The Woods Academy Magazine - Summer 2023 Issue

AninclusiveCatholiccommunity preparingboysandgirlstolead livesofsignificance.

TheWoodsAcademy News is published bytheOffice of Marketing and Communications twice a year for families, alumni, and friends ofTheWoodsAcademy.

Do you want to be featured in the next magazine? Tell us your news and emailDirector of Marketing, Communications, andAlumni Relations Caitlin Chalke at cchalke@woodsacademy.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY

■ Caitlin Chalke, Director of Marketing, Communications, andAlumniRelations

■ Freed Photography

■ Rebecca Drobis Photography

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DearWoodsCommunity,

AsIbeginmytenureastheHeadofSchoolatTheWoods Academy,IamsoenergizedbythewarmwelcomeIhave received.Duringmyfirstfewmonthsithasbecome evidentthatthisisachild-centeredcommunityfocused onthecareandcultivationofthewholechild.Thisissue ofthemagazinehighlightstheaccomplishmentsand reflectionsofourrecentgraduatesandillustratesthe powerfulimpactofTheWoods.

Thiscomingschoolyearmarksthestartofanewchapter atTheWoodsonnumerouslevels.Wearesofortunate toopentheschoolyearwiththecompletionofour beautiful newspaces forour studentsand facultyto innovate,create,andgrow.Thisrenovationisaresultof thegenerousinvestmentandcommitmentofourWoods communityinourstudents’futures.Iamanxiousforthe halls,InnovationLab,library,classrooms,andoutdoor spacestobeonceagainfilledwithlaughterandlearning.

Thisschoolyearalsomarksthefirsttimeinseveralyears thatTheWoodswillhavea‘normal’beginningtothe schoolyear.Betweenthepandemicandconstruction, TheWoodscommunityhasdemonstratedtheirresilience anddeterminationastheyhavecometogethertoput theneedsofstudentsfirst.Asweplanandprepare fortheopeningofschool,facultyhaveexpressedtheir excitementatbeingabletoreturntowhattheydobest, focusingonpromotingstudents’academicexcellence, spiritualgrowth,andcharacterdevelopment.

Finally,thebeginningofthisschoolyearismyfirstas HeadofSchool.Iwanttoextendmydeepgratitude toMr.JoePowersforallthesupportandguidancehe providedashepassedthebaton.Itisclearthathis impactisfarreachingandTheWoodsisabetterplace becauseofJoe.IlookforwardtobuildingonTheWoods’ strongfoundationaswemoveintothisnextchapter. Asweplanforourfuture,weneedyourcollaboration andsupporttocontinuetomakeTheWoodsaplace wherechildrenareatthecenterofourwork.

Warmly, JessicaPalladino HeadofSchool

My Favorite SubjectMy Favorite Book

My Favorite Movie

My Favorite Food

My Favorite DrinkMy Favorite Color

My Favorite Sports Team

My Favorite Thing To Do With Family

CLASSOF 2023

OnFriday,June9th,wehostedour 8thgradegraduationfortheClass of2023.Itwasabeautifulday filledwithjoy,laughter,andafew tearsbyournewlymintedalumni andtheirfamilies.Thisclasshas madeatremendousimpactonour communitythroughtheirleadership, innovation,andcreativity.The Woodsfacultyandstaffhaveenjoyed watchingthemgrowupandmany sincetheirMontessoridays!Asyou canseeinthissection,each studentwillcontinuetheir educationaljourneyatthe tophighschoolsinour area.Wecan’twaittosee whattheyaccomplish!

STUDENTREFLECTION

Our grade has suchmagnificentmemories,from thetimewealldecidedtobuylacrossejerseys in Gettysburg, tothetrips in France andSpain, to Hersheyandthepoolpartyjustafewdaysago,we allhaveanunspokenunityamongusandthose momentswillhopefullybeeverlastingonesthatwe carrythroughouthighschool,andI hope I speakfor everyonewhen I say wewillmissthose days alittle.

NowIdohave tocredit alittlebitofour bond toour lovely teachers, starting offinthebaby days with Mrs.Roome,MrsInre,MrsFullenkamp,MrsFernadez, Mrs.Carpenter,Mrs.Kornegayandeveryoneelsewho helpedusgrowandlearnthroughMontessori.You allcreated thefoundational steps forustoworkwith andifitweren’tforthose steps Idon’tknowwhere someofuswouldberightnow.Youtaughtusthe basics,wewouldallbehopelessifitweren’t foryou.

Wehaveallchangedsomuch.Wehave maturedandgrownuptogetherandI wanttogive youall aone lastthank you forsuchan indescribable adventureand thankyouforwatchingme,personally, growfromJojointoJordanand supportingmealongtheway.Class of2023,youwillforeverholda placeinmyheart.Thankyouto allwho helpedus growalong the way.

JORDAN GROSH STUDENT REFLECTION

ALUMNIREFLECTION

Atjust20 yearsold,Ihavea greatdeal left tofigure out[advice].Butyouknowwhat,asthepandemichas shownus,weallarefiguringitout–yourteachers, yourparents,yourfriends…noneofushave allthe answers. Andthat’sokay. Butasa WoodsAcademy graduateyoumustembracethe“O”inOwlsand beOpentoGrowth.Incollege,Iamfocusingon journalismandBreakingNews -- life istrialand error.Youlearnfrommistakes.Youlearnfrom failure, sofailfast. If you couldearn adegree in “success”,mistakesandfailurewouldbeprerequisite classes.Asthesayinggoes,ifyoufalldownseven times…getupeight!

Ihavesurvivedthetransitionsfrommiddleschool tohighschool(ourLadyofGoodCounsel),andnow highschool tocollege (Northwestern University). In bothinstances,IhadtobeCurious,Confidentand willingtotake calculated risks. Overthe nextfour years,eachofyouwill likelyexperiencelearning howtodrive,goingtoFridaynightfootballgames, seniorpromandyes,collegeapplications!High

schoolisconfusingandexpecttobelostfromtime totime.Youwillbechallengedsociallyandwithtime management,butyoumustcountthesmallwins. Remember,asaWoodsAcademygraduateyouare preparedacademicallyforhighschool,asthisschool producesanexcellentproduct.

Manyofyou havebeen together for adecade,and willnowgoontoexploreyourownschoolsandpaths. Takealookaroundthisroom.Youaresurrounded byasupportsystemconsistingoffriends,teachers, andfamily–whohavehelpedyoumakeittothisday. So,Iurgeyoutocontinuesurroundingyourselfwith people–forwhomyouenjoytheircompany,who reallygetyou,andalwayshaveyourbestinterest atheart.

