelpa - students not getting out of Funding I think you do a great job for what our family needs. interventions

Educators that are interested in student issues and go above ELL Waiver Funding - better use of funds and public transparency I would appreciate better communication at the elemetary and beyond to help and find resources level. We use to have terrific communication and then a change in principal relegated our communication almost obsolete.

Educators that listen and are willing to help students Emotional needs of our students...our students are struggling Funding increase to address all the needs of kids I would want a proactive form of communication with with just knowing how to be "ok". Their struggle is real, they teachers, staff l, and security guards when handling children do not know how to act. with disabilities and/or special needs, instead of looking at the student as delinquent and the parents as a bad parents.

Efficient Emotional students need to be understood, rather than just Funding* I'd like to see graduation rates of high school's up to date. pushed towards medicine

28 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Elementary and middle doing a good job of meeting needs of Employee appreciation/longevity Funding, time support, trust professional decisions, trust If you ever want to meet with a parent whose child attends students teachers, flexible in curriculum those alternative ed schools meet with me. I would love to share my thoughts. This is my 3rd child in 259 and second with special services.

Embracing diversity Employees need to feel valued Funds. A better way to identify and remove or remediate poor I'm fine with the communication with the district - emails and performing teachers. My student had a teacher that was awful. calls. It might be nice to add texting as well - this seems like Parents, other teachers, school administrators were aware of the best way to reach this generation of parents. issues with the teacher but nothing was ever done to address the problem. I'm not sure why the district allowed 30 students a year, year after year to have this teacher when there were complaints launched every year. I get tenure but maybe it should be rethought. That would move the district forward if we had quality teachers in every classroom and there was an understood standard the teachers had to meet to keep their jobs. Just like in the corporate world.

Embracing our diversity. Encouraging diversity Gatekeeper to keep on task I'm impressed with the parent communications by the school with Parentvue, emails & phone recordings.

Embracing the student population and respecting diversity. Enforcement of pacing guide - Get rid of common core. Your dumbing down the kids with Improve communication with community or finances outside that garbage. Figure out a budget where your not clamoring the classroom; use of tax dollars are returned back into the for more money every fiscal year. Get the kids more recess for community God’s sake.

Emotional/social support for all Engaging families GET RID OF THE SAFETY SVCS PRGORAM AND USE MONEY In my opinion WPS is doing a great job phone calls, emails FOR "SAFE TRANSPORTATION" FOR KIDS WHO LIVE WITHIN ParentVUE and sending notes is working. THE 2 MILE RANGE. WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS OKAY FOR YOUNG STUDENTS TO WALK IN THE DARK AND COLD AT 6:45AM IN THE MORNING. CROSSING MAJOR STREETS IN THE DARK.USE THE MONEY IN THE SAFETY SVCS PROGRAM FOR TRANSPORTATION. THE KIDS GET THE GANG/SUICIDE/JUST SAY NO INFORMATION IN CLASS AND IN THE AFTERNOON PROGRAMS.

Emphasis on education Engaging the community - everyone not just parents of Get students involved - be transparent with them Include and value everyone. So many times certain people current students (usually friends or favorites of the administrators) are allowed to voice their opinions and concerns while the majority of us are left in the background. Also, be very forthcoming with WPS employees. This is our lively hood and we want to be told head-on what is happening in our district. We don't want to have to "read between the lines".

Emphasis on quality English courses- not enough time to reflect on material due to Get students on grade level - graduation rates Incourage and support honest communication time change

Employee Discounts Enrollment - online but communication not clear Get students on grade level - make public aware Information (BOE info) – provide quick summaries

Employee self service Equal opportunities for all students. Get students on grade level - make students to want good Informational emails grades (moving on to next grade regardless of grades)

Encourages discussion of sensitive topics Equality of education among all schools. Get the media on board with the positive recognition In-service's.

29 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Eng. NY Debrief & explained thinking Equitable work on all building improvements get to the core of the problem Interal messaging system: opt-in, post info such as obits

Engage New York - increasing rigor Equity of resources between buildings Getting kids into programs that go into the summer - like Internal communication on district issues gardening

Engage NY curriculum Every year my child has a student in the classroom that is Getting the tech into the hands of every student. We need an Internal newsletter - send home with staff - expense highly disruptive, violent and loud. These children disrupt the awareness of what's out there. learning of the classroom daily. I am told this is where the child has to be and that the district cannot do anything else about the child. The school does the best they can with the child but they also do not have enough para support to be with this child throughout the day to help with their behavior. It is mostly on the teacher to deal with this child and teach. I know that other districts have high para and special education support to give all identified students the support they need. I worry about how much my child is learning and for their safety.

Engage NY math, 2nd step, after school programs, Extending life expectancy of schools give up standardized testing (if possible); support teachers to Internal newsletter with spotlight on dept to introduce, etc. interventions built into the day teach their strengths rather than teaching to the tests

Engaged NY math curriculum meets the rigor standard. External PR - people outside don't have a positive impression Giving the teachers and staff what they need. Listen to them Internet more. Allow them to have a say in what goes on. Quit adjusting the schedules. Keep the children in school more. All the nonsense days off or ridiculous

Engagement teachers have with a child's life Facilities Good Intranet type communication concept

Engaging all levels: students, staff, community Favoritism, bias- teachers/admin Good communication, this continued transparency, more Investigate issues when they arise parent involvement

Engaging community-promotions/events Feeding the kids Good leadership/open door/listening Invite volunteers to participate in schools

Engaging people Fiances Good question. Let the kids know they are destine for Is my voice heard? More feedback if you see that - would like mediocrity. Let the kids know they are score poorly on to see all data - How eill we know if data is being used standardize test. Very easy to say a number of solutions, who knows, sometimes I wish we could pick our fights, but that is not what we need. Very hard to say. Develop a working group for the kids, similar to the building working groups.

Enrichment programs Fidelity for 2nd Step and other Programs Government, they need to priorities our children Is school open to a community lead parent group?

Ensuring that my student is set up to succeed academically. Fidelity to programs & communication. Build staff morale Graduate come back and talk to students/encourage It is best to communicate in many different forms, social Teaching them good study habits. media, email or text.

ESOL classes for parents Filling Subs (needs) Grammar It would be handy to know how you decide what publisher's you choose to pilot. I've never quite understood why some things get tried and others don't.

30 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Everyone works very hard - taken on additional roles, proud to Finance. Greater consequences for negative student behavior. Just be open about what is going on. The secretive behaviors be a part Mandatory e-school and/or explosion for those who don't of the BOE are out of control. Not letting parents and teachers change behavior. be heard is insane. I've never worked in a district that treats its parents and teachers like they don't have a say in the education of its students.

Explicit Inst - more of a focus Finances Grown you own craft program Keep asking for feedback and address the issues that keep coming forward. When decisions are made - make sure to offer the WHY and HOW it will be paid for and WHAT the benefit is expected to be.

Expressions of appreciation Finances. School is way too long for elementary students and Guarantee that teachers who continue their education get Keep doing what you're doing! teachers- they look burnt out and tired- it's only October compensated for it

Extension office offerings Financial stability Guidance towards each child's goal for adulthood. Job & career Keep listening to the community and looking at the data. planning. DISCIPLINE is on the rise!!!!

Extra recess Find a way to connect Half time promotion to get more to come (like WSU) keep the lines of communication open...letting one and all know what is going on...just in general.

Extra recess is a plus Find funds for stuff that was cut in the budget Has a student mastered a skill vs just earning a grade. Keeping all players involved in decisions Grading (letters) TOO subjective

Extracurricular activities finding and keeping and paying qualified teachers Have classes to teach other languages at younger grade levels Keeping parents more informed on the goals of the school district and the reasoning behind it.

Extracurricular activities- enjoyment opportunities, networking Finding time to develop relationships Have each district level employee with a teaching certificate Keeping up with latest technology back into a classroom on a regular basis. They need to have perspective refreshed often. Stakeholders are parents, students, and teachers too.

Facebook Fine arts involvement in the community Have some kind of way to text parents. Not all parents are Knowing issues are being worked on (don't need immediate available to talk on the phone. answers)

Facilities Fixed mindset instead of growth mindset Have systems in place to get data out to stakeholders & use it Language support for all meetings - BOE - technology? efficiently

Facilities & operations Focus more on life skills, like social time at lunch (but no Healthier and better tasting lunches for our students so that Language support for parents time) we don't waste food facilities are clean Focus on raising ALL students higher not so much more on High expectations for students behavior, parents involvement, Leave time for teachers to participate in more committees and those who may/may not want help or assistance. staff commitment decision making processes as opposed to hiring new administrators or creating positions to meet those needs. Continue to welcome the public to board meetings

31 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Faculty led, controlled well in school Focus on reading/math, other subject not taught as well High expectations students LET PARENTS INTO SCHOOLS! I was allowed to visit my (science) daughter's classroom, see her specials teachers, and generally wander the halls once I had checked in when she was in elementary school. Middle school has been a culture shock. I don't have a clear contact person to talk to about concerns, and if I want to stop by a classroom, I have to be accompanied by a school administrator. This is not welcoming or helpful for parents. High school will be even worse. I don't know who to talk to about concerns, have to search through a list to find who I should talk to about any given issue, and DO NOT feel welcome in the school. Parent involvement is a huge predictor of student outcomes, and our middle and high schools are stifling that factor. An example: even though my I emailed my daughter's teachers to let them know she had a doctor's appointment, and even though my husband checked her out of school to take her to that appointment, I still got a notice that she had unexcused absences in two classes. Apparently I should have contacted the attendance clerk. How many people do I have to notify about a doctor's appointment?

Faith builders Focusing on positive instead of negative High school counseling – ratio/method Let us know why negotiations in regards to our contract are not moving forward from the BOE side. Give teachers and staffeta the training and curriculum needed to do our jobs effectively.

Family atmosphere Follow through High school needs to do a better job of preparing students for Like that there are mulpiple communication tools their "after-life". One way would be to have 1/2 day of school for seniors with the afternoons spent either doing further studies independently (college bound students) or working in a job (non college bound students.)

Family Math Nights Follow-thru with implementation of 504 & IEPs. High structure Listen and respond

Feed kids well Food choices not adequate, lack quality higher standards and clearer expectations - more focus on listen to feedback and implement the necessary feedback academics, less on all other distractions. Kids need to be based on that feedback! challenged more, held accountable, and discipline must be firm

FEMA Shelters, bond initiative Foods are not sensitive for allergies Highly qualified teachers and adequate support for highly Listening sessions qualified teachers to stay in the district

32 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Finally having a superintendent who is willing to listen to all For a long while I have been in the district yet you do not Highly skilled district level administration who is aware of Listening sessions for staff throughout year parties involved in the education process! know me. Get to know us, like we get to meet/know our educational trends and research as well as recent building students. Together, we make one big great time. level experience with teachers and students Greater emphasis on more timely decisions that still takes into account a large amount of feedback from a considerable amount stakeholders More accountability for all schools/staff/principals to adhere to board policies and district decisions and reccomendations Becoming a leading district in the use of technology by students and as a home-school connection Decisions based on education research with proven results that are positive for students- not decisions based on small groups of employees or parents initiating complaint Consistent use of district policies and procedures- it should not be a parent who informs a teacher or principal of district policies when the policy is being violated District should also revise current policies- some are outdated and irrelevant given that it is 2017, make sure policies are relevant and real world applicable to our current students

Finding hobbies & extracurriculars you love Foundations; basics in academics (HS) Hold students accountable (rigor) (requirements) Listening to those with expertise - in the building doing the work first year in public schools, impressed with the Counselors and Free up teachers to allow them to teach creatively. Don't Holding students accountable for their actions. I know we are Local media - use more teachers - there is ease of communication, facility looks good, saddle them with a script. Allow for some flexibility in the day, trying to promote a positive environment but the ones that act good offering of classes including adequate free play time. Be diligent about pushing out are not being handled. My children are distracted by their underperforming teachers to improve. As an employee in the behaviors and it is not something that is being properly district, I see outstanding teachers. And, unfortunately, I see addressed, if addressed at all. teachers who should not be there. Don't allow teachers that are doing a disservice to the children to continue. Work at recruiting and keeping excellent quality categorical SPED teachers. What is keeping them away? I hear reasons such as the overload of paperwork and lack of support. Help SPED teachers create the creative and structured classroom that will help children with special needs feel secure. I believe the lack of structure and feeling insecure is a big reason for behavior issues in the categorical rooms in the comprehensive schools. They also need good classroom support, enough paras to support the students so they aren't just spending the day herding and chasing their tales. It seems teachers are feeling undervalued. I feel like the UTW leader has contributed with a less that positive attitude. Don't know what can be done about that. I just hope everyone can maintain a positive attitude so that the culture and tone will reflect that.

Fiscal responsibility Full time CST needs for Tier 3 Homework and class work between teacher and parents - Look me in the face. especially younger children

Flexibility to meet student's needs Funding Honesty, integrity, and a willingness to collaborate with the Mail parents.

33 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Flexibility with curriculum Funding How can we engage parents more, because most work, can Major parent concerns about elementary lunchrooms. Who do technology be incorporated somehow parents go to when there is not principal support? Need a safe environment to take concerns

Focus on academics Funding How to live by ourselves Make school websites a place where information can be located. Make sure the websites are updated daily. Place the video from school board meetings on the district website.

Focus on building relationships Funding – lack of stability How we advertise open position Make your problems public. Let the public see what you're dealing with. Also get parents some resources. I have no idea what common core means or HOW you're teaching my son.

Focus on health & well being Funding – where will we spend new $ I am hopeful Dr. Thompson will be helpful to move the district Mandatory parent service day forward. She brings a spirit of energy and positive attitude. I believe that new ideas are needed. Of course, money is one item that is needed also.

Focus on health (Gracemed, wellness points) Funding and community resources I am not sure, somwthing that will be beneficial for the Mandatory parent service day - to get info students.

Focus on increasing student engagement Funding for supplies I believe each school needs more support staff to juggle the maybe have meetings right in the school that your child time constraints of handling students who are affected by attends to trauma. Teachers are professionals at delivering content, but juggling that plus the stress of managing high trauma classrooms is too much. Teachers are working hard to deliver rigorous content, they need support to help students deal with personal trauma. Smaller class sizes and more para support would be the first step. I also feel that a data coach at every school is something of the past. Instead of a data coach, schools need trauma specialists and behavior specialists.

Focus on using outdoor spaces Funding teachers adequately. Teacher morale is at an all time I believe we need shorter hours, less homework, and better Maybe smaller at each school - parents tell individual schools low. They do not feel valued. wages for our teachers. I also believe less talk and posters how they are doing about transgender issues. This has made my children very uncomfortable in their own schools.

Focusing on Bullying Funding teachers pay. With the new income tax withholding I I believe WPS should highlight their successes in a public Media blitz will be making less even if I get a 3.5% raise. forum. It seems the only news that is shared is often the bad news. WPS does some wonderful things that more than just the parents of students should hear about.

Focusing on how to fix behavior issues, open communication Funding, TIME for planning, support and resources for I don't know Media like listening sessions - good and bad news and allowing feedback, support and resources for teachers behavior challenges, equity across the district among different kinds of school populations

34 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

For now you are keeping your parents and Community Funding. Communication with staff and the public. (I think this I don't know. Meet and greet informed and that's a good thing. has been good for the entire 5 years I have been here; just saying that I know it is a huge challenge. Giving all staff reasons to feel valued. Perhaps 10 minutes at the beginning of every district-wide in-service to read a message from you. I don't have any other suggestions here, but in reading comments about annual employee agreements, I see that a lot suggest they don't feel valued because they don't get whatever (raises, steps, longevity, etc.), even though they are well aware of the low budgets we have had to work with.

Forcing students to all have to learn the same way when Fundraisers & Involvement I feel that the district ignored some of the parents concerns Meeting the teacher night option to sign up or opt out everyone learns differently about school times after the last survey that was done. The district needs to continue reevaluating the school times.

Forming a team base strategy and being committed, and General negativity towards 259 - not seen as quality education I hope that this video will be passed on to Dr. Thompson. Meetings like tonight consistent with it. https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_why_good_leaders_ make_you_feel_safe?utm_campaign=tedspread-- a&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare It is time to be bold and innovative! Do not be scared to rock the boat. We need leaders who put people before dollars. Imagine if teachers felt valued? They would stay and give their all. I am a researcher and I was taught to follow evidence based practices. Research says the single most important factor to improve student academic success is teacher efficacy. Since I know that to be true, as a Mom I want you to invest in what will improve my Son's chances for academic achievement. Our students are also discouraged because the odds are against them due to outside factors because many are living in poverty and dealing with trauma. We need to continue develop our connections with community and rebuild trust of our parents.

Forward focus/improvements Generate & create partnerships for high number of students I know you are going to say..."what another meeting?" We Meetings. Emails. Press conferences. Open forums. need to have an open forum that discusses specific needs of the families. If children are going to be successful they need the people around them to believe in them and have the resources for them. I'm not saying our schools need to have all the answers but they must have some of them. I resource for families to know where to get free food, cost-effective housing, clothing and other life necessary items. Many of our local organizations do a wonderful job in providing these things but if families don't know about them they can't take advantage of them. More resources for our teachers to teach and not scramble for things they need to teach. Maybe a "giving" day that welcomes copy paper, crayons, wipes, pencils, etc. that can be divided up within the school.

35 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Free lunches & transportation Geography I think one thing WPS needs to really think about is school Monthly email newsletter start and end times and the length of school days, and the appropriate amount of outside time, mental breaks, and homework for each age group. So much research confirms that especially younger children simply DO NOT benefit from extended instruction time. We need to figure out more and better ways to allow our kids, particularly those most vulnerable, to learn through play and/or structured activities. For the middle and high schoolers, there need to be later start times. The magnet schools start simply way too early for those kids to reach their full potential. I realize there are a host of complicating factors with the budget and transportation, but the goal at all times should be student enrichment and education. We're putting our kids, many of whom already are starting at a disadvantage, even further behind by making them start too early, sit too long, and restricting their time outdoors.

Future emphasis Get rid of all common core teaching methods. When I was in I think the district needs to offer more opportunities for Mop??? school the way we learned it was much more effiecient rather teachers to grow as educators. We need to be able to attend than useless area models for addition. 8+5 is 13 not 10. conferences that allow networking and professional development opportunities. We need to offer more in-district training opportunities like Opportunity Teacher Leader Academy and Technology Master Teacher programs. We need to find ways to help and encourage teachers to obtain post BA/BS degrees so we can grow in our craft and offer a higher level of expertise to the district and our students. Tie the ability to have the district offset the cost of a masters in either our content area or administration to years of service to WPS. I guarantee many of us would jump at the chance! Bring technology into ALL our schools; especially at the secondary level. We cannot hope to prepare our students for post high school work or education without strong technological skills.

Garden program Get staff fully committed to work with students with their I think there needs to be more accountability for students and More consistency between schools success as a goal. For that reason WPS needs to get staff that parents. Teachers need to be better equipped to handle show competence and not hire staff because they are friends behaviors of those with trauma. There needs to be a way to of friends or recommended by other people. That is the reason boost teacher morale also. Teachers are down and not feeling why we have staff that are not up to their positions and that valued. We are losing great teachers to other districts because do not benefit WPS interests. they don’t feel valued in this one.

Gear Up program (grants for expanding) (undergrad Getting a better schedule for our children, especially at the I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A CLASS FOR SENIORS FOR THEM TO More district wide in-service by department program),exposure to college visits elementary level and securing better health benefits for BE ABLE TO WORK ON SCHOLARSHIPS AND FILL OUT teachers. COLLEGE APPS AS WELL AS VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.

Getting involved & hearing their voices Getting community involved in site council I would love for the schools to allow someone who has had More face time (in-services) district leadership providing medical issues to stay in school longer than 4 year of high updates - monthly? school to get their credits to graduate. Right now even if you miss because of medical you are not given extra time to make credits up without over loading the child with to many hard classes.

36 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Getting teachers/staff input on where this district needs to go. Getting kids motivated enough to want to keep learning and I.T. hardware necessary to meet kids' needs including training More family showcase nights the efforts to ask for help in any subject when they really need - example: Robotics it.

Getting/seeking community involvement Getting kids to school on time IEPs - not read the history but spend time on plan. Top down/ More feeder pattern colaboration bottom up review of IEP process

Girls on the Run Getting parents involved If someone wants a change for whatever reason, some way to More field trips to employers, explore Wichita community do that

Give classes in English for adults free of charge Getting students to school - attendance If the superintendent wants use a business model for More in person communication management she should study Edward Deming's Total Quality Management. An example of TQM would be requiring anyone in support or administration to be in the classroom at least 4 times per year. Those who are certified to teach should be modeling their teaching beliefs for current teachers to observe. This could save money on substitute teachers, provide substitute teachers and show truly how the Marzano system works. School board members should also participate.

