School Profile 2012-2013 - Hillcrest High School

Page created by Douglas Brooks
 
CONTINUE READING
School Profile 2012-2013 - Hillcrest High School
School Profile 2012-2013
                                       Hillcrest High School
                                         Grades 9 to 12 (semestered)

          Address:
      1900 Dauphin Rd.                Our School
       Ottawa, Ontario                Hillcrest High School has proudly prepared three generations of students from the
           K1G 2L7                    Ottawa South community for the world of work, college, apprenticeships, and
                                      university. Hillcrest has a tradition of setting high standards and we continue to
   Phone: (613) 733-1755              embrace new technologies to engage our learners. Our motto is “Soar to
    Fax: (613) 733-6126
                                      Excellence”. Our staff continue to provide enhanced learning opportunities for our
       School hours:                  students through activities, alternative learning methods, and educational field trip
    9:05 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.             experiences. Citizenship is an important part of our goals and our students have
                                      raised over $500000 to support Cancer research! Our facility offers support to
                       1
      School Website                  academic, technological, computer information, artistic, and athletic programming.
                                      Through a partnership with the OCDSB and a community organization, we have an
          Principal
                                      artificial turf field for our students and community use. Hillcrest has programming
        Reg Lavergne
                                      options to support the young people in our community and we welcome you to our
       Vice Principals                school!
        Cheryl Black
         Chris Hale
                                      Our Students
    Office Administrator              Hillcrest welcomes a diverse student population. Our students come to us from our
       Mary Tsikouras                 feeder schools including Vincent Massey PS, Alta Vista PS, Featherstone PS,
                                      Hawthrone PS, and Roberta Bondar PS. We also have a history of welcoming and
       Chief Custodian                supporting international students who are seeking to broaden their learning by
        Richard Brown                 studying in Canada. Many of our students seek post-secondary education and are
    School Council Chair
                                      supported by scholarships and bursaries. Highlights each year include the
      Charles Levesque                international trips and exchanges that staff organize to broaden our students
                                      learning experiences.
Superintendent of Instruction
       Stephen Sliwa
                                      Our Staff
       School Trustee                 Our teachers, educational assistants, support, and care staff are our key resources
     Bronwyn Funiciello               in providing an excellent learning environment. Parents and students describe our
                                      staff as dedicated, knowledgeable, committed, and caring. Professional
     Chair of the Board               development is a key focus for staff as they work to enhance student learning
     Jennifer McKenzie
                                      opportunities.
   Director of Education/
   Secretary of the Board
       Jennifer Adams

 General Board Information:
    Phone: 613-721-1820
                       2
      OCDSB Website
                            3
  Accessibility Information

               Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                         1
School Profile 2012-2013 - Hillcrest High School
Our Community
Parents and Community
We welcome and encourage volunteers in our school. Parents and other volunteers have contributed a great deal of
time and support towards making Hillcrest a warm and caring place to be. The School Council is a volunteer group of
parents/guardians, community representatives, teaching and non-teaching staff, and students. School Council is
dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities and partnerships with the community. Meetings are held in our
library on the fourth Tuesday of each school month (except December and June) beginning at 7:00 pm. Parents are
encouraged to attend and become actively involved in making Hillcrest “Soar to Excellence.”

                                      Mission Statement
With mutual respect and celebrating human diversity, Hillcrest High School strives for excellence to impact our world
through leadership, compassion, knowledge, and integrity.

              Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                      2
School Profile 2012-2013 - Hillcrest High School
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
Hillcrest offers an academic program leading to a wide range of post-secondary options. Our students continue their
learning at college or university, through apprenticeship programs, while others move onto the world of work.
Whatever the goal, we want to support our students so that they can be successful at all that they do! Specialty
programs include: The Focus Program - Manufacturing Technology, French Immersion, International Languages,
Outdoor Education, Food and Nutrition, Broad-based Technology and Computer Science, Cooperative Education and
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). We also offer University Advanced Placement exams (AP) and
comprehensive programs in traditional academics, arts, physical education, student leadership (LINK), technology, and
business.

Hillcrest is one of six OCDSB secondary schools piloting the new International Certificate Program. This program
recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to global citizenship through the study of an international
language other than English or French, complete internationally focused course work in some of their senior classes,
                                                                                                            4
and participate in an internationally focused project. More information on this program can be found here .

Classroom Organization
Hillcrest High School offers grades 9 through 12 courses on a semester timetable. Students also have shared activities
that include social issues, goal setting, multicultural experiences and education planning.

Special Education and ESL Programs
Resource support and educational assessments are under the direction of our Learning Support Teachers. Educational
Assistants and Board Special Services staff also provide assistance to students. A designated classroom is set aside to
provide students with academic support and we have added a designated classroom for Student Success. Hillcrest also
offers a Developmental Disabilities Program and an Asperger’s Program, both of which support our students to reach
their full potential.

