THE
B L A D E
A New View Woodward Academy College Park, Georgia 30337 Fall 2014 | Volume 110 | Issue 1
photo curtesy of Nic Huey ‘16
Letter from the Editors
Table of Contents
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his year we are completely revamping The Blade newsmagazine. One of our goals for the 2014-2015 year is to transform The Blade into a feature-based publication with a more magazine feel. We are still working on this goal, but by the end of the year, we hope that the newsmagazine will include lengthier articles and profiles. The Blade will come out each semester, and each issue will contain a central question which is a broad topic that each article will address. In addition to the print newsmagazine, we launched an online magazine at woodwardblade.com. The online magazine includes short, relevant articles that are published almost everyday and serves to keep the community up-to-date on everything Woodward. We are also frequently using our Twitter and Instagram (@WAstpress) to crowdsource news, to collaborate with Silent Voices and Phoenix, and to showcase what is going on in the Upper School. The central question of our first print issue is “What is new at Woodward?” This year is full of exciting changes, including a new humanities building, new teachers and new faculty positions. Whether you are a senior ready to head off to college or a freshman eager to experience high school, it is important to know what your fellow students and faculty members are doing this year. As the first quarter comes to a close, we hope that you all have been enjoying your year and will continue to take advantage of every available opportunity at Woodward.
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CC 2-3 Starting the Year off Right
4-5 Curriculum Changes
6-7 The New Kids on the Block
Sincerely, Your Editors
Alli Gordon
Woodward Academy 1662 Rugby Avenue College Park, GA 30337 Adviser: Rebekah Goode-Peoples rebekah.goode-peoples@woodward.edu The Blade is a publication of the Woodward Academy Upper School and is distributed free of charge. Publication is funded through the student publications account. The opinions expressed in editorials are those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the Woodward Academy administration, student body, or of The Blade. The Blade welcomes editorial comments and letters to the editor from students and Academy staff.
Front cover photo courtesy of Nic Huey ‘16 Back cover photo courtesy of Will Letcher’15
Jacob Reich
Pooja Dave
8-9 Alli Gordon Join the Club
Editors-In-Chief Alli Gordon ‘15 Online Editor Jacob Reich ‘15 Print Editor Pooja Dave ‘15 Management Editor Section Editors Aditya Singh ‘16 News Editor Jason Seeb ‘16 Community Editor Olivia Hehir ‘16 Design Editor Staff Austin Willis ‘15 Andy Sun ‘17 Contributing Writer Maddie Ledet ‘18
10-11 Jacob Reich
New Teachers
12-13 War Eagles Fly into AAAA
Pooja Dave
@wastpress 14-17 Going Green
18 Teacher Transitions
19-21 From the Website 1
Starting the Year Off Right
By Jason Seeb
An exciting first day brings in the new year.
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photos courtsey of Phoenix Staff
ormal first days of school can be a struggle for most
students. They are excited to be back at first, but they are unable to get back into the swing of finding classes, using lockers, and getting to know teachers. This year, the first day was different. All students, not just the freshmen, were lost trying to find homeroom in the new Jane Woodruff Hall. After homeroom, all Upper School students were ushered into the triple gym for an assembly. In the triple gym, Dr. Chris Freer gave a presentation about the humanities building. He talked about the history of Woodward and of the old Brewster Hall. He showed pictures of Brewster Hall, the demolition and the year long process of constructing the new building. This presentation brought students into the long and complicated process of constructing a building on campus during the academic school year. After this presentation, the grades separated and went on rotations, each featuring a different faculty speaker or activity. One of the rotations was in Paget Gym. The Five Points club talked about Woodward’s affiliation with No Place for Hate. After learning about this important program, every student signed a banner pledging not to bully or discriminate and then were given a chance to hang out and catch up with their friends. Jacob Reich ‘15, board member of Five Points, said, “We wanted students to know from the first day of school that Woodward is a place where everyone is accepted.” Another rotation was led by Dean Luke Underwood and Dean Anthony Thomas. The deans explained the rules to new and returning students. In the junior rotation, a student’s phone rang. To prove their point, the deans confiscated his phone, starting the discipline from day one. Next, students met in Richardson Theater to learn about safety on campus from Mr. John Lane. Lane stressed the importance of always being aware of one’s own surroundings,
especially since Woodward is an open campus. He presented a Powerpoint that highlighted strategies that Woodward is taking as well as ways that students can ensure their own safety. Lane reminded the students that if they “see something, say something.” The final rotation was the one that everyone was looking forward to: a chance to explore Jane Woodruff Hall. Students roamed the building, trying to find their classes and getting oriented with the numbering system of the classrooms. Students explored the endless staircases, terraces and the bathrooms. This opportunity to explore the new building helped prevent students from wandering around, trying to find their class and ending up ten minutes late to first period. After a normal lunch, classes began. Due to the morning assemblies, classes were shortened to only twenty minutes. Most teachers chose to use this as a chance to have an orientation about what is expected in their classes throughout the year instead of jumping right into academic activities. Dean Mark Carrington, the architect of the new design of the first day of school, said that the first day was all about easing back into school. He wanted to give students a chance to catch up with their friends, who they may have not seen at all over the summer. Carrington also explained that students understanding the way that school is run, from rules to No Place for Hate to safety, is important to having a successful year. However, the most important item that the administration wanted to accomplish was to give all students a chance to explore Jane Woodruff Hall, since most of the students had never been in it before. Carrington said that the reaction from the student body to the new design was positive. Students appreciated the chance to catch up with friends and get adjusted to coming to school everyday. When asked if there were plans to keep a similar schedule for the first day of school next year, Carrington said that in the future, “a similar plan would be worthwhile.”