Giviing feedback from SH Give back to partners I'm concerned that my child didn't learn cursive. I have a More in-person communication - continue social media (blend) family member who is a teacher in another Kansas community and she teaches it. I also think Common Core is awful.

Giving a good education to our children Give feedback on curriculum I'm not sure More input from all levels of staff

Giving parents an outlet to speak. Allowing some students the Good I'm sure you will receive 11,389 different responses here, but More interactive dialog opportunities with community choices of schools that they attend. the district needs to partner with other public and private members to better understand the needs of the school district community stakeholders to move learning beyond the and the families they serve. Post suspension and expulsion classroom. For example, a few years ago the district had two data, graduation and drop out data so the community knows teachers whose primary role was to coordinate field trips to what you are up against and the areas that USD259 needs the Great Plains Nature Center for all 2nd, 5th, and 8th assistance with. graders. This is an invaluable experience to explore our natural world right here in our community. The kid who lives at 16th and Piatt should have the same opportunity to learn about nature and conservation as the kid living in rural KS. We have that opportunity right here in town with the Nature Center. This, and other partnerships, are enriching to the K-12 educational experience.

37 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture? giving us a raise and having Ms. Thompson appreciate us and Government - funding, regulation, testing, valuing educators Im unsure of that. But i do have a few problems with the that More listening sessions, email, video message seems concerned about our schools! Rea Woodman principal has been doing things this school year. Kind of makes me want to take my children out of school and home school them myself. I know one thing that needs to change is how they do lunch time. Children having to throw away their food because they speak to their friends at lunch time is just ridiculous. We parents have to pay for their school breakfast and lunches yet it gets thrown away and they get set into timeout and basically get to go hungry and get into trouble. That doesn't make much sense to me. Why not take an extra few minutes out of different activities to give them more time to eat. Because if think about how long it takes the last child to get served their trays by the end of gwtting their food and sitting they really dont get as much time to eat as the first child or even the second half of kids to get their food to get time to finish. It's not fair to mei

Good Administration Grad rates Implement AVID strategies school wide, including college More meetings just like this! visits.

Good continuity: feeder patterns Graduation Rate Improve aesthetics More of a family enviornment rather than a business environment (gotten too large)

Good facilities for kids Graduation rate Improve cohesion among staff groups (admin, teachers, More online access to the teaching curriculum and assignment. classified) More interaction with student, parent, teacher and school on items that directly affect all.

Good facilities, academic & athletic -2 Graduation Rates, Improve morale More outreach sessions like these

Good internal relations and communication - District Facebook Grant writers/funding In order for the district to move forward ..it's starts with the more time options for pto/district meetings. most parents cant teacher and than the students.. teacher need to stop quick make it to them because of bus schedules judging student base on there race income looks

Good leader (Superintendent) to start this convo Guest speakers from community Incentive plan for teachers to remain in district More Town Hall meetings

Good news marketing Hard to keep all staff happy (community too) Include input from programs/teachers before making big move past the politics within BOE meetings. Do not protect decisions. Different PD for Staff to meet individual needs. poor performers from disciplinary action or removal.

Good relations with local vendors Hard to sell to staff Increase academic rigor, Teacher salary Multiple committees to build strategies around change indicated by data

Good selection of classes Having enough teachers to hire Increase Grad rates Multiple forms of communication

Good teacher planning having more food for the middle school and high schoolers. Increase in salary and benefits for teachers Streamline Multiple methods - same message the food they get is not enough for them to student and I see departments to collaboratively serve buildings Curriculum so many hungry kids come in before practices wanting design to meet the diverse population we serve crackers or anything we can give. This has been an on going issues. Raise the amount kids can get for lunches!!!

Good tracking and following of IEPS Health plan needs support! Tell the story! Increase parental responsibility News media, email, text

Good use of social media to keep everyone informed Healthy food choice Increase space News stories and emails are great

38 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Google classrooms Helping parents fee comfortable being involved in school Increased budget from the State and better use of use of our Newsletters home, text messages like the one I got the take budget. this survey, emails, however you need!!!

Grade school dismissal procedures Helping students and their parents understand the value of Increased Professional Development No more closed door dealings at the board meetings. Stop the education. rudeness when people speak to the board--people going through their purses, talking to others while people are speaking. Be open about new curriculum and why we are purchasing more things, allow more teachers and parents to have a say in decisions being made.

Grandparent program in elementary Helping students with special needs Increased Technology No news = bad news

Great facilities Helping the kids that fall into the "Middle area" (no considered Individual plans of study - at the middle school level - Xello Non-monetary/monetary incentives At risk/not Gifted) Bullying at Middle schools and Admin not and Career Cruising dealing with it

Great people (teachers, staff, USD259 employees) High ESOL on waivers going to magnet Individual recommendations Not an issue anymore. We have pulled our children from WPS

Great programs that address students needing to graduate High mobility Individualized PD for teachers Not ignoring small schools/programs

Great Staff High mobility, buy-in, students with behaviors, Info on community resources NOT SURE social/emotional trauma we don't know how to handle

Great teachers & paras High needs - Behavior & Academic Information Offline communicfation - supervisors

Great teachers, staff & Leadership High teacher turnover, do a better job at recruiting better Information and help to parents to learn processes for college One stop using apps that teachers aren’t allowed to use for teachers, that mirror student population, give them PD & readiness and help student to apply for colleges communication but we’re harped in till we download it. Two mentoring - they need to feel safe. just follow through with beliefs and promotions.

Great teachers/leaders/Administration Higher level math classes Innovation in technology On-line curriculum like Engage New York/Eureka Math

Guidelines for success Hiring & retaining employees Inspection at bus stops because people are selling drugs to Online surveys and open feedbacks. our kids

Handles diversity of student population - diversity of district is Hiring and retaining quality staff Interal education about other departments Open and transparent are just buzzwords. Communication just a plus needs to actually be real and honest. There's too much patting on the back, fluff and manipulation currently - not many buy it.

Handling a large population of diverse kids. Hiring quality people (pay) Internships Open dialogue with parents & WPS

Handling budget cuts well Hiring SPED certified staff Internships Open dialogue/communication

Having clear set goals for all students Hiring SPED/Psych/Social Workers, etc. Internships – experience in certain fields Open Live BOE meetings

Having schools like Cleveland and teachers like Jake Stecklein. Hiring staff that follow the goals/direction of the school. For Introduce rigor cash__? Open meetings, be visible My son has been in multiple schools and so far this is the best. example, Greiffenstein-Wells has a mission statement that is straight out of a book and, in practice doesn't follow the mission statement. This building needs new leadership and better employees.

39 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Having these listening sessions, and involving the community Hiring young people who are easily malleable for leadership Irregular temperatures in the classrooms Open school board meetings positions (particularly in curriculum) instead of "Old Folk" who aren't going to say "yes" because it makes the bosses happy.

Help us with afterschool events Hiring, retaining teachers (spec. SPED) - treatment of It really looks like the tools, and resources are there, we just Open sessions like now. More communication to teacher from teachers ask to be like the Marines no one left behind, continue to offer superintendent, as we are now experiencing. training so we can be better, the students look at, and hears from all of us. The school is a training ground for all, to learn.

Helping people who don't know English for adults free of Home environment Jive it all together somehow Open, honest, respectful dialog between all parties. charge Students/staff/parents/BOE.

Helping students who have learning disabilities Home life (high risks) Job shadowing Openness of providing feedback

Helping to keep the dropout rate low for high school students Home participation Job training Opportunity to provide feedback

Helping us to speak English in order to work with the schools Home Support Jobs for youth Our channel - blank/feature and highlights

Helping with latchkey programs Home/school connection Jobs to keep our kids in Wichita Papers sent home high attendance rate Homelife of our students - difficulty of regulating behavior K-12 ELA unified vocabulary - it means different things at Parent conference different levels

High expectations Homework is achieveable Keep building morale - be visible, supportive Parent education - on PTA, Volunteer opportunities

Hired and retained great teachers at Chisholm Trail Honoring veteran teachers. When steps are negotiated in the Keeping up with improving communications Parent liaison does this well, it needs to be advertised more Elementary. contract, teachers with 30+ grad hours get nothing. When a veteran teacher is maxed out on years of service and hours of grad work, THEN longevity is frozen or not given, these veteran teachers get NOTHING! Add an additional 1% taken for KPERS, and potential health insurance increases, these veteran teachers actually take a pay CUT! Is this really how WPS wants to treat is veteran, experience, highly qualified teachers? WPS and the BOE says teachers are an important asset/resource, yet we don't put our money where our mouth is. - Just sayin'

Hiring Dr. Thompson Hoops to jump through Kids need to learn that life isn't fair. Sometimes it appears as Parent Link: building and district level - Social media - Text if we are babying kids for their ego's sack. Tough love never messages hurt anyone. Kids have to learn to struggle and pick themselves up. I've seen teachers and teacher's helpers give the students the answers when the student became frustrated. That didn't teach the kid anything. It taught the kid to throw a fit and you will get your way.

Hiring good and caring teachers, who join a staff that cares how about looking at how outlier school systems do things Know what's available Parent Links about each and every student. (Maize, Goddard, Valley Center, and Andover) and try to copy them. They manage to have successful programs and balanced schedules that WPS can't seem to match....

40 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Hold listening sessions How administration handles frequent discipline situations. Larger budget/adequate funding Parent links and emails!

Holding these sessions How can we give back Late, late bus to accommodate kids who stay after school for Parent meetings activities

Homework Helpline How do we engage & empower parents to be more engaged Later start times for Magnet schools Parent meetings, emails with their children

Homework Hotline How do we engage more families - communication, driving Leaders who have demonstrated excellence as teachers AND Parent surveys (eg start time changes) involve-ment at schools organizational insight and follow through.

Homework Hotline How do we plug in people and when Leadership Parent Vue/Student Vue

Homework hotline How do we reach public that doesn't have students in WPS Leadership for others than management Parent/Community advisory meetings

Homework Hotline How do we serve the challenging students in the Less bureaucracy. Do what is best for the child and not what is Parent/Teacher conferences should occur during the day comprehensive school? Yes, trauma sensitive is a great best for staff or processes and procedures. (After 3 months we resource, but where are the "trained experts" that can help in are still fighting placement.) More science and music the buildings? curriculum. Better reporting to parents. Shorter school day (9- 3 should be sufficient for elementary.) More control is needed by teachers and not paras. Attention to social development. Staff "talk the talk," but i have visited the schools. It aint happening. Etiquette, manners, spelling and grammar, teamwork, and non aggressive conflict resolution are all weak.

Homework Hotline is awesome! How students are accepted into Magnet Schools - Magnet Less emails and more action from administration on dealing Parentlink (use it more for staff) schools seem to pull certain groups of students with problems (social media complaints,employee issues) less talking more doing

Honoring students deserving recognition How to "unplug" from tech., life, sports, etc. Less money spent on government schools. Parents of special ed students need more transparent communication

Hosting listening sessions How to deal with students who bring home life to school - Less students per school ParentVue seems to be effective. Show a curriculum that will social workers? assist with deprogramming the children and teach them how to think and question facts is a respectful manner. Although it starts at home.

House system How to intervene early Less time spent on the "latest and greatest" new educational Partner with parents and have open trusting communication - fad or worrying about entertaining the students and fewer in- must go both ways parents partner with schools service days and more time actually teaching the subject matter. These kids can't even do simple math without a calculator app on their phone or write their signature and read cursive. They don't know how to think for themselves or have a civil debate. I might have been educated back in the "dark ages" but from where I stand my high school education prepared me for the real world much more than this feel good crap today. Get back to basic education and expanding minds, not indoctrination and group think.

41 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

How much diversity Wichita Public Schools has. How to maintain high standards for students when there are a Less vacations for the children phone lot of children starting school unprepared for the classroom. Raising expectations for ACT and other state testing to meet the state average.

Huge variety of extracurricular activities Huge academic diversity Let schools discipline students. There is a culture of sweeping Phone calls, emails, newsletters to send hom things under the rug. My children tell me horror stories of stuff that happens at school.

Human Resources - customer service Humidity issues Letters of recommendation Phone or email.

I like the longer days and shorter school year with extra Hungry - time to eat (15 minutes from when ALL students get Life skills Place where questions can be answered (one # to contact) vacation days around the holidays. WPS also for the most part their food have well qualified teachers. Safety procedures are well thought out and carried out with students put first.

I agree with all the work WPS is doing. I believe class size for the younger elementary grades are an Life skills classes back as mandatory for 6th Grade. Four 9wk Positive feedback issue. I do not feel great learning can take place, even with classes Home Ec/Typing/Home skills so kids know Basic home the best of teachers, in a kindergarten class of 25. That is too repair/Life skills math balancing checkbook, making budgets, many students in one room especially at such a critical age. figuring their net pay...redo what’s required to graduate. Students get behind in kindergarten or 1st grade and we as a Theater/drama is nice but not going to get me a job today district try to catch that student up for the next several years.

I am grateful that our new Superintendent is reaching out to I believe that WPS don't handle special needs students with Like these smaller sit down - less intimidating Post video of ALL board meetings (even the small committee teachers and staff. It is important that we feel like our opinion Oppositional Defiance Disorders with learning disabilities as ones). matters. thank you well as having a positive way and proactive of handling their behaviors at times.

I appreciate the listening session and look forward to a new I believe there are many challenges for WPS: not enough Limit class sizes Practical vs theoretical initiatives direction from the new superintendent. funding, crowded classrooms, not enough support staff, teacher burn-out to name a few.

I appreciate the monthly superintendent's videos. I feel like I cannot imagine a leader who accepts a raise, a hefty raise at Listen to us, but not lip service Proactive communication she's trying to better connect with those in the classrooms. that, and wants to hire an assistant for herself, and then says there's not enough money for teachers. Leaders sacrifice. Leaders lead by example. I am ashamed to say that our leadership is no more informed about leading than it was with previous leaders. Image is not about a hashtag and a t-shirt, it's about being in touch with what needs to happen and making it happen. We need more feet on the ground, not more money spent on the superintendent.

42 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

I believe the teachers and administrators for the most part are I don't feel like my opinion is valued as a parent. You sent out Listening (today - big step forward) Proactively promote our alternative school programs 100% directed at teaching and educating our children. There a survey last spring asking about the schedule that was is that caring spirit to attempt to ensure every child receives largely ignored as far as I can tell. Parents (and teachers!) do what they need in a perfect setting not like the new schedule, yet the board likes the extra money and refuses (at least for now!) to get rid of it, even though it's bad for kids. The Eagle prints this huge article about how behavior is getting worse--and they'd also printed several articles about the schedule, and I know most of the behavior data was from before the schedule changed, but some was from after, maybe there was some correlation there too. Not only are kids tired from the longer days, but teachers are too- and releasing kids 10 minutes earlier, doesn't fix fatigue. If you can find money to hire a deputy superintendent, then find money to do what's right for kids, and go back to the longer schedule. I believe there is a genuine concern and care for our students. I hate the fact that my 5&7 yr olds have longer school days Listening between decision makers and those implementing Promote Site Council and PTO groups. I attend these regularly I do feel as if we put students first. than high schoolers! They have no time after school for the work and find the in-person information invaluable. playing and still have to do homework and baths before bath and bed time.

I can't answer that because my kids are still having problems I heard budget cuts are affecting schools. The schools need to Listening is a great start! Encouragement would go a long way Promote the belief that every employee is valued (not just at the school they're still getting bullied and picked on and it's maintain advocating for more resources in order to continue to with staff issues. when needs arise). Ex: we need a/c fixed right now . . . Then supposed to be in a no tolerance offer a good education and good services we're done with you

I don't know, I'm new to the district. I know the students are first, but thank you for looking out for Look at 100% meals for kids Promote/enable volunteerism the employees, the challenge was the employees were losing hope in a great district that was leaving us without a thought for our future.

I enjoy how well we engage with the students i live in colorado and my sons goto school out in wichita. Look at each situation individually (no zero tolerance) Protocol for communication with School Board trying to plan my parenting time around your lack of a new teachers contract makes my life difficult.

I feel as though they are doing better with communicating I think having the breakfast/lunchtime are really major and Look for solutions to chronic absenteeism. Under Denise Wren, Prove that you want what's best for kids--walk the walk, don't with families important...and getting the kids to settle down once it is time we at North had incredible gains in this area but have lost just talk the talk. to line up or go in from recess.. But my child wont be treated these gains under the current administration. The as an animal and be made to get on the hands and knees like administrator mattered tremendously. a dog or a cat... I feel Dr. Thompson is doing her best to be more present out I think if we were able to get more support from Parents Lose the "Us vs Them" mentalities - we're on the same team - PTA @ High School in the community and schools. increase knowledge, trust building, open communication (more of a partnership between bldg/depts)

43 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

I feel for the first time in many, many years WPS is being I think kindergarten’s schedule is slightly inappropriate for Lost learning during the summer - how to address - more Public agenda reviews (BOE) more transparent!! their development. I believe this is a time where they need summer learning programs for all levels/skills strong foundational skills built. Along with reading, writing and math, they need the social skills. We are not given enough time to teach strong foundational skills in the area of social and emotional. I think this is the reason why we are having so many problems in upper grades because they don’t have that foundation. I would like to see more time built into the kindergarten schedule for play time, time to teach and build social skills, problem-solving skills and launguage application.

I feel in my school, we are working very well as a faculty and I think the lunch program has a long way to go, I know they Love listening session Publish test scores on our websites, kids will move schools staff. Everyone has been very kind and helpful. are working on it. and our inner city schools will become worse. I am not sure, ask parents what they need to make their kids do the work. C's or D's are not the standard. A's and B's are the standard.

I feel like the district is making a more concerted effort to I think the morale of the teachers is at an all time low. The Lower the workload of the teachers and allow for creativity put everything online for those of us who are not in wichita. provide a well rounded education to all students regardless of years of no raises have made it very difficult to provide for our (teachable moments) make meetings available online live streaming or recorded so ethnicity or SES. families. So many teachers are having to take second jobs in we can watch them later. order to just meet the daily needs of their families. My family is still suffering from the lack of health care with the forced switching of primary care doctors just to save a few dollars. For the first time in my teaching career, I do not feel valued nor respected by my school district. I am no longer WPS Proud.

I feel WPS is communicating with parents in a very effective I wish there was a better way than just reassigning students Maintaining partnerships Putting a face to a name way. I like the voicemails and emails I receive. who struggle at a school. I wish there was a program that they could enter to teaching them anger management skills and coping skills etc. so that they are not set up to fail as they go to the new school. A few do improve, but sometimes it takes so much to get them there that others lose in the process. I would like all students also to get stress management training. I think this should be done at the middle school. This would help not only those with trauma but those with anxiety etc. Many are not getting this modeled enough at home. Inservice training - I realize one is required to cover the Marzano, but it is long, tedious and not inspiring. To me training should inspire me. The trauma training was wonderful and inspiring. We need more applicable training like this and make the Marzano training shorter.

I like how the students have different groups that they get Identify partnerships & how to build partnerships Make staff feel appreciated. Acknowledge that staff are Quick surveys on key issues (much shorter than safe & civil) split into to work on differenr subjects. I think that is overworked and underpaid and do something to alleviate could target specific goals and questions, such as rigor and wonderful... Every child learns differently. these stressors. Then provide support for emotional and relevance. behavior needs of our students. Then focus on strengthening the teaching approach. All the curriculum and testing in the world will do no good if the first two items are not addressed.

44 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

I like that some schools are using school uniforms. These new IEP, especially for developmental delay and behavioral. Those Make sure that administrators are daily in teacher's Regocnizing value of in-house trades system of ParentVUE is great There’s no excuse for us parents challenges are tough to meet, and although I know the classrooms to provide curriculum accountability. to communicate with our kids’ teachers. teacher sees the child at their "best", we as the parent see the child at their "worst" and have to try to help them overcome that worst that comes out after holding in everything all day. The funding needs to be there to allow for more sensory outlets for these kids, whether it be an extra recess, a para in the mainstream room, an advocate to be in the IEP meeting with the parent for the child, etc. Some parents feel railroaded because the school feels they know the child better. Simply not the case

I like the AVID program. Latchkey offered. Good Programs. If you don't get magnet choice looking at other district Make us get moving on college requirements Regular base school staff visits, social media The people.