Clubs and Activities
Our clubs, teams, and student organizations are the source of our spirit at Hillcrest! Students have the opportunity to
display their talents and achievements in drama productions, music performances, visual arts displays, Leadership
initiatives, athletics, and community involvement.

We are successful participants in interscholastic sports and have a strong intramural program including Basketball,
Volleyball, Hockey, Baseball, Tennis, Rugby, Swimming, and Track and Field. New clubs and opportunities develop
each year including Link, Percussion, and Athletic Leadership. Our Fitness club provides cardio and resistance
equipment, and instruction and information of proper fitness training. Students are always welcome and encouraged
to participate in our many clubs and activities.

Safe Schools Initiatives
Hillcrest's Code of Conduct is based on Ontario Ministry of Education Policy and Program Memorandums and OCDSB
Policies and Procedures.

In addition to the Code of Conduct, Hillcrest offers other safe school initiatives which include: Multi-Cultural
Awareness, Girls’ and Boys’ Support Groups, Early Intervention Program (EIP), Gay and Straight Alliance, and First
Aid/CPR Training, and Anti-bullying programming.

              Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                       3
Facilities and Resources
The school has the many advantages of a traditional building including:
 Comprehensive classrooms, arts, and science facilities.
 A 700 seat auditorium and a modern library.
 A double gym with permanent bleachers and a smaller gym.
 Five computer labs.
 Dedicated classrooms for Transportation Technology (Auto), Electrical, Drafting, and Communications
    Technology.
 Two full-sized playing fields.
 A FIFA regulation-size artificial turf field!

Google Map of Hillcrest High School

              Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                 4
Achievement and School Improvement Planning
Measures of Student Achievement and Success
Hillcrest High School follows the guidelines set out in the OCDSB Policy and Procedures for Student Evaluation. These
                                     2
are available on the Board’s website .

Through our Careers course delivered at the grade 10 level, each Hillcrest High School student is provided with a
school folder to record the student’s efforts in the four focal areas of academic achievement, leadership experience,
citizenship, and activities (including teams, clubs and special events). These folders provide direction and serve as
examples of student success in each of the four focal areas, an excellent resource for use with applications to
university, college, apprenticeship, or the world of work.

Student interest and involvement in contests, school teams, the intramural program, arts activities, community
initiatives, and special events generate significant success. Local and national level honours have been recorded by
Hillcrest students. We are very proud of the commitment demonstrated by our students. Each year we celebrate the
academic, athletic, and artistic accomplishments of our students through Awards events, Athletic competition and
various artistic presentations. We post our students achievements throughout the school to allow us all to see how we
all shine in different ways. That helps us all realize how we can contribute to society in many different ways.

We continue to administer the French Advanced Placement program and our overall results continue to be very
strong. The majority of our students achieved sufficient levels to use their results for university or college credits.

The Mathematics and English Departments review results from the OCDSB Quality Assurance Mathematics Diagnostic
Test and EQAO testing information to support our professional growth to challenge students and support their
learning needs.

School Improvement Plans and Initiatives
Our School Improvement Team meets throughout the year to review our data and apply that to our improvement
plan. Our team focuses on identifying supports, strategies, and technologies that will enhance student learning while
providing staff with collaborative time to refine strategies and reflect on the effectiveness of those strategies. Our
goal is always on Student Improvement; always raising the bar!

Student achievement is monitored through a review of the results of board wide and EQAO/OSSLT examinations.
These include the Grade 9 provincial wide Math test and the Grade 10 Literacy test). This information is shared with
staff to assist in planning. Course medians are reviewed each reporting period with each department reviewing the
subject data and implementing intervention strategies to improve student achievement. Students who are
experiencing challenges will meet with Student Services and the administrative team to review their plan and
identifies areas of needed support.

The Character Education Program continues to be an essential part of Hillcrest involving student, staff, administration
and School Council and continues to support our goal to enhance our schools’ culture and commitment to our
community.

Technology is a valuable tool in providing services to students, parents, and community. We continue to add
resources and develop procedures that integrate computer technology into delivery of curriculum, student use,
database management, and communication. Our counsellors are available to provide academic, career, or personal
counselling in addition to running special student support centered projects.

Our Student Success focus is very proactive. We have a series of initiatives in the school that support students
throughout their learning to provide every opportunity for success!

               Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                          5
Leadership Recognition
          “Leadership in the OCDSB is the demonstration of personal initiative
                            to achieve a positive outcome.”

