Welcome to Woodland Elementary.   It is always exciting to begin a new year and to have everyone eager and energized for new learning.   Parents, students and teachers become learners each and every year as we move forward together to provide the best possible education for each and every student at Woodland Elementary. 

This year you will be hearing about Common Core Standards and, for our younger students, Origo Stepping Stones.  To help keep you informed as to our new learning I wanted to provide you with an explanation of these terms. 

First, Common Core Standards. Washington State adopted the Common Core Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts. The North Thurston School District will be learning about and implementing the standards this year and in the years to come.  The standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our students need for success in college and careers.  The standards were developed using the highest, most effective models from states across the country and countries around the world, and provide teachers and parents with a common understanding of what students are expected to learn.

These standards:

Are aligned with college and work expectations;

Are clear, understandable and consistent;

Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;

Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;

Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and

Are evidence-based.

Part of our efforts to meet these standards is to adopt and implement the Origo Stepping Stones curriculum this year.  This curriculum was developed to address both the content and intent of the Common Core Standards.  Our current adoption is for K-2nd grade and next year we will be adding 3rd-5th grade to the curriculum.  Parents will be receiving letters from the teacher outlining the work they will be doing over the year along with practice material, games, and ideas for working with your children at home to help each child develop a firm foundation in Mathematics.

At Woodland Elementary we are all dedicated to helping every child learn every day.  If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions to aid your child in their learning please feel free to contact me at 412-4680.

Thank you and I hope you all have a wonderful school year.