IN Woodland Hills Fall 2018 | Page 36

O designed educational programs both in and out of the classroom, is meant to prepare them for tomorrow’s needs. While we cannot predict the future, it is critical that we deliver the curriculum our students require in their quest for knowledge and skills that will guide them into their futures. As community members and parents, you are essential allies in the education of our young scholars. We appreciate and value the trust that you have placed in our capable staff and we accept the responsibility of ensuring that all students who enter our doors as children with curious minds exit as eager young adults ready to confront whatever challenges they may encounter. Our number one priority will always be the success of every student. I look forward to meeting and working with you on behalf of our students. Sincerely, James P. Harris Superintendent Woodland Hills School District I n an effort to create a local connection to the history of our country, several teachers and the superintendent from the Woodland Hills School District worked in conjunction with the education department of Fort Ligonier to create a range of experiences for the students of our district, including a kick- off event at the schools involved, a few weeks of instruction focusing on the French and Indian War, and culminating with a field trip to Fort Ligonier. In an effort to build background knowledge and anticipation, staff from Fort Ligonier came to visit the fifth grade classes at Woodland Hills Intermediate and the fourth grade classes at the Woodland Hills Academy. The visitors got the students involved in a battle simulation and an engaging reader’s theater about beginnings of the French and Indian War. Following the initial visit, several carefully curated kits, containing artifacts from the time period, were left at each school for students to peruse during social studies lessons. Teachers were also provided with a list of reading resources from the perspectives of each of the sides in the French and Indian War. The culminating event in this experience will be a field trip to Fort Ligonier on May 9th. Students will have to opportunity to walk in the shoes of the people and soldiers who were active at Fort Ligonier. They will rotate through stations pertaining to the lifestyle of the time including, food, entertainment, education, technology, etc. Students will also have the opportunity to take a gallery walk through the newly renovated museum. Our young Wolverines are extremely excited to explore the fort, and our faculty and the staff of Fort Ligonier cannot wait to see the anticipation for the trip to finally come to fruition. BY JACK HOWELL n behalf of the School Directors and the extraordinary staff of the Woodland Hills School District, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for sending your children, generation after generation, to us for an exceptional education. Thank you for supporting our athletic and music programs by becoming boosters, by giving of your time and by your donations, which support us financially. Thank you for making positive suggestions and volunteering at our school functions. Thank you for your tax dollars that keep our schools and programs operating. “The Woodland Hills School District mission is to make students its first priority. The District provides each student with an excellent educational experience that is driven by the highest expectations and prepares students for meaningful participation in all facets of society.” We are very proud of the many successes of our schools, but recognize that success requires continuous improvement. We cannot stand on accomplishments if we are to prepare our students for their future. Our unwavering commitment to our students’ futures by providing high quality, purposefully 34 WOODLAND HILLS My Wish for You features music from various artists including Whitney Houston and Aaron Copland. See the performance at each varsity football game and at the annual home Band Competition on October 6, 2018 at the Wolvarena in Turtle Creek.