I am pleased to announce that Balboa Academy's new Strategic Plan will be included on the Balboa Academy Web. This draft charts our course for the next five years. It is comprehensive in nature and includes nine critical areas in the life of the school (Governance, Academics, Athletics, Facilities, Development & Marketing, Faculty & Staff, Finance, Student Life, and Technology).
One of the challenges faced by schools today involves blending the best of our past with our vision of the future. My vision includes a rigorous course of study that meets the needs of a wide range of students, and a comprehensive roster of extra curricular activities that are to be the hallmarks of Balboa Academy. Balboa Academy must consistently challenge its students to use their knowledge and talents. Continuing to prepare these students for this challenge is the task that Balboa Academy has faced by preparing this strategic plan.
Today our students must know more than the three "R’s." In addition to content knowledge, young people entering the workforce must be critical thinkers and problem solvers. They must know how to work creatively and cooperatively with others and be knowledgeable and comfortable with the latest technology. They must take responsibility for their own learning and yearn to become lifelong learners.
Nine critical areas of our school will be examined and improved upon during the next five years. My hope is that as you read this you will see for yourself how interconnected all of the areas are. We are committed to providing the best possible educational program for future generations of students. We will need to upgrade science labs, classrooms and add enough computers to fully integrate them into teaching and learning. As important as all those things are, the most critical part of the successful education puzzle is quality teaching. We must ensure that new teachers see Balboa Academy as a desirable place to work and that education continues to be an attractive profession. We need to continue to provide our teachers with quality professional in-service opportunities so that they can better work with our students. A professional, dedicated and caring faculty will always be part of our school.
By 2010, Balboa Academy will be a new school in many ways; modern classrooms and labs, more technology and building renovations will give the physical plant a new look, but the emphasis on faculty-student relationships will provide the comfortable community atmosphere that has made Balboa Academy a special place over the past six years.
Sincerely,
Jean Lamb
Director
BALBOA
ACADEMY
Balboa Academy strives to provide an exemplary educational program for pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade multi-national students, using a U.S. English language curriculum that prepares students to be successful participants in a challenging, dynamic world.
Balboa Academy is a learning laboratory for students and teachers, providing them with multiple opportunities for learning and social interaction. The faculty and staff work collaboratively sharing the responsibility for guiding the academic success of each student.
Our Beliefs:
· All children have the capacity to learn and achieve at their maximum potential.
· Each person is unique and possesses special abilities and interests that must be recognized and developed.
· The education of all students should be challenging, technologically-enhanced and goal-oriented.
· Students with diverse learning needs will be academically successful in an environment where they search for meaning, appreciate uncertainty and acquire responsibility.
· Teachers, school staff and administrators have a responsibility for their own learning and personal behavior.
· The education of the whole person occurs through cooperation and collaboration among students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators.
· Lifelong learning is fundamental for constructive and responsible participation in a diverse and changing society.
· Students will learn effectively in an educational community that is safe and nurturing.
· Assessments of student learning should provide students with a variety of opportunities to demonstrate their achievement and authentic contexts to apply their learning.
· Student learning is the chief priority for our school.
Balboa Academy serves a culturally diverse population and recognizes the varied needs of these students. The school provides an educational program based on U.S. curriculum and instruction models that implement a broad and sequential plan of study, emphasizing the development of productive citizens in a global community. Balboa Academy encourages everyone (students, teachers, staff, parents and other school members) to engage in activities that encourage life-long learning.
Balboa Academy fosters a cooperative work environment; care for each other’s well-being; and continuous intellectual growth for all. Educational opportunities exist for everyone.
Balboa Academy believes that all children have the capacity to learn and achieve at their maximum potential, and provides students with positive, academically challenging and intellectually stimulating learning experiences. Developmentally appropriate activities are planned for all students. There are high expectations for everyone. Our goal is to enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills required to become successful, contributing members of society.