I like the different groups for my students to get a more Image of state when recruiting & with retention Making facilities inviting, not so institutional Regular email newsletters/eblasts even if they just link to varied education based upon their needs, enrichment grouping content on the web site.

I LIKE THE HOURS. ON TOP OF MAINT OF BLDGS. GREAT Improve participation of parents in events or school activities Male focus programs Re-name parent/teacher conferences to avoid the negative AFTERSCHOOL PGMS. PROMOTES STUDENTS GETTING connotation associated with it INVOLVED IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS PRGMS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. ADDRESSES FIGHTING AND HARRASMENT....QUICKLY I like the magnet school program, that there are so many Improving the students' education by challenging them and Many people have taken on other jobs/tasks - too much stress Repetition programs to help students in poverty, not by lowering the bar. Prepare students for the real world on the employee - People are being asked to keep taking on with a solid foundation, including planning for different career roles to fill gaps paths and personal financial courses.

I like the new testing as a parent and teacher I feel fastbridge Inability to address student/family challenges Map to resources available in District - both staff needs and Reply to emails. gives us more information parent needs

I like the staff's customer service; I feel they support me as a Inappropriate aligning tasks with age groups Market the district Research how to get more involvement parent

45 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

I like the tutoring hotlines so i can learn how to help my child Inclusion and too many learning levels in one classroom has Market within our district/job fair for teachers Resources & support follow mobility rather than look for help online left the general education students in a poor environment for learning. There are too many special education students with behavior issues or who test in the ID range who are in the general classroom. Not all, but some of these kids in these categories, disrupt the learning of the general education students. We are not passing state assessments because we try to teach all levels in one classroom. The regular education students lose out. Behaviors in the classrooms can be due to those students who cannot manage the general curriculum and are still expected to. Teachers need extra support in the classroom. Students need to be pulled for categorical classrooms if they have shown no progress in learning and are disrupting the learning of others. Also, students who are not in the special education program (due to the length it takes to get these students help) should be able to be in a different class if they are disruptive to the general classroom. The rights of the general education students need to be protected as well.

I love that the superintendent is asking for feedback, listening Inconsistence and lack of moral values which are Medial blitz to encourage families to get involved Respect all and communicating frequently and openly. I love the new, demonstrated with the children. The staff are using removal of student-led format in Mayberry's advanced art class, where recess as a disciplinary tool ignoring the fact the it is school the student's choose their projects and media. We have so policy to follow other protocol. Staff yelling at the children. many devoted professionals that truly care about each individual student. They are the heart of WPS and what make it special. They make the difference for children at risk or in need. I love how many teachers I see being creative in their classrooms with things like modified seating and accommodations for kids with ADHD.

I love the "second step program". Inconsistent grading policy mentioned in previous more classroom budget for supplies Respect for teachers

I only know about Wichita West, but the ONLY thing good is Incorporate Tier 3 and SPED Mentor program for new teachers Respond to calls/emails when there are concerns with building the head principle and the Social Worker....THATS IT!!!! issues

I see schools want to make sure things run smoothly Increase in behavior Mentoring older students/younger students Return parent phone calls

I think interventions we have in place are going well and Increase in behavior and mental health needs of students. Mentors Round table discussions with BOE (monthly): an ability to talk getting the support students need. Retaining good, competent staff. Morale is terrible. Staff do with not to BOE, quarterly meetings, restructure board not feel appreciated. This is getting better though with Dr. meetings to best communicate with community with imposing Thompson as Sup. Keeping curriculum, books, computers, on BOE volunteers etc. updated so our students are prepared to compete and achieve in the work world.

I think that the management of this large district, in terms of Increase salaries for teachers Mentorship from teachers- stay with us after we graduate. Safe & civil school data - inform parents about results so that staff, students, and buildings is being handled quite well it is understood. Communicate what we're doing about the considering the budget constraints. data, needs to be consistent across dist.

46 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

I think the district is doing well with the amount of money in Increase social media presence for communication Microwaves to warm up food for our students that bring hot Scalability the budget. It is not enough, but they are making it work as lunches best they can.

I think we have a lot of teachers and administrators that Increasing enthusiasm (Fun!) while maintaining rigor Mo money, mo money!! School board agenda ahead of time genuinely care about the children.

I think we have dedicated Teachers Increasing numbers of kids with poor parental guidance. Momentum - #WPSProud School Board meetings - Open (don't need to register to speak)

I think we have provided nice buildings for our students to Inequities in compensation - no incentive - can't build Money School board meetings should be more transparent. attend school. I really appreciate the community supporting bench(?) strength our schools and funding the new expansions and upgrades at each of our school buildings. I appreciate the hard work that teachers provide for our students. Most go above and beyond to meet the needs of their students, and provide supplies out of their own money to meet the needs of their classrooms.

I think we have quality teachers (mostly) that care about Inequity in resources (new vs old) money Schools share BOE info and links students. I love the decoding routines that are done daily. There seem to be a lot of extra curricular activities available on the higher grades.

I think WPS does a decent job of creating an inclusive Info overload, how to get lots of info to staff, keep in front of Money - building level & District as whole Scrollabel banner (on-line) to communicate urget info environment. Teachers, administration and staff should all be them reminded that an inclusive environment is't just about race, gender or orientation. It includes NOT bringing your own religious views into the school setting. My athiest child has had more than one questionable interaction with school staff. (I will also admit he's had 1 positive interaction on this front.) Luckily, he is very well-adjusted and mature for his age. He doesn't bring up atheism unless conversation is taking a turn in such a way that he feels he needs to speak up for those who might have alternate views.

I was a teacher and instructional coach for WPS for 20 years. Inter-department cooperation Money - cost effective (consumables) Security incidents - knowing which building on lock-down, In my experience, the elementary teachers of USD 259 are etc., parentlink type message for staff, make sure the simply the hardest working humans in the planet. Their message circulates quicker (like a weather alert) passion they exhibit, despite the innumerable obstacles, create an atmosphere of love and excellence in our elementary classrooms. The work done in the elementary math department during the last decade, and more recently in secondary with the adoption of the new curriculum, is exceptional work in moving our students towards an academic edge over their peers in other districts. Continued effort is needed to strengthen teacher understanding in order to bring our students’ success to fruition. Please forgive any typos. I’m typing this on my phone. :-)

I.U.G.s - consistent from last year Internal communication Money - make budget easier to read/understand Security/accessability balance

I’m not sure in this area! They’re always improving. Intra-district communication/departments Money - plan to sustain (programs and teachers) Send agenda for board meetings to parents/community

IB & AP programs Introducing college in MS in a more motivating way Money. Send notes/information with the students

47 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

IB and Pre IB programs Is it possible to go back to having more than one alternative Money/funding Send social media links to BOE agenda high school?

I'm not sure how to answer this. My oldest graduated from It is very difficult for low-income parents to access ParentVUE. Moral is low. No pay raise hurts a person. Not just financially Several times a year, you need to allow teachers to tell you WPS, and now with my younger two, I see its not like it used Not many have internet or know how to use it. Phone calls are but emotionally. Really? Look at the number of people who what is truly going on in a safe environment. Things such as to be. inconvenient. We need a way to text teachers, and teachers to have dedicated their profession to 259 with no incentives to this survey are a great idea if people are truly reading them text parents! keep them here, except those who are qualified for the bridge. and listening to them. Staff meetings are not a good time for teachers to speak their minds because they often will not do so in front of principals I'm very impressed with the counselors at our school and their It's a challenge for a student younger than 4 years old to be Morale booster: this year's contract tied to next year's school Share further transparent and honest communication and help at getting the students what they need to graduate & be able to attend school; it is possible but difficult to get day/school year? Feels like we're being pushed again in the justification for decisions made such as why the need for the prepared for college. same way we were when we were told that if we didn't vote deputy superintendent role and other added roles in central for a change our friends and colleagues would lose their jobs. office. Coercion? Implementing magnet schools & programs Just continuing the work - training our high quality staff. More (REAL) collaborative partnerships with the community to Share stories with news Appreciating the staff we have build supportive systems of care that reach out of the school to insure success for the kids at home, in school and in the community.

Improved communication Keep graduates in ICT More $$ for the teachers and employees Share Success: #WPSProud, more promotion, share teacher work in building, shout-out wall (drop in the buckets), share feel good stories (the community needs to see

Improved communication - positivity Keeping employees in the district. We are loosing a lot of More access to the Board for parent concerns Shared power, break down barriers great staff. Show employees how much they mean to you.

Improved data collection, storage, utilization Keeping good teachers! If we continue to lose the teachers More advanced options for kids starting early in elementary Short video communications for BOE messages and other who go above and beyond for our students we are going to be school. Shorter days or more time spent exploring, creating, critical messages in trouble! and hands on active learning if days have to be so long. Money shortages are the diving factor so go later in into May and June and don't start back until after labor day. Should significantly cut down on sure conditioning bills. Give teachers done freedoms to teach in ways that are best for their students. Offer some way to challenge advanced students early on. No reason they should have to wait to middle school, once they all ready hate school to be challenged. More time for art, PE, music. Bring band or some instrument options to elementary school. Give children time to eat lunch with out them losing the few precious minutes of recess they get a day. Children need to be able to play!!!

Improved security Keeping kids focused on academics and for after high school - More advertisement of events should schools have individual strategic plans? careers - CTE

Improvement in facilities Keeping kids in school More authority given to parents and teachers in how the Show appreciation school is run. More monetary rewards for teachers and paraeducators who do a good job.

Improving communication Keeping kids in school, and making sure children that need More behavioral schools. Showing ourselves in a positive spotlight extra help are getting it. And giving elementary school children more time to eat.

48 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

In school tutoring Keeping teachers (from leaving, coming back) Veteran More busing for our students Site ambassadors for communications teachers, salary

Including early childhood Keeping up with technology trends but maintaining security More career focus/exposure Site Council (data)

Including parents on decision regarding the district KG/1st grade reading curriculum More classes for parents to learn English - more sites Site Council meetings for the year & agendas

Inclusive -2 kids More classroom support Site meetings (one delegate of each meets to share perspective)

Increase class support Kids are too long on school their focus stops at 3 More communication Smart goals to be communicated with the community, so they can be engaged in the process

Increased communication with new Supt. Kids behaviors are out of control. Teachers cannot teach if More communication among schools, administration, Social Media students aren't following directions and expectations. We have differentiated support for different schools. Help and support kids cursing out teachers, walking out of class, up and moving to provide students with emotional needs, give teacher more around classrooms and nothing appears to be done that will TIME for second step. The students need those skills before change that. We can't keep suspending kids and expect their they can learn reading/math/etc. behavior to change. We need classrooms that teach behavior. We can teach them to read, write and do math all we want, but if their behavior isn't appropriate in public, it won't matter. We just get them ready for prison.

Increasing feedback to public Kids from middle school not prepared More community focused Social media

Increasing graduation rate Kids graduating from WPS are not prepared academically for More community involvement at school and district level. Keep Social media college. Teachers are not allowed the freedom to determine block schedules in place at HS. Our elementary experience what is best for the students enrolled in their classes. was so poor compared to what we have experienced at Wilbur and NW. elementary schools and principals could learn a lot about relationships and communication from them. Having a leader who is from Wichita is a great first step!

Incredibly proactive, strong well informed school district. Kids need more time outside or just breaks away from class More consistency of opportunities afforded to students from Social media - good! work building to building/teacher to teacher (pockets of excellence)

In-house cost savings Kids need unstructured play-time to learn social skills, to More consistent class sizes Social media - Twitter unwind, and to prepare their brains for learning. And teachers need to be given training in proactive strategies other than taking away recess as a consequence for misbehavior, especially on the classwide level. If the whole class has a problem, then the whole class shouldn't be punished, he or she needs to look at what's going on at the teacher-level, because whatever it is, is not effective.

Initiatives w/at risk "opportunity groups" - focus is good Kids with learning disabilities. Paras are not always prepared More creativity Social Media - Twitter, Facebook - very positive to deal with these challenges

49 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Inspiring music program, creates connections in community Kids with serious issues bad behavior bad attitude.. violence More curriculum training and other program training. Social media, continue collecting feedback (art program too) bullying.. teacher not listening to kids bit paying attention to issues.. teacher now days don't listen to kids.. teacher are quick to judge a child base on a child income life style ect..

Instructional sequences Knowing that WPS is bigger than our departments More education- in classroom talks social media, email, commercials, positive news

Instructional Unit Guides, CHAMPS, Second Step, focusing Knowing what's available More effective advocacy Spot lighting other schools - doing well mentor/model both on academic and social needs of students, Marzano professional development, recognizing schools and staff who are doing well with good apples and distinguished classroom teacher awards, using research to guide decisions, analyzing academic and behavioral data, allocating additional resources for title one and high need schools, mentoring for new teachers, new teacher induction, technology, family engagement, pre-k, allowing for 2nd recess for primary, much more I can't think of at the moment.

Integrate kids into the community Lack of a PTO for Early Childhood More emphasis on student responsibility/integrity Spotlighting students not just sports

Integrating students in regular classrooms Lack of a reading/writing curriculum More employee retention with culture that values employees Staff “Parent link” type communication (like snow day) (communicate)

Inter-district relationships Lack of abilities coming into kindergarten More employees in right places Staff listening sessions

Investment in technology - at least at some sites Lack of academic foundation when they get to school More ESOL support in schools for our students Stop asking parents for their input if you aren’t going to take it into consideration when making decisions. When issues arise that effect my child/the students, have open sessions with parents to get parent perspectives on how to solve issues.

Investments back in staff this year Lack of accountability with equipment- perhaps a little More face to face with families, home visits Stop having closed door meetings. Actually listen to those who entitlement due to lack of compensation are in the classrooms.

Inviting community Partners in schools Lack of appreciation (both ways) More follow up from Admin at the Middle schools; EVERY time Stop the informal hearings at HS without parent consent and an assault takes place at a school AMAC needs to be notified communication

Involvement in the state law suit - willing to take risks Lack of bussing for kids with a IEP who have a risk of running More funding from the state Student community service for cultural exposure (careers, away. I drive the kids to school due to the dangers of them communities) walking. They are from small town and don't know their way home so will run off and get lost

Involving Community Lack of classroom support - paras MORE FUNDING! My son would be a better student if he didn't Submitted by Safety Services: Do this” • Face to Face • Limit e- feel like a number. mail • Parent link for security • Be visible, out in schools • Continue asking our opinion • Come to in-services • Doing more listening sessions • E-mails need to be timely and up to date • Not just talk – action • Culture will be more transparent and user friendly, if implementing previous action items • Consistent tardy policies – currently a joke – no teeth • Don’t receive secondary/elementary newsletters • Communication on crisis situations – I.e., incident at West may affect other schools – inter/intra

50 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Isley Elem school is clean, communication is very good. Lack of competetive salaries and compensation More funding, more empathy for the kids. Suggestions: 2nd dual language magnet, revisit the idea of free lunch for all students

It seems to have a handle on it's curriculum. I like that it Lack of connectedness with school & family More funds (from state) but allocated where the needs exist Superintendent updates doesnt change every year. Consistency is good!

It's commitment to student learning. Lack of consistent technology across district More gifted teachers. I'm not sure why only a handful of Superintendent’s Corner schools have them. My childrens' school used to have one, but doesn't anymore. I went to conferences and both of my kids' teachers said if we still had gifted, I'd refer them. Well, why isn't there still a gifted program? And if there's not gifted, how will my children's needs be met at their school, because I'm not going to bus them away from their friends.

It's great that we have K-8 schools and magnet schools with Lack of curriculum More guidance & support surverys such as these and emails are good contacts for me strong diverse programs.

It's willingness to continue to improve. Lack of diversity with teachers. Male and female balance and More highly qualified staff, more professional development, Survey early in process - before decision ethnic background smaller class sizes, consistency and alignment

IUG Scope and sequence Lack of effort and grit More individual guidance Survey of building communities - communication preferences

I've seen some fantastic teachers who truly care about their Lack of ELA curriculum More information about the college process surveys like this, emails, phone surveys and open door students. meetings

JAG program Lack of engaging materials/old textbooks More life classes/explanation Surveys of comprehensive list of needs

Job scheduling Lack of food funding for family events More listening sessions maybe by individual schools Surveys, classroom visits, or social media. Although, I think we already do a great job in this area. I just don’t see it as much with our ESOL programs across the district. It’s like they forget about us all the time. Especially during district inservices because they just throw us with language arts teachers because they don’t know what to do with us. We have great ESOL district resources but it feels like we are on an island from everyone else. Don’t forget about us, we matter too. There is a lot of great things happening in ESOL that I’d like to see more of us advertised throughout our district communication channels. The students we serve matter too and don’t get enough credit like our regular ed students do.

JR Achievement Lack of funding for extra programs More listening sessions to maintain open communication Surveys/shared results

Keep up with tech Lack of guidelines on grading especially w/SPED More long range planning talk about it

Keeping kids in the classroom other than sending kdg - Lack of healthy home structure More money. With budgets cuts everyone has suffered. I also Talk on a business level - don't make assumption about the 1graders to detentions for Talking not listening.. teacher not understand that no one here is to blame for this. With that players understand ing tht kids at this age is growing..a child can't being said, I don't think we can fix some of the attitudes at grow nor learn if teacher continue to send kids out the the SSC. The blame doesn't lie with administration or anyone classroom else. When you have people that don't like themselves or their lives, they will never like people or their jobs.

51 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Keeping kids safe Lack of individual accountability (academic and behavior)- More newsletters to parents about district happenings and Talk to us - tell us why - be available *mostly thinking middle school and elementary decisions that are being made instead of just to board members/principals.

Keeping our children safe Lack of integration regarding economics More opportunities than just college focus- other Teach students how to contact elected officials programs/certifications

Keeping up with technology and making sure every child is Lack of involvement in extracurriculars More opportunities to attend Magnet open houses rather than Team building activities/communication (between included. one night departments) to tie activities into greater message

Keeping up with technology. Selecting Ms. Thompson was Lack of peer consultant More options in magnet schools, too difficult to get into Telephone great. She has proven herself in just a short time as the leader.

Key card access to building Lack of professional judgement to bring or add resurces More order at school dismissal. Organized during high traffic Television news stations, flyers mailed home, and text time message notifications

Kids know goals Lack of qualified support More paras & more target training for paras especially tell the truth regarding certain student needs (autism, 504 support)

Lawrence teachers i feel are attentive and truly care about the Lack of resources - funding More parent & community members helping in the schools Telling us why decisions are being made - sharing more children. information

Leader has “been there/done that” Lack of resources for students with mental health needs More people - trained Text

Leader in Me Lack of rigor/low expectations. Lack of diversity in teachers, More people (SPED, special needs support staff) Text message especially at the middle/high school level. ALL students having access to helpful resources

Leadership (prin., admin) Lack of school spirit More preparation for college & classes Text message or email learning more effective ways to help tier 1 & 2 students in Lack of services for children in MS & HS IEPs More preparation on functioning as an adult Text messages trauma, shifting away from teaching to curriculum and moving to teaching KIDS

Let Pre-K kids play Lack of staff to implement C-WC More Project-based learning Text msgs, flyers and emails to inform parents often of what's going on in school, because children often don't pay attention, don't understand or forget to inform parents as needed.

Letting teachers have our work day off if grades are in!!! Lack of student motivation, parent involvement More real live classes- government & financial lit. text, email (connectedness)

Letting us know our kids are absent from school (attendance) Lack of student motivation/parent support More resources for families Allowing the kids more time to eat Textiing instead of e-mail between Employees on time so they can function properly. I think its crazy how you so sensitive matters (recognizing the equip & logistical hurdles) families to help keep kids on a healthy meal plan and they are only allowed 20 min lunches

Like engage NY & Carnegie Lack of student movitation More resources for those students who cannot be served in a Texting and email. comprehensive setting.

Like going back to longer year, shorter day Lack of summer programs More resources to help the "whole child". Fresh lunches, Texting from building; District - -Building - - families longer lunchtimes. Longer playtimes.

52 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Listening improve Lack of support from home More schools days to help improve academic achievement. Texting, Email, TV (3, 10, 12), Radio Summer school for students who are below grade level. There needs the be more enrichment and higher standards for students who are at grade level and/or above the level. There are so many choices that it gets overwhelming if my child doesn’t get into IB a Magnet School, I want to know that all school are going to be academically challenging and my student will be ready for college when he graduates.