ThoughmyBiblememorizationisstillaworkin progress,thereisoneverse I wanttosharewith you,andthat’sJohn13verse7,whenJesuswashes hisdisciples’feet.Itreads“Jesusreplied,youdo notrealizenowwhatIamdoing,butlateryouwill understand.”Thisversehighlightsthe importance ofdemonstratingservantleadership,butalsothat many lessonswillbe introduced toyou before you realizetheirpurposeanditisduringthesetimes, youmusthavefaithandpatience!

KENDALL WRIGHT ALUMNI REFLECTION

CLASS OF 2023

Duringthegraduationceremony,thefollowing awardswere giventotheClassof 2023.

THEWOODSAWARDFOROUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONTOTHEARTS

Giventotheeighthgradestudentswhohaveexcelled inthefineandperformingarts.

FineArts: PennyHarman

MusicalArts: JacksonGormley

PerformingArts: ElynaCain

Technology: LukeFerrell,JoshuaGobien,AvaScafide

THEATHLETICDIRECTOR’SAWARD

RecognizesmodelWoodsAcademyathletesfor outstandingacademicachievement,sportsmanship, teamwork,dedication,andsacrificefortheprogram.

LeoHickeyandLilyLeBlanc

TWELVESEASONAWARD

GiventostudentswhoparticipatedintheWoods AthleticProgrameveryseasonduringtheirfouryears inUpperSchool.

LeoHickey

LukeFerrell

AitanaMarinaAlonso

AvaScafide

ElizabethTedla

FranciscoVillegasVega

THEWOODSAWARDFORACADEMICHONORS

Giventotheeighthgradestudentswhohaveearned eitherHonorsorHonorswithDistinctionforatleasthalf thetrimestersfromseventhgradethroughthesecond trimesterofeighthgrade.

ValentinaBaierLeoHickey

EvaBatlleAitanaMarinaAlonso

PierceBennettPhilipMoyo

VicenteBrandaoDeGregorioHarperRushton

ElynaCainAvaScafide

LukeFerrellBenSclafani

JoshuaGobieVeronicaVaky

JackGormleyFranciscoVillegasVega

JordanGroshKennedyWright

PennyHarman

RISESCHOLARSRECOGNITION

Thisselectiveprogramwasanopportunityforstudents tostretchthemselvesandmakeanimpactaroundatopic theyarepassionateabout.Thefollowingstudentsare recognizedasRISEScholars:

AitanaMarinaAlonso forherresearchonClimateChange

ValentinaBaier forherresearchintheArts

EvaBatlle forherresearchintoVotingRights

LukeFerrell forhisresearchintoComputerConstruction

JoshuaGobien forhisresearchintoRocketry

JordanGrosh forherresearchinAerospaceEngineering

AndrewKamine forhisresearchinTransportation

HarperRushton forherresearchinNative AmericanCulture

AvaScafide forherresearchinAstronomyandPhysics

VeronicaVaky forherresearchinHumanRights

FranciscoVillegasVega forhisresearchinDrones

THESERVIAMAWARD

Giventotheeighthgradestudentswhohavegiven outstandingservicetoTheWoodscommunity.

PierceBennett,PennyHarman,ElizabethTedla

THECELESTINEAWARD

Giventotheeighthgradestudentswhohave demonstratedtheeffortandhardworkthat characterizestheidealWoodsAcademystudent.

AitanaMarinaAlonsoand HarperRushton

THEJOANNEGERBERLIFERAWARD

InhonoroftheLegacythatJoanneGerberhasleftatThe Woods,thisawardisgivenannuallytoaLifer,astudent whohasbeenatTheWoodssinceMontessori,who embodiestheidealsofaMontessorieducation.

JordanGroshandAndrewKamine

THEWOODSAWARDFORACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Giventotheeighthgradestudentswhohave demonstratedexcellenceinacademics.

JacksonGormleyandKennedyWright

THEGENERALEXCELLENCEAWARD

Giventotheeighthgradestudentswhohavedemonstrated theidealsoftheWoodsAcademyMissionStatement, includingacademic,athletic,spiritual,socialexcellence andemotionalwell-being,arespectforothers,aspiritof equalityandcommitmenttocommunityservice.

AvaScafideandFranciscoVillegasVega

CLASSOF 2023

SIMONEALLEN WaltWhitman High School

FLETCHER DENNIS Gonzaga College High School

PENNY HARMAN GeorgetownVisitation Preparatory School

PIERCE BENNETT St. John’s College High School

JOSHUA GOBIEN Georgetown Preparatory School

ANDREW KAMINE Sandy Spring Friends School

EVA BATTLE St. John’s College High School

VALENTINABAIER Sotogrande International School

LUKE FERRELL Georgetown Preparatory School

LEO HICKEY St. John’s College High School

VICENTE BRANDAO Gonzaga College High School

JACK GORMLEY Georgetown Preparatory School

LILY LEBLANC Connelly School of the Holy Child

ELYNA CAIN WaltWhitman High School

JORDAN GROSH Bullis School

BRYANT RENZ St. John’s College High School

COLTENTHOMSON WaltWhitman High School

AVA SCAFIDE St.Andrew’s EpiscopalSchool

FRANCISCO VILLEGASVEGA Georgetown Preparatory School

HARPER RUSHTON Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

VERONICAVAKY National Cathedral School

BEN SCLAFANI Georgetown Preparatory School

KENNEDYWRIGHT Georgetown Day School

ELIZABETHTEDLA GeorgetownVisitation Preparatory School

AITANA MARINA ALONSO Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart

PHILIP MOYO Georgetown Preparatory School

PETER OMASERE Georgetown Preparatory School

GERALD MUGERA St. John’s College High School

SAMI OZAN St. John’s College High School

THOMAS PALLEY St. John’s College High School

CLASSOF TESTIMONIALS 2023

WeaskedtheClassof2023afewquestionsinastudentreflectionform abouttheirtimeatTheWoodsAcademy.Belowaresomeofthequotes fromtheirreflections.

WHATWILLYOUMISSMOSTABOUTTHEWOODSACADEMY?

“Thetightcommunity,whereeverybodyknowseach other,andfeelscomfortable.Thatfeelinginthe morningwhenyouwalkintoschoolandeveryone knowsyournameandsayshitoyou.”

“Iwillmissallthefamiliarandfriendlyfacesofall the teachersandstaff. I love comingtoschool every morningandseeingeverybody,andIlovedhow welcomedIfelt.”

WHATISYOURFAVORITEWOODSTRADITION?

