Welcome Parents of Alumni (PALs) and local supporters. Below is our twice-annual newsletter, where you can stay informed about Woodside High School. Your continued involvement helps ensure that Woodside High School thrives now and into the future. Thank you!
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Welcome Principal Karen van Putten |
Karen Van Putten comes to Woodside High School with 27 years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher, mentor, and principal in schools across the Bay Area. Karen Van Putten’s dedication to equity, social justice, and her creative instructional leadership bring new and exciting opportunities to Woodside High School. Van Putten holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration & Supervision from San Jose State University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Sociology, and her Secondary Teaching Credential from Hope College in Michigan. |
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PALs Launch WHS Welcome Center |
Thanks largely to the work of parents of alumni Renee Courington and Tricia Law, Woodside High School now has a Welcome Center, a space dedicated to WHS's international newcomer families and students. |
WHS Students in our newly opened Welcome Center |
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Funded through private donations and partnerships with local non-profit organizations, students can access basic needs such as coats, Woodside Wear, shoes, school supplies, discounted bus passes, undergarments, and toiletries. Students are beginning to hang out in this international space that belongs to them!
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UPCOMING ALUMNI & PAL EVENT
Homecoming "Tailgate" Friday, October 22
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Please join us at the WHS Homecoming football game on Friday, October 22 at 7pm, and enjoy VIP treatment as a very special member of the Woodside High School community.
Grab your alumni friends and meet up at the Alumni Homecoming Tailgate tent where you will enjoy snacks, a special gift, and the fun of reconnecting with your friends as you cheer on the WHS football team, cheerleaders, dance team, and marching band. The alumni tent will be located at the top of the bleachers at the Stadium.
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BACK IN-PERSON LEARNING
How Teachers Have Changed the Way They Teach
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Woodside teachers found new ways to teach through the transition from distance learning and incorporated many of the new technologies and programs of distance learning into their in-person teaching.
“Distance learning forced me to learn how to use several tools that I would not have otherwise started using, certainly not on a regular basis,” Kelly Dolan, Woodside social studies teacher explained.
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Mr, Kaufman's music production class, photo credit WHS student Cedrik Von Briel |
“I never used to record my lessons,” Woodside Math Teacher Swati Tomar said. “And so there was the issue when a student was absent or did not understand, there was nothing for them to go back to for help. This year, I just make those videos for them, because I know they will be useful to students.” |
Distance learning forced communication to be strictly through email and zoom, creating a new hurdle for teachers to navigate.
“I think perhaps my organization is stronger.” Ann Akey, Woodside environmental science teacher described. “When we weren’t in person, there was a lot more chances that things would be misunderstood. So I think the way I communicate assignments now is more detailed.”
Read the complete article here.
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WHS FOUNDATION
Invest Now...
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The Woodside High School Foundation provides a way to invest locally in your school and community for permanent impact. You provide crucial financial support for academic excellence and diverse academic pathways. Every dollar raised supports Woodside High School.
Will you please support local public education and Woodside High School students with a donation today?
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WHS Math Teacher Wins National Award |
Woodside High School AP Physics and BC Calculus teacher Stephanie Finander was one of about 20 winners of the Math Association of America (MAA) Edyth May Sliffe Awards for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching in Middle School and High School.
Finander’s win marks the first time a teacher from Woodside – or any Sequoia Union High School District School – has been selected for the award in its 32-year-history. She plans to celebrate with her beloved competitive math club.
The awards are given annually to teachers who have done outstanding work to motivate students in mathematics by participating in one of MAA's competitions.
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Sports and Activities Highlights |
Girls Tennis is having an outstanding 4-0 season in the Bay Division.
Cross Country - The wildcats are dominating the league. At the latest invitational in Half Moon Bay, WHS got two "No 1" team trophies and two students won 1st overall for varsity girls and boys. Next stop is the state meet in Fresno.
Girl's Golf has a team for the first time ever, and the ladies are holding their own! They have an overall record of 4-3 in their first season for the program.
Waterpolo - Girls Water polo is tied for first place in the Bay Division. The highlight of the year so far is beating Menlo Atherton in our first league meeting with them. The boys are having a great season once again and are looking to wrap up a CCS berth next week.
Drama - The Fall play, "Stage Door" by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman will be November 19th and 20th at 7:30. Information and tickets.
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This twice-yearly newsletter is coordinated by volunteers with the Woodside High School Foundation.
What's a PAL? A fun acronym for Parents of ALumni.
Click here to email us a suggestion or article. We'd love your feedback!
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