Principal's Message

Dear Woodland Families,

Welcome to the 2025–26 school year at Woodland Elementary School! I am thrilled to welcome back our returning families and extend a warm greeting to those joining our community for the first time. At Woodland, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

In the early grades, kindergarten through second, we focus on building strong foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and our engaging fine arts and activity classes. We are proud to continue with our Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, which provides explicit, systematic instruction in phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. This approach ensures that students are not only learning to read, but also reading to learn.

At Woodland Elementary, we believe in developing the whole child. Our goal is to nurture academic achievement alongside social-emotional growth, helping students become confident, capable, and compassionate learners. We know that students learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected to their school community.

Beyond our classroom learning, we are excited to offer a year full of engaging events that bring our school community together. From assemblies and spirit days to family nights and community celebrations, these experiences help strengthen the bonds that make Woodland such a special place.

We are fortunate to have outstanding partners who help make this possible, including the Woodland School Home School Association, the Morris Educational Fund, various departments across the Morris School District, and our dedicated parents and community members. It truly takes a village, and we are grateful to be part of one that is so strong and caring.

Thank you for your partnership and for trusting us with your child’s education. I look forward to working together to make this a joyful, successful, and memorable school year.

Warm regards,
Patrick A. Phalon
Principal