WHAM
Westdale Heights Academic Magnet
Where Learning is Magical
Westdale Heights Academic Magnet Elementary is a dedicated academic magnet with an environmental science, math and technology focus. The school is noted for its outstanding faculty, state-of-the-art technology, inquiry based science lab instruction, student diversity, high parental involvement, academic rigor, and warm family atmosphere. Over 300 applications are received yearly for admission. The school’s mission is focused not only on academics, but on the other aspects of education that lead to the successful development of the whole child.
National Awards/Honors:
·
Magnet Schools of America Education Award for Excellence, 2011, 2009, 2008
· Magnet Schools of America Teacher-of-the-Year Award, 2012
· Intel School of Distinction and named the top elementary school in science, 2010
· Magnet Schools of America Education Award for Merit, 2010
· NCLB Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the U.S. DOE, 2008
· National Recognized Metamorphosis Children’s Garden and Koi Pond
· Many Nationally Board Certified Teachers
State and Regional Awards/Honors:
· Baton Rouge Symphony Educator of Distinction, 2011
· Student placed third in the State Elementary Fitness Meet, 2011
· Region’s Technology Teacher of the Year by LACUE, 2010
· Teacher finalist for Presidential award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 2010
· Teachers receive Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 2008
·
P.E. teacher named the State School Health Award Winner, 2008-2009
District Awards/Honors:
· Student named the District Student of the Year, 2010-2011, 2009-2010, 2008-2009
· Teachers named the District Elementary Teacher of the Year, 2009-2010 [Debbie Reynolds] & 2007 -2008 [Joy Hammatt]
· A WHAM teacher was recognized as a finalist for the district wide Elementary Teacher of the Year, 2010-2011
· Former principal [Cheryl Singer] named EBRPSS Principal of the Year for Elementary Schools 2007-2008
· Team receives First Place Award in the District Fitness Meet, 2010, 2009, 2006
· Team receives Second Place Award in District Fitness Meet, 2011, 2007
· Student named as finalist for the District Student of the Year, 2007-2008
· School and Custodian recognized by Aramark for a Safety Award, 2007
· Received the Volunteer of the Year Award – Golden Apple Award from Volunteers in Public Schools, 2006-2007
· WHAMOLAMA Project Completed – providing a learning playground for the school and playgrounds for each grade level
WHAM Educational Partnership:
· LSU Ag Center (Wellness Programs, such as, “Smart Bodies”)
· LSU College of Education (student teachers)
Recent Grants:
· Our Science Specialist and a Fourth Grade Teacher at WHAM received 2 environmental education grants for “Life Lab- A Real Life Experience with Our Environment” and “Getting Our Feet Wet in Our Coastal Roots”, 2010
· A WHAM Pre-kindergarten teacher received a grant for literacy from the EBR Realtors Association, 2010
Special Programs for a rigorous and fast paced curriculum:
· Our school is a K-5th grade magnet school with a science lab; science and math are a big part of our school both inside and out of the classroom. (We also house two Title I Pre-kindergarten classes.)
· We participate in environmental projects such as LSU Coastal Roots and Native Fish, Carnivorous Plants Program, and the Monarch Butterfly Program in the Classroom that teach our students meaningful environmental lessons in the real world.
· We teach sustainable living and gardening methods in our classrooms and through our school gardening program. (We also have a Junior Master Gardening Club as part of our after school program.)
· Geaux Green Recycling Program: We are the only EBR school with a recycling program; this program was initiated by our students and is totally operated by our students.
· Math is interwoven in these projects through real-life applications, such as measuring chemicals and garden plots, recording and calculating data.
· Five Magnet Content Specialists on Staff (including foreign language instruction in Spanish, Computer Technology, Science Specialist, Literacy Specialist, and a Magnet Lead Teacher)
· Networked computer technology in every classroom
· Active Boards in every classroom
· School wide Celebrate Success Programs (PBIS)
WHAM BULLETIN BOARD 