“The primary emphasis for the design of the first day of school was to give students a chance to explore Woodruff Hall.”
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photos courtsey of Phoenix staff
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Geology
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C urriculum C C
hanges C C By Pooja Dave
During the past year, there have been many changes in the World Languages, Social Studies and Science departments. The Woodward Faculty Department chairs describe the changes that have been made to their departments.
French 4 and 5 World Languages The previously named Foreign Language department has changed its name to the World Languages department. This name is not only fancier, but as Señora Elaine O’Neill (the chair of the World Languages department) explained, it is more “supportive of our global and international initiatives.” She also said, “Some feel the word ‘foreign’ carries a negative implication, implying there is the United States and then everyone else in the world.”
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French 4 and 5 are now semester-long courses. The teachers in the World Languages department understood that seniors may not have room in their schedules to take a year-long French course. The new French courses were based on the Francophone World studies program. O’Neill said that these two courses offer French teachers the chance to “show [students] the type of classes that would be offered to them in college.” Some updates about the department in general: Japanese added a level 4 course, and German added a level 3 course. By the 2015-2016 school year, all six languages (Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Japanese and Latin) will offer courses at the fourth year level and Spanish, French, Chinese and Latin will have AP classes.
Recently, Geology CP course was replaced with the Environmental Science CP course. Geology was created from an Earth Science course. However, since Ms. Monica Kuhlman became the only teacher of the course, she felt that just teaching Environmental Science would be beneficial to the students. Dean Mark Carrington said, “With the Academy’s emphasis on sustainability issues and much in the current news about environmental issues, this seemed to be the natural progression of the course. We feel that all of the environmental science courses help give our students (whether at the CP, EP or AP levels) a well-rounded science education and provides a nice complement to the science trilogy of biology – chemistry – physics.”
Journalism I
Physics 1 As many upperclassmen know, HP Physics and AP Physics B are no longer offered. Carrington said that this is because “the College Board AP courses all follow a detailed curriculum laid out by the College Board.” AP Physics B was dropped by the College Board, so the curriculum no longer exists. AP Physics B was replaced by two courses: AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. Carrington said, “The supposition was that students, if given a choice to take Physics HP or AP Physics 1, would opt for the AP level course. Both the HP course and the new AP Physics 1 course are designed for the same students, those looking for advanced and challenging work in science. We felt that if given the choice, all would choose the AP-designated course and not the HP course. Therefore, we no longer offer Physics HP.” Next year, AP Physics 2 will be added as a course. Carrington said, “AP Physics 2 will have as a pre-requisite AP Physics 1 and serve as a year-long algebra-based course.”
Journalism 1 is the new introduction class for journalism. It is a prerequisite for being on The Blade newsmagazine or Phoenix yearbook staff. This class teaches the basics of news writing, layout design, photography and social media, which are skills that students will need on the publications staff. Students are exposed to activities that they could do in both The Blade class and the yearbook class. After taking the Journalism 1 class, students can apply to be on The Blade or Phoenix staff. This class saves the publications some time in the beginning of the year because they can just get started on articles, layouts and spreads for the publication instead of going over the basics.
Military History Originally, Military History was created as an elective for the CP or EP level. Dr. Doug Fleming, the chair of the history department, pointed out that “it was clear that some students were taking the class who had already taken HP and AP level history classes. It was then decided to add the HP level to Military History.” So now, there are CP, EP and HP levels of Military History so that anyone can take the class.
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The New Kids on the Block By Aditya Singh
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eing a new student is a challenge that most students have faced at some point. With Woodward being so large, the challenge of being new is harder than ever. Here are some of the newest members of our community.
Mina Alvi ’16 came from Academy of Our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall in Connecticut. She moved from Connecticut for her father’s job and came here because “it seemed like a really nice school with lots of interesting opportunities and a strong academic background.” For her, the hardest part of adjusting to life here was finding her classes since “the campus is so large.” Luckily, she says, making friends here was easy due to the fact that “everyone was really nice and welcoming.” Alvi loves all her classes, especially Calculus with Ms. Marianne Lecesne, and she hopes to get involved with the State Champion Swim Team, EAC and Spanish club. Many people may not know that Alvi is a second degree black belt, and she also plays the violin in the school’s orchestra. Sylvia Cui ‘15 is the only new senior this year. She is an international student from China and previously attended Arabia Mountain High School. Cui came to Woodward because “it’s an awesome school” and because she hopes “it will help [her] get into college.” Her senior year is a bit “more stressful than [the] last” since the courses are new to her. As an international student, she said that “American culture is [very] different from Chinese.” Like many other new students and even some people who have been here for years, the schedule confused her, especially on flip days. The easiest part of coming to Woodward, however, “was getting to know the teachers because all of them were very nice.” She is also impressed by the sheer stature of the campus. Cui loves her classes and her teachers, especially Mr. Thomas Ehrensperger because “he’s like the best physics teacher you can ever get,” and her favorite subject is chorus.
