It is hard to believe that we have been in school for two weeks already. Our opening days have been smooth, focused, productive, and fun. In fact, this year we have enjoyed the best school opening since I first had the honor of becoming your principal at Woodland Heights. Absolutely the best.
Why?
Our Teachers. I cannot say enough about the caliber of our teachers and staff supporting your child's learning at WHS. Our teachers and staff have attained a level of excellence and shown a level of dedication and caring for students unlike any I have had the privilege to observe over my long career in education. Woodland Heights teachers are absolutely amazing, and we all should be grateful for what they do to teach your children; affording them a first-rate academic program, and supporting the all-important development of their character and social skills. Our teachers' quality efforts and innumerable successes with students astound and inspire me every day.
Our Program. Working with our Superintendents, our Academic Coordinator of Teaching and Learning (ACTL), and with one another, our teachers are developing an academic program that is consistent with the rigorous academic goals of the Common Core State Standards. They work collaboratively to research and implement the best instructional practices in our field today. They make the magic of learning happen for our students every day at WHS. Further, our teachers are developing systems of assessment and the analysis of student testing data that inform them about what is working in our program, and where they can focus improvement efforts to further increase student achievement at WHS. Overlaying their efforts to develop and skillfully implement a rigorous academic program at Woodland Heights, our staff uses the Responsive Classroom Approach, our very own Project Wildcat, and their sincere commitment to support every student to high levels of academic and personal growth. Altogether, these efforts help each child attain her/his potential for success and happiness every day. It is not perfect (yet), but at Woodland Heights School, it is very, very good.
Our Students. You have given us tremendous young people to work with at Woodland Heights. I can hardly describe my sense of pride when I visit our classrooms and common areas and see the many ways that our students show that they are true WHS Wildcats! Their kindness and caring for one another is truly amazing. In so many ways, throughout their day, their goodness shows through. Usually without reward or recognition, they do the things that they do, instinctively and for the right reasons. As proud as I am about our school's academic growth and improving test scores, what our students show us everyday about the strength of their character is so much more powerful -- and will have so much more to do with their success and happiness in school, at work, and at home for the balance of their lives. Working with you, we are developing students who are smart, and good, at Woodland Heights.
Our Parents. I am continuously impressed by examples of what Woodland Heights parents will do to support their children and their education. They know and understand that education is the key that will unlock their child's potential and present many opportunities for success and happiness in life beyond WHS. Working together, we can make amazing things happen for your child at Woodland Heights School. Your love, care, and dedication to your family will make the greatest difference in the life of your child. For all that we can do at school to support your child, our effectiveness is limited without your support. Sending the right messages about school, education, and themselves, as well as maintaining a stable, safe, and nurturing environment at home, are by far the most powerful influences in your child's life and future success. The growth that we have made at Woodland Heights this year is in large part due to what you have done to prepare your child for school. At WHS, we are off to a fantastic start this year, and we thank you very, very much for that!
If you ever have questions about our school and what we are doing for your children, please contact your child's teacher or me at your convenience. If you would like to visit our school, take a tour, and see your teachers and students in action, please let us know. We are proud of the school and the community of learners that we have built at Woodland Heights -- and are always pleased to show them off! Thank you for partnering with us to make this year the greatest in recent memory. We are off to a tremendous start, and with your support and partnership, we will definitely keep it rolling.
