Woodland Elementary began the year with notification that it was awarded a five-year grant for an after school program. There are approximately 60 students attending. Barbara Milazzo is the program director, with Melinda Green and Winona Brown as support staff. The program consists of physical education games, enrichment activities, service learning projects, homework club, computer lab time, group meetings, snack and free play.

The Woodland staff currently consists of 15 general education teachers, three special education teachers, and two elementary opportunity classroom (EOC) teachers. Support staff includes five special education aides, five general education aides, and two additional yard duty supervisors. There are also two full time custodians, two full time secretaries, and one library aide/health clerk. Enrollment at this time is 370 students.

The school achieved a 75 point growth on its 2009 Academic Performance Index (API), achieving 856 points. The median API of similar schools is 821. Staff is very proud of this score, considering the school remains in Program Improvement year 1. This year Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) will take place April 26 through May 7.

Woodland has a very active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that contributes to the success of its students. It provides assemblies during the school year, equipment for the playground, and classroom money for teachers through fund raisers. March 5 will be the Woodland Olympics, where all students participate and raise money for the school. The PTA also rewards children at the end of the year with the annual Woodland carnival.

The school holds two Scholastic Book Fairs each year, with the profit being used to provide new books to the library. This year a classroom contest also took place during the book fair, collecting pocket change to go toward the purchase of additional books. The classroom that brought in the most money was able to “Silly String” the principal. Cathy Owen’s class enjoyed the reward.

The student council is elected the beginning of the school year. Typically they meet to organize special activities taking place on campus, select dates for spirit days, change the marquee, assisting with the talent show, and act as role models for other students.

Throughout the year Woodland is contacted by several organizations to have visitors or assemblies at the site. Students look forward to the fire department educating students about safety in a burning structure, Smokey Bear and outdoor fire safety. Other assemblies/events include Drug Free Week sponsored by the sheriff’s department, the Seventh Day Adventist School Chime Choir, and the Kiwanis Club Terrific Kids program.

Students also participate in Reflections, sponsored by the PTA. The 2009-2010 theme was "Beauty is ..." This is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

Woodland also had the opportunity to enter students’ stories to the Mariposa County Arts Council (Arts in Education and Tellabration/Storytelling Festival Committee). Grand Authors were selected and invited to recite their stories to an audience on Nov. 21, at the Best Western. Twentytwo children out of the 23 selected attended that night to present.

The Arts Council arranges for a member to go to the sites to work with the Grand Authors to prepare them for their evening performance. Children at Woodland perform in front of the student body two times to allow a “practice run” before performing in the evening. Grand Authors receive a free ticket to attend the Children’s Concert (provided by the sponsors) during the Storytelling Festival in March. Teachers submitting student work also receive a ticket to the festival.

Woodland also holds a monthly group salute assembly to recognize and celebrate its students.