The Woodside Elementary School Mission:
To develop the unique strengths of every learner for a lifetime of success.
School Hours: 8:50-3:20
Student Drop Off: 8:45-8:50
Student Pick Up: 3:20
Message from the Principal
(Updated 9/2/18)
Hello and Welcome to Woodside Elementary School, part of MSAD 75, in Topsham, Maine!
Woodside is one of five K-5 elementary schools in MSAD 75, and is also home to the district's elementary Special Programs Department (programs designed to serve students with moderate to severe to profound special needs). We currently have a student population of about 320+ students, and our total student to classroom teacher average ratio is approximately 18:1 (including students in Special Programs). Woodside has a strong reputation for meeting the needs of all learners and a commitment to high quality instruction through the MSAD 75's teacher development model. For example, each late start Wednesday at Woodside our faculty are engaged in a cycle of district-wide professional learning, school based focus on analyzing student work and measuring growth against established learning progressions, preparation for instruction, or self-directed learning for our teaching staff.
Research shows the most important influences for student success are: excellent teaching, involved parenting and clear feedback. We feel the same, and it is our aim to continually find ways to improve our practice and find better and more engaging curriculum strategies and parent involvement. You can help us by showing your support through volunteerism, by engaging in community events, or by reaching out to our "PTO" to help enrichment activites at the school. [email protected]
When you visit Woodside, you'll immediately notice a district-wide commitment to safety and security. We maintain a single point of entry during school hours. Simply press the door bell to your left and check in at our main office. You will be greeted by our secretaries, Doreen Brown and Kim Tanguay who will check you in for your visit. As you walk the halls with your visitor badge you should find examples of student work and should witness students practicing our three rules or "Code of Cooperation":
We are Safe, We are Responsible, We are Respectful.
At Woodside, we work to live the mission of a strength-based teaching and learning culture. To that end, in year 2018-2019 we are working to bolster some of our identified strengths and priorities. Highlights include: continuing our committment to teacher self-selected content strengths in grades 1-5, incorporating passion projects through “genius hour” for all students grades 3-5, developing “target time” to help student identify their own areas for improvement or enrichment in grades 3-5, strengthening our approach to RTI in all grades K-5 as well as increasing our special content areas (Art, Music, PE, and Learning Commons by 5 minutes compared to school year 2017-2018), and continuing to promote our positive school attendance rates with meaningful extracurriculars: Lego-Club, Woodside One Wheelers, Chorus, Maine Refrain, and Mad Science.
At Woodside School, family is important. In addition to providing school-age childcare support for families who attend afterschool PTO meetings, we contract with Family Focus (local non-profit before or after school care program). We also have twice annual parent teacher conferences, annual open-house or curriculum nights, an and ice cream social to kick off the year along with a school-wide field day with parent volunteers to end our year. If you or your family need help with breakfast or lunch for your child, we offer a free-reduced lunch program that we encourage everyone to take advantage of. If you ever find yourself needing other help or supports, our guidance counselor, Helene McGlauflin can be reached at 725-1243 or at [email protected] I encourage you and your family to take time to enjoy one another during this special time in your lives. As I am constantly reminded watching my own children grow and thrive in MSAD 75 schools, the elementary educational years go by in the blink of an eye!
We encourage all families to show your child that you care about education by getting involved. The simplest thing to do is to ask your child: what did you learn today at school? (If they expect that you will ask them often, they might start preparing for it and help spark great at home conversations. We also encourage you to get involved as a volunteer in the class or as a participant through our "PTO" group. We are fortunate to join you in your journey, and want to invite you to join us in the important work of educating our nation's future citizens and decision makers. In my view, there could be no more important work!
Thank you for joining the excellent Woodside Faculty and Staff, and our larger community in the growth and educational development of your children.
If you'd like to learn more about Woodside, just ask someone. We are proud of the relationships and reputation we have built over the years as a high quality elementary school with a focus on learner success. If you'd like to meet the principal, I am involved in monthly "PTO Meetings". You can also always call in to book an "open office hour" meeting with me or our assistant principal, through our dedicated office team.
Sincerely,
Mr. Dedek, Principal
Woodside Elementary School