July 24, 2024 -- Energy was high as students and their families gathered at Woodcrest Elementary School for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Woodcrest, the District’s only year-round school, is the first Columbus City Schools building to kick off the new school year, and students were eager to begin learning. 

“I’m really excited [for school],” Isabella Cowans, a Woodcrest student, said. “I’m most excited about seeing my teacher, and [I love] all of the learning.”

Jeri Hensley, a third-grade teacher at Woodcrest, matched Cowans’ enthusiasm for learning. This year, her third graders will take state-mandated assessments to gauge their competencies in different subject areas, and Hensley wants to ensure they’re prepared. 

“My goal for this year is to help our students achieve specifically in math, science, and writing,” Hensley said. “We want to make sure that all of those skills are in place and that they’re having fun [at school] but still preparing for what’s coming up.” 

Hensley and her fellow Woodcrest staff members lined the walkway leading up to the school on the first day to cheer students into the building. Woodcrest’s principal, Yolanda Cooper, said her team has worked tirelessly over the summer to prepare for students. She knows that these efforts will allow the Woodcrest Stars to dream big and achieve more this school year. 

“I’m excited about making sure our students feel welcome, empowered, and loved [this school year],” Cooper said. ‘It’s important to make sure that when they hit these doors, they are hit with excitement.”

Columbus City Schools hopes Woodcrest students and educators have a fantastic 2024-2025 school year!