Monday, January 5, 2026

Setting the Tone: Woodland Middle School Honored with Statewide Culture Kickoff Award

2 administrators holding a banner

While the school year is still in its first half, Woodland Middle School is already making waves across the state. The school was recently announced as a recipient of the 2025 AWSL/AWSP Culture Kickoff Award, a prestigious honor recognizing schools that excel in creating an inclusive, high-energy, and welcoming environment from the very first bell.

Presented by the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), the award isn't just about a single event; it’s about the intentionality behind how a school makes its students and staff feel.

Why Culture Matters

The Culture Kickoff Award highlights schools that don't leave their environment to chance. This year, Woodland Middle School stood out for its:

  • Student-Adult Collaboration: Working side-by-side to plan events that resonate with everyone.
  • Engaging Assemblies: Moving beyond standard announcements to create moments of genuine connection and excitement.
  • Vibrant Fall Kickoffs: Establishing a "theme" for the year that promotes a sense of shared purpose.

A Community Where Everyone Belongs

"This award highlights schools like Woodland Middle School for creating welcoming environments and setting a positive tone for the entire year," the AWSP stated in the award announcement.

For the students and staff at Woodland, the recognition validates the hard work put into "Day One" strategies. By focusing on belonging, the school ensures that every student—regardless of their background—feels valued and inspired to thrive academically and socially.

Sustaining the Momentum

While the "Kickoff" award focuses on the start of the year, the real victory lies in the strategy to keep that spirit alive. The leadership at Woodland Middle School has demonstrated a clear roadmap for sustaining this positive momentum, proving that a great school culture is a year-long commitment.

Reflecting on the achievement, Principal Davies called the award a team effort, stating, "The culture of our school is something that all staff and students are a part of. We received this award because of all of the hard work our teachers and staff have put into the school year and because of the positive way our students have responded to what we are doing here. WMS is a great place to be!" 

Congratulations to the students, teachers, and administrators of Woodland Middle School for leading the way in Washington State!