Listening sessions Lack of support staff More security officers around the school instead of student led Texts patrols

Listening sessions Lack of support staff, changing child student team More staff Thank you for this survey and the emails.

Listening sessions Lack of teachers who are in contact with their specific students More Staff, More Incentive for Staff Retention, More Staff...so That's just it... COMMUNICATE with us! Before you can ask us cultures, especially if it’s a different culture than theirs. Lack that each staff member is not doing the job or 2 or more. how, communication needs to be there first. of understanding. Size of district is an issue. Lack of buses for kids who live just almost at boundary. My 6th grade son has to leave the house at 7:00 in the cold and dark to be sure to be at school on time when he walks. I’m a single mother and have to be at work at 7. When it’s freezing out I either am late or he misses. There should be options for Parents who like me are willing to pay to get transportation to school, and not a taxi. I’m not letting my kid ride alone in a taxi with a stranger.

Listening sessions Lack of technology More state funding and local partnerships with businesses and The current method of emails, website updates and volunteers to help students and teachers to be successful. newsletters at the district level seems to work well for me. I Better salaries for teachers to help with retention and morale. just wish all of the schools would utilize these tools for communication to home about the school events.

Listening to and communicating with parents. Lack of technology More Support The current methods of communication work well for me.

Listening to our concerns. Lack of technology/resources - student More support for staff - emotional, physical The listening sessions are a great venue. However, I cannot trust that there will be follow through until I see it. Do not trust the administration to do the right thing and support teachers. In my 30 years in the district I have seen a board member in a school one time. They need to be present. They need to observe. They need to understand all the issues first hand. Listening to staff Lack of trained staff for programs More support from Business community? Politically The listening sessions seems to be a good method of communication. Also, having the online survey for those not able to make it to the sessions is a wonderful idea.

Listening to students Lack of training for certain behaviors More support staff--more paras especially, or co-teachers. I The strategies used currently are beneficial. would love to see a school were the lower students were sent, especially those with behavior problems. Let the others in the classroom learn. Give heavy para and teacher support to the behavior students--help them to be successful. Redistribute paras to those schools.

53 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Listening to students (SuperSAC) Lack of training for Paras - lack of combined training More targeted professional learning for SPED staff The various ways you communicate now should cover all parents. Texting, email, phone calls and websites

Little Early Childhood is an amazing school! Lack of training for support staff More teacher input less scripted The way you have been is great!

Live communication/engagement Lack of transition time More technology/access to technology. It's really fast-paced The WHY behind decisions and applies to all disciplines/future careers.

Local donations - basic needs Lack of transparency around distribution of funds (unbalance More time (planning), parent education, More training for ALL There is a growing sense that the SSC is expendable $$) within district & statewide teachers & support positions (communicated through looming/discussed outsourcing)

Long standing traditions that WPS is offering Lack of Trush from parents More time for our students to eat There should be a listing of the downtown and each building of who does what. Options like this where we can share ideas & thoughts - I realize that is tedious. However feeling like you have a voice and can share ideas is empowering.

Looking for/implementing efficiences Lack of visionary leadership at the building level that is willing More time on 2nd Step and other programs Think this is being done well to tackle chronic absenteeism, teacher morale, student misbehavior, and classroom rigor. Huge need for accountability at every level.

Looking to improve the quality of students Language - bilingual education More time outside This is a good start. Maybe having expectations or agendas or minutes for principal's meeting somewhere?

Looking to upgrade/improve instruction Language is sometimes a barrier More time to go in-depth This is a good start. Something of this nature at specific schools, in addition to parent/teacher conferences.

Lots of opportunities and choices. Large # of kids who need SECD support More trauma-informed staff working with students on a daily This is a start basis

Loyalty of staff throughout system “loud & proud” Large # of kids with bad home life More vacation in winter and less in summer This is a start. Continuing to ASK the parents to provide input, feedback, and even direction is a great beginning.

Lunch mentor & Tutoring - Acad & SECD Late buses More volunteer opportunities This is an amazing way to communicate. I know that for a lot of us, our jobs and home lives are busy and we cannot always get to conferences, to meetings, etc. Using technology to assist in this manner is very smart

Lunch programs in the summer months Late dismissal for elementary schools More ways of communicating events This is one point that Dr. Thompson addressed, communication with the parents and public. This is something we as educators know is in the best interest of the student, however I think is lacking in WPS system. I think the first step is Dr. Thompson stating that this is a desire, is important. It needs to go down through all the staff of WPS, principals and teachers. They need this attitude.

Lunch Tutors Learn more info from media than the district More website development - school level/district level This isn't on school it's on the parents to raise their kids right

54 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Magnet - Pre IB/IB Length of day for students Most teachers I know are VERY dedicated and are willing to go THIS meeting - and make decisions in public - no drama the extra mile. Yes, there are a small minority that don't. However, if you treat those dedicated teachers right, and let them know what you are wanting/ needing, they (we) will rise to the expectation. However, if you keep disrespecting teachers with NO pay increase, no longevity pay, take more KPERS out, increase health benefit costs out of pocket, you WILL lose those wonderful, dedicated, all in teachers to districts like Maize, Goddard, Derby, and even Mulvane and Valley Center. I personally know teachers who have left Wichita to go to each one of these districts. Yikes! I hope you havethe same response!

Magnet programs are great! Length of school day Special education, not enough staff, not Need a smart budget to address needs at building (with This survey online has been a great way to communicate if enough choices in services to meet needs. Schools are not additional funds) you can not attend meetings. The middle school also offers using trauma informed practices once a month meetings with the principal and I enjoy these. Thank you for trying to make our schools better!

Magnet programs. Length of school day (fewer days) Need more choices for students This. Using all avenues of media to reach parents, to encourage parent feedback and participation. Not all parents can attend listening sessions or the like, but nearly all parents have access to a device from which they can participate like this. Magnet programs/options, specialized schools Less change more consistent needed in curriculum Need to help staff connect with & better understand student Through building admin and through actions that show a needs and differences/similarities sense of value

Magnet school options/choice Less respect to staff & self Need to highlight the benefits and advantages of attending Through email or Parentvue. school in the district. Need to figure out a way to manage expenses most efficiently so that the teachers and staff can focus on quality of education. Budgets will always be there and we need to figure out how to operate within them without affecting quality of education. magnet schools Less time to prepare for theatre shows due to time change Needs to be more activities and options for the student after Through emails, social media, local news, and newsletters. class, in general, especially for MS students magnet schools, stem schools, preschool Letting "leaders" with little or no high school experience make Networking Through media...videos, tweets, etc. decision for high schools.

Magnet themes Licensure challenges New board members. Downtown people who are in touch with Tonight - good example the day to day, real life happenings in schools. Some of the decisions being made and passed down are difficult to implement. Teachers and staff are afraid to do what's right for kids because of downtown fallout.

Maintain our Facilities. Life skills New bus company - options Town Hall meetings

Maintaining status quo. Hiring Gil Alvarez for secondary Limited resources in all areas New hires - need transition time/training Training for parents assistant superintendent.

55 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Maintaining the safety & security of our students Limited school options – limited Magnet programs new teachers contract. get that shit together. Training. Teachers and staff never seem to be on the same page. There is a lot of mixed information and off the record comments to parents.

Make schools easily accessible to every student in need of an Long days for elementary No clue Transition liaison for families new to the district education.

Making sure we have support for other languages (translation Long hiring process No more purchasing of programs without buying the whole Transparency and communication most of the times is ok. But dept) thing. More support for teachers and students. Teachers since is a bit diversity of cultures there is alwais the doubt and should be able to teach and our kids should be able to learn lack of understandig. while someone helps the kids that have the most problems deal with them without disrupting the education of others. More mentors. Making us feel like a family. 2nd Step & any character Long school day, Teacher's feeling appreciated Not sure Transperancy - be open about situations education managing the budget Long terms subs should be certified Not sure Transportation needs to be more streamlined, too many people to deal with - school, department, bus company

Many dedicated teachers, paras, and other staff despite the Longer ‘study hall’ time – advocacy is not being used well Not sure Trust, talking about our thoughts/take way fear many challenges they face. They carry this district!

Many many dedicated and knowledgeable staff members who Longer day takes a toll on after school activities Not taking on more than we can handle (staff limitations) TRUST. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Don't say work long hours to meet the needs of their students. you want open communication, then stifle it at the building Instruction of phonics is better than ten years ago. level or levels above that. Things like this survey are helpful to allow open and honest feedback. I could never say these things to my previous principal from last year. I would have been black balled and put on the "shit" list. Do you really want to know what the problems are in the classroom? Do you really want to know how bad it is at times in a self- contained special education classroom of 1st and 2nd graders? Do you really want to know why I can't teach some days and some periods when students are throwing tantrums in the classroom and destroying desks, chairs, and tables? Do you really want to take on a new definition of "least restrictive environment"? Especially for the regular ed kids whose education is suffering because we cater to students with an IEP or 504 plan? If you want info about these things and others like them, DONT ask the principals. Most won't tell you what you need to hear. Teachers may not either. TRUST has to be established, earned, and reinforced. That will take time, effort, and actual change.

Many of the parent processes are easier. Parentvue, Longer days & shorter calendar & no block schedule in HS & Nothing the district will go on regardless if it is good or not. Trust: see implementation from feedback, systemic & enrollment, etc. everyone get a study hall. if you’re given HW you have study standardized policies, clear picture of expectations (policy vs hall to allow for questions to be asked spend less time on it at protocol) home & allows teachers to have some planning time each day. Extracurricular activity isn’t required education is.

56 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Many resources & programs & initiatives Longer lunch Numbers. How will drawing new boundary lines affect the Two way feedback budget, busing issues, and future students? How will adding athletics to NEM affect the budget, busing issues, and future students? Are these potential changes going to improve those areas or cause more problems?

Marz. Strategies Longer school day - calendar Obtainable goals for all Unknown.

Marzano Longer school day, shorter school year Obviously better funding, but also better support all around. Unsure of the question Parental support, like we get more parents on board with programs in the schools, even if the can't be there. More education out there to parents of mainstream students about special needs children, including the ones integrated into the mainstream classrooms. I can't tell you how many times I've seen parents get frustrated because they "didn't know" their student was in a integrated class. They should know, it is a disruption if the special needs child has a meltdown and causes a scene and interrupts the full learning process. This takes a little while to get the thought process back on track. Not saying the mainstream child shouldn't be exposed to it, because in life they will be, but this allows options. I have 2 special needs children, and I'm that parent that gets those looks all the time to get them "under control". Something to consider. I'm not one for labels, but this could help alleviate the stress, or maybe advise per parent of special needs child's request. My autistic son prefers people know so they don't stare at him when he's stemming. His stemming stops sooner when he's not being stared at.

Math curriculum & related rigor Long-term subs in vacancy positions One team - one goal Update school webpages, especially elementary

Math curriculum/Piloting ELA/Pre-K Losing good people because of workoad - spread too thin to be On-time/timiely training (Fastbridge) Update websites (no consistency) productive, people want to do a good job at why they do

Maximizing space Losing peer consultant. Time and money Open communication Updated contact & info on websites (school websites)

Meet needs of EVERY child not just the middle Lost the middle achieving kids - from regular ed classrooms Open communication - accessibility Upfront! Call, text, email, in person, all the above (AVID - takes some of them - pushes to honors)

Meeting students where they are socially, emotionally, Lunch time. Making sure my child is being looked after. Open dialogue with community - including in plan. Have Us TVs - announcements (like SSC runs things on TVs in halls) educationally community hold us accountable

Meeting the needs of individual students Lunch time. The school doesn't give children enough time to Opening up to community USD259 uses many ways. Texts preferably, it's the best way. eat lunch . with longer school days they should make sure kids are atleast able to eat. Maybe linear aren't being organized correctly I'm not aureus but students sometimes feet there tray and have to throw it away because lunch will be over

57 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Mental health awareness campaign (a lot of support so far) Lunch times are too rushed, classes not kept on schedules, Opportunities – programs for academics, advertising already Use all ways to communicate keep the variety because one students not able to eat enough in short time frame. All grade existing programs) persons best way may be different than others. Leave the level expectations should be the same option open if you want more people involved

Mentors - teachers are assigned kid(mentfok?) Lunch times. My daughter does not have very much time to Opportunities for input Use information and follow through eat her lunch. I would think childrens meals should be a number one priority, but that's just me. If a child does not have enough time to eat all their food, well then they are hungry, and cannot focus on their school work.

Mentorship opportunities Lunches (food) are being wasted during lunch Organizational goals & structure - right people in right Use layman terms - simplified agenda positions

MHA Lunches, abilities to handle kids with special needs. And i dont Other options besides college Use multi-modal methods to communicate mean kids with mental disabilities. I have notice more kids that struggle at home and come to school and the teachers dont have the abilities to help these kids who have a dysfunctional home. Kids can go to school and not eat cause family cant afford to pay. Mock you socks off - mock job interviews - AVID Magnet - connections are hard as parents not in neighborhood Our classroom sizes are not equitable. I have 155 students Use social media everyday and some teachers in my building have less than 10. Some of those students are in my classroom as well. How is this okay? I have to teach the same students in a class of 25 or more and they are in other classes of 5? Our workload does not match. And I think this is completely unfair.

More class time Magnet program teme not marketed Our Hispanic population that graduated from WPS is beginning Use web site - keep current to flee to the suburbs for their own children's education due to what they are hearing about student misbehavior--this needs to quickly be reversed.

More opportunities for minorities and celebrating those Magnet programs are not open to special education students, Our kids walking with more than just book knowledge but life Utilize all mediums of communication is this not inline w/IDEA skills (esp high school)

Morning meetings Maintain balance - social studies in elementary. Re: new Out of the Box thinking Value all district employees. Although teachers are the face editions or programs should not cancel out other programs our of district, it takes many to do the behind the scenes work. Please remember the other classified staff when sending thank yous and reminders and examples of how to carry out our customer service goals. Internal customer service would make me feel valued. Most teachers really seem to care about the students and will Maintaining facilities Outside participation, school system and public working hand Valuing the "little guys" make effort to be personal in hand. Having facilities that can potentially bring in extra revenue is not being utilized.

Motiveation/encouragement of students Maintaining qualified teachers, providing for the needs of Outside the box thinking: Grant outreach - to support WPS; Video that can be shared teachers, providing enough teachers for class sizes that foster Newspapers (television) in education, current events; student achievement curriculum

Move to AMAC!! Maintaining the status quo in the face of ongoing economic Para training with groups Videos challenges and demographic changes in Wichita.

58 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Moving forward. I think the administrative changes in place Makin parents/families feel a part of the school community Parent Comm Support (home/school connecting) Videos represent a new era for the district.

Moving towards a trauma model for addressing Making curriculum fit for everyone Parent education and mental health services. Providing Videos are good! Better then emails or expecting me to visit a behavioral/emotional needs. satisfactory work environments for staff. Teachers will get website to learn about things. Apps for everything are burnt out and many good ones are moving on. My child's available. I’d love to have an app for each of my kids schools school has had a big staff turn over it seems this last year. which had JUST the school calendars, newsletters and When I asked a few teachers where they were going a couple messages from admin on it. Saves me a step. Don’t have to told be to other states and districts. go to the website and it would give me notifications if there was a message or something important. Our building administrators could do a little video like Dr Thompson does monthly. MTSS - for those students who need more help/enrichment - Making employees feel valued Parent support Videos are powerful - weekly would be great it's intentional

Music program. Making parents aware of account changes in regards to meal parent support for student behavior lower the teacher work Videos of Dr. Thompson - seeing district personnel speak - accounts. Online enrollment issues for meal accounts. load from busy work, increase teacher pay/paid personal days powerful

My children attend McCollom and this school genuinely love Making school a joy Parent training opportunities when parents are already in the Videos! & Social medial (for other bldg. info) my children and invest in them in education and character. building (like enrollment)

My children have always had excellent teachers. The social Making sure all students know the tools they have available. Parent University to educate parent on behavior them as well Visible Supt and DLT worker and counselor at their school are excellent and happy to help, along with the principal. My son has been in speech with WPS since he was 3 (rainbows before then), and has made huge gains, for which I'm grateful. My children's school has many activities throughout the year which involve community members as well, so there is community outreach in place too. My child's school seems to be well run and the teachers and Making sure that teachers understand the different cultural Parent/child/Teacher relationship for collaborative education Walks with Dr. Thompson (like Mayor does) - more informal staff do a very good job. I like the community feel of the needs of our students. experience gatherings school.

My kids don't hate going to school. Wilbur middle school is Making the schools safe by allowing concealed carry inside the Parental involvement We hear more about WPS from news channels which isn't doing good things! The principal is excellent and the AVID buildings. always accurate program has been wonderful for my oldest son.

My kids middle school (Wilbur) is excellent at communicating Managing drug distribution during school hours Parental involvement We need all stakeholders at IEPs - discipline - need more to Parents. Mark uses the phone messages and emails openness frequently to communicate important or upcoming events. With the lack of a paper newsletter and knowing that emails get missed, this has been a huge shift from our elementary experience. I feel more connected and know what’s going on. High school is newer to us but Eric at NW has sent emails and parent links as well. The use of apps by travers there have also helped with communication for things like band and student senate. The new superintendent is great and I love that she is USD 259 born and bred.

My son is in Special Education, so I only know from those Managing needs of aging buildings Parental support/family Web - push it out terms, and we have been very lucky with Little and Isely for our son.

59 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

My son loves his teachers at West High. managing the bus schedules and school schedules( some if not Parenting classes Web isn't as easy to navigate most of the younger kids still ride the bus half asleep so to speak. they get tired even with enough sleep)

My three sons attended Wichita Public School from Managing time, the way money is spent, productivity, Parenting classes offered Website - make sure it is easy to navigate (School and District Kindergarten to graduating from high school. I believe that advancement for hard workers level) they received a well rounded education to prepare them for their lives after high school.

Mystery Science Managing weapons problems in school during school hours Parents are not consulted/heard/valued when dealing with Website. Its not bad, but it is clunky and not iser friendly. including primary students

NAL Mandating that children must learn per the pacing guide Parents Involved!! Can we engage by inviting to class? Weekly newsletters in classes

NEM - good school Master Schedule (lacks flexibility) for teacher Participation of the parents at lunchtime for example Welcome all families - address issues as they come up timely and sufficiently

New leadership that is receptive to feedback from teachers. Master Schedule lacking student choice Partner with media What you are doing now is greatly appreciated. thank you

New to the district. Not familiar Math and reading are some of areas that our kids struggle Partnership with WPS/community/universities What you have started with - listening sessions and emails thanks to the technology YouTube and other sites we get help. Teachers need extra help in their classrooms to maybe work with the students that need a litte extra help. I very disappointed that some of the elementary schools don’t have the gifted programs any more it sure affects the students also Middle schools they took away the honors classes it really doesn’t give a chance to the students to jump to another level they stuck in that class when they already know what’s going on they bore they start talking distracting the other students and of course to the point to drive the teacher insane.

New York/Carnegie math is great Math structure Partnerships with the community When a parent comes to a principal with a problem with the way that their child is treated by a teacher, the principal should not immediately call the child a liar without looking into it. When I hear about a problem with my child, I expect the school to be honest and tell the whole truth, not just a twisted half-truth. Newcomers program Maximize our funds, don’t waste Passes to games so parents can attend - corporate sponsor to Who are going to be on the committees: Dr. Thompson, office purchase staff/teachers - if community/ business members want to help they are welcome

Nice class selection Measures of student safety can present Pay more attention to parents complaints, bulling children, Why can't we broadcast BOE meetings live? singled out children and get more involved before fights happen

60 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

No Meeting needs of diversity (of all stakeholders) Pay systems to attract and retain the best & the brightest. WPS can communicate with the classroom teachers by coming out and sitting in the classroom. Talking to each staff member and take a look at WHAT REALLY their job involves instead of what AMAC thinks is their job. This year, two AMAC Support services have came to visit me --after finally getting a REAL look at what I do -- I have NEVER heard from them or do they check up on me! WPS doesn't want transparent communication! No Meeting students social/emotional needs at all school levels Payscale/Salary increase for Technology Support positions WPS channel - needs program/summaries/schedule

No Meeting the needs of diverse children PD focused on SECD (trauma) WPS seems to be doing a good enough job of that.In this age of media I think the information is available for those who care enough to take the time to look.

