Tickets to this year’s Celebration of Learning (April 14, 2011) are being sold in the Woodville School office. Space is limited at the dinner, so purchase your tickets early. There will be NO tickets sold at the door. You must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students and we can accept cash or checks made out to “Wakefield Educational Foundation.”
Woodville's Award Recipients this year are:
Students
Ryan MacNevin
Shoshanna Cohen
Anthony Forziati
Kelly Hughes
Carter Margolis
Emily Norton-Hughes
Staff
Maryalice Siafakas
Lorraine Devine
Joanne Tedeschi
Volunteer
Jeff Wardwell
Kelli Parece
Thursday, March 31, 2011
This Week's Staff Spotlight
Lauren Gill, Paraprofessional
Lauren Gill is in her first year at the Woodville School working as a paraprofessional in the preschool program. Prior to coming to the Woodville, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Wakefield elementary and middle schools. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Lowell. Mrs. Gill has lived in Wakefield for the past eleven years with her husband and three children, ages 14, 12, and 8. She enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her family going to the beach, and traveling to Walt Disney World.
Lauren Gill is in her first year at the Woodville School working as a paraprofessional in the preschool program. Prior to coming to the Woodville, she worked as a substitute teacher for the Wakefield elementary and middle schools. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from the University of Lowell. Mrs. Gill has lived in Wakefield for the past eleven years with her husband and three children, ages 14, 12, and 8. She enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her family going to the beach, and traveling to Walt Disney World.
New Phone System
Beginning Monday, April 4th, all of the schools in Wakefield will be switching over to a new phone system. We will be learning the nuts and bolts of the system and communicate anything that we need to. In the meantime, we ask for your patience as we acclimate to the new system. The main phone number for the school remains the same: 781-246-6469. Thank you!
Placement Letter
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that we are heading toward our last trimester of the 2010-2011 school year. During this time parents begin to look ahead to their child moving up to the next grade level, and with that comes many questions about student placement. I am writing to explain the process that is used so that you will have a better understanding as to how the decision is made.
I want you to know that this is a long, thoughtful process and my greatest priority is to balance the classrooms in order to provide the best possible learning experience for all the children. Creating class lists is a complex process that the staff and I take very seriously. Although the principal is responsible for approving the class assignments of children, I spend a great deal of time with staff carefully weighing the following factors before we make a decision.
- special needs - special situations -work habits
- instructional groupings- student abilities - class size
- learning styles - student academic needs - social dynamics
- student interests - heterogeneous balance
- boy/girl distribution - peer relations
We use existing assessment data, as well as teacher input during this process. The last consideration is the actual classroom teacher. The reason for this is because many things can change for teachers during the summer months (retirements, new jobs, etc.). My experience has been that children adapt to new classroom environments extremely well. However, occasionally there are a few children that require special consideration and there is a need to carefully place a child in a particular setting and we deal with these instances as they arise.
I ask that if you wish to share in a letter addressed to me any particular information you believe is important to your son or daughter’s placement that you do so by Tuesday, April 26, 2011. I will NOT honor any request for a particular teacher. However, you can describe your child as a learner and the type of classroom you believe he/she would most benefit from. If there are students who have a documented history of struggling socially with another student and you do not want your child placed in the same classroom you should communicate this concern directly to me in a letter and I will do my very best to honor the request, however, with a limited number of classrooms I cannot make guarantees.
Please understand that once classes are created the decisions are final. The entire staff works incredibly hard to honor this process so that we create well balanced classrooms for the children. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me via phone or email.
Sincerely,
Mr. Middleton-Cox
It is hard to believe that we are heading toward our last trimester of the 2010-2011 school year. During this time parents begin to look ahead to their child moving up to the next grade level, and with that comes many questions about student placement. I am writing to explain the process that is used so that you will have a better understanding as to how the decision is made.
I want you to know that this is a long, thoughtful process and my greatest priority is to balance the classrooms in order to provide the best possible learning experience for all the children. Creating class lists is a complex process that the staff and I take very seriously. Although the principal is responsible for approving the class assignments of children, I spend a great deal of time with staff carefully weighing the following factors before we make a decision.