“TheWoodsAcademytraditionthatalways stood outtome wasthe7th and 8th gradeplay. I wentto everysingleplaythatIcould.Itwasalwayscoolto mewhenthe7thand8thgraderswouldperformfor everyone,evenforMontessori.”

“ThethingIwill missthemostwhenleaving

TheWoods Academy ishowniceandcaringthe communityofteachersandstudentsreallyare.”

“Theschoollunchbrownies–perfectlyfudgieand crispy. Tugofwar on fieldday.”

“Howclosetheteachersareto thestudents.”

TENYEARSFROMNOW,WHATDOYOUTHINKYOUWILL REMEMBERMOSTABOUTTHEWOODSACADEMY?

“Probablythepeople,becausethere were somany differenttypes ofpeople,butwe allunderstoodeach otherandlaughedtogether.Iwillalsoremember the teachers, howthey can be verynice andfunny, butatthe same time teach you well.I will especially rememberhowallthese peoplehelpedformme into whoIamtoday.”

“Thetripswillalwayshaveapositive placeinmymindbecausetheywere veryfunandIgottobondwithmy friendsinanoutsideofschoolsetting.”

“Fieldday,everyonetakesitveryseriouslyandtries theirhardest.Itisaveryfuncompetitiveevent.The8th gradekickballgameagainsttheteachersandthe8th gradecarparade –thesetwoeventswereveryexciting towatchasayoungerkidandseeingmybrotherand hisfriendsdoitmademeexcitedformyturn.”

“Iwillrememberhoweveryteacherwasalways lookingoutforme.NomatterhowmuchIstruggled or not, they were alwaysthereforme.”

“Myfriends.”

“Goingtoovernightplaces,itwasalwayssofunandI don’tthinkit happensatalot ofother schools.”

“Probablyvisiting Europe, my classwent toParisandit wasasurrealexperience.SinceIwasborninEuropeI feelliketheUSisoneofmyworlds,butthenEuropeis anotherworldbuttheyareseparated.WiththetripI feltlikemytwoworldscollidedforamoment.”

“Howitpreparedmeforhighschool andgotmewhereIamthen.”

HIGHSCHOOLACCEPTANCES

Didyouknowthat100%ofour8thgradeclassisconsistentlyaccepted totheirtopchoicehighschool?Belowareallthehighschoolsour 8thgraderswereacceptedtothisyear.

THE CAPSTONE PROJECT AN8THGRADETRADITION

Theendofeveryschoolyearisalways bittersweetaswesaygoodbyeto friendsandaschoolyear,andbeginto looktothefuture.

TheClassof2023,likeallofouralumni,participatedin someofTheWoods’mostfavoritetraditions,including atriptoHersheyPark,serviceprojects,and,ofcourse, paintingthewhiterockinthecourtyardwiththeirhigh schoolchoice.

OPEN TO GROWTH

WILLING TOLIVE THEIRFAITH

LEADERS INTHEIR COMMUNITY

STRIVING FORAJUSTAND JOYOUSLIFE

Onetraditionthatourcommunitymaynotknowabout isourCapstoneLeadershipProject.TheCapstone LeadershipProjectwascreatedtogiveeverysoonto begraduateofTheWoodsAcademytheopportunity toreflectontheiryearsattheschool.Uponreflection, studentspresenta“defense”onhowtheyhavelivedthe fourpillarsofTheWoodsAcademy(O-W-L-Sasoutlined opposite)andhowtheyplantolivetheminthefuture.

Thisprojectisawayforourgraduatestobereflective intheirlastdaysatTheWoodsAcademyandfocuson wheretheyaregoingtolead“livesofsignificance.”Our 8thgradestudentspresentedtheirprojectsinJune andtheywereoutstanding.Hereareexcerptsfromthe presentations,whichwereinspiring.

“TheWoodshasgivenmeagreatfoundationbyteachingme theimportanceofhelpingothers.Fromsingingtoseniorsat theretirementhometosortingdonationsatWiderCircle,

Ihaveseentheimpactthathelpingotherscanhave.Iwant tobuildonthatfoundationbycontinuingtohelpothers inwaysthatIcan.IalsothinkgivingbacktoTheWoodsis importantbecauseIcanteachthenextgenerationofWoods studentstheimpacttheycanmakeastheygetolder.”

“Faithhasadifferentmeaningtoeveryonewhetherit’show youprayortheholidaysyoucelebrate,everyoneisdifferent. IamaChristianandIbelievethatwhenJesusdiedonthe crossforushewastryingtotelleveryonethatweareput ontheEarthtosacrificeandhelpothers.Itrytopractice myfaithbytryingtobeahumblepersonandperforming communityservice.Ithinkthatbydoingcommunityservice andhelpingothersIamlivinghowJesusintended.”

ThefutureiscertainlybrightfortheClassof2023,and welookforwardtowatchingthemcontinuetogrowand thriveintheyearstocome.

Leadinga Life of Significance

BY CAITLIN CHALKE, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS,ANDALUMNI RELATIONS

TheWoodsAcademy’smissionisto beaninclusiveCatholiccommunity preparingboysandgirlstoleadlives ofsignificance.Inaneverchanging world,whatwouldweconsidera significantlife?

Istumbledupon abeautiful reflection on LinkedIn whereadaughterwroteaboutherlatefatherand howhelivedasignificantlife.Shedescribesa“lifeof significance”perfectly:

Itisthathugjustattherightmomentofareallybad day.Itisthejokeatjusttherightmomentthatrelieves thestressofajob.Asignificantmomentistaking responsibilityforanunpleasanttask,especiallywhen

itisnotyourresponsibility.Asignificantmomentis makingsuresomeonetakesabreakforafewminutesso thattheycanjustcatchtheirbreath,orgetofftheirfeet foramomentbeforereturningtowork.Asignificant momentismakingsuretosmileormakingsomeone elsesmileevenwhenyoudon’tfeellikesmiling.Itis takingthetimetobeateacher,tobeamentor,andtobe afriend.Itislookingoutforsomeonetomakesurethey makeittotheirvehicleatnight,tomakesurethatthey havewhattheyneedtodotheirjob,togojustalittle extratomaketheirjobalittleeasier.

Livingalifeofsignificanceisn’thavingjustone,two, orthreeofthesemomentsbutratherawayofbeing. Itiswhenyourlifeisfilledwithacollectionofsmall moments,thatwhenstrungandaddedtogether,you touchmorethanjustthelivesofthosearoundyou. Itiswhenyourlifeinspiresotherstodothesame, toshareyourkindness,andmakeitapartoftheirway ofbeingaswell.

significance.Thishelpsthemtolearngratitudeand understandingwhilehelpingothers.