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Kyle Levell ‘16 went to Marist before coming to Woodward and came here “to get a good education.” Levell had no trouble making friends, and he, like most, also loves the long lunches; however, he is not a fan of the no cell phone policy and would rather disable cell phone features. Levell likes all his classes equally and is an all around athlete. He plans to be involved with football, basketball and track, as well as chorus and FCA. He also deemed himself “cool and nice” and proclaimed that his “eyes are nice.” Levell also “sings and dances” and “takes pictures of moments.” Rafa Lopez ‘16 is originally from Brazil and moved here from Wisconsin not too long ago. Lopez came to the US just before turning 13. For her, the hardest part about coming to Woodward is its size, as her “old school was extremely small.” She also “loves French... because [she has] a passion for fashion and French culture.” Bradley Noble ‘16 went to Sandy Creek High School in Fayette County before coming to Woodward. He “came to Woodward because [he] wasn’t being challenged at [his] old school.” Noble was impressed by “the reputation that Woodward has and all the resources it provides to its students” and “was supposed to come to Woodward [his] freshman year but never made the move.” For him, the hardest adjustment in coming here was the tough workload, but meeting people was easy, since the community is so welcoming. Noble loves “how similar the feeling of this school is to a college environment,” but doesn’t like “how spread out some of my classes are.” He hopes to be involved in “Model UN, Five Points, and a few other clubs,” as well as to make the varsity soccer team. Noble also loves math but isn’t so keen on Spanish.
Kat Coveney Spillane ‘16 comes to Woodward from Dulaney High School in Maryland. In addition to being a bubble enthusiast, she is currently Miss Teen Maryland. Spillane moved to Georgia for her dad’s job. Before moving to Maryland, she lived in China for nine and a half years. Spillane was born near Toronto, and she has also lived in Michigan, Illinois
and Indiana. While moving from Maryland to Georgia, Spillane was lost for hours and was left “on the side of the highway at 9:30 at night because my car ran out of gas and my phone battery died and my brother [did not] have anyone from Georgia’s number [since] he [had] just gotten here.” In the end, she had to hitchhike home by herself in a stranger’s car. Regarding her family, she has two brothers, one older and one younger, as well as a dog named Yoyo. Spillane also discussed her disdain for skirts, and how “the hardest part about adjusting to Woodward was having to wear a school uniform and tucking in [her] shirt.” The easiest part about coming here was that everyone was nice.
Average 437 Students Enrolled Each Year 5 - 10 International Students
405 New Students Enrolled This Year 11 International Students
Vintage Eagle Advice “Work hard and do what you know is right, and you will find great success here at the Academy.” - Jason Seeb ‘16 Advice from Nicole Hofland ‘16
1. Always eat lunch. 2. Particpate in school events. High school is what you make it, so make the best out of it. 3. Surround yourself with positive people. 4. Your counselors rock. Go talk to them since they really care about you. 5. Do what makes you happy. 6. Check out diffrent clubs and find something that makes you happy. 7
Club e h t n oi
J
A look into some of the new clubs at the Academy By Olivia Hehir
Nava
Arden
Isabelle
Want to make a Club?
In order for students to start a new club, they must create a formal written proposal and present it to Coach Chris Myers. The proposal should answer the following questions: 1. What is the name of the club? 2. Who does the club serve? 3. What types of activities will be included in the club? 4. Who are the faculty sponsors? 5. Why do we need this club? 6. Why can’t this club/idea be incorporated into one of our existing clubs? 7. How does this club further our school’s mission/vision? 8. Is this club sustainable? Taking all answers into account, Coach Myers makes his decisions within one week of the proposal submission.
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Fashion Club
Arden Frank
Who are the student leaders? Arden Frank ‘15, Sasha Litovchenko ‘15, Haley Hasen ‘15, Gracie Demarest ‘15, Lauren Sobel ‘16. We are looking for sophomore and freshman representatives! What is your mission? DIY projects, discussion of trends and blogs, exploration of different parts of the field, visitations by speakers, weekend field trips and hopefully Woodward event trend reports. Why did you create the club? I created fashion club for three reasons. One: to educate people on the fashion industry beyond shopping. So many people fail to address the fact that the fashion industry requires much entrepreneurship, forward thinking and business. Two: students often get lost behind their uniforms and cannot express their style. We hope that fashion club can stand as a reminder that it is important to represent who you are no matter the setting. Three: To create a community for those who love fashion or plan to a pursue a career in the industry. We hope to be a hub of information to all of interest in fashion. Who are you hoping to attract to your club? We hope for anyone and everyone to join. If you don’t like fashion or don’t consider yourself to dress well, that is not a problem. A lot of the club will focus on the business aspect of the industry, social media and entrepreneurship. The industry is so wide and we want to allow even people are not interested in style or shopping to explore it.
Girl Up!
