Appendix A
RENEWAL APPLICATION COVER SHEET
Name of School: Paul Public Charter School
Point person for renewal process: Jami D.H. Dunham
Certification Statement:
I, Sterling Ward, certify that the information submitted in this charter renewal application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that this application has been reviewed by the school’s Board of Trustees.
I also certify that the school has submitted the most current version of the school’s articles of incorporation and bylaws to Epicenter as part of its renewal application.
Authorized Signature: Must be a member of the Board of Trustees
Print Name: Sterling Ward Date: November 21, 2014
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CHARTER RENEWAL APPLICATION TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Renewal Application Cover Sheet………………………………….….…1
II. Review of Charter Performance……………………………………….…3
a. Fulfillment of Charter Goals…………………………………….……3
b. Fulfillment of Students Academic Achievement Expectations………6
c. Compliance with Charter and Applicable Laws (optional)……….…20
d. Fiscal Management and Economic Viability (optional)…………..…20
III. Appendices
a. Articles of Incorporation…………………………………………….21
b. Bylaws……………………………………………………………….33
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II. Review of Charter Performance
A. Fulfillment of Charter Goals The mission of Paul Public Charter School is to educate our students and to develop in them the capacity to be responsible citizens, independent thinkers, and leaders. Founded in 2000 and located in Northwest Washington, DC, Paul Public Charter School serves students in the middle and high school grades and is the home of the “M.E.R.I.T. Scholars” (Motivated, Educated, Responsible, Independent Thinker). Beginning in the middle grades, MERIT Scholars experience a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum, coupled with arts and athletic opportunities to develop a firm foundation to eventually enter Paul International High School.
To achieve our mission at Paul Public Charter School, we strive to accomplish the following goals, initially identified in our original charter application: Offer a rigorous academic curriculum Encourage an appreciation of the Arts and participation in Athletics through curricular integration and an enriching Extended Day program Raise an awareness for community and global issues Encourage a cooperative and collaborative work ethic Foster a desire for life-long learning, engagement and positive leadership Ensure that our scholars graduate from high school and college and are globally competent
The philosophy of Paul Public Charter School embodies the belief that all children can learn and benefit from our “Triple A Program,” offering high-quality Academics, Arts, and Athletics delivered within the context of a nurturing and structured school environment. The middle and high school years are among the most crucial in a child’s development, because it is then that the student generally chooses the directions, both academically and socially, that will influence the balance of his or her life. We provide each student with the wide-ranging opportunities and challenging experiences intended to expand each scholar’s world, a vast offering of academic and extra-curricular activities designed to increase each scholar’s knowledge, and leadership opportunities which will equip our scholars to take an active role in a global society.
Our core values reflect the beliefs of the Paul Public Charter School community, which set the tone for a positive school culture. Our core values and beliefs are: Community: Creating a welcoming, nurturing and orderly environment to provide an opportunity for all students, faculty and staff, board members, parents, and volunteers to perform at optimal levels. Diversity: Recognizing that each student must be provided with an individual plan for success and that diversity can strengthen the school community. Achievement: High quality teaching is a priority and must be coupled with relevant, rigorous, authentic, and aligned curriculum to ensure high student achievement. Addressing the needs of the whole child: Academics, Athletics and Arts are addressed during the school day to ensure the successful growth and development of well-rounded leaders and responsible citizens. Collaboration: Collaboration amongst stakeholders is an essential strategy for school improvement. Responsibility: All faculty and staff members are responsible for the academic and social growth of students. 3
Paul Public Charter School provides a structured and nurturing environment, through an extensive character education model, individualized course placement, and an array of support services. A myriad of after school activities and clubs allow students to explore hobbies and interests, including athletics, mentoring organizations, music and dance, media and technology, visual arts, and more. Paul Public Charter School has high expectations and believes that success in the middle and high school years is realized by providing a rigorous academic program, a deliberate exposure to the arts and athletics, and an emphasis on character development and leadership.
Paul’s “Triple A Program: Academics, Arts, and Athletics” is the comprehensive framework upon which the school aims to meet the needs of all learners. The following paragraphs summarize the School’s “Triple A Program.”
Paul offers an extensive liberal arts curriculum to all middle and high school students that is designed to meet the needs of every student. This balanced curriculum incorporates English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies as the core courses that are supplemented with a world language, technology and arts electives. Academic highlights include: