As summer winds down, elementary schools begin to prep and set goals for the upcoming school year in September. For T. Clay Wood Elementary School, the preparations are nearly complete, and the goal is simple: to establish a “community of leaders and learners achieving excellence.”
When T. Clay Wood opened in 2011, it successfully assembled a talented staff of educators and achieved high test scores by the year’s end.
“Last year was a great year,” said Principal Andrew Buchheit.
“We have a wonderful teaching staff. They knew what we were looking to create when we established this school, [so] everyone had a clear idea of what the expectations would be.”
Buchheit says T. Clay Wood was established with a specific “school vision” in mind, one that is displayed proudly on a wall near the entrance of the building.
“Our school vision is a community of leaders and learners achieving excellence,” he said. “ our theme is focusing on that vision again—focusing on that idea of being a community.”
A dedication to life-long learning is present not only in T. Clay Wood’s teaching methods and programs, but also in the halls of the school itself.
Around every corner of the elementary school, one can find an inspirational mural or enlightening quote painted on the walls. Common themes include learning, leadership and community.
“We wanted [T. Clay Wood] to be an elementary-friendly school,” said Buchheit. “At the same time, we were hoping to convey important aspects of our school.”
Returning for T. Clay Wood’s second year as a school is fourth grade teacher Chuck Aracich, who says being part of the first staff of teachers at the new elementary school was a thrill.
“I like the teachers here,” said Aracich. “Last year, being that everybody was new, everybody was willing to help. Being a part of that beginning process and continuing it [is incredible].”
Aracich hopes for his students not only to learn to their fullest potential, but to also genuinely enjoy every moment of their school year.
“I really want kids to, when they leave the class, say, ‘that was my best year ever,’” said Aracich. “I want them to say, ‘You know what? That was an easy, fun way to do that.’”
Aracich says the entire staff at T. Clay Wood loves what they do, and work hard to ensure their students receive an excellent learning experience.
“Everybody here wants to be here, and goes above and beyond what a lot of people might do,” said Aracich. “They really make this a cool school to be at.”
With a caring staff of educators, combined with ever-improving technological resources such as Promethean Boards and iPads available for classroom use, the opportunity for advanced learning skyrockets.
In addition, a paper-preserving printing method, motion-sensing lights, and irrigation system that utilizes rainwater classifies T. Clay Wood as an eco-friendly establishment, or “green school.”
Buchheit says T. Clay Wood has some unique activities that bring people together as well such as morning meetings held at the beginning of each day, which are designed to “give everyone a chance to talk, share, know each other.”
“We try to bring the idea of community through in a lot of different ways,” he said.
Another activity T. Clay Wood will soon incorporate into their schedule is the Rachel’s Challenge, a program in which students are encouraged to perform random acts of kindness. This program is a particularly appropriate addition as T. Clay Wood’s motto heralds, “We strive to make a positive difference.”
This, combined with returning community service programs such as the Ruritan Club, help solidify the school’s namesake—being titled after T. Clay Wood, 93, a renowned community citizen and longtime member of the Ruritan community service organization.
Ultimately, Buchheit hopes that incoming and returning students alike will all “become lifelong learners” and “enjoy being at school.”
“I hope that we give them the foundation of knowledge that they need to be successful,” said Buchheit. “I really think that if they leave loving school, and loving the process of learning, then they’ll have the information.”
Informational nights begin on August 30 at 9:30 a.m. for parents of kindergarteners, followed by a new student orientation at 12:00.
Open house will be held September 1 through 5 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for last names beginning with A through M, and from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. for last names beginning with N through Z.
“I think have an awesome year,” said Buchheit.
“We’re going to work hard to make sure they learn to their fullest potential as we prepare them for their future.”
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