No comment Mental health - how do we meet needs PD for paraprofessionals you are doing an excellent job :)

No tardy party Middle school extra curr activities - more activities PD for scaling in reading You Tube & WPS TV (kids being shown more

No, if you keep long days for kids Middle schools - it does seem any is comfortable (?) Peer consultants, mentors You tube videos

Not much Miscommunication between schools/district- paying/not paying Peer to Peer mentoring K-3 1-4 6-8 You’re doing great. for AP tests

Not much! The teachers are underpaid and there isn't enough Mobility People need to have open minds - be open to change Your letters and videos are a great start. of them. They are stressed and just don't care the way our teachers used too. Our kids are failing and being left behind because of the laws and the way the school system rules are set up. We are setting our kids up for failure!

Not sure Mobility of families Perception vs. reality your video clips are great!

Not sure Mobility rate Personal contact from a staff member communicating about You're communicating, you just aren't doing what's right with survey the information that you receive.

Notes to families & families send back kid info Modeling instruction with student especially with behavior Phase projects in right order - communicatin within depts. YouTube is great. I like the Parentlink as well. (shadow)

NOTHING Money PLAN - how will we implement. PREP - how will we train staff/students. PLAY - put the plan/prep into action nothing much really. Money - ned competitive wages, impact of insurance cost PLEASE HAVE THE SCHOOLS TEACH GRAMMAR AGAIN! THE POPULATION IS BEGINNING TO SOUND LIKE A BUNCH OF IDIOTS, EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT.

Nutrition services Money - still lacking technology Please understand that students in low SES schools are dealing with more than what students in middle to upper classes schools are. This impacts their behavior and their ability to learn at a regular pace. I am not saying they cannot learn at all but the pacing guides and sequencing are not appropriate guides for many of these students.

61 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Nutrition services - good food money to fund all of the above; bus scheduling and paying for Politics of an urban district - change to difficult every magnet student to be bused; school schedules - HS and MS start too early, elementary starts too late; too much homework!! is proven to not be effective

Offer CTE classes. Short school year. Money: teacher raises, administrator raises, get things back Porch and home visits the way they were

Offering a safe space for a diverse student population Morale - pride Positive community presence offering cool programs and training staff Morale (keeping everyone on same playing field) Possibly have winter break instead of summer breaks

Offering more opportunities for us to be in district leadership Morale (staff, students) Praise our involvement

Ok More actual teaching Pre-K at all elementary schools

On the sheets - very well summed up More busing options especially for cold weather months Pre-K for all children/school

One team, one theme More career focus Prep us for what we wont have in college

On-line enrollment More challenging programs for gifted students Principals should not be able to have a monopoly over who becomes leaders or get the opportunity to contribute to the whole. The power needs to be leveraged so that they are held accountable. Teachers need to have more of a voice or be considered human capital in addition to UTW. Principals need to be leaders and not dictators. The leadership can bring about togetherness to strengthen the workings of how schools operate to help students make the most gains.

On-site nurse More civics education/financial literacy Procedure plans/more information

Open & transparent communication More collaborative w/parents in IEP process Procedures - written

Open & Welcoming More consistent grades - 1,2,3,4 - is this real life? Don't grade Programs for parents - help with bullying, building SECD behavior and participation

Open for feedback/discussion More custodians Programs for staff to better support families

Open minded district More emphasis should be put on getting funding into the Programs for teachers families - trauma, stress classroom and smaller class sizes. Lack of the desired funding may require prioritization of programs and not continuing some programs.

Open to change More enjoyable classes- will lead to extra effort Promote what we are doing that is great

Openness More options for students with ADHD alternatives besides Public option to vote on funding medication - more therapy

Openness of admin to feedback More programs to avoid drugs, gangs, etc. Public relations

Openness of Superintendent (current) to staff More reading partners to work in schools not Title Public speaking

Operate with thin budget very well More Science programs at an earlier age - STEM Public support

62 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Operational focus on supporting school-based staff More strategic learning and timely Purposeful planning (planning for implementation & time to reflect after)

Opportunities for 1/2 day collaboration (Math) More supportive CCC put resources back in these areas

Opportunities for choice/Magnet /parents can choose more for More than just educators meeting all needs to be ready to Put students at the focus of every decision that is made. It all their child learn should go back to how things will effect students and what is best for them.

Opportunities for reading/math invervention in the schedule More time in class (East High) Putting technology in homes and every school not just the ones that can afford it.

Opportunities for students More time to eat meals Quality of the curriculum implementation. District wide transition plans

Opportunities to assist others More time/flexibility with the time Quality resource support - math

Opportunity to exercise creatvity More tutoring Quality vs quantity

Options (magnet schools, etc) Move too quickly so don't get mastery Quit changing up on us. Pick a curriculum and stay with it. These are children not your test dummies

Options available for low income families Movement in the day Random surprises (appreciation) - cookies on 1st day - day off teacher report day

Ortiz elementary is an amazing school. Great staff and teacher My belief that the district lines for what school our kids go to Reach out to more businesses - communicate our needs who care and love the students. They should be an example is the biggest challenge. My son lives 15 miles almost from his for all schools. However, Moving over to PV middle school was school and we live less than 3 miles from east high and less the problem than 8 from north high. this is silly that southeast is so far away now and the lines have not been rezoned

OTM to support timely response, supports positive attitude, Need exposed to material for ACT/SAT, scholarships Real transparency and accountability. Stop the long time lowers response time practice of promoting people or moving people around to jobs who can't do other administrative jobs.

Our administration is doing a better job of being transparent Need for technology improvements in key areas Realistic curriculum (math) and supportive of teachers.

Our care for kids Need more para support in class Realistic Expectation of teacher

Our diversity is helping us be more inclusive Need more parent involvement (parent apathy) Recognition - more than Golden Apple - for all - every office

Our special education curriculum we have recieved for math Need more resources/tools to support work Recognizing the needs of SPED teachers (plan time, potential and reading interventions is greatly appreciated. physical harm, more instruction of SPED students across reg ed)

Outstanding customer service in areas - improvement in Need more/better counselors to prepare students for life after Recruit and retain quality teachers - more incentives for others HS teachers who want to improve

P.R.I.D.E. - G.F.S helps Need renewed commitment to understanding of child develop- Recruiting/student teacher retainment solutions ment (normal & delayed) - more support systems needed

Pacing guides/literacy/math protocols Need support staff in every class Re-evaluate assessments - state

63 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

PANDO Need to better push those who NEED to be challenged! Don't Re-Grow alternative edu program keep at a one-size fits all approach

Pando New conversation in community Remove all online programs such as Apex.

Pando New school design on state level - so much change Research & development to justify needs (staffing) - invest in training

Pando initiative New Technologies Resource communication (inventory) between buildings

PANDO initiative New technology to meet student learning - WST, training, Resource/support staff (eg. Counselors, etc) mindset

Para Collaboration New to the district. Resources for parents

Parent communication No clue Resources for students in traumas (staff training)

Parent involvement No comment Resources for teachers when kids don't have supplies

Parent liaison No continuity between schools-homework levels Respect and communication

Parent Link is an excellent method of getting messages out to No list of partnerships restructured boundaries so students are spread out more - parents. equity in buildings, all schools should have lunchrooms AND gyms and space for kids to learn in music and art. We also need to look at more support for tier 3 behaviors and SPED. Teachers can't teach when they have one or two students that take up all of their time.

Parent Partners No site council & PTO Resume writing

Parent/teacher engagement No time to process with the student Retain quality employees

Parentview No transportation after practices/activities offered Retention - HR - if you want to have another opportunity what is available? Who can coach/provide support? Proactive, intentional talent support.

ParentVue makes teachers accessible to students Non-title buildings lack of resources Review screeners & how to support those with needs; more/creative ways to support help get back on track

Partner with church & other businesses Not catering to IB or AP Reward employees for good work (merit raises)

Partnership with city transit Not enough alternative programs for all kids who need them Robust recruiting program to get new teachers

Passionate about kids Not enough hands on activities (in Science) Safety. SEHS has been handling this pretty well but the way things are going throughout the country it would be nice to see some electronic survelliance at the entry doors.

Pathways in high schools Not enough people to address backlog Satisfied, qualified employees

PBL & departmentalized Not enough support staff & trained support staff Scalability (change management)

PD - Principal led Not enough support staff in classrooms Scholarship info (support)

64 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

People becoming more comfortable speaking out with issues - Not enough time for lunch - 30 minutes is needed Scholarships information showing trust

Peterson - Cleveland - teachers connecting/relationships not giving teachers adequate raises School bonding/interaction

Pilot reading for new curriculum Not learning music in elementary - no band/orchestra School options for students vs. neighborhood - more transportation

Planning for the future - investing in good schools Not listening or doing anything on student concerns School size in Elementary schools - keep them down (pop./size wise)

Please with how BOE and District leadership has handled Not taking advantage of school hours Schools partner with surrounding neighborhoods and churches budget cuts through neighborhood associations, have open communication with each other for needs

Please with how taxes are spent Not taking care of gifted students well enough Schools should have updated technology - like scanners and training

Positive posts on social media Number of programs & related expectations Screenings done earlier

Positive sports experience Numerous studies show how ineffective early start times are. Secure funding We have foisted that upon our middle schoolers though. Middle school years are crucial development years and my son is greatly hindered through having a 6:50 start time. It is unfortunate that bussing costs dictate this rather than doing what is best for our students. NOT student centric.

Positive, welcoming atmosphere Observation form doesn't capture catzg rooms Security for the students when they use the buses.

Possibility of banning cell phones at least being discussed Observation of teachers is better. Seeing schools individually and giving more power to their leaders to make decisions to do what’s best for kids! So many ideas from AMAC have failed and haven’t shown the results needed. Some teachers with some freedom can make a huge difference-give teachers that are outstanding the ability to act upon their confidence to create incredible learning environments for their students

Post-secondary partnerships Obtaining and hiring substitutes in all areas. Set goals, make know, work towards it - organizing goals - make action steps

Pre-K Obviously WPS, like many urban public school districts, faces Set standards/consistency the challenges associated with having to accept and care for all students, regardless of ability or socioeconomic status. There are a lot of socioeconomic challenges that our students deal with, putting our schools and educators in the position of having to act as educators and social workers. To top it off, WPS has suffered from middle- and upper-class desertion of the system. Parents of means have fled the district, leaving it with significantly fewer resources, not only financial, but in terms of parental support as well. It's been a tough thing to witness as a former WPS student.

65 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Prepare students for disasters (drills) Obviously, funding is a tremendous challenge. Hopefully, the Shadow a student Legislature will move to adequate fund public education in the near future so that schools will have the resources they need to be successful and provide innovate programs, like the Recovery and Reintegration Room at Price Harris Elementary. Funding for additional staffing and resources for the room will increase its success.

Prepared for college Offering resources for new staff, veteral teacher support Shadowing/internships

Preschool Special Ed (community based, catching needs early) On Base Share information about all available programs

Priorty on safety for/of children On-line vs in print material Shorten the shool hours to 6.5 hours a day and fine the out if control kids and give the money for student projects

Problem solving conversation during PL Opening up doors for geniune and innovative teachers and Shorter day, longer calendar principals to lead education. As is stands now, principal have too much control over which teachers can become principals. The district allows the Kansas univerisites to use bias criteria for application into Leadership schools. Principals/adminstrators choose to support teachers based on motives instead of a teacher's experience and genuine interest in the students. Teachers are given opportunities in the schools for outside district Professional Development based on who the administrator/principal likes or communicates in closed circles with. Some principals make decisions to sabbotage opportunities for teachers who want to go or help lead the district because they have a personal dislike with the teacher. This behavior amoungst principals is on going.

Productive struggle in Math Opportunities for everyone for classes Show you care about teachers. I put in long hours on the weekends. Already work a part-time job, and am still living pay-check to pay-check. My stress level is very high meeting these bills. Teachers would be more productive if they had less stress in that area. Prof Development - teachers Our graduation rates need to be higher. We have to find a way Similar curriculum across the district - continuity to get kids to stay in school and be successful.

66 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Professional dev. – improved & improving!! Our greatest challenge for WPS is serving the diverse Slow down the pace- especially in math so kids can get a solid population of students many of who live in poverty. I believe foundation. I know rigor is great but not if your lost. This is we have high needs in the areas of academics and socio- why you go into McDonald's and the teenager behind the emotional development of our students. Our teachers are counter can't count the change your owed when the cash disheartened and lack the efficacy to make connections with register is down. We need to take a look at these kids who are students. Our early childhood and special education population failing. What can we do to help them?? is growing at an alarming rate. It will be a challenge to increase the numbers of classrooms along with retaining and employing highly trained teachers to serve those areas. We are losing good teachers, and we are not able to hire good teachers because our district is considered unstable. Another large concern for our district is the way we are handling racial bias. I attended a principal meeting early in the year and it was clear that African American males are being written up at a much larger rate than anyone else. This seems to be a cultural and communication problem with teachers/admin. When are we going to address the root of the problem? At what point will we make connections with WSU and other colleges to strengthen the teacher prep so that we can get teachers who can relate to our students.

Professional development Out of date textbooks Slow pace

Professional development is second to NONE! I came back to Outdated technology/atmosphere from class to work- not like Small class sizes to help keep behaviors at bay Wichita after spending 5 years in Maize because I crave the workforce rigorous PD sessions.

Professional Development opportunities Outside influences small classes and autonomy.

Program selection/spending wisely Over communication at times Smaller class sizes

Programs of choice for students Overall achievement on tests Smaller class sizes so that our students gain more attention

Programs/interventions - reaching out Overcoming challenges with large numbers - faster So many people doing the same thing; communicate more responsiveness between depts and projects

Project teachers Overcoming divisive atmosphere Some schools need more space and updating of buildings, use what they have more efficiently

Promotes diversity Overcrowded classrooms, not enough Teacher support for Something needs to be done with parents who have children behavior challenged students, making sure all students (the who cannot control their behavior. Not sure what that is, ones who are there to learn) the right to a peer stress free parenting classes, counseling, group therapy but something environment. has to change so that the kids who want to learn are able to learn without the disruptions. promoting positives things at all schools (i.e. district twitter) Overcrowding of classes without adequate resources for all the Special Education Task force as a leadership role, and students present. Also, a building person with the sole permanent, source of continuous reality based feedback. responsibility of helping teachers with specific issues they may be dealing with in their classroom.

Proper product selection for longevity - selection getting better Overlap in classes can be overwhelming Special education teachers

67 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Provide good building support Overwhelmed by student behaviors Special fund for graduation/ athletic events for families penalized for not paying fees

Provide top notch education with budget cuts Overwhelmed teachers create harder time to teach Sprengthening Site Council/PTO

Provides a safe learning environment. Pace of curriculum - too much/too fast Stability in funding & planning ahead

Providing a culturally-diverse community for the people we Pacing for indepth understanding Staff members, particularly teachers need to be compensated serve for their educations and level of experience. The state's cuts to education have hurt...I am bottomed out on the salary schedule and tracks (MA+ 40). I am making 3000 less now than I was two years ago and that's without inflation. I have struggled financially as a single parent-this is frustrating and emotionally stressful. Priority needs to be placed on those who interact daily with students.

Providing a Positive Behavior Support classroom for Severe Pacing guides Staff morale Emotionally delayed kids. It helps so they aren't in limbo and aren't lost in the system and misplaced and learning worse behaviors.

Providing academic assistance Parent complaints on social media Staff morale needs to increase as well as their compensation.

Providing academic resources & programs is overwhelming Parent engagement Staff security (stable jobs, econ)

Providing basic services in an extremely resource-constrained Parent engagement (coming alongside students) Staff wellness environment. Requesting feedback from parents and community members.

Providing educational opportunities to all students of Wichita. Parent involvement Standardization of product/process

Providing extra curricular activities Parent involvement Standardized way to distribute info to all - students, staff, parents

Providing for needy kids Parent involvement State leadership roles - priority towards K-12

Providing opportunities for staff, student, and community Parent involvement - how can we get more families involved? Stick with one curriculum for at least three years! Every time input Providing consistent expectations for policies and we change our students are left out and losing major skills! procedures to all schools in the district Considering This putting our students behind! I would love for the district opportunities for school and students to grow and become less to look at the huge gap of skills that are missed between 20th century and more 21st century second and third grade! This is were my son begin to slip in math and we are still struggling

Providing opportunities to have feedback Parent Involvement (lack of) Stop micro-managing employees. Trust them enough to know they are doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.

Providing transportation Parent Involvement in Relationships needed Stop working to the lowest denominator in student ability and staff ability/motivation.

Providing tutoring and academic help Parent involvement needs increased Strategies to teach listening skills

68 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Purposeful planning Parent support Strong leaders who can assess strengths and weaknesses and develop innovative and creative strategic plans to address current and future needs

Purposeful planning (regular) Parent support for SED/community support Strong leadership needs to be in place in all schools not just downtown. You have principals in charge of schools that do not make things better. You move principals and assistant principals around to much. Kids get used to people and then they are moved. How are kids supposed to connect with the staff if it is constantly changing? Example: Truesdell was turned around under the leadership of Mr. Davis. Students were successful, the honor roll breakfast for my student went from around 100 in the entire school the first year to 100 in his grade level the next year. The fights, community problems and overall view of the school changed. I noticed this year, that the community problems are coming back and have witnessed fights after school. It would be truly sad if the school went back to the way it was around 7 years ago.

Pursuit of higher efficiencies (e.g. energy) Parent/Family Collaboration-- really listening and trying to understand families is Strong leadership. an issue. Schools want parents to engage, but when they do and give their input kindly, it is not accepted. What do parents do when there are serious issues with certain teachers and the principal siding with each other and there are no other options or no one else to listen to? Is there someone who we can contact at the district level who will listen? I am an educator as well and was committed to keeping my kids in USD259 despite what people told me. I am committed to public education, but with recent issues at my kids' school, I have seriously considered private school. I truly hope these listening sessions make a difference. Teachers are too controlling and don't seem to really understand how to properly assess learning to assign grades. Grades are more representative of whether or not kids can complete homework and this is unfair. My son has always done well in math and this 9 weeks I was told at parent teacher conferences that he was failing. The only things that made up his grades were scores on weekly homework. I believe this is unfair. After getting out of school at 4:30 and not getting home till almost 5:00pm, my kids are hungry and want to relax. They have a very long day. My son always completes homework, but I did not realize he was doing poorly on his assignments until the end of the 9 weeks. He did not realize he was doing poorly either. I find it hard to give him consequences considering he had turned everything in and thought he was doing well. Also, he was given an effort grade of "1", but had turned everything in on time and thought he was doing well--- this is so wrong. He was never given any explicit feedback that would indicate to him or me that he needed to improve in certain areas. All this makes his grades have very little meaning to me. We really need to consider how we are grading because it can drastically determine life outcomes. I spoke with his teacher and principal about this, but no one seemed to understand. Teachers need to be OK just saying they are wrong sometimes. We are all at some point. Luckily my son is only in the 5th grade because if he was in high school his grade would affect his ability to get Putting a lot of kids through a safe school system. Parent/teacher communication Stronger financial lit classes Accommodating a diverse population of children and their needs.

Quality magnet school programs with quality, caring teachers. Parent/teacher relationships Stronger rules and regulation. Suspending kids for skipping school is the stupidest thing I have ever heard of.

Quality of hires Parental involvement - at the level they are capable Stronger Teacher retention

69 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Quality teachers are worth their weight in gold-pay them well. Parents - express they are not being heard by building admin - Stronger teacher supports from AMAC down. Good teachers feel their student is falling through the cracks will be drawn to USD259 and stay if they are cared for as people and not as a commodity.

Quick responses from teachers when needed Parents involvement in the learning process.vs Structure from the top down. Rouge school principal's need checked, and often. They act like they own the school system, and treat parents like children. This is unacceptable behavior by the person WPS has in charge.

Raise expectations - include early childhood (special PARENTS lack of respect to teacher (both ways) Student focused programs). Addition of 2nd Step

Raising expectations Parents of special needs students have obstacles to jump Student info transferred in a timely manner

Raising expectations Parents see school as daycare Students need to be held accountable, not just teachers for failing grades. If you want real progress, make students pass or repeat grades in elementary and middle school. We are setting students up for failure in high school. If students are never held accountable in the lower grades when they get to high school they believe they will continue to get passed along, even if they don't pass the class. Coming from a different state, I could not believe there was no retention policy in 259, and I think there should be.

