Warrior spirit and a few changes await Brookwood students on opening day
Exciting changes, a new theme, and a great first day
When Brookwood School students returned to their campus Monday for the start of a new school year, they saw a few new faces intermingled with familiar ones, and they learned about several exciting changes put in place while they were on summer vacation.
A brand-new theme for the 2017-18 school year — Build! — will serve as inspiration for the community.
“As we celebrate the beginning of Brookwood’s 48th year, we’re building upon a very strong foundation,” said Headmaster Randy Watts. “Here at Brookwood, we build leaders. We build community We build character. We build momentum. And we build Warrior Spirit.” A group of talented new teachers has joined accomplished and seasoned faculty this year, Watts said.
“Each has his or her own unique talents to share with our community” he said. “We’re excited to welcome them, and I know they’re ready to get started.”
In Brookwood’s Lower School, new faculty include Lindsey Bailey, Holly Carroll, Brooke Crocker, Candace Funt, Haylee Pope, Tiffany Nunnally and Amanda Hanke. New Middle and Upper School teachers are Melissa Brown, Drew Giudice, Jeff Stanley and Rodger Walker. Joining Brookwood’s administrative team is Sam Caudill, who will serve as interim Middle School director.
Chandler Bryant is Brookwood’s new administrative assistant.
In addition, there will be plenty of brand-new friends to make this year with an influx of new students, said Director of Admissions Rebecca Erwin.
“Brookwood School’s enrollment is healthy, with the largest number of new students added to the school in the past several years,” she said. “We look forward to all the new families becoming a part of our community,” she said.
Brookwood teachers — new and returning — are no strangers to innovation in their classrooms. This summer, each member of the school’s teaching faculty earned the Apple Certified Teacher distinction with the completion of professional training.
“To my knowledge, we are one of only two schools in the Southeast whose teachers have this important credentialing,” Watts said. “It is a testament to our teachers’ dedication to teaching and learning in a 21st century context.”
To be sure, enhanced programming this year will offer opportunity to students at all grade levels.
Lower School news
New this year for the Lower School is the implementation of a seven-day rotating schedule, said Lower School Director Jennifer Newcombe.
“This schedule will allow for longer uninterrupted periods in the classroom, maintain a more consistent pace with curriculum and allow for extended physical education classes for our children in grades 1-5,” Newcombe said.
Teachers are looking forward to enhancing the creative-writing process through new collaborative group activities, she said.
Students also will work with Lower School educational technology specialist Kendra Burrus directly in their classrooms during their lessons.
Brookwood also will add its fourth STEAM lab for Lower School students this fall — an outdoor lab featuring a butterfly garden.
The lab will provide handson, experiential learning that spans the disciplines well beyond natural science.
“Children may learn math by gardening by the square foot, by counting caterpillars or by creating life-cycle timelines,” Watts said. “They can practice their language or art skills by journaling or sketching what they see in the garden. They can learn about health by sampling what they grow,” he said.
In addition, fifth grade students this year will be included in the school’s 1:1 program. Each will be provided a MacAir laptop to be used during the school day with the goal for students to take their computers home to complete homework during the spring semester.
“Brookwood’s Lower School motto is work hard, laugh often and keep your honor,” Newcombe said.
“Our goal is to provide a challenging, yet nurturing learning environment for every student.”
Middle School changes
Middle School students will have new opportunities with several enhancements to the program: Grade-level advisors —Each student will be assigned to a faculty advisor, who will provide an additional level of support for students navigating the Middle School.
Physical education — The physical education curriculum will include team sports, life sports, nutrition and health. A new trainer will supervise and instruct developmentally- appropriate strength and conditioning.
Technology — Sixth graders will learn coding in their enrichment classes; seventh graders will have project-based technology in their Language Arts course; and eighth graders will take a new design- thinking course.
Odyssey of the Mind —This international program that focuses on collaborative creative problem- solving will now be an enrichment class option for eighth-grade students.
Upper School and beyond — A new enrichment course in the eighth grade will focus on helping students transition to Upper School, college and later life.
Upper School additions
At the Upper-School level, Brookwood continues to develop its strong AP program with the addition of Human Geography in the 10th grade, said David Grooms, assistant headmaster and Upper School director. “The faculty and staff are excited to begin another year of preparing students for success in college,” he said. “Our goal is not just to get students into college, but also to equip them with the skills to be successful there.” Grooms has been instrumental in adopting a new campus-wide learning management and student information system called MyBrookwood. The webbased interface is accessible to students, faculty and parents at virtually all times. “This should in long run reduce work for faculty while providing more user friendly information for students and parents,” he said.
Brookwood athletics
Brookwood’s Warrior Athletics is in strong shape with the addition of several new coaches who join an already strong and seasoned group of educators. Over the course of the summer, the school has made several improvements to its existing athletics facilities and fields, including a room designated for the cheer squad’s training. “It has been a summer of progress,” said athletic director and head football coach Shane Boggs. “Players and coaches in many sports have invested in each other. We have had multiple facility upgrades that will enhance the experience of our student athletes.” The administration has been working all summer for this moment, Watts added. “We’re looking forward to another excellent year at Brookwood.”
Student Government Association President Curry Brinson, a senior this year, said student leaders also have been hard at work, preparing activities for the entire community“Brookwood’s Student Government Association has so much up their sleeves for the coming year,” he said. “I know that the student body and Thomasville community alike will definitely be pleased with what we are planning.”
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.