Huge shout out to these Woodlawn Dads and amazing custodians for helping us make the final stretch to the finish line! We can’t wait to see all of our families on Tuesday! #TheWoodlawnWay #TheBestisYettoCome
about 2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Two men work to secure a large blue tarp to a metal frame structure, with one man standing on a ladder and the other on the ground. A shopping cart sits nearby, holding the excess tarp. The scene appears to be an outdoor construction or maintenance project on a sunny day.
On Friday, we kicked off our 2025-2026 School Year Traveling through the Decades…Literally! We met at the front of Woodlawn and loaded buses and hit the road.
🎶🛼 Stop 1- Welcome to the 50s and 60s at Sun N Lake Community Center! We started with a wonderful breakfast and coffee bar hosted by our Parent Lighthouse Team! We mingled, introduced our newest Eagles, and learned back to school information. We also made WES Tie Dye shirts to rock the 60s.
🕺🪩 Stop 2- Welcome to the 70s! Next we traveled to Southside Baptist where we had our Data Disco. We reviewed academic, discipline, and attendance data. We also learned how to better understand percentile ranks. We now have our WIGs for this year and we can’t wait to crush them.
🤘🎸💿 Stop 3- Welcome to the 80s and 90s! We ended our tour at the ROC where we partied like it was the 80s and 90s. We learned about our PBiS and Leader in Me initiatives. We also learned a dance routine from the amazing Camille Shaffer from Dance Unlimited. We ended our day with a Walking Tacos lunch prepared by our amazing Parent Lighthouse. We also sang karaoke and guessed whose yearbook pictures were hanging on our wall.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who made today possible. We couldn’t create the Woodlawn Magic without you, especially our rockstar Parent Lighthouse Team. We truly know The Best is Yet to Come! Here’s to year 70!
#TheWoodlawnWay
about 2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A decorated room with a retro 1950s theme features a large screen that reads “Empowering Leaders through the Decades! #70YearsStrong.” The walls are adorned with colorful diner-style decorations, silhouettes of dancers, and vinyl records, creating a festive and nostalgic atmosphere.
Last week, we got to celebrate this amazing team! We were also excited to have the HES admin team join us, too. These people have worked tirelessly and selflessly to make our school look brand new for our staff and families. Today was all about celebrating them! They deserve it! #TheWoodlawnWay #70YearsStrong
about 2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
School staff sit together around a long restaurant table, enjoying a meal and smiling for the camera. Plates of food and drinks are in front of them, and the atmosphere is casual and cheerful.

PARENTS /GUARDIANS: The Commissioner of Education requires that training is available for parents/guardians on the consequences of making a school threat or false report via FortifyFL. Please discuss with your student the seriousness of this issue. Click to access course: www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/threatsweaponsinfo