Balboa Academy believes that educators best serve their community by continually perfecting their craft and striving for excellence in their classroom practices. Balboa Academy is a community of educators motivated to maximize effective teaching through staying abreast of contemporary research in education; implementing modern methods of instruction; cultivating high expectations; and individualizing instruction. Teachers collaborate in the design, planning and reflection of effective instructional strategies and practices.
Parent participation in the educational process is important. Educators ensure that parents are aware of their child(ren)’s school progress through frequent and varied types of school-home communication. Parents are provided with updated information about the curriculum and specific programs as needed.
Staff and school personnel play an important role in the educational process at Balboa Academy. Professional development and career growth are a high priority. Staff and school personnel are included in school events, celebrations, faculty meetings and staff development activities on a regular basis. They are encouraged to participate in training activities areas as part of their career development.
Balboa Academy believes learning should be a life-long endeavor. Young students need positive and successful experiences in order to evolve into productive and positive citizens of a global community. They should be competent in six skill areas: communication, math, technology, science, social/team-work, and research (retrieving and utilizing information); practice good health habits and participate in physical education and sports; appreciate the fine arts; and engage in activities that help develop civic and moral values.
A school which is loved and remembered by its students demonstrates having had a positive impact on the learning experience of its students. The school must provide a safe, non-threatening and caring environment, have teachers and school members who care about the well-being of each student, and have a legacy of traditions and rituals which live on in the memory of its alumni. Balboa Academy is dedicated to the following:
Goals and Objectives
Over the next five years, Balboa Academy will continue its efforts to assess and strengthen its entire program. Nine key areas have been identified and goals and objectives have been created in each. They are:
§ By 2010, Balboa Academy's curriculum will be challenging, goal oriented and meet the needs of all our learners.
§ By 2010, every Balboa Academy senior will have a portfolio, maintained by the Counselor that best reflects their marketability for college and university.
§ By 2010, Balboa Academy High School will develop a comprehensive athletic program for all students with premier athletic facilities and participate in organized leagues of junior high and high schools in soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track and swimming.
§ By the opening of school 2010, Balboa Academy will expand and modernize its physical facility and grounds to accommodate the initiatives stated in the strategic plan.
§ By 2010, Balboa Academy will introduce a program of financial contributions.
§ By 2010, Balboa Academy will raise money for renovation, expansion, and purchase of the physical plant.
FACULTY & STAFF
§ Recognizing that Balboa Academy’s present and future success is largely dependent on its personnel resources, every effort will be made to recruit, retain, train, support, and reward a diverse, professional, committed and positive faculty and staff.
§ By 2010, Balboa Academy's teachers will be professionally qualified and all employees will be compensated competitively.
§ The school financial operation will continue to be mission driven to support the overall strategic plan with a student population of approximately 700.
§ Increase the capital fund for future purchase of the facilities from the Government of Panama.
§ By 2010, aspects of school spirit and student life will be improved.
§ By 2010, students and faculty at Balboa Academy will demonstrate a basic knowledge of computer concepts, the use of technology in communication, research, problem solving and productivity, as well as the ethical issues of technology.
A committee made up of members from Balboa Academy's constituencies will create an annual report reviewing the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
By 2010, Balboa Academy's curriculum will be challenging, goal oriented and meet the needs of all our learners.
Each academic area will continue to conduct an annual self-study to evaluate its program.
The course standards, benchmarks and exit skills for each academic discipline will reflect US private school norms. Courses will be gradually increased in rigor each year until the standards are met.
Each academic subject will have a syllabus that includes course description, course goals and objectives, standards, benchmarks, exit skills, topics, texts and other materials, and unit objectives on file in the Academic Dean’s Office.
Each academic discipline will be mapped from Kinder through 12th grade to ensure that the curriculum is comprehensive and no areas are missed or over taught. These maps will include course description, course goals and objectives, standards, benchmarks, exit skills, topics, texts, etc. These maps will be reviewed, evaluated, and updated annually.
