Woodland Avenue School

First of all, i want to know how a man who is VOLUNTEERING his time in PTA is trying to boost his career? The PTA has nothing to do with Taxpayer money, so Im really sure what that even means. I am not a fan of Mrs. Hance, but how does she "cater" to ESL kids?? Back up your accusation with an example.
--Submitted by a parent

Whoever wrote the post on August 21 obviously neither participates in the PTA to try and make it better nor volunteers for anything. He/she is probably just one of those parents that does nothing but complain and probably has NO time to participate. What is the wasted tax payer money? The school or the volunteers in the PTA or the volunteer treasurer. I for one am glad you moved but not looking forward to hearing all the complaining while not helping out in the middle school with you
--Submitted by a parent

Don't let the web page fool you. The better school is across the road at East street. We moved to get into East street after finding out how the principal caters to ESL students of all make ups. Nice biulding but the PTA is also not very good with a treasurer who is trying to boost his career. More wasted tax doallrs which we pay for. Getting back to the school, I would avoid it if possible.
--Submitted by a parent

Whoever wrote the May 30 review in support of Mrs. Hance being "strong, fair-minded..." is either Mrs. Hance herself or is out of touch with what makes a school succeed on ALL levels: A healthy parent-teacher relationship. The parents haven't changed. Children will always be children (and please keep in mind these are ELEMENTARY-aged children). But NEVER in the history of Hicksville schools -- and this can be substantiated by the experiences of many parents who are products of the Hicksville school district and whose children are now in Woodland -- has there been an "administrator" like Hance. Whatever positives she may bring to the school are far overshadowed /outweighed by the negatives. If ever a poll was created, a survey taken to quantify this, a lopsided scale weighing down on the side of negatives could be visualized. Respect for others can't be taught. It has to be felt. The parents should not be made enemies of the institutions their tax dollars support. We're talking about a school; a community. Not some cut-throat corporation where the goal is to profit at the expense of others.

Woodland has some fantastic teachers and a great Principal. Mrs. Hance is strong, fair-minded and very professional. Her integrity and character are remarkable. She rubs some people the wrong way, but in my opinion it is usually the parents that lack an interest in community and education. The biggest problem in the school is the parents and their lack of interest in pursuing the best education for their children. Last summer Mrs. Hance gave out a summer reading assignment to the school. Of the 353 children enrolled only 43 completed it. Your child will get a fine education at Woodland school. Pay very close attention to who their friends are and be proactive in making sure they associate with the children of families that share your respect for education.
--Submitted by a parent

Being an educator myself, I can honestly say that some of the teachers are excellent and some are average. Mrs. Hance, the principal is unprofessional and lacks the listening skills of a building leader. She runs the building effectively but her interpersonal skills especially when speaking to parents are completely lacking.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! The teachers and principal are so committed to the success of the students. I honestly could not imagine the staff doing any more for the kids and true success starts at home in combination with the school. Yes the principal is strict but if you work in conjuction with the school and follow the rules, you will excel. Parent of Future 2013 graduate.
--Submitted by a parent

I must fully agree with the post of january 4, 2007 . As of the end of 2008 school year her communication and people skills have not changed one bit. I wish I could afford private school as well as to not have to deal with her.
--Submitted by a parent

Woodland is a great school. The principal, staff and students are exceptional. My daughter is now in Middle School and is doing great. We still miss Woodland!
--Submitted by a parent

Woodland was a great school. My son had Mrs. Grady and she was great A+ teacher really put effort in getting them into the middle school with out problems. It was great looking at pics of when the school opened. Thanks go out to retiring teacher Mrs. Grady and excellent teacher Mrs. Paulsen.
--Submitted by a parent