Serviceandrespecttootherscanbeseeninavariety ofwaysatTheWoodsAcademy,including:

● Learninghowtobeagoodfriendandcareforothers throughourguidancelessonsintheLowerSchool

● MontessoristudentssortinganddonatingHalloween candyforourtroopsorgatheringitemstosend toUkrainianrefugees,andlearningaboutthose individualsintheprocess

● 3rdgradestudentsdonatingshoestoTheNational CenterforChildrenandFamiliesinhonorof FoundersDay

● 8thgradegirls’advisoryleavingnotesofkindness aroundtheschool

● PrayerpartneractivitieswhereourUpperSchool studentssharetheirknowledgeandjoywithour youngeststudents

● Studentswitnessingteacherscaringforeachother andviceversa

● ParentsandstudentsparticipatinginWreaths AcrossAmericagivingthankstothosethathave servedourgreatnation

● Anddon’tforgetthesimplethankyous,good mornings,andhowareyouinteractions–small, butmighty

MerriamWebsterdescribessignificanceasimplying aqualityorcharacterthatshouldmarkathingas important,butthatisnotself-evidentandmayormay notberecognized.Onecouldsaythesearelittleacts ofkindnessthatgounnoticed–muchlikewhatthe LinkedInauthorwroteinherreflection.

AtTheWoods,wearecommittedtodeveloping theminds,spirits,andbodiesofourstudentsfrom Montessorito8thgradeinasafe,caringcommunity thathonorseachstudentasachildofGod.Students learnhabitsofcharacterincludingfaith,morality, independence,responsibility,loyalty,self-confidence, leadership,compassion,personalintegrity,and, importantly,respectforothers.

Respectforothersandservingthecommunity aroundthemisanimportanttraitforchildrento learnespeciallyaswepreparethemtoleadlivesof

Iencourageyoutoshowyourchildrendayinandday outwhatalifeofsignificancelookslikeathomeand ontheweekends.Iknowwe’retryingtoatTheWoods Academyinmorewaysthanone.

ReadthewaysourteachersatTheWoods Academyhelptheir students leadalife of significance on the nextpage.

Alifeofsignificanceiswhen yourmomentsimpactthelives ofdozens,andyouinspirethem tocreatemomentsofmeaningin thelivesofothers.Itmayseem difficult totrack the impact of suchalifeasitripplesoutinto theworldandinspiresmoments forhundredsandthousands of otherpeople.

Howdoteachershelpstudentsintheir classroomleadalifeofsignificance?

Readbelowandfindout!

OnequestionthatIalwaysask studentsisiftheyareproudof themselves.Whilethereisimportance inmakingothersfeelproudofyou, thebestfeelingisthepridethatcomes from within.Iwant my students to lovewho theyareandtoput forth work,energy,words,andactionsthat theyareproudof.

Itrytocreateanenvironmentwhere everystudentisseen,accepted andfeelspartofagroup.Icreate experiencesintheclassroomwhere studentsneedtoworktogetherand acknowledgeourstrengthsand weaknessesandlearnwhatitmeans togrowtogether.Thisisawaywecan ultimatelyleadalifeofsignificance.

CHRISTINAPHELPS 2NDGRADETEACHER

Ifocusonbuildingeachstudent’s confidencethroughouttheschool year.Astheirconfidenceblossoms, sodotheirstrengthandtalents. Thiswillthenshinethroughtheir academics,social,andemotional skills.Theywillstarttobecome confident,curiouslearners!

7THAND 8TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDENTSTEACHER

Itrytosetanexampleofhowfamily isthecenteroflife.Beingwithand seeingCoach,givinghimahug, chattingwithhimandstudents, itshowsthataparentissomuch more–ahero.

Livesofsignificancecanbemeasured bythewaywetreatthosewho arearoundus:classmates,prayer partners,teachersandstaff.Students whoseektoleadalifeofsignificance begintheirquestintheearlyprimary grades.Habitsofkindness,caring, inclusion,respect,gratitudeand appreciationforthedifferencesin othersstartintheseearlyyears.

Duringreligionclass,wehavemany spiriteddiscussionsaboutfaithand howwecanbeofservicetoothersin ourdailyinteractionswitheachother. Thestudentsareveryanxious toparticipateincommunityservice workorinformmeofwhattheymay havedonetohelpsomeoneinneed overtheweekend.

ERICA HIKEN 3RDGRADETEACHER

JANE PONTIUS

LOWER SCHOOL GUIDANCETEACHER

KRISTEN CHROBOCINSKI UPPER SCHOOL MATHTEACHER

JP CLUBBS

RANDY BEDNAR UPPER SCHOOL RELIGIONTEACHER

ThroughourGoodMornings, groupwork,kindnesscircles,and otheractivitiesweworkonour kindness,respect,helpingothers, andsupportingothers.

Iinstillleadershipinmyclassroom. Theyallhavejobsandresponsibilities aroundtheclassroom.Studentsare abletobecomemanagersandhave theopportunitytounderstandwhat leadershipandresponsibilitytrulyis.

Ithinkbeingacoachgivesmean opportunitytoteachlifelessons throughouteachseason.Playinga team sportis an importantpartof growingup.ThisquotefromBillie JeanKingsumsitup“Sportsteaches youcharacter,itteachesyoutoplay bytherules,itteachesyoutoknow whatitfeelsliketowinandlose–itteachesyouaboutlife.”

In5thgradeadvisory,Igetthe opportunitytoempower,educate, guide,andsupportanamazinggroup ofgirlseveryyear.Wediscusstopics suchasgratitude,communication, kindness,mindfulness,andrespect thenputtheseintopracticethrough avarietyofactivities.Itismyhopethat theycarrytheselessonswiththemas theymovethroughtheirlives.

COLLEEN KISH

Bybeingthereforstudentswhen theyneeditmost.Whatmaybeseen ontheoutsideofahumanbeing, isn’twhatisalwaysthereonthe inside.Showingstudentsthat teachersarehumantoo,bringsa comfortlevelandbringspeople closertogether.

5THAND 6TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTSTEACHER

Istrivetotreateverystudent withloveandunderstandinginthe hopethatotherswilldothesame. Inadvisory,thesixthgradegirls heldabakesaleinwhichthe proceedsbenefitedPotomac CommunityResources.

Ihelpmystudentsinmyclassroom toleadalifeofsignificanceby pausing foramomentandtaking thetimetore-directtheirattention whenaconflictarisesbetween twofriends.Wetalkaboutthe importanceofbeingkindwitheach otherwithalook,aword,anaction, orsimplytomanifesttoeachother andhonestapology.