Isabelle Koscik
Who are the student leaders? Brooke Schaefer ’16 and Rachel Ladisic ‘16 are the presidents and ambassadors for the 11th grade and the other two ambassadors for the 11th grade are Madison Garvey ‘16 and Lauren Greene ‘16. Margaret Ladisic ‘17 and myself are the 10th grade ambassadors and the 9th grade ambassadors are Emily Blank ‘18, Kate Pounders ‘18 and Cali Cambell ‘18. What is your mission? We spread awareness of sex trafficking as well as participate in community work like Agape where we tutor kindergardeners through 3rd graders then provide dinner for them. Why did you create the club? We created the club to unite girls across the world and to raise awareness of sex-trafficking Who are you hoping to attract to your club? People who care a lot about the topic and are passionate about the raising awareness for this topic.
Paper & Pixel
Nava Amalfard
Who are the student leaders? Nic Huey ‘16 and Nava Amalfard ‘15 What is your mission? We collect photography and writings from the student body to add to the Blade, Yearbook, Silent Voices, or possibly our own publication. Why did you create the club? We created this club to give students who cannot fit the Blade or Yearbook in their schedule a chance to contribute to these publications. Who are you hoping to attract to your club? We hope to attract anyone and everyone who is interested in photography and writing. We hope Pixel and Paper can serve as a creative outlet to those looking to express themselves or others through photos and words.
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Welcome to
Mr. Jesse Bowen
Bowen is a funny and down to earth college counselor. When he was five, he wanted to go to law school because he thought it was cool that everyone had to stand up when a judge walked in the room. If he could go back in time, he would talk to Martin Luther and ask him where he got the courage and conviction to stand up for what he believes in. He wants to know where his courage came from. One of his favorite quotes is “be youreself, everyone else is already taken,” which was said by Oscar Wilde.
Mr. Stephen Clark
Clark is an enthusiastic chemistry teacher. If he had $1,000,000, he would start his own science academy that would focus on mathematics and science classes. Clark advises students that “the grade is not what it is about. Students focus on the grades too much, and if you set that aside the learning will happen and you will be successful.” He also has a humorous personality. If he could go back in time and ask anyone one question, he would ask the people who invented quantum mechanics, “Are you kidding?”
Señor Michael Farry Farry is Spanish teacher, who teaches levels 2EP, 3CP and 4CP. Farry wanted to be a professional soccer player when he was little and wanted to be a doctor when he was in high school. He likes to watch nature and science shows on Discovery Channel. He would also like to tell students, “Throughout your life, be yourself. Do not try to be someone else.” 10
Fun Facts about our new faculty members. Ms. Elizabeth Griffin Griffin is an English teacher in the Upper School. She has wanted to be a teacher since she was in kindergarten. She would like to tell students, “No matter what career path you choose, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively. That’s why English matters!” She is a fan of the television show Downtown Abbey and The Walking Dead. Griffin is working with Woodward Academy’s Habitat for Humanity build. She has been working with Habitat for Humanity since she was a student and has continued to work with them.
Señora Nicole Morando
When Morando was little, she wanted to be a pediatrician. However, she changed her mind in college when she began working with kids in school. She decided to pursue teaching because she realized that she could be more creative and fun while teaching. She would like to tell students that “this is just high school. There is a whole world after this, and after college. Don’t take the little things so hard, whether it be a social event or one test you do poorly on.” One really cool fact about her is that when she was in eighth grade, she was able to get a job as a secretary’s assistant for the building inspections department of the town hall.
All the people featured that their parents are
Woodward By Pooja Dave
The Upper School welcomes many unique individuals to the staff this year. The teachers are excited to teach and have interesting backgrounds. For example, did you know that Señora Morando wanted to be a nurse when she was little or that Ms. Raley has been coaching cheerleading since she was in high school? Our faculty members have incredible experiences that have influenced them to be the people they are today.
Mr. Andrew Pons
Ms. Malia Raley
Pons is the new lacrosse coach and substitute teacher. In fact, he might have already subbed in one of your classes. Raley is the new cheerleading coach and teaches When he was little, he wanted to be a pro-basketball player. Social Studies. When she was little, she wanted to be a He is outgoing, easy to get along with and competitive. He nurse like her mom, but after she spent one day in the plans to bring a lot of energy to the lacrosse team this year. emergency room, she changed her major to education. She said that she “ultimately knew that she wanted to coach cheerleading and influence the lives of children.”
“Pursue excellence. Excellence is to be sought after, and although excellence is all around us (Michaelangelo’s paintings, Sonatos), it only comes from hard work. The pursuit of excellence is the noblest of efforts, and you are fighting that battle that fights against good enough.” ~ Mr. Bowen
on this page stated their role models.
Monsieur Richard Sommers
Sommers is a loyal and confident French teacher. One of his favorite quotes is “Let it be,” and he wants to tell students to “be confident and persevere.” A fun fact about Sommers is that his favorite movie series is the “Godfather” trilogy, and if he had $1,00,000, he would travel around the world.
Mr. Joel Williams
Williams is the new technical director in the theater department. If he had $1,000,000, he would buy items that could be returned. He is also very wise. When asked to describe himself, he said that he would rather not be described by words, but by his actions. Also, one of his favorite quotes is “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. You should listen twice as much as you talk.”
