Woodhull Ready to Open New Year with Excitement

“As we open the doors to a new school year at Woodhull, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for all that lies ahead,” Ms. Campbell said. “Each new academic year brings with it a fresh start, new opportunities and the promise of growth for our students and our school community as a whole.”

Woodhull is introducing several exciting initiatives and programs designed “to enhance our students’ educational experiences, promote a positive school climate, and prepare our students for the future,” Ms. Campbell said.

Ms. Campbell has been Woodhull Intermediate School’s principal since December 5, 2022. She earned an undergraduate degree at James Madison University in psychology and elementary education in May 1997 and a master’s degree in educational leadership at George Mason University in January 2005.

Engaging New Program and Curriculum

“We are excited to introduce the new ‘Learners Who LEAD’ program; a dynamic curriculum designed to inspire and empower Woodhull students to make a positive impact in their community and the world,” Ms. Campbell said. “This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn the value of service, connect their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, and develop the skills and mindset of a community leader. We are confident that this program will be a transformative experience for our young learners, fostering a lifelong commitment to service and active citizenship.”

Prior to being named Woodhull’s principal, Ms. Campbell had been working as an elementary instructional coordinator at Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Northport since 2019. She was previously employed as at Ocean Avenue as a third grade and fifth grade teacher between 2014-2019.

Strengthened Focus on SEL and Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports

“The well-being of our students is always a top priority,” Ms. Campbell said. “This school year, we are excited to enhance our efforts in creating a supportive, nurturing environment by placing a stronger focus on student well-being and our PBIS program. Last year, our faculty and students developed ‘The Woodhull Way’ matrix to communicate and review expectations for our school community. Through proactive teaching, consistent support and review of the Woodhull Way, students will learn how to make responsible choices, show respect for others and contribute to a safe and caring school community. Be on the lookout for a Woodhull Way ticket in your child’s backpack. These are given to students who demonstrate safe, respectful and responsible behaviors at school. Our ultimate goal is to create a school environment where every child feels valued, supported and ready to learn.”

Earlier in her career, Ms. Campbell worked as an alternative learning teacher at Hunters Woods Elementary School and as a third, fourth and sixth grade teacher at Waples Mill Elementary School from 1998-2005. Both schools are part of the Fairfax County public school system in Virginia.

Innovative Learning Space

“We redesigned and reimagined one of the Woodhull courtyards to create a flexible and dynamic outdoor learning environment for our students,” Ms. Campbell said. “Our new outdoor classroom is equipped with garden beds for planting, interactive learning structures and flexible seating to support a variety of learning styles and needs. This space offers our students a unique and engaging learning environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and hands-on exploration. It promotes physical activity, boosts focus and mental well-being and provides opportunities for real-world learning in all content areas. By connecting with nature, students develop a deeper appreciation for the environment while enhancing their problem-solving skills and social interactions in a natural setting.”

Woodhull first opened on January 30, 1967. It completely absorbed the student body attending Roosevelt Elementary School, which once stood on Lowndes Avenue not far from the current Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School. Roosevelt was closed as part of an urban renewal project and was completely demolished in 1968.

Woodhull was erected on a site that had been purchased more than 17 years earlier and once was considered as the location for the new high school that was ultimately constructed on what were once the grounds of the sprawling H. Bellas Hess estate.

The Huntington School District purchased 23 acres of undeveloped property south of the Village Green School on Park Avenue for about $700 per acre in 1949. The parcel was later enlarged to 24.9 acres.

When officials determined a new high school was needed the site was evaluated and rejected. It was later looked at as the possible location of a third junior high school. District executives concluded it would suffice for that purpose with the addition of six acres to the south. However, before the plan was ever adopted, another site on Greenlawn Road was ultimately acquired and J. Taylor Finley Junior High School was erected upon it.

Today’s Woodhull Intermediate School houses hundreds of students spread across grades 4-6. Many of Huntington UFSD’s finest teachers can be found in the school’s classrooms.

Expanded Extracurricular Activities

“We are expanding our extracurricular offerings to include new clubs, sports and arts programs,” Ms. Campbell said. “This year we are excited to offer STEM club, newspaper club, student council, podcast club, intramurals, drama club and art club to our students. These activities are a great way for students to explore their interests, develop new skills and form lasting friendships.”

Woodhull has always been considered family friendly and that long tradition is expected to continue during the 2024/25 school year.

Community and Family Engagement

“At Woodhull, we understand that education is a partnership between the school, students and families,” Ms. Campbell said. “To strengthen this partnership, we will continue to host a variety of family engagement events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year. We encourage you to participate and be an active part of our school community.”

The Woodhull Road property had long been considered acceptable for an elementary school. The time for construction on the site finally rolled around in 1965/66. The district knew the aging Roosevelt Elementary School on Lowndes Ave in Huntington Station was badly outdated and in need of replacement. Known as Lowndes Avenue School when it opened in 1913, it was renamed in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1927 when a large addition effectively doubling its original size was dedicated.

Roosevelt School fell within the town’s Urban Renewal zone and district officials struck a deal to have the town acquire the building for more than $400,000 and demolish it. The town then acquired about 10 acres surrounding the original three acre site through eminent domain proceedings. A new elementary school largely funded by federal Urban Renewal funds was then erected on the now 13 acre property to the north of where Roosevelt School once stood. The building is today known as Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School.

Today’s Woodhull students and faculty know little if anything about any of the history behind the school.

“As we embark on this new school year, I want to thank our families for their continued support and trust,” Ms. Campbell said. “I am confident that with the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the involvement of our families, this will be an outstanding year filled with success and happiness.”

The new school year will open on Tuesday, September 3 with excitement. “Every day is a great day to learn and Woodhull and I am looking forward to making this year the best one yet,” Ms. Campbell said.