Principal's Corner
Dr. Melinda Stone, WoodCreek Junior High
It is hard to believe that we are almost to the end of the first semester and we are knocking on the door to 2018. As I reflect on this school year, I am amazed at how resilient we are as humans. We had a catastrophic event and we continue to rebuild, have hope and support each other. What we do in school should go beyond reading, writing, math, science and social studies. As we teach students lessons about all of their subjects, we hope to also teach them about perseverance and grit. The phrase "we learn from our mistakes" can only be true if we allow for people to make mistakes. As perfect as we want our children to be, they will fall short. I see it in my own children. I can't tell you how imperfect my seemingly perfect children are. We struggle to find the perfect balance between homework, soccer practice, chores, having fun, visiting the grandparents and sitting down at the table to eat together. It is not easy but I like to think that by balancing all that we do, it will eventually show my kids that the balancing act is possible for them too once they have their own families.
I hope that all of our WoodCreek families have a fantastic break and that you get to make awesome memories with family and friends this holiday season!
Sincerely,
Dr. Stone
Advisory at WoodCreek JH
There have been several questions recently regarding the structure and purpose of the advisory period here at WCJH. Advisory is intended to be a time where teachers implement intervention plans for students, and where the counseling staff provides character education, and disseminate information to students in a way that does not interrupt instructional time. Specifically, there are two days per week reserved for interventions, and Wednesday is designated for character education. The purpose of advisory is not specifically for homework, however; the majority of the time, students are able to complete homework during the advisory period. In fact, the expectation is that they have something to work on during advisory whether it is homework or reading a book. While students may use their devices for homework, this does not mean they are allowed to listen to music, play games, watch videos, etc. and students may face consequences for improper use of their devices. I hope that this clears up some of the confusion. If you have any questions at all about this, please do not hesitate to ask.
Changes to Morning Dropoff in Car Rider Line
If you are a parent that waits for the door to open at 7:00 a.m. for their child to go in:
Instead of waiting in front of the school please form a line behind the large yellow line on the ground before you get to the front of the school (much like cars do at the end of the day). There should be a cone on the side that will indicate where you will form a line (picture below). You will be released to come around to the front once students are allowed in the building at 7:00 a.m. This will allow parents that want to drop their child off and leave to do so without waiting.
If you are a parent that wants to drop their child off and go before 7:00 a.m.
You can use the inside lane until 7:00 a.m. to drop off your child and go. Once it is 7:00 a.m., the inside lane cannot be used any longer.
The end of the staff/visitor parking lot will be closed and the entrance right when you come in the drive will be opened. That will be the only way in and out of the staff/visitor parking lot will be through the front entrance (we are taking down the chain)
The only reasons cars should be in the staff visitor parking lot during drop off:
1. You have business with the school and you need to enter the building.
2. Your student has a large instrument that needs to be taken in.
3. Your student has a medical issue (crutches, wheelchair, etc.) where they need more time to enter the building.
Once 7:00 a.m. hits, everyone will use the outside lane like you have always done in the past.
We hope this will help somewhat - if it doesn't or becomes more cumbersome - we will go back to the drawing board!
Morning Dropoff
Entrance to parking lot TO BE CHANGED
Entrance to parking lot open when you first get in the drive
Character Education
Teaching character education falls in line with the district's strategic design framework where we will actively support the emotional well-being of all learners. One of our student outcomes within that framework is for our students to learn leadership, integrity, respect and character. Below you will find a link to one of the lessons that we did this year. Enjoy!