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War Eagles Fly
Into
A
Elijah Holyfield
A A A
After four consecutive years of making the second round of the playoffs Woodward takes the leap to AAAA. By Austin Willis
photo curtsey of Nic Huey ‘16
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photos curtsey of Nic Huey
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oodward Academy athletics has entered a new era with their move from the AAA classification to AAAA. Woodward’s move will bring new challenges in every sport with the increased talent in the higher classification. Will the War Eagles take flight against stronger opponents? Every year the Georgia High School Sports Association (GHSA) reclassifies schools based on their student populations. The largest high schools are assumed to have the most players on their teams, which results in an increase in player talent. This year the GHSA has moved Woodward to AAAA because the school has added more students. The move will bring new opponents with winning reputations like Sandy Creek and Carrollton. Rival St. Pius X has moved to AAAA alongside the War Eagles, which will add fuel to this strong rivalry. The shift brings new challenges, including larger teams and subsequently a larger pool of player talent. Ellie Pryor ‘15, one of the captains of the volleyball team, said her “team tries not to focus on the competition but how to improve as a team” to beat stronger opponents. Pryor said that “practicing hard and staying positive” is a way to reach the team’s “full potential.” The volleyball team is one of many sports at Woodward that will be facing these new challenges. Cross Country runner Drew Sands ‘15 is also a team captain and pointed out that “this new class we have moved into is going to have a number of very competitive teams that could compete
for the state championship.” Sands understood the task at hand and believed “the best way to accomplish the goals we set is to treat every day like it’s a state championship and to push the team everyday.” Cross Country and Volleyball have started off their seasons and have found early success against AAAA opponents. The Football team has also faced first hand effects of the move to AAAA. Games against Decatur High School and old region rivals, such as St. Pius, have set the stage for what looks like a great season. The War Eagles look to keep winning in the hopes of winning a region championship or more. Arrington Farrar, a Free Safety and team captain said, “The move to AAAA has made our schedule harder than previous years and the coaches and captains put an emphasis on taking the season a game at a time.” Woodward’s Athletic Director Dr. Fernandez leads the program into this new era of athletics. Dr. Fernandez said, “The process of moving up in classifications is not made by Woodward Athletics, but by the GHSA.” Because the Woodward population is growing every year, the GHSA is forced to move Woodward up. In 2009 Woodward had the 4th lowest amount of students, and in 2014 they have the 3rd lowest in AAAA. With a trending increase in population, Woodward could potentially see another move in the future. This year, Woodward athletics is up against a more challenging task than it has faced in previous years, but the captains of a few Woodward teams have a much needed sense of confidence and caution. The plans to beat these opponents have been made. The AAAA journey has just begun.
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Going Green in the New Building After monumental efforts from many people Jane Woodruff Hall opened on August 11, 2014. By Andy Sun
U
pper School students this year were greeted by the new 100,000 square foot Humanities Building, also known as Jane Woodruff Hall. The new building was dedicated on Aug. 11, 2014, just in time for the new school year. The completion of this project marked the grand finale of Campaign Woodward, a $63.5 million campaign effort. The Humanities Building spans the bridge between old, traditional architecture and modern design. The front of the building pays homage to Brewster Hall, while the inside and back of the building exhibit how Woodward embraces modern age technology. 640,000 hours of work did not just go into making the building a hybrid of new and old styles; the building was also designed with environmentalism in mind. Woodruff Hall is projected to reduce energy use by 24%. In addition, 35% of the power provided by College Park Power will be Green Power that comes from renewable resources. Woodward’s new building is an integral part of Woodward’s environmental initiative, and as Dr. Chris Freer, the Upper School principal, said, “The idea of leadership in energy design is something Woodward has always embraced.”
“The idea of leadership in energy design is something Woodward has always embraced.”- Dr. Freer 14
photo curtsey of Nic Huey ‘16
photo curtsey of Nic Huey ‘16
Similar to the Primary School, Middle School, and Moss Hall, the new Woodruff Hall is Gold LEED Certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and certification is achieved through design, construction and maintenance of a green building. With HVAC air filters, geothermal wells, natural light and highly efficient air conditioning systems provided by McKenney’s Heating and Air, Woodward’s facilities strive to be as efficient as possible, while remaining cost effective and comfortable to students and staff. Tom Owenby, Woodward’s Associate Director of Facilities, is Woodward’s expert on LEED certification. Mr. Owenby said, “The biggest challenge in the industry is in educating owners about the long term benefits of LEED certified buildings.” Constructing highly sustainable and efficient buildings requires massive amounts of funding, but Woodward is a long-term owner, meaning the buildings are designed to operate for many years. After the building pays off its initial investment in a couple of years, the profits from the efficiency of the building can be realized over many more years. With Woodruff Hall using 24% less energy than a conventional building and qualifying for LEED Gold certification, Woodward will be able to reduce its ecological footprint while also saving money annually on a worthwhile investment. Technologically, Woodward utilizes many green options and designs to reduce the ecological footprint of the community. With natural lighting, light shades, energy efficient light fixtures, automatic lighting, CFL bulbs, programmable thermostats, variable fans and pumps and many other advances in technology, Woodward is able to greatly reduce the amount of energy consumed, while still maintaining a comfortable, healthy learning environment for the students.
