Staff Professional Learning: Woodland Primary staff are all engaged in professional learning, but building resources have been carefully allocated to take advantage of educational opportunities outside of the district. There is a dedicated effort to ensure each teacher is able to gain expertise through conference attendance, specific classes or collaboration with staff from other districts. The plan is for each teacher to have an opportunity to attend something specific, then bring that new learning back to the building through a “research colloquium” model. These events are an opportunity for staff to share what they learned, then for the entire staff to plan any resulting implementation. This is about to happen for the second time this year, and all are excited to repeat this in the next couple of weeks. Each teacher will have this opportunity at least every two years, while classified employees will all have frequent professional learning experiences at the building level.
Inspiring With Music: Woodland Primary students have had guest “celebrities” join us for both character trait assemblies and a special concert. Woodland High School musicians inspired our young learners in a profound way. The WHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band treated children to a concert, then the WHS Pep Band helped bring excitement to our assembly. Students could not stop sharing how amazing it was, and how much they wished to become musicians themselves. This is a wonderful connection between our schools and a great way to expose children to the arts. As a result of these events, we have a lot of excitement for our more extensive music experience at WPS next year!
Data Dialogues and Final Sprint: This week teachers meet for our final Classroom-Specific Data Dialogues (CSDD). This is a time when we examine the academic, behavior and social/emotional progress made by each child. During these meetings, we make plans for supporting each child in a powerful way during the final weeks of school. Our whole staff is dedicated to making every moment count, and we know this time is critical for optimal achievement for every learner. Careful data analysis is the foundation for these “next step” decisions, and we are very optimistic about the growth realized this year.