TherearetwothingsthatIliketo emphasizeinmyclassroom:Mistakes helpuslearnandgrowandtoTHINK (Isittrue?Helpful?Inspiring? Necessary?Kind?)beforeyouspeak/ act.Beingabletoself-regulateand self-reflectareskillsthathelpyou become abetterlearner,friend, andfamilymember.Beingableto understandyourselfhelpsyouhave moremeaningfulrelationshipswith thepeoplearoundyou.

DANIELLESHEGERIAN 1STGRADETEACHER

ERIN RICCA ATHLETICDIRECTORANDPETEACHER

TOM PARKER PETEACHER

RINA BADOS SPANISHTEACHER

CAPRI COLEMAN 2NDGRADETEACHER

MEGHAN MULLALLY 5THAND6THSCIENCETEACHER

STEPHANIEROCCO 3RDGRADETEACHER

COMMUNITYMATTERS

Checkoutsomeofthehighlightsfromthe22-23schoolyearthroughoutthe nextfewpages.Ourfaculty,staff,parents,andsomanycommunitymembers makeTheWoodsAcademysuchaspecialplacethatisfilledwithlearning, growth,andeverydaymagic.BesuretofollowourInstagramandFacebook accounts(@TheWoodsAcademy)toseeallthethingsthathappenonadaily basisthroughouttheschoolyear. #WeAreTheWoods

UpperSchoolstudentsenjoyedChapeloutsidedueto theSouthWingRenovations.UpperSchoolReligion TeacherMr.Bednarspoketostudentsaboutthe importanceofbeingpresent,givingbacktotheir community,andbeingagoodperson(especiallywhen nooneislooking).

September21wasWorldGratitudeDayand our3rdgraderswrotewhattheyaregrateful forandhungitupintheclassroom.

Studentsrockedsomecoolshadestocelebratetheir firstdayofschoolforthe22-23schoolyear!

WAPTOhostedaFoodTruckFridayforfamiliesin Septembertowelcomenewandoldfamiliesbackto TheWoodsforanewschoolyear.

MontessoriIIOwlslearnedaboutlivingandnonliving thingsinascavengerhuntinMcGrillisGarden.

1st–8thgradestudentsmetwiththeirprayerpartners inOctobertodoa“ChalktheBlock”activity—displaying positivemessagesaroundourschoolinchalk.

The6thgradeventuredtoPhiladelphiafortheirovernight fieldtripwheretheygotsomeinspirationforourInnovation Lab’s3Dprinterwiththis3Dprintedmotorcycle.

The4thgradersworkedonmonologue presentationshelpingtobuild presentationandcommunicationskills. PicturedhereisGrandpafrom“War withGrandpa.”

COMMUNITY MATTERS

OurstudentslookedSPOOKYintheircostumesfor ourannual Halloween Parade!Thanks to WAPTOfor servingciderforourparentsbeforeandafterthis magicalparade.

Our3rdgrade studentswere spooktacular fortheannual ItchyWitchy performance!

WAPTOhostedaDad’sBBQon theblacktopinthebackwhere Woodsdadscametogetherfora beertasting,deliciousMissionBBQ food,andaNFLgamewatch.

OurVarsityGirlsSoccerteamwontheendofthe seasontournamentatNorwoodinNovember.Way togoMightyOwls!

WecelebratedourThanksgivingMasswith Msgr.JohnEnzlerwhospokeaboutthe importanceofgratitudeandaskedthestudents whattheywerethankfulfor.Someanswers includedfamily,TheWoods,sports,pets,and roofsoverourheads.Wecouldn’tagreemore!

PrayerpartnersatTheWoodsworkedonagratitude chaintogetherbeforeourThanksgivingbreak. Studentsweregratefulformanythingsincluding theirhomes,water,friends,family,andTheWoods amongmanyotherthings.

The5thgradehadtheir overnightfieldtripatBretton Woodswheretheymade connectionswithclassmates andteachers.Readmore aboutthistriponourblog.

OurMontessori3 yearolds,known astheRedTeam, workedontheirrods intheclassroomin thefall.

MembersofTheWoodsAcademyfamilytraveled toNationalArlingtonCemeterytogetherto honorandrememberthosethathaveservedour countrywithWreathsAcrossAmerica.

OurExtendedCareteamhostedacircusthemedayfilledwithgamesand treatsforourMontessorifriendsduringParent/TeacherConferenceDay.

TheWoodsAcademyChoir sangChristmascarols atMontgomeryMallin Decembertohelpspread theholidaycheer.

The4thgradewenttowatcha performanceofTheNutcracker bytheWashingtonBalletatThe WarnerTheater.Leadingupto thisperformance,studentsread The Nutcrackerandhadgroup discussionsaroundthestory anditsmeaning.

Ourcommunitygathered togetherfortheWoodsWinter WonderlandChristmas Concert.MontessoriLunchers, LowerSchoolstudents,Choir, andOrchestraallperformed songsalongwithsomepoems andmore.

Parentsandgrandparentscametogether tohelpdecorateTheWoodsAcademy fortheChristmasseason!

We celebratedour Upper School studentathletesatourFallSports Assembly!Oursoccer,crosscountry, andvolleyballteamsworkedhard andplayedhardtogetherasteams. Congrats,MightyOwls!

TheGrinchpaidavisittoourannualSanta’sWorkshop. Studentswerestirringwithspeculationthatitwasactually alumandAssociateTeacherMs.JulieBranitsky!

January

The5thgradeBusinessSchoolclasswas thefirstclasstouseournewconference roomfromtheBuildingtoLeadSouth WingRenovations.Studentswerebusy learningaboutthecurrentstateofthe stockmarketandresearchingcompanies toinvestin.ScanthisQRcodetoread aboutMr.Powers’BusinessClass.

Montessoristudents welcomedtheirdad’s fortheMontessori FatherChild BreakfastinJanuary showingthemtheir classroomsand favoritelessonsand activities.

TwoofTheWoodsAcademyroboticsteamsClickin’ ChickensandB.O.B.participated in theFirstLego LeagueQualifier.Clickin’Chickenswentontothe MarylandStateChampionships!

LowerSchoolstudentsshowedtheirparentsaroundtheclassroomandschoolon ourannualLowerSchoolParentVisitingDay!Whenaskedwhatparentslearned, weheard“howtoplaythetriangleinmusic,”“newSpanishwords,”“abumblebee songinmusic,”“primenumbersinmath,”and“thelifecycleofabutterfly.”