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The biggest challenge facing Woodward’s pursuit of sustainability is “explaining to people green or sustainability is more than just recycling,” said Freer. Sustainability goes way beyond the bounds of our organically grown produce or solar powered golf cars. Sustainability pertains to the retention of our students and staff. Keeping people happy at Woodward is the main goal, for what is the point of being energy efficient if students have to learn in 80 degree classrooms? Classrooms in the new building are designed with large windows to let in plenty of natural light, and the rooms are arranged in a U shape with wings on either side to allow room for collaboration. The Environmental Awareness Club, sponsored by Ms. Monica Kuhlman, gives students the chance to participate in the green mission. Divided into subcommittees to structurally organize its efforts, the club’s priorities include monitoring the recycling project, reaching out to the community, Earth Week activities, planting trees with Trees Atlanta, monitoring energy meters for facilities, participating in the Green Cup Energy Challenge and educating the Woodward community about sustainability in general. The club meets bi-weekly to discuss how to reduce Woodward’s ecological footprint. Their plan expands to include the individual, the school and the community outside of Woodward in their goals of a more sustainable world.
Quick Facts
Another way the school community participated in the sustainability initiative was at the Green Apple Day of Service on Sept. 20. The Green Apple Day of Service was a day dedicated to making people aware of the environmental advances of Woodward. Attendees toured of the new building and learned facts about Woodward, such as that 90% of the waste from the demolition of Brewster Hall was recycled, 10% consisted of materials no longer used in buildings such as asbestos, and 20-30% of the material used was recycled. Started by the Environmental Awareness Club, the Green Apple Day of Service was created to showcase the efficiency and sustainability of Woodward and to get more of the Woodward community involved in the green initiative. The brand new Woodruff Hall continues traditions by immortalizing the design of the old Brewster Hall, yet the interior design incorporates modern design and sustainable technology. Students said the new building provides a comfortable yet efficient learning environment that looks and feels modern and clean. Not only does the building provide a beneficial work space for everyone, but it also succeeds in being highly energy efficient and sustainable.
101,297 square feet • 640,000 hours of work • 199 doors • 44 new trees • 393 new shrubs • 200,000 units of brick • 11,485,800 pounds of concrete • 85,834 feet of wire • 8,042 lightbulbs • 6,000 sheets of drywall • 64 geothermal wells • 40% water savings • 24%Energy use reduction • 90% of waste divertd from landfill during construction • 35% of power that is green power • 20-
30% recycled materials • 20-30%
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materials manufactured locally •
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1. Recycled lights from old building 2. Natural lighting 3. Bench made from old magnolia tree 4. Highly efficient water fountains
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4 photos curtsey of Andy Sun ‘17
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As a new year rolls around, some teachers move to new positions at the Acedemy.
By Jacob Reich
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magine that you were notified of a new job opening As Academic Dean, McNash monitors student only three months before the start date and had to learn progress, reviews the curriculum, looks for academic about, prepare for and settle into the new position. trends and ensures that all student interests are met. For many, this task would seem impossible. However, for Working with McNash is the new registrar, Ms. Margaret Dean Peggy McNash, becoming the Academic Dean was Sharpe, whose job is to collect and analyze data, such as a challenge waiting to be conquered. Taking after Dean GPAs and test scores, from grades pre-K through 12th. Elaine Carroll, McNash left her position as the English Redesigning Woodward’s transcript and improving the department chair to become the Upper School’s new Scheduling and Curriculum Guide are two of McNash’s Academic Dean. goals for this year. McNash also wants to speak to the Dr. Chris Freer chose McNash for her new position department chairs and learn what tools their students in May of last year, and she had three months to learn need to succeed. the duties of Filling Academic Dean. McNash’s old “I am interested in the challenge [of Academic Dean]. “The transition position, Ms. It is out of my comfort zone, but I believe we have a great Jane Graham is was difficult mainly because administrative team above me and in this office with the excited to take on the move the responsibility new registrar and administrative assistant.” happened at of English the same time. department chair. - Dean McNash I was packing As the chair, a room in Brand and also had to spend weeks learning Graham ensures that all the English teachers are following how to schedule,” said McNash. In addition to learning the correct curriculum and doing what they need to do to how to schedule, she attended a week-long training continue the success of English department. Graham said session in July to learn how to use Woodward’s database that her transition was easy due to “the support of her management system. McNash said, “While I am still on department members, Dean McNash, Mr. Merrill, and speed dial with Carroll the first time certain issues come Dr. Freer.” Aspiring to maintain the English department’s up, I am interested in the challenge [of Academic Dean]. level of integrity, Graham admires McNash, Ms. Carolyn It is out of my comfort zone, but I believe we have a great Haldeman and Ms. Rachel Szymanski for their leadership administrative team above me and in this office with the in the department and for their meaningful contributions new registrar and administrative assistant.” to the Woodward community.
Ms. Jane Graham, the new English department chair
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Dean Peggy McNash, the new Academic Dean
WELCOME TO THE...
