About

Sustainability at Woodward


"Sustainability is the thoughtful process of optimizing the use of human, natural and financial resources available to Woodward Academy to honor our history, fulfill our present needs, provide for the future and execute our mission of education."


- Woodward Academy's Blue Ribbon Task Force for Sustainability

 

In 2009, President Stuart Gulley convened a Blue Ribbon Task Force ( Full report, sustainability starts on page 9) to define sustainability at Woodward Academy and to make recommendations for how the school can become a national model for sustainability in college-preparatory education. The Task Force recommended the creation of the Sustainability Council, including representatives from each school division and key departments. This Council, chaired by Marcia Prewitt Spiller, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs, works to realize the vision of Woodward Academy as a national model in sustainability, as outlined in the five-year Strategic Plan, in operations, curriculum and beyond.

The Academy Wide, Curriculum, Dining, Operations, and Technology pages, found in the right hand navigation, provide brief articles on some of the school's initiatives and achievements in sustainability.

Council Members:

Staff Members:
Marcia Prewitt Spiller - Vice President & Dean for Academic Affairs
Kelly Sanderson - Finance & Administration
Carol Cottrell - Dining Service
Mark Seal - Facilities
Tom Owenby - Facilities
Patty McIver - IT/Web
Shelley Paul - Teaching/Learning
Joanne Chu - Consultant
Marla Goncalves - Marketing and Communications

School Division Members:
Vicki Musto - Primary School
Allyson Campbell - Primary School
Danise Fields - Lower School
Nanci Lee - Lower School
Kathy Smith - Woodward North
Karen Clegg - Woodward North
Shannon Jackson - Middle School
Angela McCreery - Middle School
Ken Kirschner - Upper School
Monica Kuhlman - Upper School

Sustainability News

  • E-cycle Drives Wrap-up Another Successful Year

    Saturday, May 18 was the second of the spring e-cycling drives for Woodward. An earlier pick-up from the IT department produced 3,000 lbs. and on the day of the drive another 3,659 lbs. was collected with some additional school equipment. When added to the total from Woodward North, there was 8,297 lbs. diverted from the landfill.

    Main campus also had $75 donated to assist with technology for the Terranova School in Zambia, Africa bring the total to $162.00. The e-cycle drive was organized by Patty McIver with help from several Upper School robotics students.

  • Woodward North Hosts First E-cycle Drive

    Woodward North hosted their first e-cycling drive on May 11. Prior to the drive they collected a number of electronic to recycle, but they also had a stream steady stream of customers that morning. The total weight of the items collected was 1,638 lbs. and $87 was donated for the larger pieces to assist with technology for the Terranova School in Zambia, Africa. A big thank you to Kaye Brinson for helping arrange this drive and for members of the WN student council for helping too!

  • Third Graders Raft-Building Project a Success

    Woodward Academy’s third grade class used the design thinking process to build rafts used to float Assistant Principal Eric Mitchell across the school’s pool on Friday at Kennedy Natatorium in the Academy's athletic complex. In addition, third grader Hunter E. wrote a press release promoting the project, attracting coverage from two TV stations (Fox 5 and WSB-TV) and a local newspaper (The South Fulton Neighbor). In his press release, Hunter wrote:

    "This is a great example of how Woodward integrates hands on learning that is fun and exciting. It has been very challenging, yet lots of fun."

    The third grade class was divided into 10 teams. Each team was responsible for a raft entry to float Mr. Mitchell across the pool. The student teams used construction materials found or discarded in students’ homes, preferably recyclable items.

    “Finding the right materials is a real challenge," Hunter said in his press release, “not to mention that we have to move the raft from our classroom to the swimming pool after we finish building it." So, size, weight, and durability were also challenges.

    Mr. Mitchell proved to be a very good sport and was nothing but enthusiastic about the project from its inception. “This project has been everything our school is about. The students have been beyond excited to work together to attempt to solve a problem. Whether I float or not is not important. It really is more about the process of being problem solvers and having the students enjoy that process," he said.

    To watch the exciting event unfold, go to WALive.

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