Fly, Butterflies, Fly!

Mrs. Greatorex's Kindergarteners had wonderful weather to release their butterflies last week.

Lunch with the Principal

In her writing class, Ms. Bedrick asked her students to write a persuasive letter to me asking me not to cancel recess times at Woodville School. They students did a great job with their writing and I enjoyed reading all their letters. I chose the letter that was the most persuasive and she was able to bring a friend to have lunch with me. We had a great time.

A Visit from the K-9

Sean in Mrs. Siafakas' class had a visit from his dad, a Melrose police officer, and the K-9 Jony and his partner. The officers talked to the students about how Jony helps the police department and they shared a demonstration with the students in which Jony found some "lost" items in the field.

PreSchool Artists

Students in Mrs. Beinart's art classes from PreSchool proudly show off their work by drawing a still life.

Honoring a local hero on Memorial Day

Honoring a local hero on Memorial Day

Celebrating China

Students in Ms. Martin's class had a great time celebrating China during their "China Day" festivities.

Fourth Graders See the Governor

On their field trip to Boston and the State House this week, our fourth grade students had the opportunity to see Governor Deval Patrick on his way into a meeting.

This Week's Principal's Award

This week’s Principal’s Award winner is Isabelle in Ms. Martin’s Kindergarten Class. Isabelle comes to school every day with a smile and positive attitude and ready to do her best work. She puts her best effort into everything she does and never gives up when something is difficult. Besides learning to read this year, she has accomplished every other kindergarten skill. One of the things her teacher likes best is how kind she always is to everyone. Isabelle always tries to remember who hasn’t had a turn and gives them one and also lets all join in her play. This little girl is a kindergartener that all teachers would love in their class.

Tally Charts

I became very brave with Ms. Martin's class to help them learn how to make tally marks. The students had to tally if they got the ball into the cup on my head.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2011 is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Our first grade students presented poems and songs to their families to honor our veterans lost.

'Come On Down

Woodville students got to participate in, "The Unique GameShow". Students were split into 4 teams of different colors, each team was given a corresponding row of lights with a clicker that would turn on the lightbulb to signal that their team knew the answer to the various questions that were asked by the host. Questions posed to the students were from all aspects of curriculum like math, science, literature. There were also audio questions where students had to identify various songs and video questions where they identified popular children's movies and characters in them. Following the assembly, talk of which team won circulated throughout the school, however all students were winners because they had the opportunity to be a part of the game show and the fun of working together. Thanks to the Woodville PTO for a wonderful assembly for our students!

School Improvement Plan Approved

At last night's School Committee Meeting, the members of the School Committee approved Woodville's School Improvement Plan for 2011-2012.

Click here to see the plan.

The Golden and Silver Sneaker Awards

Thanks to the help of Mrs. Hughes, we've transformed some sneakers into coveted awards. Today was a "Woodville Walk to School Day" and 80% of Mr. Bouchard's class walked to school this morning, therefore, earning the Golden Sneaker Award. Mrs. Ferguson's class had 55% of her class walk to school this morning and earned the Silver Sneaker! Great job, kids!

This Week's Principal's Award Winner

This week’s Principal’s Award winner is Alexa in Mrs. Foley's fourth grade class. Alexa is a wonderful example of the core values of the Woodville School. She is always respectful, caring, cooperative, honest and responsible to her classmates and teachers. Alexa always brings her beautiful smile to class and is someone you can depend on. She is well deserving of this award. Congratulations, Alexa!

This Week's Staff Spotlight

MaryEllen Russell – Grade One Teacher

Mrs. Russell has taught in Wakefield since 1983. She attended Salem State for Undergrad and earned a Master’s degree in 2006. This year she has two former students’ daughters!
She and her husband have three children and a yorkiepoo. Her favorite children’s author is Patricia Polacco. She loves reading to her class! In her free time, she loves to read, go to the beach, crochet, spend time with her family and friends, and oh – shopping!

Guest Post

Three Third grade students, who I think are "budding journalists," interviewed me and then wrote their own newspaper article.

The Sad Loss at Woodville
by Emily P., Shae R., and Sophia G-S

At the end of the school year, Woodville will go through a sad loss. Their principal, Mr. Middleton-Cox will be leaving. Mr. Middleton-Cox is special because he knows everyone's name by heart. We will miss him. Mr. Middleton-Cox will be the principal at the Harry Lee Cole School, grades PreK to 2. We are all going to miss our high fives in the morning. No other principal will be as nice as Mr. Middleton-Cox.

Magazine Recycling Drive

To support our school's core value on RESPONSIBILITY, students have been collecting magazines and bringing them into our recycling dumpster on Mondays. We have already collected over 1,850 magazines in 2 weeks. Student Ian, a 3rd grader at Woodville School, decided to collect old magazines from his whole neighborhood and his own attic and he donated 1,175 magazines this week!!!!

Each month, the company empties the recycling bin and Woodville School gets a donation based on how heavy the load is. The money goes to the PTO to support programming for Woodville students.

Honoring a Local Hero

Honoring a Local Hero
by Brian Middleton-Cox, M.M., M.Ed.

As we being to prepare for Memorial Day on May 30th, it is a time to reflect on the courage and bravery that so many Americans have had over the years to protect our great land and our freedom. One such individual, John A. Benedetto, (little Benny), was born and raised here in Wakefield. He attended the Woodville School (which looked much different in the 1930s when Benny attended).

He attended school at the Woodville, like a lot of our neighbors on the east side of Wakefield. During World War II, he, like a lot of other local youths, joined the Army to defend our country, and gave his life to that endeavor. He served in the US Army during World War II, and was assigned to Company 1 in the 141st Infantry the 36th Texas Division. He died proudly serving our country on August 26th, 1944.

His family donated his flag received from the President of the United States after his death, to be displayed at the new Woodville School, to honor all of our towns veterans who gave their lives defending our country during World War II. We now have a picture of Mr. Benedetto so that all who walk through our school's doors will remember his bravery.


Picture: l to r: Mrs. Belinda Devine (Mr. Benedetto's sister), Ms. Lorraine Devine (Mr. Benedetto's niece, who works at the Woodville School), and Prinicpal Mr. Brian Middleton-Cox

TED Talk about Changing Education

In this talk from RSA Animate, Sir Ken Robinson lays out the link between 3 troubling trends: rising drop-out rates, schools' dwindling stake in the arts, and ADHD. An important, timely talk for parents and teachers.

The talk is about 11 minutes long.

Click here to listen.

Artwork for the Principal's Office

These students had their artwork selected by their art teacher, Mr. Marino, to be displayed in the principal's office.

Showing our Patriotic Colors

Students in Mrs. Shea's first grade class made a beautiful American Flag using their hand prints!

Earth Balloon

Students in our first grade classes were able to enjoy going inside this impressive Earth Balloon and listen to a presentation from a Professor of Geography from Bridgewater State.