SOUTHWICK – Last Wednesday, parents and families of students at Woodland Elementary School were notified that Principal Amy Fouracre has been on leave. Effective immediately, Assistant Principal Jon Rodgers is the acting Principal.
When asked for more information, schools Superintendent Jen Willard said that she wasn’t able to comment on why Fouracre is on leave due to the fact that it’s a personnel matter.
Days before Rodgers was named acting Principal, he was set to retire last week, which included events at the school where students and staff took part in honoring him.
Woodland Elementary School. (WNG File Photo)
Also on Wednesday, a letter was sent home with students that noted that there wouldn’t be any more recess or second grade clubs at Woodland. With the letter being sent by Rodgers on Oct. 16, several parents and individuals voiced their concerns on social media with the belief that there was a lack of communication about this change.
Prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year, Woodland School created a new program where between 8:40 and 9:15 a.m., students would either have the choice to go to their classroom or take part in 35 minutes of additional and unstructured recess.
In the letter, Rodgers gives an explanation as to why the school decided to stop the recess.
“After consultation with our staff, we feel it is in the best interest of our students to provide them with additional structure by welcoming them to their classrooms, or for breakfast, first thing in the morning. We believe this change will enable all children to more successfully transition to the classroom at the beginning of the school day.”
Moving forward, Rodgers said that there will still be a 35-minute recess prior to lunch and a 35-minute lunch period.
