HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-223.doc
JULY 13,2004
RESOLUTION
04-223
(APPROVED 7 -0
LOST
LAID OVER
WITHDRAWN
PURPOSE:
GRANT CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT I 405 WASHINGTON
AVENUE
INITIATED BY:
OSHKOSH AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT, PETITIONER
PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: Found consistent with Standards set forth in
Section 30-11 (0) of the Zoning Ordinance and approved w/conditions as noted
BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Oshkosh that a
conditional use permit is hereby granted under Section 30-11 of the Oshkosh Zoning
Ordinance to operate two public charter school programs, per the attached "Exhibit A",
with the following conditions:
1 )
A parking plan shall be submitted and approved prior to occupancy by the
school. Parking spaces shall be striped prior to the opening of the school
session.
Junk and debris located on the property shall be cleared prior to the school's
occupancy of the building.
The Oshkosh Area School District shall request a school crosswalk.
No changes to are to be made to the exterior building elevations without approval
from the Department of Community Development.
A trash enclosure is to be constructed in either the rear parking area or in the
area to the east of the building in compliance with the setback, screening, and
landscaping standards of the Zoning Ordinance. Enclosure screening and
landscaping is to be approved by the Planning Services Division prior to
placement.
Modify existing signs to remove product endorsements or cover product
endorsements during school hours.
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Charter High School Narrative
The Oshkosh Area School District's Charter High School,
will be serving 75 students in grades 9-12.The school day will be
from 8:00am-5:00 pm. The Charter High School will consist of 4
full time teachers and 1 secretary. The Charter High School's
educational goals are; to encourage students to deeply explore
career opportunities and develop necessary skills, to create
independent self motivated learners, to honor creativity and
students' individual talents, to incorporate state and local academic
standards into each student's learning plan, to nurture the
development of community responsibility, and to prepare students
to continue their educational paths. Students that complete the 22
credits required by the Oshkosh Area School District will receive a
High School diploma. The students will earn their credits through
the use of; technology based curriculum, work experience, service
learning projects (volunteering), Community based learning
opportunities (Arts, Phy.Ed., etc.) and through project based
learning. The building, at 405 Washington Avenue, is an
appealing location for the Charter High School for many reasons.
Here are some of those reasons; it is located on the city transit line,
which makes attendance by any student within the district
attainable. It is across the street from the YMCA, which will be
used as our primary source for Physical Education needs. It is a
city block from the Oshkosh Public Library, which be used as a
resource for our students working on any aspect of their
educational endeavors. There are day care providers in close
proximity for our students that are parents.
Charter Hiqh School - Proiect Based Learninq
Executive Summary
We believe that students are individuals who learn differently, have varied interests, and learn best in a self-
directed, standards-based environment that allows them to shape their education to suit the individual pace,
depth, and focus of their learning experience. The teaching and learning practices in the Charter High
School, serving students in grades 9-12, will center on a student-directed, career focused, project-based,
continuous-assessment philosophy. Self-motivation, self-direction, group and individual work skills, project
planning and integration of learning are key skills valued by employers and institutions of higher learning.
These will be the hallmàrks of our project-based school.
The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) does not currently offer a charter school option for students who
learn best in a non-traditional, student-directed environment. The initiative for a project-based school in
Oshkosh came about as part of another charter school planning process in which parents with diverse
interests realized that they wanted and needed different educational options for their children. The group
"separated, and the Charter High School proposal evolved and took on a life of its own. The group began to
research project based learning, and decided that this educational option would meet a significant need in
our community. "Members of the planning group "and interested parents include numbers of OASD parents
as well as parents of home schooled children and parochial/private school students.
Charter High School is p'atterned àfter the successful project-based learning initiatives supported by the
EdVisions Foundation, such as the Minnesota New Country School (MNCS). A description of their
philosophy, quoted from their web site, follows: "
Project Based Learning at MNCS is not a teacher lecturing to classes. It seldom looks like a
traditional class. It is not teacher-directed-and-planned education. Project Based Learning at
MNCS is students, in groups and individually choosing, planning, researching and completing
academic study and hands-on projects that result in tangible, real life products. The process is
coached by staff to engage students in studies that follow their interest areas, are closely related
to experiences they will be engaged in when they complete formal schooling, (these experiences
take place outside the confines of the school building, in the real world whenever possible)
include community experts as much as possible, and cover broad academic areas of study. The
activities require students to develop skills in time management, teamwDrk," communication,
planning, self-assessment and adjustment, problem solving and other meaningful uses Df
acquired knowledge. It is an exciting and dynamic approach to developing skills that assist them
in adapting to any challenges they confront in their lives.
At a project-based school, learning is student-directed. There are no courses, no bells, and no teachers
delivering lessons in the older autocratic ways. Computers are available for student research, data storage
and creative design. There are numerous opportunities to learn in and from the community. Rather than
taking traditional courses, students complete ten standards/ performance-based projects each year. The
teacher/advisors counsel and guide the projects to help all students master a specific standard as they
" develop and complete projects. Basic skills are acquired with one-on-one assistance, when necessary,
and in small groups when more effective and efficient. All groupings are flexible and outcome-driven, not
time-driven. Seniors are required to present a major research project involving community experts.
