Mission Statement
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Supported by our engaged and generous community, Woodside Elementary School District’s mission is to provide a robust, unique and student-centered educational program that meets the needs of all students and prepares them for success as lifelong learners and leaders academically, socially, emotionally and ethically. 
 
Rooted in Community and Tradition — Belong, Grow, Thrive

BELONG
We create an inclusive and supportive community where every student feels valued, respected, and connected through a commitment to shared social responsibility and academic excellence.

GROW
We foster a love of learning and encourage each student to develop their unique talents, skills, and potential through a supportive and challenging educational experience.

THRIVE
We empower students to develop resilience, curiosity, and confidence, helping them to excel academically, socially, and emotionally as they become thoughtful, engaged, and compassionate learners and leaders.
 
 

November — Gratitude
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FEBRUARY 2026: RESPECT
With the new year well underway and February upon us, it’s a great time to reflect on the importance of respect in our community.  For students, respect starts with valuing themselves – their effort, growth, and unique contributions and extends to their families, peers, teachers, and school environment. 
 
Check out the new books in the digital library All of the books are available in our school library if you prefer to read them aloud.
Here is a link to lessons about respect in the digital library. "Oh, You're Here!" looked like a winner! Maybe we use this lesson/game at the next holiday party? We can put it in between trivia rounds? 
 
POSTCARDS
As we did last year, we are bringing back the optional postcard activity as a way to celebrate students' respectful and positive actions.  Look for stacks of postcards in two locations:
  • Next to the mailboxes
  • On the work tables near the copy machines
Each postcard features Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote: "I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”  The card continues with the prompt: "You showed the content of your character by..."  This is an opportunity to acknowledge students for their respectful and kind behaviors. Simply fill in a sentence or two describing what you observed, such as: "You showed the content of your character by helping your friend to the office when they fell." Write the student's name on the front of the card and leave it in the office. 
 
READ ALOUD
Principal Hurley is offering to visit classrooms to read The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee again. This is a beautifully illustrated story that emphasizes themes of respect, kindness, and understanding. A sign up sheet for this is to come. 
 
WHOLE CAMPUS CLEAN UP
Mark your calendars for a quick ALL-SCHOOL CLEAN UP on 2/13 and 2/27 at the beginning of 7th period (1:43) This should take approximately 15 minutes. Kids will be showing respect (and love) for their school by partnering with grade levels to clean up a section of the campus. Prizes will be awarded for effort, kindness, and clean spaces! Thank you for supporting the collective effort to foster a culture of respect and pride for our school. Please see the map to view your area and grade level partners. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. February Campus Cleanup Map
 
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NOVEMBER IS THE MONTH OF GRATITUDE

This National Gratitude Month, we share our gratitude for all our educators, school staff, and families who are working tirelessly to support students this year. 

Showing gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” Research has shown that practicing gratitude enhances our moods, decreases stress, and improves our health and well-being. Spend time this month sharing your gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal, writing thank you notes, or giving back to your community.

The Whole Child committee is encouraging our students and staff to celebrate this month in several ways.
 
Gratitude

2025-26 Meetings
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All meetings are scheduled on Tuesdays from 3:20-4:20pm.
  • Sept 9
  • Oct. 21
  • Nov 4
  • Dec 2
  • Jan 20
  • Feb 3
  • March 3
  • April 21
  • May 12 
 

2025-26 Members
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Jenn Pedersen
Patrick Hurley 
John Bartfield
Nessa Hessami (K)
Sharon LaCrosse (library)
Christine Jones (Resource)
Amy Borges (ELA)
Men Lam (Counselor)
Mychel Navales (SDC)
Brian Myrtetus (2) 
Katie Lippert (3) 
J. Adolph (PK)