Central Woodlands
01/30/26
Early Release Day and 10/16 Professional Learning Day - THANK YOU!
Dear Central Woodlands Families,
During our recent Early Release and Professional Learning Day, teachers engaged in powerful professional learning and collaboration. We reflected on our updated Report Card, explored behavioral procedures and supports, and set goals as content area teams. On Friday 10/16, we received training in our reading screener assessment: mClass/DIBELS. This assessment helps us to deeply understand nuances of students' reading capabilities, including their fluency, comprehension, and ability to decode language. Special area groups met together to work on scope and sequence for the year.
We realize that school schedule adjustments like Early Release Days require additional planning on the part of families, and we are very grateful for your support! It's been wonderful to have these opportunities for job-embedded learning in FHPS, as we continue to grow and learn as educators! THANK YOU!
~Amy (Mrs. Major)
FHPS Implements a New Digital Visitor Management System Coming in November
-A Safer, Simpler Check-In
As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and security, FHPS is introducing a new visitor management system in all of our schools this November. The system keeps track of who is in our buildings at all times, so we can continue providing a safe and welcoming environment for students, staff, and families.
When you visit any FHPS school during the school day, there are two important things to remember:
Always enter through the main entrance and check in with the office staff.
If your visit will take you beyond the main office, for example, to volunteer or read to a class, bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
If you’ll be going beyond the office, here’s what to expect when you arrive:
Enter the secure vestibule area inside the main school entrance. Press the security door buzzer, and proceed to the main office. Scan your ID using the designated iPad and follow the directions posted at each iPad kiosk. If you need assistance, an office member can help you.
Scan your ID at the kiosk each time you visit.
The system reads your name, photo, and date of birth from your ID. It then runs a brief background check against the sex offender registry and any flags or local alerts entered by school personnel.
Once you’re cleared, the kiosk prints a visitor sticker. Visitors must wear their sticker where staff can easily see it throughout their visit, so staff knows you’re an approved visitor.
Before you leave, return your sticker to the front office and quickly scan out.
The entire check-in process typically takes less than 30 seconds.
Not every visit requires scanning in. If you’re stopping by briefly to drop off or pick up a student, or to make a delivery, you won’t need to use the system. FHPS employees also won’t scan in, because all district staff are already required to wear their FHPS ID badge at all times, enter through the main office, and check in with office staff before going further into the building. Furthermore, for larger school events, the check-in process will be more streamlined and communicated with families prior to these events, like class parties or school fundraising walks, to name a few.
Behind the scenes, the new system replaces paper sign-in sheets with a secure digital process. It also replaces the volunteer form and Google sheet that adults complete every year. It keeps a real-time record of everyone on campus, including when each visitor arrives and leaves. It also connects with PowerSchool, our student information system, and can generate reports for building administrators. If a visitor is flagged, the system immediately alerts an administrator so they can respond quickly and discreetly.
Most importantly, remember to bring your government-issued ID every time you plan to go beyond the school office. Our front office staff is always willing to assist. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe and welcoming for everyone.
October 29: 6th Grade Band & Orchestra Rehearsal 2:30. Students must bring instruments to school.
October 29: CW School Store, sponsored by the CW PTO
October 30: Popcorn Friday
October 30: CW Harvest Festival (classroom celebrations at various times in the p.m.)
November 6: 5th Grade Hearing/Vision Screening (see below)
CW Harvest Festival - October 30
Dear CW Families,
We're looking forward to celebrating the season at CW's Harvest Festival! On the afternoon of Friday, October 30, students will celebrate autumn with fall-themed activities and treats in their classrooms. The CW Harvest Festival will take place in classrooms at various afternoon times on 10/30, depending on each team's academic and Specials schedule. (As several of our K-4 elementary schools hold an all-school event, it's important to note that at CW, there is not a school-wide time for all classroom parties, nor is there a school-wide event such as an all-school parade.)
Student costumes - for the afternoon only - are allowable and also completely optional.
IMPORTANT: costume guidelines for school:
All costume types must allow for students to be easily identified for safety purposes (for instance, full-face masks or large inflatable-type costumes that cover the entire head should not come to school.)
Of course, all costumes must also be school-appropriate (not scary/gory, not suggestive, no weapons.)
If a student chooses to bring a costume to wear at school in the afternoon on 10/31, it should be quick and easy for a student to change into (without time-taking makeup, with no need for extensive wardrobe preparations, etc.) Teachers will provide students with a costume-changing time.
Please reach out to your child's teacher or me with any questions. Thank you!
~Amy (Mrs. Major)
Please Notify the OFFICE prior to 10AM if Leaving Early, Coming in Late or Absent:
Email: cwattendance@fhps.net
or call 616-493-8798 (24 hour attendance voicemail)
Working Dog on Campus!
FHPS is excited to have a working dog at CW. FHPS PRIDE Pups are a beloved part of our staff. They support students' academic and social-emotional well-being.
If students want to say hello to Kai, they must ask the handler first! He is excited to be back to work!
Contact Information
Principal: Amy Burton-Major amajor@fhps.net
Website: https://www.fhps.net/5-6-buildings/central-woodlands/
Location: 400 Alta Dale Avenue SE Ada, MI 49301
Main Phone Line: 616-493-8790