Woodside TK-8 School brings the community together for a night of cocoa and crafts

Students, families, and community gathered at Woodside TK-8 School on Dec. 14 for their “Get to Know Woodside” presentation and Cocoa, Crafts and Community event.

At the start of the evening, community partners, prospective families and current families were invited to learn about the changes that are happening as a result of the Innovative School design process. A presentation was given in Woodside’s design lab, which showcased the way the school is embracing the three key areas of the design process: belonging and wellness, hands-on experiential learning and leadership and connection.

The shelves displayed student prototypes of the change they would like to see in the school. One big change that has come into effect has been the addition of new 80” smart panels in every classroom. 

“Coming to Woodside, to this presentation tonight, it’s such a joy,” said Kathy Morris, a member of the Citrus Heights Area Seven, Eight, Nine (CHASEN) organization. “I’m looking forward to seeing continuing involvement from the city, from the school.”

Those in attendance then gathered in the multipurpose room to embrace the winter spirit by visiting various special craft and cookie stations. Each station was labeled as one of the pillars of the design process. With cocoa in hand, students and families were able to make clothespin snowpals, candy cane reindeer, winter wonderland slime and no-sew fleece blankets among other crafts. All of the blankets made at the event will be donated to local foster youth. 

“This school’s very family-oriented, and I like the fact that they like to bring all the families together,” said Tiffany Dockery, a parent at Woodside. “It made me excited to learn that they really care about their students and their families.”

The innovative school program is set to launch at Woodside in the 2024-25 school year. Learn more and follow their journey at www.sanjuan.edu/innovativeschool.

Watch this video to find out more about Woodside's Crafts, Cocoa and Community event.