Woodhull School opened on a cold day in late January 1967. More than 55 years have passed since then, but the education provided to students in the classrooms there is still just as vital to the community as it ever was.
Principal Scott Oshrin leads today’s corps of students, faculty and staff and he’s excited to start the 2022/23 school year on Tuesday, September 6.
Many facility related improvement projects were either completed over the summer or are currently in the pipeline. The work has included the installation of ductless air conditioning units in all classrooms; electrical service upgrades; new concrete walkways installed behind the building; parking lot cracks have been repaired and the entire lot has been restriped; new gym wall padding has been ordered and will be installed soon; a concrete staircase will be constructed down to the lower athletic field; new recess area soccer goals have been donated and will be installed this fall.
The Woodhull lobby is about to undergo a complete renovation. “It will be a warm and welcoming atmosphere for students, staff and visitors,” Mr. Oshrin said.
There’s a new math program for Woohull’s four and fifth graders this year. “Teachers and administrators took part in a thorough review of many programs before selecting McGraw Hill’s Reveal Math,” Mr. Oshrin said. “The program provides resources for teachers to implement in the classroom. Teachers received training during the summer that will continue throughout the school year. Sixth grade will be looking at new programs for 2023/24.”
A premium continues to be placed on teaching and learning and effective classroom instruction. The Woodhull faculty includes a mix of veterans and relative newcomers. The school’s long traditions will continue along with some exciting new elements.
“Fifth grade dual language and non-dual language will be fully departmentalized,” Mr. Oshrin said. “Students will have one teacher for ELA, one for math, and one for science and social Studies. We already have this model in place for our sixth graders. We have seen fantastic academic progress from our sixth graders with this model. This model allows for teachers to specialize in their content area while providing students with increased independence. I am incredibly excited to bring this to all fifth graders. The fourth grade model will remain as is where students will have one teacher for all content areas as they did in their respective primary school.”
Mr. Oshrin has been principal of Woodhull Intermediate School since July 1, 2021. He previously served as Southdown Primary School’s principal beginning July 1, 2014. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at Ithaca College in December 2004 and a Master of Science in elementary education at Dowling College in August 2006. He obtained state certification as an administrator through Stony Brook University in August 2012.
“We intend to continue our school beautification efforts,” Mr. Oshrin said. “I will meet with the shared decision making team. I hope to explore grant opportunities, as well as utilize our financial resources, to create an outdoor learning center for students. Much planning and preparation in this regard is required, but I do plan to start the process this fall. Last year we painted the school Huntington blue-and-white. A parent renovated our courtyards (David Bergmann). We purchased new bulletin boards to display the work of our amazing students.”
The Woodhull student body includes about 440 students spread across grades four, five and six. Thousands of students have moved through its classrooms over the past 55 years.
“We will continue with the sixth grade podcast this year,” Mr. Oshrin said. “Other club offerings include the school play, school newspaper and student council. More information will be forthcoming as school gets underway.”
Every new school year begins with a burst of energy and excitement and this year is no different. There is a buzz around Woodhull as the countdown to opening day starts in earnest.
“I am so excited to welcome our fourth graders and new students to Woodhull,” Mr. Oshrin said. “They will quickly learn how much their teachers care about them. I am also incredibly excited to greet our returning students.”
Final preparations are underway. The hallways are polished, classrooms are organized, new supplies have been delivered and cafeterias are ready to publish their menus.
“I would like to thank the custodial, clerical and aides for all of their work to get the school up and running for the 2022/23 school year,” Mr. Oshrin said. “They are the backbone of our school and we couldn’t do what we do without their efforts.”
Woodhull is set for another great year.