Back to School Special: What's New at the Woodville School

As we head into the start of another school year, Wakefield Patch caught up with the principals of each school in town to ask about any changes implemented over the summer.

Principal Marie McNamee of the Woodville School shared what to expect when students walk in the door for the 2011-2012 school year.

New Principal
The biggest change to come to the Woodville School this fall is a change in the school's leadership, as to the school system.

However, don't expect many procedures or traditions to change.

"I've given a lot of thought to a change in leadership, and I felt the best course of action to take was to not change or disrupt too much," said Principal McNamee. "Change is hard, and I don't want to add to anyone's anxiety," she said, adding that she'll primarily observe this year to determine if any changes should be made in future years.

"I will be asking parents, staff, and students for input about their school and then together we’ll discuss what changes - if any - need to be made," she said.

What's new for learning
As with the other three elementary schools, the Woodville will be exploring professional learning communities, taking interim math assessments, and staff will be trained in the Atlas mapping system and begin learning about the new state-wide common core standards. 

Principal McNamee said that teachers will be taking time in their classrooms to set up "strong and caring communities" during the first month of school.

"The outcome of spending that time will result in higher student achievement and fewer discipline referrals," said Principal McNamee.

New Students
Not only has the Woodville School added on a full-day kindergarten class, but some students from the Greenwood, Walton and Dolbeare districts have the option to register to attend the Woodville School.

"We're happy to welcome these families, whether they stay with us or whether they return their home districts," said Principal McNamee.

New Staff
Five new teachers will be joining the Woodville School this year: Kerri Burk, who will be the new kindergarten teacher, Kristen Parisi, a Northeastern University graduate who will be the school's new speech and language pathologist for the preschool population, Tom Glynn, who will teach adaptive phyiscal education, Lynette Ogier, who will teach integrated technology, and Sherri Lanzerone, who will serve as the school's social worker.

Back to School Night
Back to School Night for the Woodville School will be held on Sept. 14. Different grades will attend at different times. Morning pre-k, morning Kindergarten, and preschool should arrive at 6 p.m., at 6:30, afternoon pre-k, afternoon kindergarten and all day kindergarten should arrive, at 6:45 students in grades 1 and 2 should arrive, and at 7 p.m. grades three and four should arrive.

"I'm looking forward to working in partnership wth parents in the community for an outstanding school year," said Principal McNamee.