WAPTOhostedafuneveningofBINGOforfamilies.

COMMUNITY MATTERS

OnJanuary27,wewelcomedHisEminence WiltonCardinalGregorytoTheWoodsAcademy tobless the SouthWing’s renovations. Our schoolcommunitygatheredtogetherforMass andthenjoinedhimduringtheblessing.

February

Wewelcomeddozensofhighschoolalumni forourannualalumni/facultybasketball game!Congratulationstoourfacultyfor continuingtheirwinningstreak.Afterthe game,ourMightyOwlsalumnicaughtup, exploredthenewrenovations,andenjoyed apizzadinnertogether.

Our UpperSchool ParentVisitingDay this year was ahuge success!ThankyoutoalltheparentsthatcametoTheWoods toattendclasswiththeirstudents,learnsomethingnewfrom theirteachers,andhavetimewithotherWoodsfamilies.

Thisyear’sSpellingBeewasextraspecialastwo siblings–BridgetandThomasB.–foughtforthetitle ofChampionatTheWoodsACademy.Congratulations toBridgetB.(thelittlesister!)whowonthisyear.

Duringthisyear’s ScholasticBookFair, WAPTOhosteda

CozyReadingNight wherestudentsand parents were able tovisitdifferent classroomstohear differentteachersand grandparentsread theirfavoritebooks.

TheMontessoriMother ChildBreakfastisalways amemorablemorning thanks to the hard workofourMontessori teachers.Thankyouto allthemomsandspecial friendsthatwereableto joinourlittlestowlsin theirclassrooms!

OurstudentsWOWeduswith theirMardiGras/Carnivalparade aroundtheschoolthedaybefore Ash Wednesday. Thanks to our WorldLanguageteachersfor leadingthis!

The6thgradegirls advisoryhostedabakesale toraisemoneyforPotomac CommunityResources –anorganizationthat encouragesandsupports thefullinclusionofpersons withintellectualand developmentaldifferences intoallaspectsof communitylife.Greatjob, MightyOwls!

MontessoriLunchers (Kindergarteners)paida visittotheNationalGallery ofArtallowingourlittle friendstoslowdown,focus onart,observeandthink aboutart,andinspiretheir curiosity.

ADD:OurMontessori 3yearoldsandother Montessorifriendslearned aboutdentalhygienefrom Dr.Cuervo,alocaldentist andanalumniparent.

The1stgradehostedourAsh WednesdayMassthispastyear.

March

OurstudentathleteswerecelebratedinMarch atourWinterSportsAssemblywhereawards werehandedoutfortheCoachesAward,Most Improved, andHustleAward. Congratulations toallourstudentathletesthroughoutthe year!Yourdedicationtoyourstudiesand extracurricularsisinspiring.

The8thgradestudentswent ontheirexperientiallearning tripstoSpainandFrance.Learn moreaboutthetriptoSpainby scanningtheQRcode!

ThankyoutoourTheLuckoftheWoodsAuction Co-ChairsCatieFaughtandConnieO’Connorfor organizingaphenomenaleventthisyear.Abigthank youtoallourvolunteerswhomadeitallcometo life!Itwassuchaspecialeventforthewholeparent communitytocometogethertocelebrateallthethings weloveaboutTheWoods!

OurWorldLanguage DepartmentwelcomedTango ReotoTheWoodsAcademy foraconcertandtangodance lesson.Thestudents,faculty, andstaffenjoyedlearninghow todothe tango and listento somebeautifulmusicduringthe schoolday!

6thgradestudentshadtheirRubeGoldbergcelebrationswherethey showedclassmatesandparentstheirmachines,labreports,andvideos theymadeabouttheirmachinesandtheprocess.ARubeGoldberg machineisachainreaction–typemachineorcontraptionintentionally designedtoperformasimpletaskinanindirectand(impractically) overlycomplicatedway.

TheWoodsAcademyOrchestraandStudentInstrumentalistsperformed forthewholeschoolaswellastheirparentsandfriends.Themusicwas beautiful!AbigthankyoutoOrchestraDirectorsMrs.CorneliaFlorescu andMrs.SharonPabonfortheirleadershipandforMs.DonnaEly,our pianist,forhersupport.

The2ndgradehadtheir AuthorCelebration wheretheysharedtheir imaginativeseacreature storiesandartworkwith theirparents.

April

LowerSchoolFrenchstudents madecrepesinourlearningkitchen (andenjoyedthemtoo,ofcourse!).

Welovedhavingour MightyOwlgrandparents atschoolfortheannual GrandparentsDayvisit.Our studentsperformedsome beautifulsongsandthen grandparentsvisitedtheir grandchild’sclassrooms. Thankyou,grandparents andspecialfriends,for comingtovisituson GreentreeRoad!

7thgradestudentshosted theirMathProbability Carnival!Studentsworked togethertocreateagame withthreelevelsofwinning thatinvolveddifferent probabilities.

NewHeadofSchoolDr.JessicaPalladinojoinedparentsforcoffee throughoutthedayonApril21tospeakwiththemabouthervisionand hearfromthemaboutwhatmakesTheWoodssospecial.Shealsovisited withstudentstosayhelloandgetthemexcitedaboutherasthenewleader!

May

The4thand8thgradestudentsdida jointpresentationonParisbasedon theirstudiesintheclassroomandin thecityitself.Thiswasawonderful opportunityforour4thgradeFrench studentstoseewhatthefutureholds forthemin8thgrade!

1stgradestudentswelcomedtheirparentsto schoolfortheirMexicoPresentation.Students readreportsabouttheirMexicoresearchand thenshowedtheirparentssomeMexicandances theylearned!

Thisyear’sSpiritWeekwasfilledwithcreative ideas fortheme dayandalot of buckethatsand vestsforDressLikeMr.PowersDay!

GodgaveustheperfectweatherforFieldDay! OurMightyOwlsfromMontessorito8thgrade hadfriendlycompetitionsthroughouttheday withsomeofourfavoriteWoodsgameslikethe chicken run. Congrats to this year’s winner –GREENTEAM!

Our7thand8thgradestudentsperformed WillyWonkaJRforourannualSpringMusical! Congratulationstothesestudentsontheir steadfastdedicationtothiswonderfultradition.

Facultyandstaffwere showeredwithlovefor TeacherAppreciationWeek. ThankyoutoWAPTOfor goingaboveandbeyondto saythankyou.

Congratulationstoallofour2ndGradeFirstCommunicants! AtMass,thecommunitycelebratedtheirFirstHoly CommunionandwealsohadourMayCrowning.

