The school year is off to a strong start at Woodhull Intermediate School where a new principal, dean and many faculty and staff members have come aboard and joined the building’s veterans.
Dr. Lara Gonzalez is Woodhull’s new principal with Julian Watts serving as dean of students. A new group of enthusiastic fourth graders is also studying in the building joining those returning as fifth and sixth graders.
Woodhull Intermediate School Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez
The first month of the 2019/20 school year has been a “dream come true,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Woodhull’s wonderful students, families and staff members and am so looking forward to our continued work together to offer students the best intermediate school experience possible.”
For her first classroom read-aloud, Dr. Gonzalez chose “We are All Wonders” and the Spanish version “Todos Somos Unicos” by R.J. Palacio. When discussing the book with students, she asked how it can be applied to Woodhull School. One student remarked, “We’re all unique and different and special” while another added, “A lot of people in this school have special needs…we’re all wonders.” A student in the dual language program exclaimed, “Todos somos diferentes…está bien ser diferent” (We are all different; It’s okay to be different.) Words to live by at Woodhull.
Mr. Watts has been settling into his new position as dean of students after previously working in the district as a health teacher. “My first month at Woodhull has been a memorable experience,” he said. “The faculty and staff are very supportive and welcoming. I am looking forward to being a part of the events and traditions that have shaped the school’s culture. It is great to witness the interaction between students and teachers as they form valuable relationships.”
Woodhull’s new faculty members also include Ivy Alvayero (sixth grade school counselor), Elizabeth Bromley (librarian/school media specialist), Nicole Castaldo (orchestra), Jordan Ioviero (adaptive physical education), Elaine Leon (RtI math), Jennifer Marsh (English as a New Language), Karina Menter (fifth grade dual language), Priya Mondkar (sixth grade classroom), Sophia Rombolakis (fourth grade classroom leave replacement) and Jennifer Rommel (special education).