Woodland teachers prep for the new school year
By Bob Robinson 

GREENVILLE – “We can tackle anything!!!” This was the chorus as over two dozen teachers, paraprofessionals and literacy specialists ‘tackled’ the latest challenges at Woodland Heights Elementary School on Aug. 13. They were getting ready for the new school year. The morning topic? Ohio’s new Common Core Standards. 

There is more reading and writing in the standards; higher expectations in all areas. 

According to Literacy Specialist Tammy Riffle, the teachers were coming in on their own time to tackle the new standards. 

“They want this for their own development,” she said. 

The teachers were enjoying themselves; laughing, tossing out comments eliciting more laughter. They were excited about the coming school year. Some of it had to do with the community supporting them on Aug. 6. 

“I’m excited for the kids,” said one teacher. “There will be less transition in their lives. And we can watch them grow.” 

The group said they were grateful to the community for its support, noting it will pull the educational community together… “We’ll better be able to meet their needs.” 

It will add a learning tool, said another. A sixth grader can be invited into a second grade class and tell the students… “See? This is what I did. This is what you’ll be doing.” 

As a chorus they yelled “Go Wave!” 

“Go away? Okay.” “No!!! Go Wave!!!” More laughter. 

One teacher pointed to several sheets of paper on a wall of the classroom. Each sheet pointed out different aspects of the new standards, the ones requiring students to address more than just rote knowledge of a topic… 

“I question this because…” “I infer this because…” “I disagree… I agree… I predict… I think…” Students not only need to have the information but must understand why and be able to think critically about what it means. 

Greenville City School Board member Fred Matix said he thought it important that the community understands how hard teachers work for their kids. Staff members work on an annual contract. Many meetings and training sessions are not part of that contract. 

“They are here on their own time,” he said. “They are going the extra mile.” 

According to Woodland Principal Andrea Townsend, the teachers work incredibly hard. Since this is volunteer work, we’re thanking them. The PTA is buying lunch; Hothead Burritos and Subway Sandwiches have given us discounts as their “thank you’s” from a grateful community. 

The morning session is on Ohio’s Common Core; the afternoon session will be on verbal de-escalation and managing behavior. 

Kids come to school from a variety of backgrounds. Some are “only” children who haven’t had much social skills experience; others come from large families where they have to “battle” for their share; and others have already started the process of sharing in a group environment. 

“It’s our job to take what we get and grow them,” Townsend said. 

“We are blessed,” she added. “We have lots of good families. Parents give the best they can. That’s important in the growth of a child.” 

Riffle said the goal is to take a student where he or she is and address those specific needs so they can make progress. 

“We believe in our framework,” she added. “We are working together for the best for our kids.” She noted this includes new staff members as well as experienced ones. 

Literacy Specialist Heather Crews echoed many of Riffle’s statements but added the approach is to have fewer standards but to go more deeply into the ones they have… a more rigorous approach to learning. 

“Consistency is important,” she said. “Also important is to refine our expectations. We want to get the best out of our kids that we can.”

Last spring, students and staff alike were counting the days until the end of the school year. They were ready for a break. They’ve had their break… their excitement showed as they worked. Ready for the new year? 

“Heck yes I’m ready! Absolutely! I love it! Ready for it to start again!” 

Townsend said it best. 

“Get those babies in our building. We’re ready!” 

The teachers and paraprofessionals signed up for sessions included: Megan Delk, Vicky Warner, Lydia Brenner, Laci Sturgill, Karen Hill, Mary McLear, Sarah Darkow, Sarah Ambos, Amy Borders, Alex Ruble, Karen Jauss, Ashley Miller, Kim Ruhenkamp, Amy Shilt, Deb Green, Amanda Rieman, Amy Buschur, Rachel Strosnider, Tara Ford, Krista Weiss, Jen Statzer, Tonya Ray, Wendy Black, Susie Stoner, Bev Deskin, Terra Denniston and Julie Capasso. 

Published courtesy of The Early Bird