- special needs - special situations -work habits
- instructional groupings- student abilities - class size
- learning styles - student academic needs - social dynamics
- student interests - heterogeneous balance
- boy/girl distribution - peer relations
We use existing assessment data, as well as teacher input during this process. The last consideration is the actual classroom teacher. The reason for this is because many things can change for teachers during the summer months (retirements, new jobs, etc.). My experience has been that children adapt to new classroom environments extremely well. However, occasionally there are a few children that require special consideration and there is a need to carefully place a child in a particular setting and we deal with these instances as they arise.
I ask that if you wish to share in a letter addressed to me any particular information you believe is important to your son or daughter’s placement that you do so by Tuesday, April 26, 2011. I will NOT honor any request for a particular teacher. However, you can describe your child as a learner and the type of classroom you believe he/she would most benefit from. If there are students who have a documented history of struggling socially with another student and you do not want your child placed in the same classroom you should communicate this concern directly to me in a letter and I will do my very best to honor the request, however, with a limited number of classrooms I cannot make guarantees.
Please understand that once classes are created the decisions are final. The entire staff works incredibly hard to honor this process so that we create well balanced classrooms for the children. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me via phone or email.
Sincerely,
Mr. Middleton-Cox
Learning About the World
Mrs. Greatorex's kindergarten students have been learning about different cultures through parents who are sharing their heritage. Below the pictures show a class presentation about Zimbabwe and China.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Report Cards/Conferences
It is hard to believe we are entering our final term of the school year! Grades closed last Friday, March 18th and report cards go home today, Friday, March 25th. Parent/teacher conferences will be held on Wednesday, March 30th during the afternoon. Students will attend school in the morning and will be dismissed at 11:55am with no lunch served.
During spring conferences I know many parents begin to think ahead to the next school year and want to discuss placement with the child’s classroom teacher. Please know that your child’s current teacher is unable to recommend or accept requests for the placement of your child into a particular teacher’s classroom for the following year. In an effort to create balanced classrooms there are several components and criteria used in the placement process. Within the next three weeks I will send a notice in this newsletter explaining the placement process to you and at this time you will be provided an opportunity to share your insights about your child as a learner and any important information you feel impacts your child at school. I thank you in advance for your cooperation with this request.
During spring conferences I know many parents begin to think ahead to the next school year and want to discuss placement with the child’s classroom teacher. Please know that your child’s current teacher is unable to recommend or accept requests for the placement of your child into a particular teacher’s classroom for the following year. In an effort to create balanced classrooms there are several components and criteria used in the placement process. Within the next three weeks I will send a notice in this newsletter explaining the placement process to you and at this time you will be provided an opportunity to share your insights about your child as a learner and any important information you feel impacts your child at school. I thank you in advance for your cooperation with this request.
This Week's Principal's Award Winner
This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Brianna in Ms. Bedrick’s second grade class. Brianna is one of the most HELPFUL students at the Woodville School. If she sees something fall, she is the first to clean it up. When she sees someone needs help, she always asks what she can do. She stays on task throughout the day and is a great friend to her classmates. Her teacher can always count on her to do her best work. She is responsible, caring, cooperative, honest, and incredibly respectful. Congratulations this week to Brianna!
Woodville Principal Search
The Superintendent of Schools, Joan Landers is seeking a panel of teachers and parents to participate in a screening committee for the next Woodville principal. If you are interested, please contact the Superintendent by Friday, April 8, 2011. She may be reached by email landersj@wakefield.k12.ma.us or by phone 781-246-6431.
This Week's Staff Spotlight
Jean Charos, Special Needs Teacher
Miss Jean loves teaching and has been teaching since 1978. She has lived in Wakefield for 26 years. Jean graduated from Wheelock College with a Master of Science degree and her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Montana State University. Jean enjoys golf and tennis, travelling to hike, fish and ski and at home she likes to cook, garden, sew, bird watch and play the flute. One of Jean’s favorite childhood memories is her first Rodeo contest. She won a trophy belt buckle for horsemanship. Later she presented the buckle to her dad. He proudly wears it.
