Students:
At the Woodville School, our 6 student award recipients were chosen by their very own classmates. They were chosen based on our schools core values --- respect, caring, cooperation, honesty, and responsibility. These students have found ways to connect with their peers and live the values of our school.
When speaking with some of their classmates, it became quite clear to me why these students were chosen for recognition. They are described as very respectful of the school rules, the teachers, and other students. These students always include everyone (for example when playing a game) and they do not exclude anyone. They are friendly to everyone and if a fellow student is sad, these students check-in with that student to cheer them up. This supports the Woodville’s Compassion Value. These students are also responsible. They always are prepared for school – ready to learn. They complete their homework in a timely fashion. These students also display positive behavior in and out of the classroom. It was my pleasure to recognize and honor these students.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our staff award recipient was Ms. Shannon Lyman. Shannon is the “spirit” of the Woodville School. One of the things I admire most about Shannon is that she always has the best interest of students in mind with anything she does at the school. She supports students in a calm demeanor with such compassion. I am in awe of her strength and clear-thinking during a crisis situation. In speaking with staff members about Shannon, many shared that she has taught them strategies in dealing with challenging behaviors and situations. She gives great suggestions and, through example, she has taught many of her colleagues how to reach all students.
In addition to all the support for students and student learning, Shannon has been the assistant to th
e principal for the past several years. She is the “go to” person in the school for staff and parents when there is a question or assembly to arrange. She happily takes on extra projects be it a teacher social event, a fundraiser, the IST team, the crisis team, professional development workshops, and I could go on and on… She brings all her knowledge back to the Woodville team.Speaking of teams, Shannon is also the Wakefield High School varsity girls softball coach. She transfers her day talents to her after school talents to make her an admired coach throughout the Middlesex League.
On a personal note, she and I work so well together and it’s not easy working for a workaholic principal. There have been many times when we’ve had to speak in the evening or on the weekends if I get a “brainstorm” and I want to run it by her, or to get an update if I was out of the building. Shannon is a pillar of strength for the Woodville School and the Wakefield Public School system is so lucky to have her on our team. I have learned so much from her about how to deal with students and I am honored to call her a colleague.
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Our volunteer recipient, Steve Gates, also affectionately known at the Woodville as Dr. Gates, began his love affair with the Woodville School before the new school was even built. In fact, he was instrumental in the building of the Woodville School. When giving tours, he would proudly point out all of the important facts about the school.
Steve has remained a very important and visible part of the Woodville School. In fact, Steve comes to the school each and every single day to volunteer. Every morning --- sunny, rainy, snowy, or windy --- Steve is there to open car doors for our students as they arrive to
school. He always has a smile on his face to greet the students and start their day off right. Since the school opened in 2003, he has only missed a handful of days and that’s because he was caring for others (Hurricane Katrina disaster relief, or family). He volunteers for family night, field day and this year he has volunteered to be on the Woodville School Council as well. He genuinely cares for the students of the Woodville School – their education and well-being. Steve stays in the office in the morning to assure that all students are accounted for during attendance. In addition, each morning, Steve greets the students from our Intensive Special Needs Preschool class. It is so heartwarming to see Steve holding their hands and he helps walk them to class. He encourages the students to say “Hi” and praises each accomplishment as he gets them settled into their classroom.
Steve’s devotion to the Woodville doesn’t end with the students. Every single day, he makes coffee for the teachers and brings our secretary her coffee just the way she likes it. He’s willing to hang pictures in our offices and do anything to pitch in to help. Steve is the picture of true volunteerism.
Steve has remained a very important and visible part of the Woodville School. In fact, Steve comes to the school each and every single day to volunteer. Every morning --- sunny, rainy, snowy, or windy --- Steve is there to open car doors for our students as they arrive to
school. He always has a smile on his face to greet the students and start their day off right. Since the school opened in 2003, he has only missed a handful of days and that’s because he was caring for others (Hurricane Katrina disaster relief, or family). He volunteers for family night, field day and this year he has volunteered to be on the Woodville School Council as well. He genuinely cares for the students of the Woodville School – their education and well-being. Steve stays in the office in the morning to assure that all students are accounted for during attendance. In addition, each morning, Steve greets the students from our Intensive Special Needs Preschool class. It is so heartwarming to see Steve holding their hands and he helps walk them to class. He encourages the students to say “Hi” and praises each accomplishment as he gets them settled into their classroom.Steve’s devotion to the Woodville doesn’t end with the students. Every single day, he makes coffee for the teachers and brings our secretary her coffee just the way she likes it. He’s willing to hang pictures in our offices and do anything to pitch in to help. Steve is the picture of true volunteerism.
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I was incredibly surprised and honored to be recognized with an award from the Woodville Staff. Superintendent of Schools, Joan Landers, was approached by my staff to be able to honor me with an award. I am humbled and truly grateful. Becoming the Principal at the Woodville has been such a wonderful experience for me this year. I truly enjoy working with the students, staff and parents!