WEB By Alli Gordon
“Journalism is a dying field.” “No one wants to read actual papers any more.” “How are newsmagazines even still a thing?” These questions continually rise to the surface when the topic of journalism is mentioned. What people fail to recognize is that journalism is not dying. In fact, its future has never looked brighter. Journalism is not becoming obsolete; it is evolving. More than ever before, news outlets have the ability to reach more people more quickly. Whether scanning an iPad on MARTA or checking a twitter news feed after school, everyone has more access to the news. Although staff members on The Blade will always cherish the printed word, we also understand the need to reinvigorate the paper. Our newspaper is named The Blade because one of our goals is to be on the cutting edge. The cutting edge of our classes, our school, even our world. After all, the very nature of news is cutting edge. It is transformative, progressive and consistently current. At Woodward, the newspaper staff takes pride in being the first to know what is going on around our school. If you are looking for the one stop spot for excellent reporting, fun profiles and informative editorials, The Blade’s new website is the place for you. Each week, look for new online stories gracing the showcase bar with pictures and videos. Insofar, we have covered everything from the volleyball managers to Ebola to coverage from the football game. Here is a sneak peek of what is to come. We hope you enjoy reading the online stories as much as we love covering them.
woodwardblade.com
Teacher Transitions
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Greenway and His Students Take on Alzheimer’s Aditya Singh Alzheimer’s Disease hits close to home here as Mr. Greenway’s wife has had early onset Alzheimer’s disease for six years. Greenway is not alone in this struggle. His daughter Erin ‘00 “has been with me every step of the way to deal with the slow progression of Alzheimer’s,” Greenway said.
Greenway
Also standing in solidarity with Mr. Greenway, many of his former and current students donated to and walked with his team, The Forget Me Nots. The team was joined by over 15 of Greenway’s students, as well as several of his daughter’s students, making a group of 35 strong. At the Alzheimer’s Association’s END ALZHEIMER’S WALK at Atlantic Station, the team raised over $3000 to help fight for a cure. Student and walk participant Jessica Vass ‘15 said, “We had a great time, and Greenway appreciates our support.” Dannah Gottlieb ‘15 said, “It is so heartbreaking having to watch someone you care about get tangled up in Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease...it strips you, and everyone around you, of life. Even if you are not the one with Alzheimer’s you are still affected. Imagine: your wife, husband, mother, father, grandmother, grandfather getting diagnosed with this terrible disease where they don’t even remember who you are anymore. We are just trying to do everything we can for Greenway to give him some life back.” The visual arts students and faculty members have been very supportive of Greenway and his struggle as he deals with
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one of the most difficult jobs imaginable. In regards to the Woodward community’s support, Greenway said, “Teaching at Woodward is a lifeline for me and I love and care about our art students.” Greenway and his wife Shirley, have been married for 45 years. Greenway said, “She was intelligent, creative, caring, compassionate, a great spouse and a wonderful mother,” as well as a graphic designer who had a passion for art and music. In the 60’s, she was a folk singer, but due to the terrible disease, Greenway said, “She no longer can play the guitar, play the piano, sing, and remember words to songs.” Greenway said, “I miss her former self every day and deal with the struggle each day.” The thing he misses the most are the conversations that he used to have with his wife because, due to the disease, communication has broken down. Greenway stated that Alzheimer’s has also taken away fond memories such as wedding anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and other important events in their life. Greenway said, “If she knew what was happening to her would turn her into someone she would not ever been, she would be horrified.” Greenway’s hardest struggle has been caring for his wife over the past six years, as the disease wiped away many memories that were near and dear to her and Greenway’s heart. Alzheimer’s Disease is form of dementia that affects memory and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over five million people are living with Alzheimer’s Disease, which includes one in three seniors living in the United States today. Alzheimer’s claims over 500,000 lives a year, with one person developing the disease every 67 seconds. It is especially horrific since it not only affects the diagnosed but also their family and friends. To help find a cure, please donate to the Alzeimher’s Association.
The Real Senior Year
Alli Gordon Stepping onto campus the first day of senior year is a particularly strange phenomenon in which no one can prepare you. Wearing an ill-fitting black polo, you paste a smile on your face to hide jittery nerves. “Why am I nervous?” you may ask yourself. As seniors, we are expected
From the Website
to run the school. We should know where all the classrooms are located, which hallways to navigate, and which teachers to avoid. But what if you don’t have all the answers? Instead of feeling like school royalty, many of us felt like a freshman that very first day. Although some had been in the new building for various functions, the majority was bewildered by Jane Woodruff Hall. More than that, there is a nearly impossible expectation that comes with senior year. Seniors should have friends around every corner. Seniors should glide through schoolwork like pros. Seniors are supposed to appear flawless, but without ever looking like we tried too hard. All of these “expectations” can seriously take their toll. No one warns you how exhausting the first week of senior year can be. Running through school saddled by heavy book bags, many of us feel pressure to keep smiling and “just be seniors.” What if being a senior is different for everyone? There are 266 of us. Although we may feel some pressure to fit the mold of what a senior should be like, very few of us actually succeed. To all you seniors out there who are feeling overwhelmed (or even-gasp!-like a freshman), you are not alone.