4thgradestudentMasonC. wasourHeadofSchooltoday (auctionitem)!Studentsgot afreedressdayandafire drillthatdidn’tinterruptany recesstime

TheMontessoriOwlscookedupastormthisyearwithmany deliciousrecipes!Welovesmellingallthedelicioustreatsnearthe newMontessoriFlexRoom.

June

Wecelebratedourspringathletesat ourSpringSportsAssembly.Thankyou tothededicationofourUpperSchool studentswhoparticipatedinallthe sportsofferings.ScantheQRcodeto readmoreaboutthissportsseasonat TheWoods.

Thankyoutoallthevolunteers whohelpedourschoolcommunity throughouttheyearmakingso manyeventscometofruition,pour yourloveintoteacherappreciation initiatives,andsomuchmore.We were glad tosay thankyouatour VolunteerAppreciationBreakfast!

The8thGradeGraduationwasheldon June9thandwesaida“seeyoulater” toournewestalumni.Seepage6fora recapofthisbeautifulceremony.

OnJune14th,weheldourClosingMasswith FatherVanDykefromGeorgetownPrep.AtMass, studentspaidtributetoMr.Powersandhisyears ofservicetoTheWoodsAcademy.

OnJune9th,we celebratedour Montessorifriends andtheLunchers whowillmoveonto 1stgradenextyear. These students sang beautifulsongsand recitedpoemsfortheir familyandfriends. Congratulations, MightyOwls!

INTERESTED IN READING MORE STORIES FROM THE WOODS ACADEMY?

Visitour WindowontheWoods webpagebyscanningthe QRcodebelowtolearnabout

INTHENEWS

The Woods Academy was featuredina variety ofmediaoutletsthispastschoolyearraising awarenessofourschoolintheDCcommunityand showcasingallthegreatworkourteachersare doingintheclassroom.

SPREAD THE WORD

Didyouknowthatwordof mouth is our#1marketing tool?Ifyouseesomething onsocialmediayoulike oranewsarticleabout TheWoodsAcademy, share withyourfamilyandfriends!

FACULTYANDSTAFF Anniversaries

ThankyoutoourfacultyandstaffforyourcontinuedsupportofTheWoods Academyandourmission.Wearesoluckyyouareapartofourfamily!

5 YEARS

YEARS

10 YEARS 15 YEARS

10 YEARS 20 YEARS

SUSAN SABATANO BUSINESS OFFICE ASSISTANT

JANE PONTIUS GUIDANCETEACHER &SCHOOLTRANSPORT COORDINATOR

SAM GALLAGHER DATA MANAGER

HEGGIE SHEGERIAN BUSINESS MANAGER

PAUL PAOLETTI UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTOR

EDGAR SAUCEDO MAINTENANCE STAFF

WELCOME NEW FACULTY!

WearehappytowelcomenewfacultytoTheWoodsAcademyforthe23-24 schoolyear.Pleasegivethemawarmwelcomeandsayhiwhenyouseethem!

MaryD’Antonio isjoiningTheWoodsfromSt.JanedeChantalSchoolinBethesdawhereshe workedforsixteenyears.Sheworkedasathird-gradescienceteacher,akindergartenteacher, asecond-gradeaide,andapara-educator.Forthepastfiveyearsshewasathird-grade homeroomteacher.ShereceivedaBAinPsychologyfromTheCatholicUniversityofAmerica andherMarylandProfessionalEligibilityCertificationinElementaryEducationfrom NotreDameUniversityofMaryland.

D’ANTONIO

Inhersparetime,Mrs.D.enjoyscooking,baking,androotingforDCsportsteams,especially theNationalsandtheCommanders.Shealsoenjoysspendingtimewithherhusband,theirfour children,andtheirBernesemountaindog,Archie.

MonicaFernandez isreturningtoTheWoodsAcademyintheMontessoriIIclassroom.Shewas bornintheDominicanRepublic(DR)andistheyoungestoften.Aftergraduatingfromcollege inDR,Ms.FernandezemigratedtotheUSAinApril1997.ShelivedinNewYorkthenwentto studytheologyfortwoyearsinEurope,oneyearinFlorence,ItalyandoneyearinSwitzerland. ShereturnedandlivedinBostonandNewYork.ShemovedtoMarylandandlivedherefor 15yearsworkingatTheWoodsAcademy.ShemostrecentlymovedtoNewMexicoforthispast schoolyear,butisexcitedtobebackinthiscommunity!

IrisFlores willbejoiningTheWoodsAcademycommunityasanExtendedCareTeacher. ShegraduatedwithaBachelor’sdegreefromSoutheasternUniversityinFlorida.Shehasworked withchildrenofpreschoolagesfor3years,andenjoysworkingwiththisagegroupandhelping themdevelopsocialemotionalskillstohelpthembesuccessful.Inhersparetime,shelikes goingonhikes,playingsoccer,andreadingbooks.

LeighLambert joinsTheWoodscommunitythisyearasafull-timesubstituteteacher,helping tosupporttheneedsinallthegradesandclassrooms.ShepreviouslytaughtatTheLowellSchool andCREATEArtsCenterinSilverSpring.ShereceivedherBAfromColoradoCollegewhereshe majoredinfineartandholdsaMastersinGastronomyfromtheUniversityofAdelaide.

Mrs. Andrea Webber isnewtotheWoodsAcademyandisexcitedtostartteachingthe MontessoriIIclassthisfall.BeforecomingtotheWoodsAcademy,Mrs.Webberworkedatthe ManorMontessorischoolinBethesdafor10yearswheresheservedastheCampusDirector andleadMontessoriteacher.Priortostartingherteachingcareer,Mrs.Webberhadacareer injournalismasatelevisionproducer,radioproducer,bookresearcher,andfreelancewriter. Mrs.WebberholdsaMontessoricertificationandaBachelorofArtsinCommunication (Journalism)fromAmericanUniversity.Mrs.WebberwasborninCaliforniaandmovedseveral timesbeforesettlingintheDCareaforcollege.ShenowlivesinBethesdawithherhusband andtwoteenagesons.

EXTRA!EXTRA!READALLABOUTIT THE OWL POST IS HERE!

Withthepromptingofsixth-gradestudentsDylan M-J.andJDD.,TheWoodsAcademyUpperSchoolhas resurrectedtheschoolnewspaper.Agroupofeager 5th–8thgradestudentsmetafterspringbreaktoname thenewspaperandbuildanend-of-yearedition.They workeddiligentlywithintightdeadlinestoputoutahighqualitynewspaperappropriatelynamedTheOwlPost.

