February 20, 2019

Bylines by Beth

Many of you, as well as our students, traveling south on I-85 each day pass the landmark Corey Tower. Perhaps you, like myself, take notice of the message board that changes regularly on the tower. This morning, as I sat in the traffic congestion, I read and appreciated the simple and direct message displayed--Just Be Nice. Three little words and yet, such a powerful message. So often children, adults too, in their efforts to be heard and recognized forget the importance of just being nice. It never hurts to be nice, and teaching our children to be nice to everyone, from their best friends to the incredible team of people who cook and clean for us each day to those they have never met, is a lesson that will carry these children far in life.

Being nice by what we do for others was demonstrated by 145 Woodward North students these past few weeks. Woodward North participated in the 2019 Kids Heart Challenge benefitting the American Heart Association. These students, along with those who provided financial support of their efforts, were able to raise $14,408! This is a testament to just one way our children are nice to others each and every day.

So regardless, if it is a kind word shared with another or an intentional act, let’s remind our children of the value of Just Being Nice.

Spring Break

Woodward Academy's Spring Break will be Monday, March 4, through Monday, March 11. Classes will resume on Tuesday, March 12  Enjoy the break and we look forward to seeing everyone back at school on the 12th.

Spirit Days 

Yearbook

Order your 2018-2019 Woodward Academy Yearbook today. There's nothing like getting your yearbook. It's the limited edition collection of our school's stories of the year. Let your student share and relive the big events that will make this year special. Yearbooks are now on sale online at Jostensyearbooks.com.

Security Measures

Thank you to all of our parents for your diligence in signing in at the front office before entering the school. We appreciate your cooperation.

Students may arrive as early as 7 a.m., at which time they will be supervised. Those arriving between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. must enter the building at the front entrance. The side entrance doors will be open between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Every student should be in their classroom by 8 a.m. Morning meetings are a very important part of the day and begin promptly after the first bell.

Find the Parent Community Online!

Whether you’re looking to volunteer or wondering when the next Parent Community event is, you can now find it all on the Parent Community website. Please be sure to check it regularly for upcoming Parent Community events and opportunities to volunteer. You also can follow us on Facebook @WAParentCommunity. 

Intramurals

Intramural sports will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for our 4th-6th grade students from 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Mini-intramurals will take place on Wednesdays for students in grades 1-3 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The intramural emphasis will be on learning basic sport knowledge in a fun atmosphere. The major goal will be to provide an opportunity for participation and fun. Students in tutorial may arrive late. Students must be picked up promptly at 4:45 p.m. or they must report to After School Care.

Mini-intramural participants will be enjoying Net Sports beginning February 27.  Ultimate Frisbee Intramurals will begin on Tuesday,  March 12, for 4th-6th graders. 

Lost and Found

The three areas for Lost and Found are in the Multiplex (by the stairs), the main building (by the doors to the Arts Center), and the bottom floor of the Arts Center. Please remember to label all uniforms, PE bags, and other clothing/shoes with your child's first and last name. After three months in Lost and Found, uniform items will be donated to Woodward's Consignment Shop on Main Campus. All other items will be donated to charity.

Counselor Connection

Ellen Adolph, Woodward North Counselor

It’s All in the Glitter Jar

You may hear your children coming home from school talking about some of the new routines in school that focus on mindfulness. These might include relaxation breathing, mindful listening, even mindful eating at snack time! We can’t do enough to teach children how to grow awareness of their feelings and emotions as a way of deterring anxiety, and we are so fortunate to be in an Academy environment that places a priority on social-emotional learning and growth. There also is a way to encourage this at home.

As a parent, it is so hard not to be your child’s problem solver and fixer. When we do this, we are taking away some very important learning from our children. Thank you to Academy parent, Mrs. Rosenthal, who shared a wonderful article that appeared recently in the NY Times that discusses “weathering” your child’s emotional storms. While the population addressed here is teens, the thought process and actions apply to any age child. Read more to see how this may help you extend mindful learning at home. And just in case you are interested, here’s a how-to for the glitter jar!