Raising expectations Parents that don't care about their children's education. Submitted by Safety Services: • What happened to zero tolerance? • Recruiting and maintaining qualified and talented staff, teachers, administrators • Has to be a line in the sand somewhere • Improve communication between schools and problem kids • Red folder (not so secretive) • Continue doing what is working well • Work on the challenges presented • Working with suspension limits • State statutes create roadblocks • St. Francis – Responsiveness • Parent responsiveness • Handling out of control students • Mandatory reporting – first person • Timely parent contact • Calling for out of control, when they are not • Lack of programs for extreme behavior • Customer service needs improvement • Improve morale • Show positive interaction • Revamp training – training should be appropriate for the position – i.e., behavior room para might not need Moreno • Open to change • Keep up with technology systems • To keep good people and bring in good people, salaries need to be competitive • Better communication • Verbal “Judo” • De-escalation skills • Know triggers • Know your role

Raising expectations PARENTS. Lack of parental involvement in their child's Substitue supply education

Raising expectations, piloting new curriculum for some Partnering with WSU to develop autism certification program Support for meeting the needs of challenging students and up programs, clear vision statement, inclusion, AVID, Trauma to date curriculum. informed training

70 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture? raising pay for teachers and staff inviting atmosphere at Partnership needs with MHA Support for teachers and kids - SPED schools and non-attendance centers focus on STEM at the elementary schools Meal choices at breakfast and lunch PreK programs seem to be doing an excellent job Safety and security measures at school buildings - secure entries, FEMA shelters, alertness of staff to guests in the building

Reaching out to the community - communication Partnerships need to be two sided Support for teachers. If the teachers are well cared for, community/parents compensated fairly, and not overworked, they will take care of the classroom. Micromanagement of teachers will never move us where we need to be as a district. True innovation and thinking outside of the box should be encouraged, acknowledged, and celebrated! High test scores don't come from worksheets and strict timelines from pacing guides, they come from teachers with the competency and the freedom to help students reach their full potential. Unfortunately, in my 13 years as a teacher, I see an entire generation of teachers behind me that can't plan engaging lessons and flowing units because they have never had to. If it isn't handed to them, they don't know what to do. That's a monster created by the district in the throes of NCLB!

Reaching student who are not on track; providing many Pay attention to not cutting from the same extracurriculars Support in Topeka opportunities to gain skills. We seem to be forgetting the students who are average or above and do not give near the opportunities to these kids.

Read to succeed Perception Support veteran teachers with better pay and other incentives

Reading strategies Perceptions vs reality Supporting teachers to handle behaviors and promoting teacher innovation

Ready to Impact program (SEHS, West, Heights, Metro, Perhaps too many changes in planning Supporting us to go visit schools Dunbar, Adult Learning Center)

Real Men Real Heroes Pertinent training info not in timely manner (Fastbridge) Survey options to drive decisions

Real Men Real Heroes Physical activity at MS level i.e. at lunch break Surveys that personally effect stakeholders

Real Men Real Heroes is awesome Placement of students in intervention Sustainability plan for technology

Reality You Plan time needed to prepare for needs Swifter human resources process.

Really good access to teachers & administration Planning & integration Take better care of your teachers. Pay raises and all their plan time! There isn't enough of it. A few work days here/there would be great! Not inservice days.

Rebranding effort Planning for upcoming changes being handed down from KSDE Take care of your staff/teachers - build relationships between admin & teachers - good teaching strategies

71 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Recess Pleasant Valley middle school did not take care of any of my Targeted PD WPL(?) child’s issues as she was being bullied. I went up to the school many times. So I removed her and now she does Home school. My child made good grades and was in AVID. It’s sad

Recess - additional time Point of contact at school to create & sustain partners Task piling on for students/staff

Recognizing the needs of all students. Realizing there are very Political discussions in the classroom - students feel they are Teach all student to give back challenging students. shutdown with the teacher

Recycling paper goods Positive reward systems - how do we reward behavior (eg. Teacher pay raises that make a difference in our income. Star charts, breaks) Behavior supports, removing disruptive students from classrooms, making students and parents held accountable for behaviors.

Relationship w/community & focus on partnerships- like to see Post bond contractor responsibility TEACHER, STAFF AND PARENT ACCOUNTABILITY-need more more checks and balances research and planning for ELA Poverty Teachers and staff members need to be compensated for the work we are doing each day. Your words are not backed up with action, so they become meaningless. Teachers are not valued in this district. Honestly, to make up a decade of frozen salaries, we need to have a raise of close to 10%.

Resources Poverty - absent rates higher Teachers need a contract that is fair. We also need better trajning for all staff in regards to students struggling in the tier 2/3 (academics and behavior).

Respond to emergencies Pre-K & early childhood are mixed together Teachers need a contract without having to fight for a decent salary and benefits package. The teachers have supported the district through the lean years. How can the district pass a budget without a contract with teachers? This so disheartening. Administration is added and given pay raises without a fight. We get the thank you notes throughout the year. The are insincere. Response time (work orders) Pre-K Curriculum Teachers need to feel they have a voice and are respected. They are the ones that have the most direct contact with the students and can make the most impact on the achievement of the students.

72 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Responsive administrators in buildings Pre-K Fastbridge Teachers need to feel valued in their jobs. They need to be paid for the important work that they do and be valued as professionals. Let them teach, canned curriculum limits their creativity. Schools need to be trained in trauma-informed practices and then be accountable for implementing the practices. Teachers who teach in classrooms with students who have low incidence disabilities need to be encouraged to care for themselves, as currently burn out rate is high. Teachers need to be trained helping students with challenging behavior and then they need to be supported by administration when their bag of tricks is empty and they need a break. We are asking teachers to also be mental health professionals, they aren't trained for that.

Responsive to change Preparing students for future by staff trained in the past Teachers need to feel valued, and while a sufficient raise is a definite need, their abilities to use their strengths and make decisions for students need to be honored and valued. Administration needs to be supportive of teachers, even if it risks a negative appearance to parents or downtown; doing what is best for all students should be considered when making decisions. Finally, the feedback that comes from these listening sessions should be addressed with transparency. If nothing comes of these, it will make us feel invaluable.

Responsiveness of facilities team Preventative maintenance (manpower, resources, finances) Teachers need to help the students with understanding the work not just hand it out and set at their desks

Restorative Justice (West) lowered expulsion rates Preventative maintenance hadn't been a focus Teachers that really want to teach and get through to each child, not in a group of chosen or just favorite ones and not just based on pay, but because they truly want to help and teach.

Reverse Suspensions Preventing fights and bullying. Making sure all students are Teachers who have been loyal to the district for many years given the help they need with educational challenges. need to feel like they are valued and appreciated for their longevity.

Rigor in decisions of new curriculums Professional creativity Teamwork between SSC & bldgs

Rotary Club Progress monitoring on grade level is not realistic. I Technology completely agree with setting ambitious goals, but unobtainable ones are not motivating for students or teachers.

ROTC Promote activities other than sports- debate & forensics, art Technology

73 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

ROTC at HS Providing a proper education, the online elements prevent Technology Less homework A way for parents to feel heard. learning and encourage googling. We need family driven and youth guided learning plans for students. Less posturing and power struggles. We need instructional leadership. Teachers need better training. Smaller class sizes Focus on meaningful learning and teaching students to ask "why?". Give teachers more time to do their job well. Pay more to recruit and retain good/better teachers.Teachers are overwhelmed.

Sacbers? Providing adequate instruction, support and curriculum to all Technology (students & staff) students, specifically special education and ESOL students.

Safe and healthy kids Providing adequate screening and training for new principals. Technology courses for students and parents Some are not interested in cultural proficiency, lack proper communication skills, and struggle to provide consistent support for staff and students.

Safe environment for kids - parent check in Providing equal resources to all schools Technology everything under one umbrella

Safety of students/staff Providing high quality education to students across wide SES, Technology integration for everyone - mentorship all the way ie helping fill the gaps created by poverty for some students and in instruction up to college without sacrificing services for students from middle income families.

Same curriculum for all schools, provides consistency PS process takes too long Test prep for standardized tests (elementary specifically)

Scholarship info/scholly app Public perception The class sizes being too big are forcing teachers to set aside the more advanced students and focusing more on the kids that need more help. Theres not enough time to help both kids grow.

Scholarship opportunities Public perception (locally) - not telling our story The community placing value to education. When it's not, the students fall behind. Also, teacher accountability with grades, grading systems.

School activities, sports and security. Public perception of admin cost The district is working fine but there should be more parent involvement in the events

School appearance Public understanding of how budget & funding works The district needs at all levels people who are passionate (restricted v. unrestricted) about serving families. The people who work in WPS need to be truthful and trustworthy. I see a lot of favoritism of students and some behavior of teachers that is not professional. Also rules need to be in place for athletes who have bad grades and behavior. They should not play. The district needs good strong leadership to move forward at all levels. Teachers also need to have up to date supplies.

74 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

School Choice - magnets - options Publicize/educate the community about our magnet schools. The district needs positive energy for everyone involved! I see videos of other states and districts, even countries that are attempting new ideas for the new generations. The district needs to be thinking outside of the box and attempt new things. Don't waste money on consultants, admin positions and things that won't make a difference in the education of a kid. Spend wisely.

School Choice (magnets) Publics perception of teachers The district needs to start putting money back into educational resources such as books. Also if you do not want parents to purchase supplies for the kids, then they should not be given homework that requires them. IEP programs need more funding as well. I have been told by multiple parents that Mulvane, Maize and Goddard have more resources available to help IEP students. This has been an issue since my nephews attended school which was almost 10 years ago. The expectations should be there for our students but the resources need to be there to set them up for success as well.

School maintenance Pulling teachers from plan time to cover classes - direct The schedule classes and should have less vacations day in impact on student achievement the summer

School Tutors for parents Purposeful Planning (support teams) The support of parents - parental support

School-based social media Quality staff especially in Special Education. Holding poor The system needs an overhaul. This question is far too broad performers accountable for lack of rigorous instruction. I have for this forum. observed that administration is more comfortable ignoring poor performance by staff than dealing with a staff member who advocates for students; trying to get needs of students met in SPED especially. Administration is heard saying the process of dealing with incompetent staff or staff that do not do their job, is too consuming so they choose to do nothing.

Schools are clean and there is work on updating furniture and Race/cultural relations There needs to be a way for teachers to advance and progress fixtures, we have well-trained counselors and social workers, in there careers without moving into administration. Stop each school needs a full-time nurse, partnerships with Grace suing the state government (using tax payer money to pay Med., ROTC, great school lunches and with helpful and friendly lawyers to try to get more tax payer money to be spent on staff in cafeteria, lots of art and music options. schools).

75 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Schools reading - 25 book program, Battle of Books/library RECESS! My kids are good kids who don't get in trouble and There needs to be consistency. We can't have one school aren't late to school, so recess is rarely taken from them, claiming something is policy when it isn't. I have had to unless the whole class is in trouble and then they lose it, but become a helicopter parent to make sure that my child's voice NO CHILD should have recess taken from them, because those is heard. I literally had a teacher tell me that my student's kids who are talking too much or getting up out of their seats work ethic was the problem. Then after ten minutes of too much are exactly the kids who need recess, and they're searching for an assignment she didn't apologize that the the ones who have it taken away. And as much as I love my mistake was hers. I think this goes back to the question 2. kids' school, they have this ludicrous policy regarding tardies: if you get too many tardies in a semester, then you lose recess the rest of the semester. Ridiculous! Recess is an important part of the learning day and should be treated as such. And it was--for 1 stinking year, and now it's back to being taken away for anything and everything. And I'm sure if, by some miracle, we do get a longer school year for our kids, we'll be back down to 1 recess for our elementary kids, which will be an absolute tragedy. When I was a kid, we got

Schoolwide AVID strategies Recognizing and promoting developmentally appropriate There needs to be more support (paraprofessionals) in the strategies for our primary kids. classrooms to meet the needs of the students in that class. Students with behavior problems should be cause for placement outside of the regular education class. Students who cannot or will not do class work should be placed in different classes that will work on the appropriate academic level. Scope & Sequence - IUGS & alignment w/standards Recruiting talent – teachers This survey and the open forums are good ways to start. Collaboration across multiple fronts would increase teaching quality, further engage students, and create lasting impact.

Scram Academic Theme - Magnet Recruitment & retention of quality staff (all teaching areas) Three goals mentioned in intro

SEC Recruitment/salary Tier 3 support for students not reached by 2nd Step

Second Step/Social Skills curriculum in elementaries Reduced interest in education careers Time

Secondary math Reinforcing values Time - look at time differently within the day to allow elementary school teachers time to tackle all that is on their plates

Securing education for our children Relevance to the needs Time allotment

76 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Security & safety - FEMA shelters Relevant & empowering guest speakers Last year I had a Time and time again we need to find the same page and stick number of guest speakers to help motivate and inspire to it. It is my belief that trying is not good enough, we need to students as they created movies to premiere at the Warren: I have actions to ensure this hard road is traveled with had a number of big names Skype in to our small school: interventions and accepted tactics with proven results. There writer/director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Keanu) writer/director should be very few that suffer in this district. Everyone Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) writer/director Jared Bush answers to someone - they just need to be held accountable. (Moana, Zootopia) director Mark Osborne (Kung Fu Panda, The Little Prince) cinematographer Sal Totino (Da Vinci Code, Spider-Man: Homecoming) novelist Christopher Paolini (Eragon) If we worked as a school district to reach out to speakers and had a common voice, we could reach many big name people and have students take part in their own education.

Seeking input from staff and community, as well as respecting Research has shown that students tend to perform better Time for program implementation the diversity within the district. Teachers are building academically and behaviorally when schools implemented later relationships with students as well. start times. What’s district leadership’s opinion on schools starting an hour later?

Self-sufficient as a district Resources non-Title Schools (Affluent - Poor) Time in the schedule for foundational skills to be implemented, especially in lower grades like pre-K and kindergarten.

Serving ALL kids who come through the front door Respect for teachers- students correct their peers TIME! - more flexible/realistic schedule

Shared data well Respectful relationships between teachers/students Too much material to cover at the early childhood level

Sharing on social media, and our district website the positive Respecting the teacher of the students Town Hall meetings things happening in our schools in our schools every day. I really like the new things happening to get our district more involved with our community. I think we are doing a great job communicating with all stakeholders.

Shirt toward transparency Restricting video websites (youtube) Training for all staff not just classroom teachers. Need a clear message. Training on dealing with students/families who have experience trauma

Silos are coming down Retaining experienced teachers and morale issues. Training for schools/teachers on what we offer (web site, resources)

So far I think the new "home grown" superintendent is taking Retaining staff Training of curriculum many steps in the right direction. She seems to be much more hands on and genuine in her concern about making Wichita schools better.

Social and emotional awareness (2nd Step) Retaining talent Transition curriculum

Social media - positive spin Retaining teachers Transition from MS- HS. Middle school just moves on- teach more responsibility in middle school

Social media/connection/comm (ditto) Retaining teachers based on pay level of teachers and Transparency accommodating parents/students if they require any special attention and pleasing all students, teachers and parents with everyone options and thoughts on how things should/could be done.

77 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Socratic method Retaining teachers/staff & recruitment Transparency – expectations of staff & students

Spaght - community mentors and tutors Retaining/having enough staff in the future. Regaining trust of Transparency at board level community and staff on what money is actually available and priorities in spending. Morale in buildings is horrible. Telling staff they're appreciated and showing them are two very different things. Special ed students are processed and educated well. Retention of quality staff/Hiring of quality staff Transparency in everything, every decision made, and every hire made at the district (admin) level.

Special ed students needs met Retention of staff Transparency to build trust

Special programs Retention! Unfairness of revolving door Trauma Informed/Sensitive Schools Smaller Class Size Understanding that play/experience is a form of learning! Approval not to be SO rigid on completing the curriculum.

Special programs (like Chester Lewis) working with all forms Rewarding bad behavior of children, religion, Jesus needs to Trauma training of learning be brought back in our school. If every other religion is taught, Christian should be too! Lack of support for families who don't participate in certain holidays such as Halloween, they shouldn't be made to do activities in class related to it.

Specialized schools - Magnets Rigid schedule/ELA reduced time/lack of flexibility True partnerships - teachers/admin/BOE

SPED curriculum Rigor across all content (specials) Trust & Communication: setting boundaries, giving resources, administration trust, recognition of comm partners, creative solutions

Spending money on unnecessary things. Rigor for struggling learners Trust your teachers. Trust that they are capable of doing their jobs. INVEST in your teachers. Also listen to parents. Elementary students should not attend for the length of day that they do. Earlier start time and earlier release time should actually be explored. No excuses. Spending more time in You Do Rigor, demanding more performance from our kids, breaking Trusting building staff to do their job instead of trying to place through the generational issues that weaken our kids all of them into cookie cutter mode. Treating staff with respect resiliency. To many excuses and not enough answers. and proper compensation otherwise more and more staff will continue to leave.

Staff is extremely supportive of each other Safer environment to tell administration- more discretion Tutors, Clubs - outside of school

Staff morale Safety Understand our activities

Staff truly cares for children and their wellbeing Salary funding Understand we need to prep for college

Standard-based curriculum Salary growth Understanding of what a behavior improvement plan is. Training - is it a skills deficiency or developmental delay

Start of the year focus on behavior Schedule change Understanding of workloads and responsiveness expectations

Start on time in M.S. School Board - losing focus on students Focus on issues Unique jobs - clarification for who/where they fit in (political issues) not students

78 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Starting & ending of time handled well school days are too long, not giving students enough playing, Unity. A common focus. exploring, creating time. Too much sitting. Not able to challenge children above grade level. Don't give teachers enough freedom to do what's best for their students. Continuously changing the way math is taught but still not just teaching the basic skills of adding, subtracting, and dividing. Too much time wasted trying to make sure ever child understands how 3x5=15 instead of just teaching multiplication. More concern and attention on the children that might not understand the basic facts and no options for the kids that understand to keep moving forward. Many many challenges.

Starting initiatives/new programs School has changed dramatically - educate the parents & unsure community on why and how it helps your child

Staying alive with Brownback's budget School mental health - parents, students, teachers Updated curriculum - keep curriculum up to date

Staying progressive w/equip & programs School reputation Upwards teaching

Stealing from the taxpayers. School start time and end time issues. If you are really USD259 needs to have more buy in from parents and the focused on what’s best for students, you would rethink start community. I rarely see anything with the community being and end times. involved in the schools. It would be nice to see that stuff on the news or published in the paper.

STEAM/STEM Scofting(?) for all students in reading and math Use a village to inspire & teach children. Parent involvement

STEM Secrecy of board Use advocacy beneficially.

STEM in more schools Security Use technology to tie all data together

Strong gifted program Security (schools/bldg & tech) User friends grade book platform - ease of use for parents strong health plan Security vs accessibility Utilize community partnerships

Strong networking between high schools Separate freshman from regular HS Valuing employees/employee focused: salaries, seeking input, appreciation, feedback, growth opportunities, performance bonus

Strong teachers & administration Serving children who don't meet the norm. Children who don't Vertical alignment fit in the box don't get what's best for them. Children who attend the alternative schools are not being thought of because they are problem children but the fact is that they are children who deserve the same rights as other children and deserve the same opportunities as other children within the district. Just because you have behaviors or a hard time functioning in a typical school doesn't mean you are different or less deserving.

Structure Sharing our SSC cost analysis Visionary Ppl (leaders) - think outside the box

79 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Student accountability Sharing stories both positive & negative with Volunteer coordinator for all schools parents/guardians

Student achievement Shortage of special education teachers Volunteer coordinators with parent contact info for various groups (PTSO, AVID, NAL)

Student activities Showcase employment opportunities Voting education outside of presidential elections

Student center learning and accountability Silohd . . . Duplication of services, inconsistencies Wages for our teachers. Your greatest assets are your teachers yet you fail to pay them a decent wage. They can go to neighboring districts and in two years be making more than your frozen wages. Do the 175 school days, spend less at the very top level of district administration levels.

Student centered Since I have to be at work by 7 and my wife is on disability Ways – effective ways – to communicate w/staff: 1) media and can't drive, I wish they would open the doors earlier so tech/videos easy access, 2) communication calendar, the kids don't have to sit outside in the cold and rain. 3)procedural process differs per building

Student choice Site based management Ways to equip parents

Student leadership Site Councils Ways to support the business as well ie video

Student safety/support Size We have become disorganized without clear goals and leadership to guide the way. I think that a few broad goals and good leadership, which I believe we now have in place, will make a huge difference for us.

Student-focused Size of our district We need a better response to budget limitations.

Student-led clubs Smaller classes - elementary We need a BOE that puts the kids first!

Students appreciate schedule in terms of breaks Smaller incidents not taken seriously We need a larger budget to hire qualified teaching staff.

