The School District of Palm Beach County Dr. Susan J Atherley, Principal 501 S Sapodilla Ave West Palm Beach, FL 33401-6009 Document Generated On December 14, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Description of the School 2 School's Purpose 4 Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement 6 Additional Information 8
Introduction Every school has its own story to tell. The context in which teaching and learning takes place influences the processes and procedures by which the school makes decisions around curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The context also impacts the way a school stays faithful to its vision. Many factors contribute to the overall narrative such as an identification of stakeholders, a description of stakeholder engagement, the trends and issues affecting the school, and the kinds of programs and services that a school implements to support student learning. The purpose of the Executive Summary (ES) is to provide a school with an opportunity to describe in narrative form the strengths and challenges it encounters. By doing so, the public and members of the school community will have a more complete picture of how the school perceives itself and the process of self-reflection for continuous improvement. This summary is structured for the school to reflect on how it provides teaching and learning on a day to day basis. Page 1
Description of the School Describe the school's size, community/communities, location, and changes it has experienced in the last three years. Include demographic information about the students, staff, and community at large. What unique features and challenges are associated with the community/communities the school serves? The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts is a complete magnet high school for the arts serving approximately one thousand, three hundred students. Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA) serves the entire area of Palm Beach County. This school is one of only two high schools in the Palm Beach County School District that does not have any geographical limitation for admitting our students. As Palm Beach County is the largest county east of the Mississippi River most students travel great distances to attend our school. Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts is located in the heart of West Palm Beach, which is the largest city in the county. The location of the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts was carefully planned in the late 1980's for a number of reasons. First, the school must rely in part on the public transportation train system. This system known as TriRail transports approximately three hundred students from the southern portion of Palm Beach County daily. The remainder of the student population is transported by the Palm Beach County School District bus system or by the students' own means from all locations in the county. The location of the school was also based on the close accessibility of many art venues in the same neighborhood. Most notable of these partners are the Kravis Center for Performing Arts, the Armory Art Center and the Norton Museum of Art. Each of these important art venues are within walking distance of the school. The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts has a diverse student population. As noted previously the students come from every community within Palm Beach County. The latest demographic report from the 2011-2012 school year shows that 59% of our students are White, 12% are Black, 21% are Hispanic and 8% of various other ethnic groups. In addition the female population of the student body is 67% according to the latest Gold Report for the school. Of our 1,300 students approximately 20 % of our students qualify for the free or reduced lunch program. The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts also has a diverse faculty. The school has a total of eighty-four full time instructional staff including the principal and four assistant principals. Of this staff 88% are White, 8% are Black, 4% are Hispanic with one teacher from the Caribbean. The Palm Beach County Demographics for a population of approximately 1,400,000 people are as follows: 77% are White, 18% are Black and 3 % Pacific Islander. The census data used for this document did not identify the exact percentage for the Hispanic population however this group is clearly significant in its size and contributions to Palm Beach County. The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts has a significant number of instructional staff holding a masters degree or above. The most recent data from the 2011-2012 school year show that the school faculty consisted of two staff members who have earned a doctorate, two instructional staff members hold an Educational Specialists degree, forty-two staff members hold masters degrees. with the remainder teaching with a bachelor degree. In addition three full time teachers in Dance and Theatre do not have college degrees, but are classified as Experts in the Field, with the remainder of our teaching staff have earned bachelor degrees. We are also extremely proud of the fact that eight of our teachers are National Board Certified. The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts underwent a change in school leadership at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. The school district administration replaced the existing principal of ten years with an experienced school leader who has been a principal within the school district at various levels for many years. Due to the fact that the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts is a unique magnet high school serving students with a high degree of artistic talent it faces a number of challenges. As many students travel over an hour each way daily by TriRail train, on school board buses or by their own means it is impossible to have a productive club and honor societies program after school as most high schools do. We have been able to establish a very successful club/honor society program during the lunch break period. We have created a single lunch period schedule with is approximately fifty minutes in length. Also students can receive additional help from their teachers during the lunch period. Another challenge for our students is the rigor of the arts classes. Though these classes are considered electives for the Florida graduation Page 2