Each academic department’s course offerings will be reviewed and adjusted annually to meet the needs of the Balboa Academy students.
Student assessment in each course will reflect the goals and objectives of the course and the Academy.
Each academic department will promote its course offerings, on an annual basis, to students and parents prior to the course registration deadline. The staff will advocate challenging students with Advanced Placement courses.
The new student academic and behavior admission standards will be adjusted each year by the admissions committee to limit the acceptance of students which are below the norm for Balboa Academy students.
The Academic Deans will conduct an annual meeting with parents and students by grade level, to discuss academics requirements of that grade level.
Teachers will meet across disciplines on a regular basis to discuss educational issues relating to Balboa Academy students.
To better meet the needs of learners and remain competitive with private schools in Panama, class size will be set at an average of 20, and a maximum of 24 before the class is split.
Enriched classes in math, science, and technology will be added to the curriculum to accomplish goals of maintaining small class size and meeting the requirements of the gifted student.
By 2010, every Balboa Academy senior will have a portfolio, maintained by the Counselor that best reflects their marketability for college and university.
The Counselor will create a portfolio for each senior that includes a resume, a writing sample, letters of recommendation, a school profile, test results and a data sheet detailing unique accomplishments and community service activities.
The Counselor will use student portfolios to help students prepare their college applications.
The Counselor will conduct annual meetings with parents and students detailing the college application process.
By 2010, Balboa Academy High School will develop a comprehensive athletic program with premier athletic facilities.
1. Design and construct a weight room as an addition to the Gym.
2. Establish seasons for team sports that correspond with the AASCA Tournaments.
3. Organize a High School and Junior High School team sports league competition among the private schools of Panama into seasons.
4. Establish junior high and high school teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, track, and swimming.
5. Hold high school team sports competition in the evening and publicize games to develop a parent/fans support group.
6. Provide multi-sport high impact polypropylene copolymer playing surface, telescopic bleachers, mounted basketball backboards and score boards in the gym. Install windows and A/C in above stage.
7. Establish a high school and middle school Intramural sports Program.
By the opening of school 2010, Balboa Academy will expand its physical facility and grounds to accommodate the initiatives stated in the strategic plan.
To be able to purchase the buildings and grounds from the Government of Panama when ever the buildings and grounds become available for purchase.
To increase security, enclose the campus in an anti-ram/anti- climb fence which maintains the aesthetics of the campus
Increase the play ground facilities for early elementary grades.
To accomplish the goal of maintaining small class size, and provide additional Advanced Placement science by installing an additional science classroom.
Provide adequate meeting space: Equip JHS multipurpose room with seating for 200, projection and sound equipment and interactive whiteboards and renovate the HS multipurpose room drop ceiling and lighting and equip it with seating for 150, projection and sound equipment, and interactive whiteboards.
Add PA sound system, stage lighting, and curtain to the gym to support drama and other stage presentations. Install a rollout stage extension.
Provide multi-sport high impact polypropylene copolymer playing surface, telescopic bleachers, mounted basketball backboards and score boards in the gym. Install windows and A/C in above stage.
Construct bohios as a lunch and socialization area at the high school.
Construct a small amphitheater and bohio for outside instruction and play area at the Pre-school.
Maintain and support the Balboa Academy Long Range Facilities Plan.
By 2010, Balboa Academy will introduce a plan for development and marketing.
1. A comprehensive marketing plan will be developed in order to effectively communicate our mission and attract new constituents.
2. Improve Balboa Academy's public relations program in an effort to celebrate our strengths and effectively deal with various situations as they arise.
3. Start an Alumni Office and the Alumni Association.
4. Establish a system whereby the Balboa Academy alumni and constituency makes an annual contribution to the Academy.
5. Establish a system of soliciting corporate and foundation gifts and grants.
GOAL TWO
By 2010, Balboa Academy will establish a plan to raise money for expansion, renovation and purchase of the physical plant.