Miss Jean loves teaching and has been teaching since 1978. She has lived in Wakefield for 26 years. Jean graduated from Wheelock College with a Master of Science degree and her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Montana State University. Jean enjoys golf and tennis, travelling to hike, fish and ski and at home she likes to cook, garden, sew, bird watch and play the flute. One of Jean’s favorite childhood memories is her first Rodeo contest. She won a trophy belt buckle for horsemanship. Later she presented the buckle to her dad. He proudly wears it.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Guest Post
Haiti Helper
By Emily P and Shae R (3M)
Recently a third grader named Sophia G-S was reading a Weekly Reader called “One Year Later” and felt really bad about Haiti and decided to make a change about it. So, Sophia went to her church and did a raffle which earned $120.00. That made Sophia feel great! She decided to raise money in her classroom too. In her class, she raised $69.00. Sophia’s goal was $50.00, but then she earned $189.00.
By Emily P and Shae R (3M)
Recently a third grader named Sophia G-S was reading a Weekly Reader called “One Year Later” and felt really bad about Haiti and decided to make a change about it. So, Sophia went to her church and did a raffle which earned $120.00. That made Sophia feel great! She decided to raise money in her classroom too. In her class, she raised $69.00. Sophia’s goal was $50.00, but then she earned $189.00.
Morning Circle Time
This student in Miss Christine's PreSchool class was leading the class song about the weather and was helping Miss Christine with morning circle.
Reading Centers
Students in Mrs. Greatorex's and Ms. Bedrick's class were busily engaged in their literacy centers. Students were creating words with magnetic letters, sorting words, reading big books, and writing their words on the board.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
This Week's Principal's Award Winner
This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Keiko in Mrs. Siafakas’ third grade class. She is a quiet student and deserving of this award. She exhibits the Woodville core values daily. She is a friend to everyone and has been very helpful to her teacher all year. She is honest and hardworking. She always volunteers to help another student who was in a wheelchair. She offers to get her supplies and crutches, and push her to the elevator. Recently, she showed her honesty by turning in some money she found on the floor. Congratulations Keiko!
This Week's Staff Spotlight
Joanne Murphy, Reading Specialist
Ms. Murphy was a classroom teacher for many years. She especially enjoyed teaching students how to become better readers. So, she decided to go back to college, got a Master's Degree, and became a reading specialist. This is Ms. Murphy's third year at the Woodville. She has two wonderful grown-up children and a precious dog and likes to take long walks him. During her free time, Ms. Murphy likes to read, go shopping, listen to talk radio, take day trips all over New England, and spend time with family and friends.
Ms. Murphy was a classroom teacher for many years. She especially enjoyed teaching students how to become better readers. So, she decided to go back to college, got a Master's Degree, and became a reading specialist. This is Ms. Murphy's third year at the Woodville. She has two wonderful grown-up children and a precious dog and likes to take long walks him. During her free time, Ms. Murphy likes to read, go shopping, listen to talk radio, take day trips all over New England, and spend time with family and friends.
Book Fair Information
I would like to share with the Woodville Community follow up from Lori Michaud and Marianne Cohen regarding the final numbers for the Book Fair. First all the children had a wonderful week picking out their books and enjoyed the Ice Cream Social on Monday evening, which had a record turnout! I enjoyed reading to the kids and they loved the ice cream. Our total sales for the week were $7,850. The school will get $1,600 in cash towards the PTO and most importantly the school will be able to pick out $1,000 in Books. We raised $50 in our ONE FOR BOOKS program and we selected some wonderful books to donate to the Riverside Center in Wakefield from the Woodville Community. We also received an additional $600 worth of books for having an Ice Cream Social, my involvement, and some things that the Committee did to promote the fair. I was able to pick out $100 worth of books during the week to put into the school immediately. Enjoy reading all of these wonderful books!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Announcement
March 17, 2011
Dear Woodville Community,
It is with mixed emotions that I write to you to let you know that I will be leaving the Woodville School and Wakefield at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. I have resigned as Woodville’s Principal effective June 30, 2011. I accepted a job as Principal of the Cole School in Boxford, MA. I am excited about this new opportunity and I look forward to starting there on July 1st.
I am, however, going to miss being at the Woodville School every day. The community welcomed me with open arms when I began my Principalship in 2008. As I have been at the Woodville, we have made many gains in school culture, student learning, and teaching. As I reflect back on the past three years, I am proud of the accomplishments that we all have been able to achieve. The faculty and staff at the Woodville School are a dedicated group of individuals who are wonderfully supportive of your children. I like the student-centered approach to education that happens in our school. The staff have the best interests in mind to educate the whole-child.