requirement, they are taught at an extremely high level at DSOA. These courses demand a great deal of time for out of school preparation and added to the rigor of the academic courses demand a focused approach by our students to succeed. Page 3
School's Purpose Provide the school's purpose statement and ancillary content such as mission, vision, values, and/or beliefs. Describe how the school embodies its purpose through its program offerings and expectations for students. The importance of a school's mission and beliefs is paramount at every school. However, as a magnet school for theatre, music, dance, visual arts, digital media and communication arts these items take on even greater importance. The mission statement and beliefs are the driving force for every action by staff and students at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. The mission statement and beliefs are listed below in the same format found on school documentation. They are as follows: The Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts will provide an outstanding arts-centered education, in concert with a strong academic program, for students with exceptional ability in communication arts, dance, music, theatre, or visual arts. The faculty and staff, in partnership with students, parents, and the community, will strive to meet the individual creative and academic needs of these students. The beliefs which serve as the cornerstone for our mission statement are listed below: We, at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts believe We have a unique population selected on the basis of artistic talent in communication arts, dance, digital media, music, theatre, or visual arts. The major function of our school is to provide our students with the tools necessary to pursue the arts at the college, conservatory, or professional level. The student's primary focus should be on the arts. Strong art and academic programs stimulate excellence in artistic and intellectual endeavors. All faculty, parents, and students see art as a common purpose at the School of the Arts. all classes. Each student's talent is enhanced by his/her success in The School of the Arts fosters a life of appreciation and support of the arts. The school embodies its purpose as prescribed by the mission statement and beliefs in all of our professional and administrative actions. Most importantly unlike any other high school the guidance counselors and school administration begin the building of the master board based on the logistical needs of the art teachers. As almost every art course offering is a single class the careful placement of each art class is of extreme importance. As every student generally takes two art courses within the seven period day, the arrangement of the art courses proves to be the most critical step in the development of the master board. The mission of the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts holds central to its mission the preparation of artistically talented students for post-secondary opportunities in both artistic and academically-driven fields. Students are immersed in their chosen discipline of artistic study while engaged in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Supplemental to the arts curriculum is a guest artist program that brings to the school leading practioners from the regional and national arts scene. Students are given the opportunity to workshop and build relationships Page 4
with these arts professionals. With the opportunities provided at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts comes great responsibility. Students are expected to maintain high standards in both their artistic and cumulative academic studies. A probationary system exists for students who require additional support in meeting these high standards. As seats at the school are highly competitive, students who consistently fail to meet high standards are subject to dismissal. Viewing admissions at some of the nation's most competitive college programs as the school's major goal, several functions are in place to assist students. The Visual Arts department hosts an annual portfolio review day during which college representatives interview students for admission to their programs. The Theatre department brings students to National Unified Auditions in Chicago. Theatre students have the opportunity to audition for up to thirty different college theatre programs at these auditions. This year for the very first time The Dreyfoos School of the Arts Parent Association will be holding a college fair in October. This free event for students and parents will include college representatives, many exhibits on college relevant topics and informational seminars. Additionally, the school's guidance office offers a comprehensive support system for students applying to college. Page 5
Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement Describe the school's notable achievements and areas of improvement in the last three years. Additionally, describe areas for improvement that the school is striving to achieve in the next three years. The Class of 2012 which consisted of 294 seniors, earned over $18,500,000 in college scholarships. Dreyfoos was ranked 37th by Newsweek Magazine on the list of America's Best High Schools 2012. For the past 8 years, Dreyfoos also has ranked as one of the top 60 schools in the nation. Dreyfoos is ranked 60th on U.S. News 2012 list of America's top high schools. Dreyfoos Science Department Dean Steve Anand was recognized as 2011 Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year by the National Association of Biology Teachers. He also was recognized as the Dwyer Teacher of the Year for 2012. Twenty-two students from Dreyfoos were in New York City this June after winning in various categories of the 2012 National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers in the nation. Other achievements are listed below by each art area. Communication Arts: The SEEDS literary magazine won a Gold Medal Certificate from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association; SEEDS won the ALL-FLORIDA AWARD from the Florida Scholastic Press Association; SEEDS - 2010 PACEMAKER AWARD; the MARQUEE yearbook was a finalist for ILLLUSTRATION OF THE YEAR for their cover design by the National Press Association; DSOA'sTV PRODUCTION won the NSPA Broadcast PACEMAKER AWARD; 1 GOLD at the NATIONAL SCHOLASTICE ART & WRITING AWARDS; 2 GOLD and 4 SILVER at the Regional SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS for Film. Dance: 7 dance students selected to attend the ALVIN AILEY SUMMER INTENSIVE in NYC; 15 Students participated in NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE ARTS (NFAA). Digital Media: Scripps Invitational Exhibition - 20 individual student works; 17 seniors participated in the NFAA competition; 10 students were accepted into the FLORIDA STATE YOUTH ARTS EXHIBITON; 8 senior portfolios were accepted into the FLORIDA STATE YOUTH ARTS EXHIBITION; 3 seniors won scholarships through the FLORIDA STATE YOUTH ARTS competition; 16 students won SILVER MEDALS, and 15 students won GOLD MEDALS at the REGIONAL SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS; 3 seniors won GOLD MEDALS for their portfolios at the REGIONAL SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS. Music: Band - Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble both won SUPERIOR MEDALS at District Solo and Ensemble; 23 students selected to ALL DISTRICT JAZZ BAND; DSOA Band received SUPERIOR ratings at the FLORIDA BANDMASTERS DISTRICT MUSIC ASSESSMENT; 128 students applied to the SOLO & DISTRICT ENSEMBLES; 5 jazz band students selected to the UCF ALL STATE JAZZ BAND Piano: 1 MERIT AWARD in the NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE ARTS; 1 ARTS FOR LIFE Scholarship Winner; 1st PLACE in the ALHAMBRA CONCERTO COMPETITION; 1st and 2nd PLACE in the PALM BEACH ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL; 2 1st PLACES and 2 2nd PLACES in the BOCA DELRAY MUSIC SOCIETY COMPETITION. Strings: 11 string students were in the all-state orchestras. District and State level MPA's. Philharmonic earned straight Superior Ratings at both district and State. String Orchestra earned Superior at District and Excellent at State Competition. 10 students successfully auditioned for universities, music conservatories and colleges of music and are now enrolled at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music, Florida State University, University of Florida, and many others Chorus: 1 student was the FIRST PLACE PATHFINDER AWARD winner in Vocal Music; the SINGING GENTS (21 students) were awarded SUPERIOR ratings at the DISTRICT CHORUS MUSIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT; Theatre: Had a finalist in the Florida Stage Young Playwrights Festival. His play was given a staged reading with professional actors. Had students participate in the Florida Stage Gen Z Global Stage project where they wrote and performed a play with partners from around the world! Had 20 seniors participate in the NFAA/Young Arts Scholarship Competition with one merit winner. Received more superior and Critics' Choice awards than any other high school at the District 15 Thespian Festival in the areas of: Page 6
monologue, duet acting, & ensemble acting; solo, duet, & group musical theatre; directing; scenic design; costume design; costume construction; lighting design; publicity design; pantomime; & playwriting. Had a finalist in the English-Speaking Union's Shakespeare Competition, Palm Beach Branch who performed as one of only 50 finalists in the National Shakespeare Competition a the Lincoln Center. Had 2 students accepted into the Carnegie-Mellon Scenic Design Program. Had students accepted into BFA acting, musical theatre, design or technical theatre programs at: NYU, Boston University, SMU (Meadows School of Arts)"2 on a full ride, North Carolina School of Arts, Fordham, Otterbein, University of the Arts, The Strasberg Institute in New York, FSU, U of Florida, U. of Miami, etc. Visual Arts: The department participated in 2 state competitions; 1 regional competition and in 3 national competitions. 65 seniors participated in the NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE ARTS competition; 12 Honorable Mention in NFAA; 1 senior named a Level 1 at NFAA; 1 senior named a Level 3 at NFAA; 2 seniors SEMI-FINALIS then 1 FINALIST for Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Though arts is the major focus of this high school our academic course work must meet state requirements as well as be evaluated by the state of Florida for AYP. An area in which improvement is needed is in our math students in the Lowest 25%. We must increase the percentage of these students making Learning Gains in Algebra 1 this year. Page 7
Additional Information Provide any additional information you would like to share with the public and community that were not prompted in the previous sections. No additional information to share. Page 8