A Note from the Principal: How Northwood Supports Every Learner

Dear Northwood Families,
At Northwood Elementary, our goal is simple: every student should have the opportunity to master grade-level skills and grow as a learner. I want to share how that work happens in our classrooms every day, starting with strong core teaching, often called Tier 1 instruction, which is the teaching all students receive in their regular classrooms.
Excellence in Everyday Teaching
Our teachers make sure all students have access to grade-level standards and clear learning objectives. Throughout each lesson, they check for understanding, monitor student progress, and adjust instruction based on what students need. When a student struggles with a skill or concept, teachers reteach it, provide extra practice, and allow more time for learning when necessary.
We encourage students to ask questions and seek help. Small-group instruction and partner work give them chances to collaborate, receive targeted support, and build a deeper understanding of what they are learning.
What Learning Looks Like
If you walked into a Northwood classroom, you would see teachers actively engaged with students from start to finish. Teachers model new skills, work through problems alongside students, and ask questions to make sure everyone is keeping up. Students take notes, join discussions, explain their thinking, and practice skills both independently and with support. Ongoing checks for understanding, immediate feedback, and reteaching when needed help students master their learning goals.
How I Support Our Teachers
I work closely with our teachers to provide the support, guidance, and resources they need to meet their goals. We keep communication open so we can discuss concerns, identify gaps in instruction or student learning, and collaborate on strategies for improvement. Together, we plan next steps and share effective teaching practices that strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes.
When I visit classrooms, I look for clear learning objectives aligned with grade-level standards, engaged students, and evidence that students understand what is being taught. I also look for strong questioning, student collaboration, small-group instruction, and meaningful participation. Most importantly, I look for evidence that our teaching is meeting students’ needs and moving them toward mastery.
Our School Counselor’s Role
Learning is about more than academics. Our school counselor, Donna Frederick, supports classroom instruction by building relationships with students and focusing on their social, emotional, and behavioral needs so they are ready to learn. She also works with our teachers to make sure students have what they need to succeed.
Each month, Ms. Frederick makes every effort to visit every classroom to teach lessons on goal setting, growth mindset, conflict resolution, peer relationships, and emotional regulation. These skills help our students thrive both in school and beyond.
Working Together for Every Student
I believe great teaching means meeting students where they are and working as a team to give every child what they need to be successful. I am proud of the work our teachers and staff do every day for our Chieftains, and I am grateful for your partnership in your child’s education.

Sincerely,
Josh Edenborough
Principal, Northwood Elementary