about 2 months ago, The School Board of Highlands County
Monday night, was our annual Kindergarten home visits! We had a blast visiting the homes of our currently enrolled new kindergarteners. We loved getting to meet new Eagles, interact with amazing new families, and see some familiar faces. We can’t wait for an amazing school year!
If you haven’t finished enrolling your child for the 25-26 school year, don’t wait! Come celebrate our 70th year with us.
#TheWoodlawnWay #70YearsStrong
about 2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A young girl holds a sign that says, “I’m going to KINDERGARTEN at Woodlawn!” She stands with her family and a smiling teacher in front of a brick house with a flower wreath on the door. Everyone is smiling, and it's a joyful moment.
Monday was New Teacher Bootcamp for our 25-26 Recruits! Participants learned about all things The Woodlawn Way. Special guests stopped in in to share systems regarding PBiS and Leader in Me as well as covering important topics like safety, schedules, technology, and more! Our new teachers passed with flying colors and are ready for a great school year. #TheWoodlawnWay #70YearsStrong
about 2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A group of educators stands in a classroom, smiling and holding certificates. A sign behind them reads “WELCOME 2025-2026.” The room has a camouflage theme with matching tablecloths and some attendees wearing green. There are drinks and supplies on the table in front of them.
We are excited to introduce Miss Lor, our newest 4th grade teacher! Miss Lor taught 4th grade for 7 years in Hardee County and is a graduate of the University of Florida. We are blessed she chose to relocate back to Florida and said yes to teaching in Highlands County. #TheWoodlawnWay
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
“Meet Miss Lor” 4th grade teacher introduction flyer with her photo, hobbies, and teaching passion. She enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and family time. She looks forward to helping students grow confidently and creatively. Background includes fun clipart like caterpillar, hearts, a Gators logo, and inspirational quote.
This week some of our Woodlawn family had the opportunity to go to HGMS to greet our new teachers! We are excited to welcome these amazing individuals to our amazing team and can’t wait to celebrate Woodlawn’s 70th year together! #TheWoodlawnWay #70YearsStrong #TheBestisYettoCome
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A group of smiling Woodlawn Elementary staff holds blue and yellow pom-poms and a yellow sign that says “Welcome to the Woodlawn Family, Madi!” They are outside near the school’s parking lot, celebrating the welcome of a new staff member. Everyone is wearing school spirit shirts and glasses or sunglasses.
Woodlawn Elementary is excited to welcome Miss Leaphart to our first grade team! Maci is a Highlands County native, returning home to teach, and we could not be more grateful she chose to be an Eagle! Welcome to our Woodlawn Family, Maci...we know you're going to SOAR! #TheWoodlawnWay
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Digital poster introducingMiss Leaphart, featuring her photo, hobbies, and excitement to join Woodlaw. The design has playful graphics, bright colors, and school-related images.
Welcome to our new Data Operator, Mrs. Rita Juisti. Mrs. Juisti joins us from the district office and has been serving in her new role as an Eagle, this summer. Mrs. Juisti has jumped in feet first and already done so much to prepare for our new school year. Welcome to the family, Mrs. Juisti. #TheWoodlawnWay
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Digital poster introducingMrs. Justi, Data Operator, featuring her photo, hobbies, and excitement to join Woodlaw. The design has playful graphics, bright colors, and school-related images.
We are excited to continue announcing some of our new eagles joining our Woodlawn nest. This year our school is adding another ESE classroom and we are excited to introduce Ms. Gilmore as the teacher of this wonderful class. Welcome to the team, Ms. Gilmore. We are excited you're here! #TheWoodlawnWay
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Digital poster introducing Ms. Gilmore, ESE teacher, featuring her photo, hobbies, and excitement to join Woodlaw. The design has playful graphics, bright colors, and school-related images.
We had the honor of celebrating Highlands County’s Teacher of the Year and Woodlawn’s very own, Mrs. Dara Judah, at the Florida Teacher of the Year Gala. To know Mrs. Judah is to love her and we are so thankful for her impact on The Woodlawn Way!
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A large screen displays "Dara Judah, Highlands County," with her photo. Below the screen, a woman in a red dress stands at a podium on the left, and on the right, Dara Judah, also in a red dress, waves to the audience. The event appears to be a gala.
Our teachers continue growing and learning this summer. Four of our amazing educators participated in The New Worlds Reading Initiative training over the last two days. Learning never stops…it’s The Woodlawn Way! #TheWoodlawnWay #70YearsStrong
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A group of four women stands beside a banner for "New Worlds Reading" and the "UF Lastinger Center for Learning, University of Florida." The banner's text states: "Partnering with Families to shape a child's Future." The women are smiling and appear to be at an indoor event, with artwork visible on the wall behind them.
While our students are enjoying summer, our teachers are sharpening their skills. Woodlawn Elementary School was well represented at Kagan’s Summer Academy! Teachers attended courses on fostering resilience through a Growth Mindset, engaging students through the science of reading concepts, and providing support through Kagan Coaching! Our team worked hard during the day and then had fun in the evenings. We work hard and play hard…it’s The Woodlawn Way. It’s going to be a great year, Eagles. #TheWoodlawnWay #70YearsStrong
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A group of educators poses together indoors in front of a red Kagan backdrop, smiling for a group photo. Many are wearing matching “Woodlawn Way” shirts, and some hold Kagan signs, indicating they are attending a professional development training or conference on cooperative learning strategies.
Woodlawn Families...we are excited to introduce Mrs. Ellison, our ESE Pre-K teacher who is transferring from the Sebring Pre-K Center to teach at Woodlawn! We look forward to her impact working with our youngest Eagles and look forward to having this program at WES! #TheWoodlawnWay
2 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Digital poster introducing Mrs. Ellison, ESE Pre-K teacher, featuring her photo, hobbies (playing games and traveling with family), and excitement to join Woodlawn with over a decade of teaching experience. Her favorite part of teaching is working with children. The design has playful graphics, bright colors, and school-related images.

You've been asking, and we've been working behind the scenes to collect as much information for back-to-school for our schools, all in one place:

🎒 Supply Lists
🏫 Open houses & orientations
👕 Dress codes
📃 New student registration
🚌 Attendance zones & bus routes
📲 App information

Back-to-school hub: https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/bts25

Finally, download our app, follow your school's individual social media pages, and let's work together to create a great start to the new year!

2 months ago, The School Board of Highlands County
We are excited to introduce Miss Kostial, a new 2nd grade teacher joining our Woodlawn family. Miss Kostial comes to us from Pennsylvania and is excited to move to Florida to begin her teaching career. We are equally excited that she has chosen to become an Eagle! Welcome to Wooldawn, Miss Kostial...we can't wait to see you SOAR! #TheWoodlawnWay
3 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Flyer introducing Miss Kostaial, 2nd grade teacher
Woodlawn Elementary School would like to welcome Mrs. Deatherage, an ESE Para, who will be transferring to us from the Sebring Pre-K center. Mrs. Deatherage has devoted her life to working with children and has been a loyal para in our district for almost a decade. We can't wait to have her working with our students at Woodlawn. Welcome to the Nest, Mrs. Deatherage!
3 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Digital poster introducing Mrs. Deatherage, ESE para. It includes her photo, hobbies (hunting, fishing, trail riding, family time), her excitement to join Woodlawn, and her favorite part about working with kids, which is seeing their “aha” moments. The design has playful graphics and bright colors.
Some of our amazing educators participated in Kagan Cooperative Learning Day 4! Teachers learned new structures to boost student engagement while also working on communication and decision making skills. It was a great day! #TheWoodlawnWay
3 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
A group of educators poses together in a library, each holding a “Kagan Cooperative Learning” book. They are smiling and appear to be participating in a professional development session. A screen behind them displays the words “Pantomime Relay,” and the space is labeled “Non Fiction.”
We are excited to officially introduce Mrs. Correa to our Woodlawn families! Mrs. Correa interned at Woodlawn and has been an employee in our district for several years. She's going to be teaching 3rd grade math and science and we are so excited that she has decided to come back to SOAR at Woodlawn! Welcome HOME, Yesenia...we are so excited to have you on our team. #TheWoodlawnWay
3 months ago, Woodlawn Elementary
Digital poster introducing Mrs. Correa, a 3rd grade teacher. It includes her photo, hobbies, teaching experience, favorite part about teaching, and education background. The design is colorful with playful graphics, such as a book, passport, university logos