Furnace Woods Students, Teachers Recognized by Board of Education

With the Dec. 3, 2025 Board of Education meeting held in the Furnace Woods Cafetorium, the school and its successes were well-represented. After introducing the work connected to the district mission and key pillars, Principal Josh Cohen presented on W.I.N. activities, which occur during “What I Need” blocks in the school’s schedule for Grades K-2.

“What’s terrific about the presentation was how the contents came directly from our outstanding students and staff,” Mr. Cohen said. “The success of W.I.N time is due to teacher planning around student needs, including engaging ways to provide support and extend student thinking and staff collaboration.”

A group of 12 first-grade students presented a slideshow with pictures, artifacts, demonstrations and explanations about what happens during W.I.N. times. Teachers Alexis Higgs, Diana Leahy and Carmen Ribeiro were also present to support the students.

W.I.N. periods are also scheduled at Buchanan-Verplanck and Frank G. Lindsey Elementary Schools to support both ELA and Math. Often through the use of games or other interactive learning experiences, these W.I.N. blocks offer students targeted instruction. They also allow for differentiation, which helps students reach their full potential by providing all students with the learning environment they need.

The presentation detailed how classroom teachers, teaching assistants, building and district ELA and Math coaches, and special area teachers all do their part to contribute toward Furnace Woods’ W.I.N. success. Staff members meet every six days with their principal to discuss the students’ progress and plan the next steps for this important fixture in our elementary schedule.