Back to School 2005: Woodside School District Back to School 2005: Woodside School District (September 07, 2005)

Woodside focuses on computer technology

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

Superintendent/Principal Dan Vinson is looking forward to an "exciting year" at Woodside School, and says there are some changes in the school program.

There also could be major changes on the campus scene if voters approve Measure D, the $12 million bond measure on the November 8 ballot. Funds would be used to replace the temporary classrooms, rebuild the student services building, and provide for campus-wide renovations, including wiring for technology and making facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A major focus this year will be on computer technology, said Superintendent Vinson. On board is Harlin Hansen as a full-time director of instructional technology. He headed the technology resource center for teachers in the Cupertino School District, which has a reputation for being on the "cutting edge" in this field. Mr. Hansen will work with teachers and set up a technology staff development component.

The one-school district also hired Jason Blum as a full-time computer technology teacher. He will work with students in grades 5-7, and teach three classes a week for eighth-graders. The network administrator is Alberto Osequera.

"We're raising the bar of expectations for students, but we're also providing additional support," said the superintendent. "We've beefed up programs at all grade levels."

He cited the creation of a literacy lab, staffed by Lynn Kelly, early literacy teacher; Jan Sollish, Reading Recovery specialist; and teacher Stephanie Frederick.

The math program for seventh and eighth grade has been changed. Seventh-graders will all take pre-algebra, and eighth-graders will take algebra in line with the state guidelines.

While Woodside students score among the top in the state on mandated test, Superintendent Vinson said the focus will be on being sure students meet the state curriculum standards.

Character education will continue this year with a focus on "life skills" and will expand to include health in the upper grades. Woodside has purchased the state-adopted health books.

The continuing support from the Woodside School Foundation, said Mr. Vinson, has enabled the school to upgrade its technology program, provide support in reading, and keep classes small.

Following is the report on Woodside School, where classes started Tuesday, August 30.
Woodside School

3195 Woodside Road Woodside

Phone: 851-1571

Dan Vison, superintendent/principal Grades: K-8

Enrollment. 455, about the same as last year

Class sizes. Classes have 20 or fewer students in K-3, and 21-22 students in grades 4 and 5. A goal is to keep upper-grade math classes at 16.

New teachers. Woodside School has five new teachers. David Wenrick, who graduated from Woodside School, returns as a math teacher after teaching high school math for 10 years. Steohanie Frederick will provide extra help in reading for third- through fourth-graders. Pauline Facciano is the seventh-grade language arts teacher, and Diane Akers is the intensive education specialist. Catherine Stoddard will teach the San Mateo County special education class that moved from Encinal School in the Menlo Park district to Woodside.

Electives. Eighth-graders will have one elective the final period of the day. Their choices include yearbook, voice, art, band, math design, and, for the last part of the year, operetta and study hall. All sixth- and seventh-graders will take "Skills for Success" and have a choice of an elective.

Back-to-school barbecue. This annual get-together for parents, kids, teachers and neighbors starts at 5:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase at this event, sponsored by the PTA.

Back-to school nights. Parents of kindergartners through fifth-graders will return to school Thursday, September 15, at 6 p.m. to meet teachers and learn about the program. For parents of sixth- through eighth-graders, the date is Tuesday, September 20, at 6 p.m.

Preschool. A fee-based preschool is offered on the school campus and open to children, ages 2 years, 9 months, and up. Classes are for two days, three days and five days. For information, call Cathy Stienstra at 851-1571, ext. 194.
DISTRICT INFORMATION

Woodside School District, 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside. Superintendent/Principal: Dan Vinson. Call 851-1571. www.woodside.k12.ca.us

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