I have made so many “friendships” with the students here at Woodville School. The children are so special and make the school “tick.” As I begin the next chapter in my life, I will miss them most of all. In June, I will do something formal with the students to provide for closure. I will be working with Superintendent Joan Landers on a replacement and a smooth transition for the next Principal of the Woodville School. There will be information sent home soon to outline the process.
Be Well!
Sincerely,
Brian Middleton-Cox
Principal
Dear Woodville Community,
It is with mixed emotions that I write to you to let you know that I will be leaving the Woodville School and Wakefield at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. I have resigned as Woodville’s Principal effective June 30, 2011. I accepted a job as Principal of the Cole School in Boxford, MA. I am excited about this new opportunity and I look forward to starting there on July 1st.
I am, however, going to miss being at the Woodville School every day. The community welcomed me with open arms when I began my Principalship in 2008. As I have been at the Woodville, we have made many gains in school culture, student learning, and teaching. As I reflect back on the past three years, I am proud of the accomplishments that we all have been able to achieve. The faculty and staff at the Woodville School are a dedicated group of individuals who are wonderfully supportive of your children. I like the student-centered approach to education that happens in our school. The staff have the best interests in mind to educate the whole-child.
I have made so many “friendships” with the students here at Woodville School. The children are so special and make the school “tick.” As I begin the next chapter in my life, I will miss them most of all. In June, I will do something formal with the students to provide for closure. I will be working with Superintendent Joan Landers on a replacement and a smooth transition for the next Principal of the Woodville School. There will be information sent home soon to outline the process.
Be Well!
Sincerely,
Brian Middleton-Cox
Principal
Happy St. Patrick's Day
One of our students sang "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" during our opening exercises and another student did Irish step dancing for her class.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Stories for a Safer Wakefield Guest Reader Day
Today, our school welcomed many community members to be guest readers as part of Wakefield's Stories for a Safer Wakefield project. The readers read the book One by Kathryn Otoshi, which is a wonderful story about interactions that take place and a message that it only takes "one" person to stand up for what he or she believes.
With the recent legislation, bullying is an important topic in elementary schools across our nation, and locally, here in Wakefield, we want to support our students and parents as they navigate this issue. It is important to teach our students the ways to recognize bullying, talk about it, and strategies to deal with it so that we can put an end to it.
As you may know, I am on the Board of Directors for the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) and through my work on that board, the school department has partnered with the Beebe Public Library to create “Stories for a Safer Wakefield” which is a month-long community inquiry intended to provoke thought and discussion about violence and its deterrence. There are many community events throughout the month of March, 2011 around this issue.
Using the books donated, we invited guest readers to all of our elementary classrooms to read to the students. After the guest reader’s visit, the teachers will be using the books in the classroom to support our “Second Step” curriculum to engage students in discussions around bullying and strategies they can use to diffuse situations.
The books were generously donated to the students of Wakefield by the Friends of the Bebee Library.
back row: (l to r) - Off. Kenneth Silva (Police Department), Daniel Lieber (School Committee), Nancy Santapaola (Curriculum Director), Dr. Kim Smith (High School Principal), Joan Landers (Superintendent), Margo Periello (Walton Principal), Lt. Craig Calabrese (Police Department)
middle row: (l to r) - Therese Jarmusik (Galvin Asst. Principal), Cindy Schatz (Friends of the Bebee), Bernie Hutchens (Friends of the Bebee), Elizabeth Lowry (WAAV), Sherri Oken (Friends of the Bebee), Dr. Paula Mullen (Galvin Principal)
front row: (l to r) - Lisa Butler (School Committee), Paul Brodeur (State Representative), Cindy Addeo (WAAV), Brian Middleton-Cox (Woodville Principal), Sharon Gilley (Bebee Library Director), Eric Reid (UU Church), Beth Yando (Dolbeare Principal)
Unavailable for photo: Katherine Clark (State Senator), Sheila Moran (UU Church), Laurel Gourville (Board of Health), and Kelli Parece (Woodville PTO)
With the recent legislation, bullying is an important topic in elementary schools across our nation, and locally, here in Wakefield, we want to support our students and parents as they navigate this issue. It is important to teach our students the ways to recognize bullying, talk about it, and strategies to deal with it so that we can put an end to it.
