Updated: February 5, 2021

Principal Matters

Throughout the month of February, the Upper School Black Student Union club will present a series of engaging and thought-provoking activities and events.  We are very proud that all of these events were planned and executed by the student leaders and members of the Black Student Union.   I am especially proud of the resilience and creativity demonstrated by our student leaders in planning these events despite the challenges of the pandemic. 

The events planned for the month include presentations from both students and distinguished professionals.  The “kick off” event was a program to honor trailblazing Woodward Academy alums Clarence Davis ‘74 and Nicole Adams ‘76.  This interactive conversation with the first Black students at Woodward Academy was moderated by current Black Student Union leaders and live streamed for all students to view during lunch.  Other programs will feature Zoom interviews with CeeLo Green, Grant Hill, Will Packer, and other community dignitaries.  The BSU has also planned programs covering a diverse set of topics including mental health for the Black community and LGBTQ issues in the Black community.    

We hope that during these various events all students will take advantage of the opportunity to learn in settings outside of the classroom.  Our student leaders have worked hard to make this month possible and we applaud their efforts as we continue to make Woodward Academy an inclusive environment.    

Best regards,

Dr. Jonathan Merrill
Upper School Principal

 

Updated: February 16, 2021

Upper School Daily Schedule and Planner

The Spring Semester Schedule is here.  In addition, the daily class rotations for the Upper School for spring semester are posted here.  The spring semester student daily planner is available here.

Magnus App

As we begin the second semester, it is critical for the health and safety of our Upper School community that parents comply with the following protocols: 1) complete the Magnus COVID 19 Assessment every morning for each student in their household and then 2) text the Go screen to their student's mobile device. Students have to show this Go screen in order to enter campus buildings and classrooms at the start of the school day.

If any issues arise in downloading the Magnus app, parents can reach out to Kim Lawrence in the infirmary at kim.lawrence@woodward.edu for help.

Generation Z Video

Did you miss Generation Z with Dr. Tim Elmore? It’s not too late! Use the link below to view his presentation. Dr. Elmore, CEO and founder of Growing Leaders, led a conversation about how Generation Z is dealing with the pandemic and provided recommendations on how we can support our young people. He explained hidden challenges they face and gave practical ways to lead them. Dr. Elmore is a best-selling author, international speaker, and world renowned expert on Generations Y and Z.

Generation Z Video - available until Friday, March 26
Password: Growing1!

Student Clubs

All students - both in person and remote - are invited to join clubs and participate in club meetings. Most all club meetings are held  via Zoom.  Information about clubs and other co-curricular opportunities can be found in the Upper School Co-curricular Guide at https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1598969553/woodward/ju0stnr1voxwwjxt6tjl/Co-CurricularGuide2020-21.pdf

Chaplain's Corner

Greetings Woodward Academy Community,

As we welcome 2021, I pray for hope, healing, and rejuvenation throughout our world. In our community, I acknowledge the extreme challenges of the last year. One of the biggest bright spots for me was witnessing students of different faith traditions continue to proudly share their beliefs with one another. In the new semester, Upper School Chaplain’s Council student leaders will continue this work by leading a virtual interfaith panel at a national conference, creating videos for religious observances for our younger students, planning physically-distanced cultural celebrations, and leading interfaith prayer services.

As we move through February, I am eager for our students to share about the following religious observances:

• February 12 (Buddhism) - Nirvana Day serves as a memorial for the historical Buddha’s passing.
• February 16 (Hinduism)  - Vasanta Panchami is a North Indian celebration associated with Saraswati, Goddess of Learning, and with Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth.
• February 17 (Christianity) - Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent in the Christian calendar, as individuals participate in reflection and spiritual disciplines in preparation for Easter. Information on Woodward’s Ash Wednesday programming can be found here.
• February 26 (Judaism) - Purim celebrates victory over an oppressive ruler, as related in the Book of Esther, which is read at this time.

I pray you’ve experienced a positive start to 2021, as I know 2020 provided greater challenges than we possibly could have imagined. Please know that if you are struggling with your spiritual or mental health, you are not alone. I am always in your corner if you would like a little additional support. I am meeting with Lower School, Primary School, and Woodward North classes this Spring to help students focus on self-compassion. I am happy to continue to have these conversations with any of our students, employees, or families.

Blessings,

Rev. Katie O'Dunne (she/her)
Chaplain K
Woodward Academy Chaplain
The Pauline and R.L. Brand Jr. '35 Chair of Religious Studies
404-391-7589
katelyn.odunne@woodward.edu

Counselor's Corner

Happy New Year and welcome to spring semester 2021! It has already been an eventful few weeks but we are so excited to see our students back and relaxed from winter break. Although we love working with our students, our school counselors also work to provide information that may be helpful to our parents. With the events last week at the US Capitol, we would like to present some information on how to talk to your children or answer questions that may come up in your homes. With Covid, anxiety, and depression all affecting our young people's lives, we want to provide as safe and healthy an environment as possible for them. Here are a couple of articles that can help you have those conversations within your home. And, as always, you can reach out to your school counselors for help!

How to talk to children about the Capitol riots: An age by age guide

Talking to Kids About the Attack on the Capitol

Ms. Tonya Dedeaux, Class of 2021 Counselor
Mrs. McKenzie Lawson, Class of 2022 Counselor
Ms. Leigh Shelor, Class of 2023 Counselor
Dr. Chato Hendrix, Class of 2024 Counselor

From the Dean's Desk

Remote School Attendance:

We are thankful you are adhering to the remote school policies each school day.  In an effort to maintain continued improvement, we ask that you do the following.

1. Plan to sign into your zoom class AT LEAST 5 minutes before the scheduled start for class.

2. In the event of WiFi/Internet Issues, please reach out to the school information line BEFORE the class start time: (404) 765.1460.

Start of School - Magnus App

In an effort to continue to promote the health and safety of our student body, please be reminded that ALL students must have achieved COVID clearance before entering the building.

1. Students should have completed the Magnus App screening and have it available to produce.
OR
2. Students should stop at the screening tables to receive a pass for the day.

Health and safety is imperative.  As such, students entering the building without clearance will be subject to consequences.

Stay Engaged with the Parent Community

Keep up with all the Parent Community news, events and volunteer opportunities by visiting the Parent Community website and following us on Facebook and Instagram. Being involved with the Parent Community is a great way to get to know other parents and enrich campus life.