In Lower School French, we are ending the trimester with some fun Christmas activities! We recently spent time on two different fun “activités de Noël.” The first activity was an online interactive game, involving questions, vocabulary terms, Christmas songs, and even virtually decorating a Christmas tree. The students helped each other answer questions and learned some festive vocabulary: le sapin, Père Noël, les cadeaux, etc. 

We will strive for Chapel Time to be a peaceful time for prayer, reflection, and character building. These past few weeks have been an introduction to the routines in Chapel. Students and teachers with help from Fr. Danny Morrison of Little Flower and Fr. David Spillane, LC, we gathered in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Our Chapel of the Little Flower to practice our faith as a community. We prayed the rosary, had an opportunity for Eucharistic Adoration, and learned about St. Jude and the Theological Virtue of Hope. 

An important aspect of any public speaking opportunity is preparation. Grade 7 utilized the following steps to prepare for the Colonial Williamsburg presentation:

In science this month, students worked diligently on their final structure projects. They began by creating drawing plans, researching the history behind their structures, and testing different models. After weeks of preparation and building, they presented their models to classmates and shared what they had learned. 

In science class, students engaged in a hands-on experiment where they filled empty soda bottles with nutrient-rich soil and carefully planted a variety of seeds, including alfalfa, clover, mustard, and ryegrass. Over the next few weeks, they will diligently care for the plants, ensuring they receive proper light, water, and attention.

In our lesson about Kwanzaa, we learned that it is an African-American holiday that celebrates family, community, and cultural heritage. We explored the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which focus on values like unity, self-determination, and creativity. We also learned about traditional activities such as lighting the Kinara candles, storytelling, and sharing special meals.

November was an exciting time filled with learning about the history and significance of Thanksgiving. We focused on the importance of gratitude, sharing all the things we are thankful for. Students also enjoyed discussing the different ways each of us celebrates this special holiday. Additionally, students had a wonderful time learning about turkeys and creating their own turkey disguises as part of a fun holiday project.

Reading plays a vital role in helping middle school students grow as thinkers, learners, and communicators. At this age, students are developing the skills and habits that will shape their academic success for years to come. In sixth grade Language Arts, we aim to foster not only strong reading comprehension but also a genuine love of books.

Welcome to our current unit, where we're exploring equations and inequalities! These algebraic concepts are the foundation for future math studies, but, more importantly, they offer valuable life lessons for our students.

At The Woods Academy, we believe that educating the whole child means nurturing both mind and body. Healthy sleep and nutrition are essential foundations for learning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being—and they are values we intentionally support throughout each school day.

Recently, our School Nurse and School Counselor hosted a Nutrition and Sleep Coffee Chat, sharing research, practical strategies, and reassurance that small, consistent habits—at home and at school—can have a lasting impact on children’s health. 

At The Woods Academy, supporting children in a digital world means going beyond managing devices to nurturing balance, character, and thoughtful choices. During a recent Coffee & Conversation, leaders explored guidance from Jonathan Haidt’s Anxious Generation and Richard Culatta’s Digital for Good, helping parents understand how to raise responsible digital citizens who engage with technology intentionally, confidently, and with integrity in their daily lives. 

A child’s ability to learn and thrive in school is deeply connected to their emotional and physical well-being. When children feel loved, happy, and safe, their brains are more open to absorbing new information, solving problems, and developing critical thinking skills. Creating a secure and joyful learning environment is essential for fostering their growth, curiosity, and confidence.