As you may know, I am on the Board of Directors for the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) and through my work on that board, the school department has partnered with the Beebe Public Library to create “Stories for a Safer Wakefield” which is a month-long community inquiry intended to provoke thought and discussion about violence and its deterrence. There are many community events throughout the month of March, 2011 around this issue.
Using the books donated, we invited guest readers to all of our elementary classrooms to read to the students. After the guest reader’s visit, the teachers will be using the books in the classroom to support our “Second Step” curriculum to engage students in discussions around bullying and strategies they can use to diffuse situations.
The books were generously donated to the students of Wakefield by the Friends of the Bebee Library.
back row: (l to r) - Off. Kenneth Silva (Police Department), Daniel Lieber (School Committee), Nancy Santapaola (Curriculum Director), Dr. Kim Smith (High School Principal), Joan Landers (Superintendent), Margo Periello (Walton Principal), Lt. Craig Calabrese (Police Department)
middle row: (l to r) - Therese Jarmusik (Galvin Asst. Principal), Cindy Schatz (Friends of the Bebee), Bernie Hutchens (Friends of the Bebee), Elizabeth Lowry (WAAV), Sherri Oken (Friends of the Bebee), Dr. Paula Mullen (Galvin Principal)
front row: (l to r) - Lisa Butler (School Committee), Paul Brodeur (State Representative), Cindy Addeo (WAAV), Brian Middleton-Cox (Woodville Principal), Sharon Gilley (Bebee Library Director), Eric Reid (UU Church), Beth Yando (Dolbeare Principal)
Unavailable for photo: Katherine Clark (State Senator), Sheila Moran (UU Church), Laurel Gourville (Board of Health), and Kelli Parece (Woodville PTO)
Friday, March 11, 2011
This Week's Principal's Award Winner
This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Daniel in Mrs. Shea’s first grade class. Daniel is a fantastic role model who tries very hard each day to do his best. He takes the time to make sure that his work is always done very well and will help others in a nice way. He can explain things to his friends so that they understand exactly what to do. He is fun to be with and enjoys when someone tells a funny story or joke. His teacher can always count on Danny to make good, safe choices. He tries to help his classmates make good choices too. Everyone is glad that he came to Woodville this year to join our school.
School Safety
For everyone’s safety, please use the marked crosswalks when crossing Farm Street. There have been parents and students crossing the street at other locations, which is dangerous. In addition, when driving in front of the schools, please make sure you observe the posted speed limit.
Bingo Prizes Needed
Bingo Prizes Needed, Start Your Spring Cleaning!
On Friday night April 1st the Woodville PTO will host a family bingo night. We are asking for donations of prizes, which will be put on a prize table for our winners to choose from. Please look in your closets and see what new, unopened treasures you might have on hand. (extra birthday gifts, craft supplies, dollar store deals, etc.) There will be a box in the office where the bingo prizes will be collected. We thank you for your support!
On Friday night April 1st the Woodville PTO will host a family bingo night. We are asking for donations of prizes, which will be put on a prize table for our winners to choose from. Please look in your closets and see what new, unopened treasures you might have on hand. (extra birthday gifts, craft supplies, dollar store deals, etc.) There will be a box in the office where the bingo prizes will be collected. We thank you for your support!
This Week's Staff Spotlight
Christine Driver, Pre-K Paraprofessional
Christine has worked at the Woodville School for the past four years. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and is certified by EEC as a preschool teacher. Christine enjoys boating, ice skating, music and working with young children. She lives in Topsfield with her husband and two daughters.
Christine has worked at the Woodville School for the past four years. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and is certified by EEC as a preschool teacher. Christine enjoys boating, ice skating, music and working with young children. She lives in Topsfield with her husband and two daughters.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Book Fair 2011
Mrs. Cohen and Mrs. Michaud did a wonderful job running our book fair again this year. From the ice cream social and their availablity to help students choose books along with their volunteers was excellent!
Thank you!
Happy Reading!
Thank you!
Happy Reading!
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