Westlake Citizens Advisory Committee

Project Archive

2009

Service Learning

Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. The purpose of this project is to research how similar districts or schools have implemented service-learning and attempt to gauge its impact.

Going Green

This project will explore environmentally-friendly items that could be used within the district as a cost-saving measure. For example green design elements to reduce energy costs, transportation options that address rising fuel-costs, etc.

2008

CAC Communication’s Feedback Process - Garn Anderson, Judy Friedman

21st Century & Beyond and Teaching Financial Responsibility – Garn Anderson, Jim Matousek, Sandra Hazners

Teaching Financial Responsibility

Westlake’s Gifted Program – Jayne Hoon, Rich Helzel

Exploration of Funding Alternatives – Troy Miller

Regular & Extended Field Trips/Volunteer Coaches/Advisors – Christie Wiedt, Karen Seawall, Dan Walsh

Westlake’s Current Communication Program – Gina Wittenberg, Chris Bauer, Cecilia Steinman

2007

Diversity Report - Judith Friedman, Carol Winter, Gina Wittenberg

Diversity Report Appendices

2006

Partnerships with the Business Community

Levy Benchmarking Study - Garn Anderson, Jayne Hoon, Kevin Kanareff, Troy Miller, Anne Pevnev, Christie Wiedt
Levy Benchmarking Study Appendices

High School Research Project – Marica Columbro, John Doucette, Lee Field-Starks, Judy Friedman, Linda Wade

2005

Healthy Foods Project – Marcia Columbro, John Doucette, Linda Wade

School District Levy Project – Kevin Kanareff, Jean Seasholtz

2002

Performing Arts Center (PAC) Project
The Westlake Performing Arts Center has been the most visible project of the CAC. The CAC first surveyed the community to gauge the level of interest in a state of the art Performing Arts Center and subsequently played a key role in the successful passage of Issue 15 in November 2002, when the voters of Westlake approved a tax levy to fund the construction of the facility to benefit Westlake City Schools and the entire Westlake community. The Board of Education asked the CAC to continue its involvement by participating in critical aspects of the implementation, including serving on the architectural review committee, planning grand opening celebration activities and exploring ongoing ways to build a world class performing arts curriculum for the Westlake City Schools. 

Report on Drug and Alcohol Abuse
In 2002 the CAC studied drug and alcohol abuse in school-aged children in the Westlake Community.  The project pulled together a team of parents, students, law enforcement officials, churches and healthcare organizations to figure out how to help the youth in Westlake make healthy decisions about risky behaviors. This project resulted in formation of the now highly active Westlake Parent Connection (WPC).

The Westlake Parent Connection is a parent-led non-profit group assembled to promote education, communication and networking among parents and the community to encourage positive choices resulting in healthy behavior for our youth. Connect the pieces – talk to each other. For more information visit the Westlake Parent Connection site.

Other Past Projects

• Developing methods to increase two way communication between the school system and the community
• Exploring perpetual funding and ways to build community support for future school levies
• Study of the Westlake mascot