In case you haven't already heard, Woodbury High School was ranked 45th in Newsweek Magazine's list of America's 500 top high schools, making us the top public school in the state! Check out what our principal, Ms. Sorenson-wagner, had to say on the school's amazing achievement. Congrats WHS!
Earlier this week, I held my first Parent Advisory Council meeting. This monthly meeting invites parents to meet with the principal to learn about the inner workings of WHS, ask direct questions to the principal, and engage in discussion about creating a high quality learning experience for all students.
The first thing I asked parents was to answer the question, “What is going well at Woodbury High School?” The number one response was to acknowledge how much teachers care about students. They shared with me that WHS has done an outstanding job both hiring and retaining high quality staff. In addition, parents spoke about the competitive academic culture that has been created at WHS; students pushing and challenging one another to take rigorous coursework and excel academically. Many parents also appreciated how well rounded the curriculum was for students in the variety of courses offered and electives in place to provide a place for all students to achieve, including art & music programming. Our number of clubs and activities, in addition to athletics, also provide many additional opportunities for students to connect & contribute to their school.
When I reflect on the recent announcement of Newsweek Magazine ranking Woodbury High School #45 of America’s top high schools, I am overwhelmed with pride. I am proud to be a part of the rich tradition that is Woodbury High School. I want students to know this is a special place. This is a place where we take care one another, where we support one another’s goals, and we encourage one another to succeed. A ranking doesn’t capture the energy in the halls or discussions taking place in the classroom. It doesn’t measure the smiles and high fives exchanged or hugs of support. What a ranking does, in small part, is to acknowledge the tremendous effort of the students, staff, and parents at Woodbury High School, and all they do each day to make this a better place for all students to be prepared to successfully transition into the world beyond high school. Go Royals!
See the article (and more) for yourself!
Newsweek: America's Top High Schools 2014 http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-schools-2014
WCCO Article http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/09/08/9-minnesota-schools-make-newsweek-magazines-top-500/
Earlier this week, I held my first Parent Advisory Council meeting. This monthly meeting invites parents to meet with the principal to learn about the inner workings of WHS, ask direct questions to the principal, and engage in discussion about creating a high quality learning experience for all students.
The first thing I asked parents was to answer the question, “What is going well at Woodbury High School?” The number one response was to acknowledge how much teachers care about students. They shared with me that WHS has done an outstanding job both hiring and retaining high quality staff. In addition, parents spoke about the competitive academic culture that has been created at WHS; students pushing and challenging one another to take rigorous coursework and excel academically. Many parents also appreciated how well rounded the curriculum was for students in the variety of courses offered and electives in place to provide a place for all students to achieve, including art & music programming. Our number of clubs and activities, in addition to athletics, also provide many additional opportunities for students to connect & contribute to their school.
When I reflect on the recent announcement of Newsweek Magazine ranking Woodbury High School #45 of America’s top high schools, I am overwhelmed with pride. I am proud to be a part of the rich tradition that is Woodbury High School. I want students to know this is a special place. This is a place where we take care one another, where we support one another’s goals, and we encourage one another to succeed. A ranking doesn’t capture the energy in the halls or discussions taking place in the classroom. It doesn’t measure the smiles and high fives exchanged or hugs of support. What a ranking does, in small part, is to acknowledge the tremendous effort of the students, staff, and parents at Woodbury High School, and all they do each day to make this a better place for all students to be prepared to successfully transition into the world beyond high school. Go Royals!
See the article (and more) for yourself!
Newsweek: America's Top High Schools 2014 http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-schools-2014
WCCO Article http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/09/08/9-minnesota-schools-make-newsweek-magazines-top-500/