Mackenzie Tylka ‘15
Looking back, freshman year was a challenge because the high school felt so new. No one knew where anything was, and friendships changed from eighth grade to ninth. Suddenly, collecting silly bandz felt obsolete and you even looked back on the middle school regimen with unanticipated nostalgia. Sophomore year was a challenge because you went through somewhat of an identity crises. You were not an upperclassmen, nor were you a lowly freshman. Where did you stand? Did you even exist in this place? For many of us, junior year was the most challenging academically and also the most demanding socially. People began to drive, and you had to deal with all
kinds of new responsibility. With college applications looming right around the corner, standardized testing became nonpareil in importance. SAT and ACT chatter filled the hallway and banter about scores infected conversation, threatening to divide even the closest of friends. However, senior year is different. Our final year of high school is supposed to be “it.” Although first semester has been incredibly challenging, we are expected to be perfectly happy-go-lucky. As seniors, we are idolized as role models; however, never forget that you are a human being. It is okay to make mistakes, even if you are a senior. You may show up late to a class. You may skip a football game to stay home and watch Top Chef with your dog. You may even don a white or blue shirt. You are still a senior. No unspoken rhetoric should have the power to dictate our course of action this year. Be the senior that you really are. Lost in the new building? So be it.
In the Dog House: Airport Bomb Dogs Train on Campus Maddie Ledet
12 am Woodward Academy. A distant howling haunts the dark and empty campus. Swarming the school, police and their faithful dog counterparts spread throughout the campus. Mr. Lane, the head of security, greets and escorts the officers and their canine companions to the empty, illuminated gymnasium where the dogs will train. But why are the dogs in the school? The origins of their arrival date back to about a month ago when Mr. Lane attended a convention where he met the people who facilitate the bomb division for TSA. The bomb dogs needed a place to train. Seizing the moment, Mr. Lane said that “the opportunity for the dogs to train at the school” was too great to pass up. “It is an enhancement. Bomb dogs are not just bomb dogs. They detect any type of ammunition, so if a student had a gun in their locker, we would know,” said Mr. Lane. If emergencies arise in the school, the dogs will already be used to the surroundings because of their training. Since the dogs are comfortable in the environment, they will be more effective. There is a stereotype that bomb dogs are all German Shepherds; however, small
dogs are just as talented at finding the ticking bomb. No matter the size, most canines are veterans with ages ranging from five to eight years old. Rookies do not come to campus because of safety issues.
same amount of service for their deeds as their trainers. The dogs have a retirement program, and their bill for annual checkups are paid by the government. 3 am Woodward Academy. The commotion and barking begin to fade away into a soft whisper, and the dogs silently leave their their training facility only to return in a couple of months.
Shine On Atlanta Olivia Hehir
A bomb dog and their partners are soulmates. The two are inseparable because they have gone through many difficult situations with each other. The trainers do not clothe themselves in protective wear because the system of trust between the two partners ensures that the dog will not attack his police officer. The dogs’ olfactory nerve (the nerve in charge of smell) is extremely enhanced. The bomb creates an odor which the dogs’ heightened senses can follow to find the bomb. When a bomb is discovered, the canine signals to his partner and decides if they should clear the area or if it is safe to tamper with the bomb. If the dog is placed in a classroom with book bags, the process of finding the bombs is much easier for the dog if all backpacks are moved to the wall. The dog can go down the bookbag line, and the entire classroom is cleared of obstacles, making the dog able to easily maneuver the space. This searching process can be applied to an airport as well. While working in the airport, each dog has three hour shifts followed by a rest period. If a commotion presents itself, the dogs, no matter what they are doing, will report to try to find the bomb. Even though there is a wide variety of dogs, all of them want the same goal: communicating with their trainers and finding the bomb in the shortest amount of time. The task of finding bombs is incredibly strenuous on the panting dogs. In the Upper School, the gymnasium tests the dog’s skills the most, since the building is full of twists and turns. What happens when the dog cannot continue this routine? Since the dogs work for the government, they receive the
From the Website
The annual Atlanta Beltline Lantern parade kicked off on Saturday, September 6 for its fifth year. Attracting more than 20,000 people, the parade’s energetic atmosphere brings a sense of New Orleans to the Atlanta Beltline. A procession of lanterns as well as music and lights invaded the former railway corridor for a five-mile walk. The audience and participants have grown over 1500% in the last five years, but still attained a communal atmosphere. The Lantern parade, over the years, has provided a creative outlet for both professional and amateur artists. The inclusion of so many people allows for diversity of the lanterns from Irwin Street to the start of Piedmont Park. Standout lanterns included everything from a mammoth-sized astronaut to a plus-sized avocado. The consuming energy of the event made it a magical night filled great friends and laughs. The roar of the crowd was accompanied by The Seed and Feed marching band which captured the essence of the French Quarter. Olivia Jones ‘16 went to the parade and described her favorite part as, “realizing what an amazing city I live in. The Beltline is not even three minutes from my house, and to turn around and see over 10,000 people…coming together and celebrating life was just fantastic.” Jones enjoyed the contagious spirit that both the participants and the audience brought to the festival.
Nic Huey ‘16
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