This charter school initiative is rooted in community partnerships that will enhance project-based learning
philosophy and practice. The"school will have a close affiliation with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
(UWO), as well as community resources such as the Grand Opera House, the Paine Art Center, the
Oshkosh Public Museum, the Chamber, EAA, and others. Parents are key to the success of this school,
and will be active partners with staff in its successful operation.
The contact person for this planning initiative is: Sue Knippel, Assistant Director of Curriculum Support,
1551 Delaware Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902 Phone (920) 424-0395; email sue.knippel@oshkosh.k12.wi.us
Journeys School Narrative
Journeys Project-based Learning School is a learning environment for
50 students in Grades 7-12 who want an alternative to the traditional middle
school. Two teachers will act as guides/ facilitators as students research,
plan, and present topics of their own interest while following. Students will
drive the learning process at Journeys. Students will earn credits at Journeys
School by:
#1 the work hours put into their projects.
#2applying their work/presentation to the Oshkosh Area School District's
Standards and Benchmarks and a Quality Product Rubric .
Journeys School will be housed at 405 Washington Avenue, Oshkosh; WI
(formerly the Eagles Club). Journeys School will specifically be housed on
the second floor in the "fireplace room." J oumeys School operation will be
8:00am-3:00pm.
Journeys School is in a perfect location for the following reasons:
#1 It is on the Oshkosh City bus line (transportation to school).
#2 Child-care facilities nearby (childcare for teen parents).
#3 Oshkosh Public Library nearby (research opportunities).
#4 YMCA is down the block (physical education credits).
Great location, great school, great kids!!!
. Joum"s s~Z:~;:;:l::'~:~ed L~mln. '\ .
We believe that students are individuals who learn differently, have varied interests, and learn best in a self- . \
directed, standards-based environment that allows them to shape their education to suit the individual pace, "i
depth, and focus of their learning experience. The teaching and learning practices in the Journeys School,
serving students in grades 7-12. will center on a student-directed, project-based, continuous-assessment
philosophy. Self-motivation, self-direction, group and individual work skills, project planning and integration
of learning are key skills valued by employers and insti¡utions of higher l€Ëarning. . These ~~I be the
hallmarks of our project-based school. . .
The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) does not currently offer a charter school option for students who
learn best in a non-traditional, student-directed"environment. The initiative for a project-based .school in
Oshkosh came about as part of another charter school planning process in which parents with diverse
interests realized that they wanted and .needed different educational options for their children.. The group
separated, and the Journeys School proposal evolved and took on a life of its own. The group began to
research project based learning, and decided tha't this educational option would meet a significant need in
our community. Members of the planning group and interested parents include numbers of OASD parents
as well as parents. of home schooled children and parochial/private school students.
Journeys School is patterned after the successful project-based learning initiatives supported by the
EdVisions Foundation, such as the Minnesota New Country School (MNCS). A description of their
philosophy, quoted from their web site, follows: .
Project Based Learning at MNCS is not a teacher lecturing to classes. It seldom looks like a
traditional class. It is not teacher-directed-and-planned education. Project Based Learning at
MNCS is students, in groups and individUally choosing, planning, researching and completing
academic study and hands-on projects that result in tangible, real life products. The process is
coached by staff to engage students in studies that follow their interest areas, are closely related
to experiences they will be engaged in when they complete formal schooling, (these experiences
take place outside the confines of the school building, in the real world whenever possible)
include community experts as much as possible, and cover broad academic areas of study. The
activities. require students to develop skills in time management, teamwork, communication,
planning, self-assessment and adjustment, problem solving and other meaningful uses of
acquired knowledge. It is an exciting and dynamic approach to developing skills that assist them
in adapting to any challenges they confront in their lives.
At a project-based school, learning is student-directed. There are no courses, no bells, and no teachers
delivering lessons in the older autocratic ways. Computers are available for student research, data storage
and creative design. There are numerous opportunities to learn in and from the community. Rather than
taking traditional courses. students complete ten standards/ performance-based projects each year. The
teacher/advisors counsel and guide the projects to help all students master a specific standard as they
develop and complete projects. Basic skills are acquired with one-on-one assistance, when necessary,
and in small groups when more effective and efficient. All groupings are flexible and outcome-driven, not
time-driven. Seniors are required to present a major research project involving community experts.
This charter school initiative is rooted in community partnerships that will enhance project-based learning
philosophy and practice. The school will have a close affiliation with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
(UWO), as well as community resources such as the Grand Opera House, the Paine Art Center, the
Oshkosh Public Museum, the Chamber, EAA, and others. Parents are key to the success of this school,
and will be active partners with staff in its successful operation. .
The contact person for this planning initiative is: Sue Knippel, Assistant Director of Curriculum Support,
1551 Delaware Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902 Phone (920) 424-0395; email sue.knippel@oshkosh.k12.wi.us