Greetings Southwood Families!
I am so proud of the students, families, and staff members of Southwood Elementary School.  The whole Panther family is committed to developing a learning community where all students:

• Feel physically and emotionally safe;

• Develop a sense of belonging in a caring learning community; and

• Experience academic success, maximizing their learning potential.

Southwood students and staff work on the first two goals throughout the school year, focusing on developing the Panther Qualities of safe, respectful, responsible, and kind.  We find ways to look for and celebrate these positive qualities in each other, creating an environment where healthy relationships are formed between students and with Southwood adults. 

As students feel a sense of belonging, they are more willing to take the courageous steps of learning with their peers.  We know that the one doing the talking is the one learning, so our teachers work hard to plan learning experiences where students interact in pairs and small groups where they test their ideas, share their learning, and ask each other questions.

It is through these experiences that our students develop the creativity, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that set them up for success in the innovation era.

We are so grateful for your role in our school family, as you support your children at home and find ways to connect with their classes and our whole school.  If you ever have thoughts or questions to pass my way, don’t hesitate to email me at Andrew Means, or call me at 360.802.7369. 

Andy Means