ANINTERVIEWWITH DR. PALLADINO

By Dylan Manrique-Johnson

It is fitting that for the first ever issue of the Owl Post, we feature an interview with our new head of school, Dr Jessica Palladino. Currently she is the principal of RollingTerrace Elementary School inTakoma Park. She is an amazing person who began her career tasked with writing the Montgomery county language arts learning curriculum. She received her PhD from the University of Maryland specializing in curriculum and instruction.

The main thing that stood out to me during our interview was her love of challenges. She enjoys being pushed to become the best by searching out new opportunities and thrives on learning new things in different fields of work. One of favorite quotes camefrom one of her old principals,“Youdon’t have to be sick to get better.” Shesees this as an inspiration for her timeat theWoods. She can strive to make it better while

Thestudentslookforwardtopickingupwhereweleftoff inthefallandkeepingtheWoodscommunityinformed witha“trimesterly”publication.

Abigthankyoutoourteacherleadsonthisinitiative–theUpperSchoolLanguageArtsTeachersMrs.Colleen KishandMr.MattD’Ercole.

trying not to completely change the school inthe process.

When asked about why she wanted to take the position she replied that the Woods hasa reputation as avery strong school with a welcoming community. Since accepting the position as head of school she has heard many great stories about theWoods from colleagues, friends and neighbors.

One thing that I have been wondering about was the fate of our business class that Mr. Powers has taught to upper school students. Dr. Palladino has not yet made a finaldecision about the course but she talked about the important lessons learned in a business class, especially leadership skills. Dr. Palladino has a strong interest in leadership training and plans to continue to make sure this is part of our curriculum. Some traditions won’t change.At her current

school she greets every student upon arrival just like how Mr.Powers greets us every morning. She is looking forward to bringing her own new traditions tothe Woods and developing new ones withus. For my finalquestion I asked her what kind of legacy she hoped to leave at theWoods. She answered this by again referencing the sense of strong community at theWoods. Dr Palladino wants to add to this community by helping thestudents to become more involved inthe voice of the school, creating a place where students canfeel heard and can appreciate the importance of other opinions.

Overall I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Dr Palladion better. She brings a wealth of experience and energy toour school and I am definitely looking forward to seeing her next year.

“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE SICKTOGETBETTER”—

Welovehearingfromourcommunitymembersaboutwhy theyloveTheWoods.Belowaresomerecenttestimonials fromparents,alumniparents,alumni,faculty,andstaff.

Doyouhaveaquoteyouwanttosharewithus?

Filloutour“WeLoveTheWoods”formandwecanuse yourquoteforourwebsiteandothermaterials.

“Sincethe beginning,The WoodsAcademy wasmore than aschool.Itis acommunity, extendedfamily.In particular,fromstudentstoparents;faculty,staff,to administration,peoplesupporteachotherthrough personalandprofessionalgrowth.”

–JP Clubbs, Upper SchoolTeacher

“I lovethatthe Woodsis such a nurturing community. Forasmallschool,weoffersomanydifferent opportunitiesforourstudents.Ihaveworkedatthe Woodsforsomany yearsbecause I enjoythe many relationshipsIhavebuiltwith students, parents and mycolleagues.”

–ErinRicca,Athletic Director andPETeacher

“ThepeoplemakeTheWoodsAcademysuchaspecial school.FromthestudentsIgettheopportunityto teachandtheparentsentrustinguswiththeirchildren totheamazingcoworkers,whenIwalkintothe building,Iknowitisthepeoplethatmakethisplace.”

–MeganMullally,UpperSchoolTeacher

“Ilovethefamilyenvironmentandthefact thatwe celebratewith each other!”

–CapriColeman,LowerSchoolTeacher

“Teachersarefreetobuildtheircurriculumandcreate amazingexperiencesforstudents(liketripsabroad) withthesupportoftheAdministration,faculty,and parents.It’sasmallandcaringcommunityandwe reallygettoconnectwitheachother.”

–KimberlyJibladze,WorldLanguageTeacher

“Thelevelofcommitmentthatbothfacultyandstaff put intothe care andstrategy in bothmindand soul ispalpable. We are grateful EVERYday tothis communityforinstallingasenseofserviceand compassionwithourson.”

–KevinandGigiDriscoll,CurrentParents

“TheWoodsAcademyhashelpedme in somany differentways butithelped medeveloptheabilitytoadapttoany circumstance,whichisveryusefulinlife. Ithelpedme,anineyearoldatthe time with barely nolevelofEnglish,toadapttoaverydifferentculture withpatienceandthroughtheschool’svalues.Iwant togivethanks tothefaculty for helping me alongthe wayandIcan’twaittovisitsoon.”

–Ignacio Ascanio Aliño, Alumni

“TheWoodsAcademyhelpedmetostrengthenmy curiosity,enthusiasm,andtenacity,allvaluable abilitiestosucceedinhighschool,college,andlife. AtTheWoods,Imetamazingfriendsandreceived the support ofmy lovely teachersandcommunity. I’llbealwaysthankfultoTheWoods!”

– Martina Una, Alumni

“TheWoodshasofferedourchildrentheeducational foundationtheyneedtobecomethe leaderswe’ve always believedthey wereborn tobe.We lovethe caringfacultythathasbecomeanextendedfamily.” –KarenandJeanBorno,AlumniParents

“TheWoodsAcademyplayedabigroleinpreparing mydaughterforhighschool,college,andbeyond byfosteringasafeenvironmentthatencouraged independence and personalgrowth.Theteachers, staffandtheHeadofSchoolwereallwonderfuland cultivatedastrongcommunity.Ifeelthatteachinga foreignlanguagefromanearlyagetrulyhelpedmy daughterbecomequitefluent inFrenchandshe was able tousethisskillon hertravels toFranceand otherFrenchspeakingcountries.”

– LeilaPhillips,Alumni Parent

3013653080

www.woodsacademy.org

Justbecauseourstudentsmoveontohigh schoolandcollegedoesn’tmeantheyleave ourlives!Ouralumniremainhighly connected,witheachotheraswellaswith ourfacultyandstaff.Formerstudentsreturn regularly,tohugandthanktheirteachers andtalktostudentsaboutwhatlifehas beenlikeforthemafterTheWoods.

schoolandcollegedoesn’tmeantheyleave regularly,tohugandthanktheirteachers

Make information,WoodsAlumni,sowecansh

Makesurewehaveyourupdatedcontact information,WoodsAlumni,sowecanshare upcomingeventsandnews.Visitour websiteorscantheQRcodebelowtosend usyourinformation.

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