• Category 1

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: pre k - 12
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 1,500
    Student Enrollment: 550
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 38%
    Hispanic: 60%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11
    % Reduced Lunch: 58%
    % ELL Learners: 26%
    Founded: 1892
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Angela Zach
  • CONTACT:
    802 Highland Street
    Wakefield, NE 68784
    402-287-2012
    mfarup@wakefieldschools.org
Wakefield High School
Wakefield, NE
"Wakefield High School's success is attributed to our highly dedicated staff, and our diverse and accepting student body."
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Wakefield High School's success is attributed to our highly dedicated staff, our diverse and accepting student body, an administrative team that is committed to school improvement, and a board of education that holds administration to high standards.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
The greatest contributing factor that promoted positive change was administration’s decision to commit to the NeMTSS framework in response to our most recent Cognia exit report. We collaborated with our Regional NeMTSS facilitator to begin the exploration phase with our Pk-12 staff. We did more than just explore our first year. We rewrote our district’s mission, vision, and value statements through a collaborative process involving all staff. We formed our District Leadership Team and engaged in many professional development opportunities to address curriculum, evidence-based practices, social emotional behavior learning, how to make data-based decisions to support students, and many data reviews and conversations.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
We have used ESEA funding to provide supports for our disadvantaged students.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Wakefield High School staff identified high quality instructional materials that are used in classrooms. We reflected on evidence-based practices we use to deliver instruction. We replaced the traditional SAT team with grade level problem-solving teams. We gave focus to our own self-care as well as the social emotional behavioral needs of our students. Staff received facilitator training so they may effectively lead PLC groups. This year, we have scheduled PD time for collaborative learning and planning.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
We have shifted conversations from teaching to a focus on learning. Through the MTSS framework, we practice shared leadership, data-based decision making, use of a district problem solving model, and restorative practices to address self-care for staff. Staff is asked for feedback often.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
We ask community members for input on topics such as school-wide behavior expectations and the potential for a career academy in the future. We have built partnerships with businesses in the community which gives our students real world career experiences.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2022

  • Grades: pre k - 12
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 1,500
    Student Enrollment: 550
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0%
    White/Caucasian: 38%
    Hispanic: 60%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:11
    % Reduced Lunch: 58%
    % ELL Learners: 26%
    Founded: 1892
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Angela Zach
  • CONTACT:
    802 Highland Street
    Wakefield, NE 68784
    402-287-2012
    mfarup@wakefieldschools.org