New Principal, Students and Goals for Woodland Elementary

The first day of school for kindergarteners can mean teary-eyed children clinging to their parents. That’s why Amy Gamble, the new principal of Woodland Elementary expects to make a few phone calls to moms and dads, later this morning.

“It is very hard on the parent when they leave their child in tears,” Gamble said. "Typically it’s the first 30 minutes that we see it the most. Usually it’s the child’s anxiety of going into a new environment. And when the teacher gets them engaged in a new [activity], they are okay.”

Last May, Gamble was named principal of Woodland after as principal earlier in the spring. Shortly afterwards, Baskerville and Fulton County Schools agreed on her official retirement.

Gamble came to Woodland from Vanderlyn Elementary School, where she had been assistant principal since 2005. She spent five years as a teacher at Austin Elementary in Dunwoody.

In its 40th year, Woodland starts school, today, with 935 students. That’s up from 850 students that attended last year. In addition, there are 21 new staff members.

The school has no charter this year. It expired June 30. Although Woodland is piloting new programs, Gamble was uncommitted about applying for a new charter.

“We are going to pilot new ideas this year and get a feel for if there are any areas we need to tweak, and determine if we need to move forward for next year. Fulton County looking at [its own] charter status is a factor,” she said.

The school’s new programs include writing, critical thinking and the continuation of a K-9 Kids program, from the original charter - trained pooches come in to help put students at ease. “They help kids [relax] who may be intimidated about reading in front of adults or other children,” Gamble said.

Woodland scored well on the Criterion Referenced Competency Tests. A report, provided by Gamble, showed students in Grades 3-5 performed on or above grade level in reading, English, math, social studies and science.

Despite the busy summer, Gamble is ready for the new school year. Last spring, parents and teachers completed surveys that addressed areas for desired improvement in the school. Commitment to Woodland remains strong.

“I’m kind of excited about letting the community know that we are the same Woodland we have always been,” she said.