Students
Each year, several Hillcrest Student Council representatives receive leadership training through an OCDSB Leadership
Training Program. In turn, Student Council provides ongoing leadership to the student body through its active
promotion of school spirit and community. The dances, charitable fundraisers, and spirit building activities are only a
few of the contributions of this group. Through clubs and activities such as the Breakfast Club, the Impact Club, Peer
Helpers, and the Multicultural Club, students provide leadership and support to their peers and the community while
modeling strong citizenship traits. Our students are also recognized for their leadership in athletics and the arts, both
individually and as groups. Recognition is provided both formally and informally through the granting of awards,
especially at the Fall Awards Ceremony and the June Commencement Ceremony, and through celebrations such as
the Athletic Banquet and Arts Night. Community organizations also provide recognition, and acknowledgements are
made through school announcements, newsletters, and assemblies.

Staff
Administration, teachers, office and support staff form the Hillcrest team which provides leadership, direction and
support in the achievement of our educational goals. Our highly qualified staff not only participate in ongoing Board
sponsored and other professional development activities, but are also involved in initiatives designed to promote
student growth and character development. This year, staff expressed interest in, sought professional development
in, and planned and implemented a highly successful LINK program designed to connect senior students with grade 9
students to provide a smooth and successful transition into high school while providing support throughout the year
as students meet new experiences such as exams and course selections.

Our staff are recognized for their achievements and for their contributions to student success. There is
acknowledgement between peers, recognition at staff meetings, in weekly updates, cards of thanks, performance
appraisals, and reports to School Council.

              Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                         6
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
We thank the volunteers who contribute their skills and knowledge to assist our students academically, in athletics,
and as contributing members of the community. From tutoring and coaching, to helping students understand their
role as citizens, our volunteers provide a valuable service. Our School Council which meets monthly donates its time
and expertise to the well-being of our students and staff. This invaluable partnership is recognized through school
newsletters, at assemblies, and in our Principal's report to School Council.

Community
We have strong links with the community. One of these links occurs through co-operative education, whereby
students engage in work place learning linked to school curriculum. In addition to the required 40 hours of Community
Involvement, our students traditionally contribute upwards of 1000 hours to various community organizations and
events. Last year, over $35,000 was raised in one evening for the Cancer Society as a result of the efforts of students,
staff and the contributions of our community. Easter Seals, The United Way, The Dave Smith Center, The Make-A-
Wish Foundation, and the Alta Vista Reforestation Project have been past benefactors as well. We acknowledge these
partners in our newsletters, on the school website, and in the Principal's Report to School Council. We also have a
state of the art artificial turf field for school and community use. This field represents a partnership between the
OCDSB and the Ottawa International Soccer Club.

              Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                       7
Results of EQAO Grade 9 Assessment
Each year, students participate in the province-wide assessment of mathematics. This assessment by the Education
Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is based on the Ontario Curriculum and is one way in which student
achievement is measured. It is given at the end of the academic and applied courses in January and/or June,
depending on whether or not a school is semestered. Results from these assessments should be viewed with caution
since the achievement of a few students, particularly in small schools, can have a large impact on overall results.
Further, it is important to view student achievement in the context of other available information, some of which is
contained in this profile.

The following table describes grade 9 students in this school for the 2011-2012 assessment:

                                                                                Receiving Special                  Only/mostly speak              Speaks as often in
                                                                               Education support                  language other than             English as another
              Number of
                                                                               (excluding gifted)                   English at home               language at home
               Students
                                                      Exempt/ No data*                                      ELL

Academic        123                                          2%                         11%               11%              9%                           20%

 Applied         17                                          0%                         29%               12%              12%                          18%

Results for all grade 9 students in this school, compared to those for the district and province, are presented below.
                                                                                                    5
More detailed information about student performanceGrade 9onAcademic
                                                             these assessments   can be found here .
                                                                       Mathematics:
                                                                     Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1)
       Grade 9 Academic Mathematics: Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1)
                           Levels 3 and 4 (%)

                                                 100%

                                                  50%

                                                    0%
                                                              2007-2008         2008-2009           2009-2010      2010-2011          2011-2012
                                                Hillcres t        82%              74%                87%            83%                79%
                                                OCDS B            80%              81%                86%            86%                86%
                                                P rovin ce        75%              77%                82%            83%                84%
                                                                                    Grade 9 Applied Mathematics:
                                                                          Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1)
           Grade 9 Applied Mathematics: Percentage of Students at Levels 3 and 4 (Method 1)
                      Levels 3 and 4 (%)

                                           100%

                                                50%

                                                 0%
                                                             2007-2008          2008-2009           2009-2010      2010-2011           2011-2012
                                Hillcres t                     14%                21%                 22%            38%                  41%
                                OCDS B                         31%                36%                 38%            37%                 42%
                                P rovin ce                     34%                38%                 40%            42%                 44%

                                                      * EQAO has combined “exempt” and “no data” categories for grade 9 assessment.

               Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                                                                  8
Results of the Ontario Secondary School
                         Literacy Test
Each year, students participate in the Ministry mandated Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). This
assessment by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is given to Grade 10 students to determine if
they can successfully demonstrate the reading and writing skills that apply to all subject areas in the provincial
curriculum up to the end of Grade 9. Receiving a secondary school diploma depends on passing the OSSLT – i.e., this is
a “credentialling test”. Exemptions and deferrals are given only under certain circumstances and in accordance with
policies and procedures established by EQAO. Students who are not successful on the test are able to attempt it again
in a future administration, or enroll in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC). EQAO reports results
only in terms of whether or not a student passed/was successful on the test, rather than levels of student
performance.

The following table describes the students in this school who were eligible to write this test for the first time (FTE) in
2011-2012:
                                                                     Receiving Special
                  Number                                             Education                        Only/mostly speak      Speaks as often in
                  of FTE                                             support                          language other than    English as another
                  students        Deferred              Absent       (excluding gifted)   ELL         English at home        language at home

  Hillcrest HS    141             3%                    1%           14%                  14%         12%                    30%

Results for first-time eligible students who fully participated in the testing (i.e., not deferred or absent) compared to
those for the district and province, are presented below. More detailed information about student performance on
                                     5
this assessment can be found here .

   OSSLT: Percentage of First-Time Eligible Students Who Were Successful (Fully Participating)
                                             100%
                             % Successful

                                              50%

                                                0%
                                                             Mar.2008      Apr. 2009      Apr. 2010         Mar.2011    Mar.2012
                                            Hillcrest          93%            91%           83%               89%           88%
                                            OCDSB              89%            88%           89%               88%           87%
                                            Province           84%            85%           84%               83%           82%

Next Steps
 Student achievement will be improved and monitored through the Student Success initiative, providing supports to
  students across the District, and at the school level supported by the school literacy team.
 Students who are not successful on the OSSLT have been, and will continue to be, provided with appropriate
  remedial help. Such remediation will be guided by individual student diagnostic feedback provided by EQAO. Each
  school will continue with its own school improvement plans concerning literacy.
 Students who have been unsuccessful on the OSSLT may obtain their literacy graduation requirement by
  successfully completing the OSSLC (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course).
 The District and schools will continue to provide a variety of strategies to assist in supporting students, including:
  workshops and resources for grades 7, 8, and 9 teachers to help students with low literacy skills, school-based
  preparation for students taking the OSSLT and workshops for teachers to promote best practices literacy
  instruction
                 Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                                               9
Results of District-Wide Assessments
In 2011-2012, all schools participated in the ENG4U, ENG4C, MPM2D, and MFM2P District-wide evaluation projects.
These projects aim to create consistent evaluation of student performance by providing:

   a common examination;
   a detailed marking scheme for the examination;
   conference marking;
   exemplars to show students and teachers the criteria for, and examples of, successful performance;
   workshops for teachers; and
   reports of school and Board results.

Heads of English and Mathematics would be pleased to discuss examination preparation, procedures, and marking
with those who are interested. Please contact the school for further information. Students in semestered schools
write the exams at the end of the semester in which they take the course. For reporting purposes, results for the
January and June exams have been combined in the charts below.

                                                            English 4U
                     100%

                      50%

                           0%
                                Below Level 1     Level 1          Level 2          Level 3          Level 4
                Hillcrest HS         7%             9%               24%              28%              32%
                District             9%            14%               22%              26%              29%
         In 2011-2012, a total of 3612 students across the district wrote this exam; 155 of whom were from this school.

                                                            English 4C
                     100%

                      50%

                           0%
                                Below Level 1     Level 1           Level 2         Level 3          Level 4
                Hillcrest HS         4%             8%               28%              46%              14%
                District             3%             9%               23%              43%              21%
         In 2011-2012, a total of 1350 students across the district wrote this exam; 50 of whom were from this school.

             Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                               10
Mathematics MPM2D
                             100%

                              50%

                                0%
                                        Below Level 1     Level 1     Level 2        Level 3       Level 4
                           Hillcrest         9%            17%         26%            23%           26%
                           District          6%            13%         20%            26%           35%

          In 2011-2012, a total of 3718 students across the district wrote this exam; 113 of whom were from this school.

                                                        Mathematics MFM2P
                              100%

                               50%

                                0%
                                        Below Level 1     Level 1     Level 2        Level 3      Level 4
                            Hillcrest       10%            24%         31%            17%           17%
                            District         8%            19%         27%            27%           20%
           In 2011-2012, a total of 1330 students across the district wrote this exam; 29 of whom were from this school.

URL References
1
    http://hillcresths.ocdsb.ca/
2
    http://www.ocdsb.ca/
3
    http://www.ocdsb.ca/ab-ocdsb/
4
    http://www.ocdsb.ca/programs/int/Pages/ICP.aspx
5
    http://www.eqao.com/

               Educating for Success – Inspiring Learning and Building Citizenship                               11
You can also read