Work with the PTSO to develop and plan for fund raising.
The school will run a Capital Campaign in order to meet the financial needs associated with expansion, renovating and purchase of the physical plant.
By 2010, all Balboa Academy's teachers will be professionally competitent and all employees will be compensated competitively.
Conduct a survey of courses required for individual teachers to be fully certified in the discipline that they teach.
Devise a sequence of course work to meet the certification needs of the general requirements.
Implement the teaching of courses designed to meet certification needs.
Continue to offer funding and opportunities for professional growth.
Continue time allocated for faculty to plan, observe, and communicate with peers.
Continue emphasis on technology training and utilization.
Continue to offer a salary scale comparable to or exceeding the teachers' salaries in other Panama Private Schools.
Develop a plan to include health care, health savings accounts and retirement savings accounts contributions to the salary scale.
Incorporate the proposed salary scale into annual budget to determine feasibility.
Create support staff positions to accommodate the additional workload as student population grows.
Offer faculty an opportunity to
participate in co-circular programs. During future hiring and appointments
administration should keep in mind BA’s requirements for qualified sponsors and
coaches for the co-curricular programs.
FINANCE ACTION PLAN
By 2010, the school financial operation will be mission driven, support the overall strategic plan and support a student population of approximately 700.
Each year, tuition will comprise 100 percent of the annual operational budget.
Maintain tuition assistance at its current rate (roughly 1 percent of budget).
Request grant assistance from the US government and other corporate sponsors.
Increase the capital fund for future purchase of the facilities from the Government of Panama.
By 2010, all aspects of school spirit and student life will be improved.
1. Ensure that our school lunch menu meets the nutritional needs of our students.
2. During the first several weeks of school institute an informal partys for parents of students of each elementary class so that parents may meet each other.
3. Create opportunities for individual class events to foster a sense of class community and identity.
4. Adjust the uniform annually according to school needs.
5. Increase after school offering and physical facilities for co-curricular programs, including non-athletic opportunities such as debate, drama, and music, as well as for competitive and intramural sports activities.
6. Require all teachers to be moderators, monitors, sponsors, or coaches in the co-curricular program or be sponsors in the Student Government.
7. Require all Junior High and High School teachers to be student advisor and assign 3 or 4 students from each class to each teacher for counseling.
By 2010, students and faculty at Balboa Academy will demonstrate a basic knowledge of computer concepts, the use of technology in communication, research, problem solving and productivity, as well as the ethical issues of technology. Balboa academy will be the educational leader in technology in Panama. Technology will continue to serve as a means, rather than an end, and will be fully consistent with our philosophy of learning.
1. The Technology Team will be responsible for technology at Balboa Academy and will update of the Technology Standards Document (technology standards, Benchmarks and exit Knowledge/Skills) and the Technology Action Plan annually.
2. Create standard assessments that measures students attainment of technology goals.
3. Increase Balboa Academy's computers in the core classrooms to a 1/5 computer/student ratio and internal network to 1Gbps backbone with wireless capability and external network to an E-1 capability.
4. Design an introductory technology course that introduces students to basic computer concepts, software and hardware issues, current technology at Balboa Academy, and ethical issues of technology for the Elementary and Junior High School.
5. Conduct a staff-wide assessment of technology competency levels for utilizing software and hardware.
6. Increase course offerings in High School computer/technology that include: Computer Applications I, Computer Applications II, Computer Graphics and web Design, Introduction to Computer Languages, Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures.
7. Assess school, department and teacher needs for technology and purchase required software and hardware.
8. Train teachers, staff and students to use the software and technology available at Balboa Academy.
9. Introduce interactive whiteboards technology in to the school by establishing a Smartboard equipped classroom in the high school and junior high school buildings.
10. Develop and train teachers in use of an interactive teachers’ website (moodle) that fosters collaboration among our Balboa Academy community.
Our Campus