“This is where I belong; this is my school!”
These are the confident words of students who have found acceptance, ownership, and affirmation in an educational environment where they feel they truly belong.

A feeling of belonging is as essential to the mental, emotional, and physical health of a person as soil is to sprouting seeds of grass. Belonging is home, it is love and it is nurture; it is acceptance, stability, and affirmation of an individual’s worth as a person. Every person seeks it; every child deserves it and must have it if growth and learning are to take place.

At Woods School, we know how essential it is for students to have a genuine feeling of belonging. We believe this feeling of belonging is the foundation on which learning is built. Our commitment to this belief prompts us to take specific actions and employ explicit strategies which will instill a sense of belonging in each child.

We prepare a safe and secure environment for each young person who comes into the school. Safety and security on buses, on the playground, and in the halls; safety and sanitation in the restrooms and in the cafeteria; and safety, security and stability in the classrooms are all part of our preparation before school begins. Safety and security are our highest priorities throughout the school year.

When it comes to academics, we plan for and work toward success for each student. Various teaching strategies are used in each classroom to diagnose performance and address each student’s needs. Personal help from the teacher, delivered with kindness and caring, often moves students toward the success that is envisioned by teachers, parents, and students. Intervention strategies are ready to provide help needed to ensure each student’s success.

We also work toward helping each student grow and develop socially and emotionally. The need for friendships and acceptance among peers is part of a student’s feeling of belonging. These needs are nurtured and their fulfillment is carefully guided by the entire Woods School staff. Relationships with a variety of people in the school setting, participation in school activities and sports all foster a sense of belonging. For this reason we structure and sponsor a wide variety of events.

Professional and support staff make a concerted effort to help every student feel that someone cares about him or her and values his or her presence in the school. All staff members make a conscious effort to be the students’ mentors and to let the students know that they care.

A genuine feeling of belonging is a prerequisite to learning and a healthy development. Every student needs to feel they can say, “This is my classroom; this is my school; this is my place. This is where I belong.” When students can say this out of the honesty of their own beliefs, then optimum learning can take place.

“There is no hope of joy except in human relations.”
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery--

Craig Cook, Principal

Our Mission

Woods School, together with our families and community, is committed to providing every child an outstanding education by blending time-proven and innovative teaching practices in a safe and caring environment.

This mission will guide our children to individual success and lifelong learning, while honoring our unique school traditions.