Students first Smaller middle schools' We need a leader who is IN THE MUCK of it all, is well informed from those DOING the work, and will listen to those of us IN THE TRENCHES of it all. We need a leader who will not make decisions from behind the line or rely on others to make decisions, but instead, will get in the trenches with us to see what our students, families, and staff need to be successful as a whole. Students getting others involved Snack time is needed - students are hungry - elementary We need directors that measure, assess and promote accountability in all areas.

80 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Submitted by Safety Services: • Consistent with policies • Open Social economic difference in our schools we need people with training to work and talk to staff (all sessions • Administrators and security work well together staff) and students, giving lessons, giving help and • Listening to concerns • Addressing repeat offenders more support!!!!!!! consistently • Employees • Passion for kids • 90% team orientated • Benefits package • Contract • AMAC/Caldwell partnership • Not caught up in national politics • Helping Dr. Thompson • Average education across the board • Extra opportunities, clubs, sports, arts, etc. • Improved buildings • Great access to technology • Great access to arts, advertisement of the arts • Sisterhood/Rise Up • Getting information out to parents • Asking for feedback – feels like superintendent cares and supports • Teachers have good curriculum for students • High expectations for students and parents • Opportunities for afterschool activities • Superintendent is visible – being seen at football/activities • Open to change, not just status quo • Good contact with outside sources, PD, ComCare, etc.

Suicide prevention Social emotional (families) We need to implement priorities from listening sessions - accountability

Summer Food program Social media We need to keep good teachers

Summer food service programming (many opportunities for Social media issues invading classroom We need to quit changing the curriculm every few years. We kids) also need to NOT have a time frame for teaching the curriculm. Sometimes it goes to fast.

Summer graduation ceremonies at SEHS for students who fall Social support services that schools are asked to provide We need to reach out to the families who have left 259 and behind without money to back gone to close districts (Andover, Andale, Maize, private, etc). How can we get them back?

Superintendent (she is great) is doing a good job reaching out Social/emotional student behavior We need to state clear expectations for our students and to community follow through with procedures when students do not meet our academic, attendance, or behavior standards. This should involve mandatory parent presence at multiple stages. For example, re-entry meetings after every suspension or the second ISS. Parent's should not be allowed to dodge meetings because of hardship (their student poor behavior,academics, and attendance causes due hardship to the school). Until we have high expectations for everyone involved in the education process, we will continue to struggle with large % of students who are chronically absent, behavior outside the MTSS Tiers, and score low in all academic areas.

Superintendent honor roll for students Socio economic needs of customers - challenge to take care of We need to use the technology as a tool - in every aspect of needs learning process

81 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Support and supplemental programs - AVID, music, athletics, Some teachers are not free to teach according to the style that We really need to listen to each other and respect each other. after school, drama, etc best suits them. They feel tied down by the common core and Having more frequent conferences and them not seeming like other curriculum they are told to use. Some teachers have not a burden on parents and teachers. gotten a raise for 10 years. They do very good work, but are not encouraged financially. The same is true of us special education paraeducators. We work hard because we love the children, but we have no hope of getting a raise if we do a good job. Then we must consider looking for other employment, even though we love teaching passionately.

Support from teachers/counselors Some teachers feel it is not their job . . What is the classroom We talk about how most of our money is going to the teachers job classrooms but honestly as an employee I don’t see it. I’ve been using outdated textbooks, and my own money to make my classroom a welcoming and safe environment for my students. Our technology is outdated, and my textbooks are falling appart. My classroom furniture has seen better days, and it doesn’t support 21st learning such as grouping and collaboration. Every year we see the budget report and were told most of our money goes into the classroom but in the last 7 years I’ve taught at Wichita Public Schools, I haven’t seen much money being invested in my ESOL classroom and that’s were we need more money and support. We also need better professional development. In my last district, we had professional motivational speakers come in and talk to us at the beginning of the year. They helped us get motivated and start the year with a bang! I have yet to see a motivator speaker, or someone not in our district speak at our district inservices. Yes, we have great in district resources, but we could also work on bringing in more out of district resources.

Support programs for at-risk sometimes teachers are not consistent with the discipline When to go on college visits making available to all, not just select groups

Support school based staff Space Where are we at having students on computers/tablets for curriculum

Supportiing the ed process SPACE! Some schools have empty classrooms, and then WOW I wish I had that answer!! others still have specials classes on carts going classroom to classroom, no lunch rooms, and much larger class sizes

Supporting student activities Special Ed & IEP process - letter vs. spirit of law, beginning WPS needs to put in place a better salary schedule, keep all with identifying kids, building placement, identifying sufficient teaches on the correct step and track, give cost of living supports raises, give longevity checks, and any other incentives that would keep teachers doing their best. WPS wants RIGOR (the quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate) but rigor is not given back to the WPS Teaches that make this happen for AMAC HR.

Supporting students from many walks of life Special ed- not beneficial, integrate SPED kids into school Y'ALL NEED HELP PERIOD...

82 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Supporting students who are transitioning to themselves. Special education and accommodations for those students. You need better employees. Options for their success.

Supt from inside district Special education curriculum. The new math curriculum is way Youth Employment workshop access to high of a reading level for most special education students. It also starts 8th graders in geometry, which doesn't get them ready for Algebra I their freshmen year.

Supt. Is approachable Special Education. If you would like more information on that Zero Tolerance policies must be faded out asap, high risk the members of the Special Education Task force, that live students need behavior specialist to accompany them that reality in the trenches, started some great potential for throughout the school day. The spirit of retaliation on families change last year. Without classroom-based Special Education of employees must cease and desist. personnel involved in the discussion and decisions towards solutions, any efforts will be good-on-paper, but not based in reality. We have to change the way we are treating and working Special Education staff. It is abusive and illegal. Why does my data not matter as much as others? Like the data of how long it takes to collect IEP data, or how long it takes to write and IEP, or the caseload sizes in comparison to gen ed classrooms, or how valued Special Education Teachers feel in their buildings. The system is not set-up for me to be able to do all the parts of my job. And it doesn't feel like anyone even sees my talents bleeding to death. They run a report and do their job of telling me to stay on a mandated timeline. Then they press send, and I scoot one more step closer to the door.

Surviving in an adverse economic environment. SPED and high school boundaries. Recruiting new teachers, keeping teachers and continuing to support our current teachers.

Systems of support @ district level SPED challenges

Taking advantage of communities around our schools SPED id process takes a long time (Younglife, resaturant nights)

Tapout - skill based interv for specific kids Spirit check at all schools

Teacher/student relationships (open minded & conversations) Squeeky wheel gets the attention

Teacher/student support Staff and teachers personal impact on students

Teachers - passionate/support staff Staff collaboration, communication, and staff culture.

Teachers and staff Staff engagement

Teachers are credentialed. Staff good in content, but lack SECD content & mindset

Teachers at every school are dedicated and care so much Staff retention about students

Teachers connect w/parents re: good Staff support

83 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Teachers directly communicating with parents Staff/administration need to be more open

Teachers focus on student needs Staffing levels (recruitment - finding qualified people). Quality subs - custodial - takes a long time to fill vacancies

Teachers pushing students to try new things Start times

Teachers sacrifice own money to do stuff for students Starting and stop Times for school, making kids pay for AP tests, standardized testing prep, fund allocation in general, helpful and motivated staff in regular ed programs.

Teachers support me State funding

Teachers work hard and truly want to help kids be better State support for Ed

Teachers/Curriculum (Balanced) staying in school, making smart choices, peer pressure

Teaching Staying innovative (instructional and operational)

Teamwork Stealth program good but long day (8:30 - 6:00)

That's a loaded question. Being a productive of USD 259 Stick to schedule - quality of instruc schedule myself, I have watched things within this school system change over the years. To be honest, I can't think of one positive to give as an answer to this particular question.

The district does well in aligning the curriculum so that it is Stigma that we're a "bad" district easier for a student to move schools and not miss instructional pieces.

The Early Childhood Learning program is wonderful and the Stop losing teachers because you refuse to pay them what Pre-K teachers who are at Kensler are wonderful. Asking the they deserve. Why should they stay with no yearly steps, no public to take surveys to see how you are doing. movement for additional education and no chance of getting it. While you hire another layer to your staff. Also I am all for 175 school year. If you are really trying to save money go to a four day school week. If you can’t do across the district do it at high school level. Saves on building heating and cooling. Also lock down the internet more, keep students off music, games and Twitter!

The fact that this is even an option is a huge leap forward for Strategic partnerships - who is working with whom our school system. Just being able to feel like my opinion counts is a move in the right direction

84 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

The magnet program is amazing! Strategic planning and implementing with making changes to make students college and career ready. Also in making changes that are practical and provide students the ability to be successful. For example, new strategies for math and reading go against the grain of teacher's practice of expertise and the greatest potential success of the Marzano instructional tool. New mathematical methods in elementary through middle school have not saturated teacher expertise because it has not been introduced in teacher educational experience.It has not practiced by the teacher as a youth or teacher educational training. More emphasis should be put on what really works or contributes to student learning of content areas individually. For example, I believe student's greatest success in the area of science is NGSS and NGSS should be the ultimate evaluation tool for science teachers. Marzano is not practical and does not give the greatest benefit for student learning. Every subject should hold its own evaluation tool to create the greatest success for student learning. We need NGSS specialists in the schools or a district team. I (S Fitten) would love to lead the district in this respect.

The magnet programs/schools are good. Keeping at least a Strengthening the core instruction/ quality vs. quantity - little exposure to art and music in the elementary schools is understanding not just exposure. also super. Please don't take that away.

The movement to address bullying (good start) student accountability

The new testing program skybridge seems much more Student achievement informative than AIMSweb and less tedious for those who have to grade. As a teacher I appreciate the training on students with trauma. Parentvue is a wonderful program, especially now that I figured out how to email progress reports easily with the new updates.

85 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

The recent hiring of Alicia Thompson. The recent hiring of Gil Student Achievement. It is always a lot of talk, but where the Alvarez. I'm so grateful to have these competent leaders at rubber meets the road it is not happening. I don't know that it the helm. And to Dr. Thompson and Mr. Alvarez--please don't has ever happened in the way we have hoped. Financial audits ask us to build the plane while we're flying it. That was a of every department that is non-school. Schools should be disaster. We need systems that are planned and carefully accountable for the dollars in their budget, ESPECIALLY title 1 thought out. Making it up as we go along is not a system. And budgets. Schools should have to provide a plan, like writing a don't get me started on the lack of follow through. . . . We are grant for how state and title funds are going to be used. The professionals and deserve better than that. money that is supposed to be used to "level the playing field" for all schools obviously does not do that. Look at the data between schools...look at how WPS schools compare to others in the state. If you asked staff anonymously where financial waste occurs you would be amazed at what you would learn. The building I work at bought office furniture from a used business furniture auction. Schools don't need $2000 for office furniture or salt water fish tanks because they can spend Title I funds on things other schools have to spend on basic supplies for students.

The schools are planning events that involve parents, students Student attendance and teachers. This has been very beneficial for parents to know what is happening at schools and learn with out kids.

The staff is passionate about their job Student attendance

The superintendent is at least trying to hear what's going on. Student attendance/mobility

The teachers are dedicated to truly helping the children. My Student behavior experience is that the kids come from every kind of home situation...good and bad...that can be possible. The teachers and other staff truly try to seek out opportunities/help options/networking that can lift up the child and hopefully help the families too. The teachers are hardworking and dedicated individuals who Student behavior care about there students.

The teachers do a great job of communicating with parents, Student behavior - distractions (cell phones) even at the high school level. There is open communication which is so appreciated. I have only had one teacher in 17 years not return e-mails consistently.

The teachers love the students Student behavior & discipline

The teachers seem to really care about the students for the Student behavior and teacher recruitment and retention. most part. So good staffing.

86 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

There are fantastic personnel at WPS who care about kids and Student behavior- helping teachers deal with difficult children. truly desire to do whatever they can to facilitate learning and My kindergarten son says his teacher constantly yells at his a joyful educational experience. My son attends McLean class just because of 2 students. He hates school and cries for Elementary, we toured Horace Mann, a friend works at me to not make him go. Anderson Elementary, and I volunteer at Hamilton Middle School, and every teacher, office staff member, and administrator I've met or heard about have been fantastic.

There are many programs in place that help students very Student behavior is a HUGE challenge in our district. There are well. Ex: SPED services like speech therapy and other many behaviors that teachers are not equipped to handle, yet teachers are expected to figure out how to handle those behaviors while teaching the rest of the class. I also think outdated science and social studies curriculum is an issue. Using those text books are hard because they are so out of date. There are many things that need to be supplemented. Money is also an issue. It seems as if the state had been giving the district more money and yet teachers are not adequately compensated for their work.

There seems to be a more positive feel coming from the new student behavior, my son was in an english class that where superintendent. She is encouraging employees to be a learning was stifled by the behavior of a small percentage of member of the union and seems to genuinely care about the kids, my son explained that no matter what kind of skills the employees of 259. teach had at classroom management there was no way that she could effectively teach, we were told by other kids that had moved to the school from private that you have to have your child in honors english or they will encounter inappropriate classroom behavior, my son loves Heights except for one class that ruins his day, English, because of the students and their poor behavior (gang signs, talking out, discussing fights, in general bullying) they are changing the next school years start and end Student behavior. Emotional, social, and physical challenges times...WPS listened! prevent students from being engaged in the learning environment. In addition, their behaviors distract the teacher and other students in the classroom from being engaged in learning. This is a very critical problem for USD 259. Students with the capacity to exit this environment for a more productive one will do so, creating a downward drag on the learning environment for those who stay.

87 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

They are giving the students the education they need. I'm glad Student behavior. We have SPED students who are for the younger kids they are giving them 2 breaks(recess) emotionally disturbed and have incredible needs who are they need it, especially with such a long day. Middle schoolers placed into situations they cannot handle. Students who (magnet)they are being strict and firm, teaching those middle cannot be mainstreamed all day, or in some cases at all, schoolers respect shouldn't be forced to be in a gen ed class if they cannot handle it. That creates an unfair situation for the gen ed students and the SPED student. The district has gone too far in trying to protect these students while not the same attention to the rest of the kids in the class. I am by no means saying we should not educate these children--quite the opposite--they need to have their needs met and sometimes that may be a more specialized or secluded space with educators who are trained to deal with their individual needs. Getting rid of the Metro schools and not utilizing Sowers and our special education schools is doing a disservice to these kids and their peers. They are trying to reach all students. Student behaviors

They do an excellent job at making sure students who want to Student behaviors interrupting learning in the classroom. learn get plenty of opportunities to be successful Teachers have been in-serviced in trauma, CHAMPS, etc. which implies that we are doing enough. Maybe it's time to get back to basics. What is our main job? Of course, we must build relationships, but when that doesn't work, and we aren't able to teach due to a disruptive student, it's time for something else to happen. Students with extreme behavior issues are repeated reassigned to new schools just to traumatize yet another classroom. There must be a new plan. As a very wise administrator once said to her staff that was inquiring when to send a student to the office, "If you can't teach...it isn't your problem anymore."

They got rid od bussing, for the most part, John Allison left, Student behaviors. Meeting their social and emotional needs and they hired a superintendent from in house. as well as expecting students to be able to reach CCSS standards in low SES schools.

They hire quality staff members! Student behaviors/mental health/trauma

They offer a variety of programs throughout the district. They Student buy-in & staff/parent buy-in have some great teachers, social worker, counselors, caring secretaries/clerks and custodians.

They teach my kiddos and allow them the opportunity to grow Student lack of respect to teachers

This listening session - the process of listening to the Student mobility community

This year you are taking time to teach social skills through Student mobility Second Step- a lot of students really need this. Also bringing back handwriting is awesome. Maybe our students can read cursive if know what the letters look like.

Tiered interventions helped support children's learning Student motivation to learn

88 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Time change- longer school days work Student movement - schools not following pacing guides

Time Management Student need (income, background, etc)

Tolerating our kids Student Safety

Tracking needs of students Student teachers choosing to teach outside of the district

Training - ongoing, especially with new equipment Student who are disruptive and hinder the learning of others.

Training for AIMS (need more) Student/parent buy in (curriculum)

Training opportunities Students coming from broken homes

Training staff Students emotional and behavioral needs. Staff feeling overworked and under compensated.

Training, Prof Development Students feeling safe - bullying

Transparency Students less respectful to everyone

Transparency – better communication to ee’s Students not coming to school seems to be the biggest issue for our kids. They bring a ton of outside issues with them to school that is out of their control that result in behavior issues for teachers and other kids to have to endure.

Trauma - informed schools Students overwhelmed by workload

Trauma sensitive schools Students side transparency - they feel left out, don't understand how BOE works - they are not a part of listening sessions

Trauma training for teacher Students who are pushed into the next grade who aren't passing

89 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Tries to fullfill needs for students/staff Submitted by Safety Services: • Passing problem students from one school to another • Student/staff/administrators • 504 plans/students, kids know the limits and exploit them – people making determination are idiots (allows combative/disruptive behavior, has turned into an entitlement program) • SPED program absolutely necessary, but it’s a disservice to those kids, when there are no expectations of the students – we/program sets them up for failure – SPED more like a hospital – need more resources for SPED • Parent involvement • System does not hold kids accountable • Community support – no teeth in criminal justice system with criminal activity. I.e., no handcuffs, ATA’s for weapons (guns), no charges for drug intent sales • No consequences • Communication – internal within the building • Consistency across the district – i.e., discipline for students • WPD being removed from buildings • Bullying program not enough • Speak Up program revamped – inefficient • Kids don’t have life skills coming in to school – not taught at home – “golden rule” • Behavior • Discipline – not enough for actions, student does same thing over and over

Trio Substitute teachers with experience (sub selection)

Trio Support for new, innovative ideas

Truesdell in particular has done an excellent job in turning Support for not Title around the school. More students are on honor roll, discipline is down, more parents are involved and happy with the progress.

Truesdell's extra time dedicated before, during and after Support from home school has been a tremendous benefit for students. My student loves the early morning learning program and has benefited.

Truesdell's partnership with Southwestern University in the Support needs some love summer program is an excellent way to have students exposed to college but in a fun way. It builds their confidence as well as educates them on life after school. Most of the student's parents haven't experienced college, so it is so helpful for us. Trying their best to save what money they can. Support not always there - CST

Trying their best, under the current financial situation. Supporting teachers with well-trained paras in CWC classes, technology in every classroom, money for teachers to buy manipulatives

Trying to align curriculum; programs of recognition; support Synergy crashes often for new teachers

Trying to bring in more community helpers Tailored advocacy classes (AP Teachers with their students)

90 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Trying to help "At-Risk" students Taking academic rigor seriously.

Trying to meet needs of students Taking Marzano as an evaluative tool seriously.

Trying...working hard. As a teacher, I feel like everyone works Tardies hard. We may lack guidance and vision but we try.

Tutoring opportunities Teacher accountability issues with levels of difficulty

Tutoring Programs after school and AVID teacher appreciation - big disconnect

United Way Teacher burnout

Up to date technology Teacher morale - this needs to be addressed and urgently or many veteran teachers will continue to leave the district

Updating security, trying to keep students safe Teacher morale and reestablishing a feeling of trust between admin and staff

Upgraded facilities Teacher retention and teacher appreciation Department cooperation

Using AVID strategies districtwide Teacher Shortage

Using input from parents in efforts to improve the district. Teacher social media etiquette Thank you.

USING VARIOUS FORMS OF COMMUNICATION. I LIKE THE Teacher support. They feel very unappreciated. FACT THAT I GET TEXTS FROM THE SCHOOL.

Variety – class choics teacher work load and student misbehaviors

Variety of academic experience - from those who need more Teachers (admin) burdened with parental responsibilities: help and to those who need challenged. transportation, food, supplies, extra curricular activities

Very flexible with workload, specialized Teachers are overworked. They are supposed to make interesting lessons, make them different levels for kids not on grade level, and then you hand them curriculum that is canned curriculum. Students are getting bored with direction instruction. Most of the things we all remember as a child in school is the fun the teacher created, not when the entire class said the same thing out loud at the same time. Teachers need to be able to plan more hands on activities and then have the material to be able to do it with their classes.

91 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Very good Teachers are unable to teach because children with enormous behavior and emotional and mental problems are in the main classroom and we don't have enough staff to take care of them so we can concentrate on the rest of the children who are able to sit and learn. At our school, I have stood between one child and the rest of my class, afraid for their safety. Day after day, I am unable to teach 98% of the children because I have one child who is either attempting to completely leave my room or is in corrigible or refuses to do anything requested despite all of my very well educated attempts to do everything in my power to help them and attend to their needs. We need places for these children to get the help they so desperately need. We also need them to be taken out of our school so that we can teach the other children who are suffering because our time, energy and effort is placed on those few students with huge issues that really need to be addressed by one on one staff who has been educated to do so

Very pleased with communication between school, teachers, Teacher's fear of changing curriculum parents and student.

Video blasts from Superintendent Teachers feel very unappreciated and undervalued. I feel totally "replaceable" at this point in my career.

Vision - talk to action. Giving us direction, guidelines Teacher's hands are tied when it comes to discipline

Volunteering opportunities - inside & district as well as Teachers involvement/spirit community

Watch dog programs, reading programs with outside of school Teachers' negative feelings towards inservice (suilding partners specific)

Watch Dogs Teachers planning around shorter days (better use of time)

Watch Dogs at Peterson teachers union, squabbles over funding instead of focus on figuring out how to do more with less, the number of "at risk" kids in some schools is very high, creating challenges

We are trying to provide a good education to ALL students Teaching students HOW to learn

We asked/SSC involved, leadership is asking Teaching to state tests, special education (staffing, training, inclusive school environment, adaptive curriculum, use of best practice interventions, etc.)

We can clap our hands for a great vision statement! Enforced Tech/Tech Support - Internet down strictly, leads to showing might and strength. *RAISING EXPECTATIONS

We care and show concern for our students. Technology - not enough equipment

92 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

We care for and about our students Technology policy (zero tolerance) - allow at lunch - internet filter blocks school programs

We have a say in school matters Technology resources

We have been pleased with the opportunities available to our Technology, movement, behavior, absences middle school son through his magnet program.

We have great teachers. The budget is a little to lean.

We have pros and cons but definitely lack consistency and true The buses are awful. My child rode the bus one year, after that collaboration. We are islands of different resources and we quit, because we were told that it would take 45 minutes abilities kept in distant isolation. for her to get home from school. When I can get her home in approximately 7 minutes. Also, the year before, we started having issues with the bus routinely being late and not having the same driver. I've heard from my friends whose kids ride the bus that this continues to be a problem, their kids do not get picked up in the morning when they are supposed to be and get home much later than expected. This is a safety issue because of the length of the school days, it's dark and it's not safe for kids.

We’ve adapted well to changes The calendar and school start times. As a parent not having a finalized calendar until such a short time before school started plus the time changes was a tad frustrating in planning.

Website - Student and Parent Vue /Facebook/Twitter (It's The culture seems to have taken a drastic turn. When I was a organized) student, and even when my children were younger it seemed parents taught their kids to respect teachers or any other authority. And if one got in trouble at school we were also in trouble at home. Now parents seem to blame the teachers for the bad behavior of their kids and just let the kids get away without any consequences. Then you end up with parents almost bullying the administration to the point of not supporting the teachers and nobody wins. The teachers feel even more defeated and undervalued, the administration becomes less respected and the children only learn they don't need to take responsibility for their own actions.

Well qualified administrators for individual schools The different clientele, behavior support systems, student mobility, size, needs for schools is different

Well rounded education The district originally implemented schedule changes in order to cope with the budgetary deficits from the last few years. The district also considered what was best for schools. On the other hand, starting an hour later would definitely interfere with extracurricular activities. Well you’ve finally allowed two recesses for little kids so thats The diverse population's struggling academic success and a a start. close second would be the growing perception that the BOE and administration is shady and screwing over the teachers of the district.

93 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

West academy model The diversity in families and home life. My situation is a single grandmother raising her grandson. The "sit around the dinner table, prayers and how did your day go today," almost seems a thing of the past. We have to look for options that meet the needs of the children and families. I think the homework link is a grate start. I have been confused about it and my grandson's teacher is awesome!!

When older students partner with younger students, helps The diversity of our district build leadership skills

Wilco Strategies The fact that teachers don't feel that their work is being appreciated and this trickles down into the classroom. I've seen it on both sides as a parent and as a teacher in the district.

Willingness to improve - willingness to reach out (these The fact that there is no money for the schools. That the meetings) teachers are stretched too thin. The Latchkey could be expanded. The curriculum is borderline ridiculous. I think the focus is on testing to much and not on the kids. We need to invest in the teachers and they in turn will invest in the kids. Also there is way to much testing. With diversity The greatest challenge for WPS is taking students who are low academically and bringing them up to standard. Behavior continues to be an issue as culture clashes with academics. Getting WPS PARENTS to believe in our mission is a struggle.

Work orders and follow up (SSC staff) - AMAC relocation The greatest challenge is to keep the students that required more attention. To be on the same page and focus in school. I have seen the struggle with teachers to keep this students on the righ page. In order to not escalate the problem, they need more staff that can manage this kids so teachers and other students can continue on.

Working with diverse groups for the education of Wichita The greatest challenge is trying to get everyone the children, children and young adults. teachers, and parents on the same field. Knowing that we all share the same goal and are not blaming one another for our children not succeeding.

WPS does a great job of using a linear process of top down The hiccups arise when teachers and administrators don’t management have the values needed for the type of school they are at. We have poor, trama filled, starved, socially inadequate (social skills that don’t exist with them), parents, siblings that are in jail, dead from street violence. The lists goes on and on. The very people we put in charge of teaching need to be very familiar with these problems that are robbing our children from a great education. We also have problems with racism, the kind that destroys our children. I have experienced it first hand and I am not the only one and I am quite certain I won’t be the last. My daughter right now suffers (my adopted daughter).

94 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

WPS does well with finding new curriculum that meets The high rates of suspensions for students of color needs to be standards. WPS provide different learning opportunities for addressed immediately. The high rate of schools who have students to learn in a modality of styles as well as a range of students who are hungry. The special education graduation interests with magnet schools. rates are also an issue. Many of these issues are ones who people think are too big to tackle but WPS can tackle them.

WPS does well with its arts program at Wilbur and Northeast. The hours are ridiculous for elementary school age children. It also does well at the gifted programs and opening Moving it up 10 minutes was an absolute joke and NOT AT ALL equivalent opportunities for students who are smart even if what the community was asking for. they do not meet the gifted criteria. Also my youngest who is on an IEP has had many supportive principles and counselors in the school system. They have worked with my daughter’s ComCare programs to help her. We have always had good communication with the administration. Also the school board has worked with me several times to help resolve issues with my special needs child as well.

WPS is amazing for placing all the positive in the everyday The HR process makes it very difficult to effective supervise news which is not always the truth of what is going on. staff - the district seems so scared of legal action if we terminate someone (who deserves to be terminated with loads of documentation) that we are continuing to employ staff members that are not in our best interest. How can our HR department better support principals and supervisors to effectively discipline and terminate employees for the sake our students and customers. It needs to improve. School times and schedule - let's continue to save money in our district but also allow some relief for teachers who face a long work day but how can you pass up saving 3 million dollars... At times the SEIU union stands in the way of giving the best to our customers and kids.

WPS is doing a good job of having schools that are of a varied The intensity of the added workoad with less people nature and offer oppportunities to most students.

WPS is finally getting students and staff google accounts and The length of the school day. Sabing mlney is a muat but the training. This is a step in the right direction. students are the ones that matter at the end of the day. Have seen the effects of a linger day verses a shorter one. My kiddos are tired. Even with getting the right number of sleep at bight for their age group. WPS is taking care of their students because I have noticed The long school day, especially the elementary school hours. few problems such as bullying and other problems I have seen This has led to less extracurricular activities and family time. in other schools For my children to get enough sleep we have an 8:00 bed time. That only leaves 3 hours between getting home from school and bedtime. You throw homework in there and all our time is taken. WPS is trying to incorporate everyone in the success of our The longer school day is tough on elementary students. WPS children. should really go back to the shorter day that is more appropriate for young children.

95 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

WPS is trying to keep students on track and on task. The needs of the kids coming through the front door and the lack of need training and resources to serve them.

WPS keeps the parents involved. There is always information The new methods that have been implemented in available and questions get answered. mathematics. It is ridiculous and too complicated. More consistency when it comes to having their teacher available to them. Too many days their teachers are gone due to various teaching classes they attend during school hours.

WPS makes an attempt to educate every child that shows up The number of students who are coming from families of to our district. trauma, drugs, foster care, mental illness, etc. and how to best serve them.

WPS offers diverse classes The parents that don’t seem to care about their children and let them get away with anything.

WPS recognizes our districts' diversity. The ramifications of Brownbackistan budget policies for schools. The bottom line is the district needs more money.

WPS supports lower level learners with multiple supports. WPS The school board has little authority over the school supports sports teams with enthusiasm. administration.

WPS works hard to meet children's need, given the fiscal The school day is far too long for my younger children. restraints yes The school does not communicate very well at all. We get half of the information if any about our children. How can we help make school fun for our kids if the teacher is condescending, disrespectful AND dishonest about what goes on in the classroom? Yes The school schedule. Both long days, too many days off and not enough time during the day for things like lunch.

Yes, I think so. The student to teacher ratio.

Yes, in some areas. The students who are a constant distraction.

You are doing an amazing job. When there have been There are not enough options for tier 3 students for phonics or opportunities for improvement and feedback, the educators decoding on the protocol. The idea of the protocol is good, we and staff go above and beyond to work in the best interest of just need more options, especially with ESOL kids in mind. children. Readwell should for sure be an option for 1st and 2nd grade reading intervention. Also Anita Archer's phonics for reading. There's also phonological awareness from 95% group that's good.

96 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

You have taken a very diverse group of kids and figured out There does seem to be a feeling of disconnect from BOE how to allocate resources to support them. I don't feel that all members. It does not feel like they support teachers; they those resources are well distributed yet, but WPS is getting seem to be more concerned with the people “downtown” who there. don’t work directly with our students and therefore it feels as if teachers are not valued, monetarily or personally. With that being said, Joy Eakins does seem to look out for the best interests of the whole. She is always respectful and genuinely seems to listen and care. Behavior is also a main concern this year. I’m unsure if it is a result in change of administration at the building level or at the district level, but it seems to be headed in a negative direction. At our personal building, behavior is pushed onto other staff members and our administrator rarely deals with behaviors. I feel as if there is a district push of different ways of dealing with behavior, but so far I see no improvements with behavior, in fact it is getting worse. Buddy rooms have been taken away, there is less support from administration, people are being displaced because of a few children. Some buildings are just not equipped to deal with such behaviors due to lack of resources and/or space and it’s taking away the power from the teachers and placing it on the students to act and do as they please. I understand the theory behind some of these movements to increase positive behavior supports; however, if this is how it’s going to be done, it will not be successful.

They don't compensate their staff members the way they should.

Think about start times for alternative schools their education matters too.

Tier 3 behavior

Tight schedule

Tight schedule causes stress

Time

Time

Time - team time

Time & schedule doesn't allow for extras

Time & stress trying to "fit" it all in.

Time (lack of to try new strategies)

Time constraint

Time for parent education

Time for relationship building

97 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Time for specials teachers to meet collaboratively/PD

Time for Tier III behaviors not enough resources or people

Time that school starts and ends. Very hard for me as a parent with children that have sporting events after school.

Time to collaborate with staff

Time to implement

Time to meet kids needs

Time to plan & prepare all the levels of tiered support more resources, time, planning

Time to plan and contact people

Time to truly be a mentor to kids/ build trust

Time!! Robbing of … time for 2nd Step

Time, trained support staff, funding, parent support, behavior, reading curriculum

Timing of training on "new things"

Too many DIFFERENT agendas from downtown, each serves their own purpose but few serve the district as a whole.

Too many district administrators do not know what we face day to day or timelines of when things must be done. Example- -curriculum is just now thinking about next year and hopes to get the Program of Studies done in February. Counselors have to start pre-enrollment in January to get all the pieces together before school ends. Study after study shows how important unstructured play is to children; we have taken content to an extreme and students no longer have some social skills that came from unstructured play.

Too many silos across the district

Too much on the teacher's plates!! I also believe that even with support from downtown, the behaviors in our classrooms are increasing and getting worse and it is more and more difficult to get these kiddos to a location where they can learn. A regular classroom isn't for everyone these days. I think it is asking a lot for teachers to put all these interventions in place for these kiddos when they are already trying to keep their head above water with the curriculum needs, etc.

98 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Too much to do not enough time to teach it - black scheduling

Tracking - same level of kids

Training for clerical staff (registrars, clerks, etc)

Training for staff on issues

Training needs for new curriculum (2nd Step)

Transparency and vision alignment. What is the vision and mission of Wichita Public Schools as a whole?

Transparency at the building level

Transportation

Transportation

Transportation

Transportation

Transportation

Transportation - why aren't they receiving services - parents wants we can't meet

Transportation and school times are two big issues that I feel WPS has tried to address but still has work to do. Middle school start times are too early for middle school age students. One concern is that the starting hours are a struggle for students to get up at such early times and how that affects there sleep/rest. Another worry is when middle school students have to wait at the bus stop at such early hours in the dark. Not all parents have the ability to wait with these students in order to make sure that they are safe.

transportation for students for internships

TRANSPORTATION FOR STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL.

Transportation: lack of drivers, increased routs/time on bus, special needs

Trauma/mental health (student needs - secondary trauma for staff

99 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Treat classroom teachers with respect. Stop asking them to participate in professional learning that does not contribute to their personal growth. Allow the teachers who want to thrive and excel to do so without being constrained by the systemic issues that the poor quality teachers create. Supporting non- athletic activities such as debate, forensics, academic league, etc. would offer inclusion for all students, not just athletes across the district. Supporting gifted and upper-level learners with classes and incentives to keep them in WPS instead of quitting as soon as they reach their required credits for graduation. Incentivize and reward students for taking AP and Honors courses. Offer study halls for these students at ALL high schools.

Treating teachers and staff with the respect they deserve

Truancy/staying in school

Understaffed

Understaffed, Overworked, Underpaid Employees

Understanding students that are young mess up. Instead of teaching they suspend kids

Understanding value of education

Understanding with our leaders (ex governor)

Unforseen challenges

Union leaders - lack of respect

Unprepared academically & emotionaly

Up the Special needs graduation rates

Use of long term subs in specialized areas

Use of time for study hall- standard time throughout district

Using the "process" to shut out the voices of people who either do not want to serve on a work group or do not have the time or energy to serve on a work group.

Utilize community to assist with behavior - teachers want to teach

UTW (division between teachers & Staff)

Van Cleave writing with no training but have books

Varies at sites

100 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Vast array of student abilities

Vast needs of the city

Vertical alignment PreK - H.S.

vertical alignment! consistency with curriculum, i.e. switching curricula, math in particular, too frequently. We must invest in QUALITY curricula and stick with it. Recent math curriculum changes have created gaps in learning. We can't do that again. I think our PR with the Wichita public is a challenge and has been for quite some time. I read something recently about partnering with real estate agents to turn around the public perception that held some merit and appealed to me. Many people believe that our suburban schools are better schools than WPS. Many of our own teachers send their children to suburban or private schools. I wish we could turn this around. Make the public schools and support of them cool! It's grass roots. It's Wichita!

Very big district

Very low parent attendance at P/T conferences

Volunteer consistency

w/communication problems

We are being stripped of our ABILITY to truly TEACH our students in the ways that will best support them, and instead are being told HOW and WHAT to teach from those who have not been in a classroom for many years, if ever.

We are losing so many students in the cracks. Teachers are tied to the scope and sequence so when their students are not understanding something they don't have the extra time to spend on it to help the students. They have to go on. So the child doesn't understand it and can't build on it- therefore they are lost and the further they are lost the deeper they fall into the crack. We don't get kids ready for the adult working world. Kids miss school, have several tardies, and bad work habits. These are not skills that will keep a job. We need to start stressing the importance of all of those skills not just math and reading.

We have two students attending South High School, our experience with the teachers and staff has been great. We see evidence that they truly care about our children's success and are there to help in any way they can. Go Titans!

We need broader and different ways of communicating to those families not accessing the web

101 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

We need more para support in the classrooms. Also, is it possible to spread out the special ed students among classrooms with extra para support instead of putting them all in one regular classroom with one para. Substitutes needed!

We need to put FACS, Industrial Arts and other classes back into middle and high school. Not every child is going to go to a 4 year college. We need to get them ready for jobs immediately after graduation. What happened to business classes, mechanics, and the other classes we used to have?

We set our kids up for failure. The Jr highs try not to give homework which does not prepare our kids for high school. Kids need structure and accountability from an early age....homework should be given regularly from elementary on. And for godsake eliminate core math.....it prevents us from helping our children. ...my daughter had failed math classes 3 times. We would like to see more emphasis on science to prepare our children to better compete in global education and economy for jobs.

What are the systems in place? Why are the behavior interventions in place and how long

What do businesses need from us/USD259?

Who takes care of what in the district? - inter department communication

Wichita West.... NOBODY CARES FOR THE STUDENT'S EDUCATION

Work load

WORK LOAD FOR TEACHERS!!!!

Working collaboratively with partners rather than antagonistically

Working with diverse populations

Workload - teacher morale/teacher retention - so many layers/programs

Workload on key employees – All District

102 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

WPS has no incentive to keep their wonderful teaching staff EXCEPT the shorter calendar year. Insurance deductibles are catastrophic at best. At one time teachers stayed with WPS for insurance incentive and decent pay. Now teachers are looking at filing bankruptcy due to medical debt from high deductibles and minimal (at best) raises. Well over half of the WPS staff WANT the SHORTER year (as evident through multiple surveys). The kids are becoming more disrespectful, parent involvement is minimal, and an extra 15 days added on the calendar seems dreadful. Those in the district making above $70K have no idea how financially difficult and mentally straining it is to work for this district. WPS does not take into account the staff's opinions who are actually in the trenches daily. They are exhausted. I went to parent-teacher conferences for my children and noted the defeat and mental load on these teachers. Do what's right. Pay teachers what they're worth.

WPS is not identifying gifted students and parents are actively discouraged from applying for gifted testing. WPS could do a better job of discipline with grace. WPS needs to bring back hand writing skills. WPS is relying too much on computers and calculators and not relying on basic facts and computations. WPS has removed active play and recess which is critical for learning WPS has significantly reduced the arts which are critical for growth and brain development.

WPS never places the real story of how teachers are leaving due to no money and overworked. WPS does not even know how many courses are being taught in ONE hour -- I currently teach 8 different courses in a 54 minute class but no one in the WPS cares or appreciates what many of us do.

103 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

WPS takes forever to look into IEP’s for students with behavioral needs. 504 plans never seem to be followed. My child had one for three years before she got her IEP and it was never completely followed. She was also denied testing for an IEP for at least a year after it was requested saying she did not meet the criteria even though she has multiple diagnoses, been hospitalized and receives assistance through ComCare based programs. I attended USD 259 schools 20 years ago and bullying was a problem back then and still seems to be an issue now. My daughter has come home with bruises every school year since we moved her to usd 259 schools in 1st grade (she has attended multiple schools). Also the fact that the funding was cut for school books and resources I find extremely disturbing. The new math program you follow online only seems to confuse both of my children more than helps. When I ask why this is, I always get that it is some new program usd 259 has started and the teachers are still trying to figure it out. I do not find that answer acceptable when it affects my children’s education. USD 259 had a more comprehensive program when I was in school with them and you had math books that gave multiple examples in them to look at. This is not so with either of my children. They both are lucky to have one example in their notes from class. I have to google everything I do not know in order to help my daughters. This is wrong considering we still have to pay over $100 for tuition each year. Where does this money go? Also the fact my middle schooler is not allowed to use a calculator. My high schooler was told she did not need to buy a graphing calculator, but she cannot check one out from school and was given homework that required one. To me this is setting my child up for failure and is unacceptable.

Writing curriculum - 6th graders not knowing what a noun is - a need for explicit writing instruction

You have some phenomenal principals who have high expectations, who are involved, and support staff, students, and teachers, then others who are hands off and destroy what someone else worked so hard to build. The expectations should not be so different from one principal to the next. There should be consistency in expectations for documentation of student needs like PSP intervention forms that used to be on the old green cards.

Your administrators do not side with what is best for the students so the teachers and students run amok.

Your resources. I really hope your budget will be increased. You do a great job with what you are given.

Zero tolerance policies

104 How can we best communicate with you to What is going well in accomplishing the What are some of the challenges in What needs to be in place to be able to promote an open and transparent district district's objectives? accomplishing the district's objectives? accomplish the district's objectives culture?

Zip code shouldn't dictate what resources/funds you receive

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