On February 22-23, ten North Wood students talked about their school in a focus group discussion and in individual interviews.
They had good things to say.
North Wood Principal JC Flores asked each student to participate, and parental permission was secured before they took part. The focus group discussion and the interviews were conducted by Dr. David Wilson, a retired Missouri school administrator from Springdale, Arkansas, who has been utilized by North Wood as a resource throughout this school year.
“The students were very candid with their answers,” Dr. Wilson said. “They said great things about their school and about their teachers. Based upon what I’ve seen during many visits to campus, I already knew that North Wood has a good school climate, but the student responses verified that.”
Two students from each of grades 4-8 took part in the discussion and the brief interviews.
Dr. Wilson facilitated the focus group discussion as Mr. Flores observed.
The students responded to questions such as, “What is your favorite part of your school day? Why?” and, “When it comes to learning at North Wood, what is being done that is most helpful?”
One student said, “Teachers have a good relationship with the students. It helps us learn better.” Another said, “They [the teachers] really want to know how you are feeling. They put themselves in our shoes.”
Another said, “Overall, I think the staff here really cares. They want the best for people. They try to let each student know that.”
Several students indicated they felt supported at school.
One said you can always get help on assignments. “You can go to a teacher,” he said, “and can schedule extra time.”
“I feel like school is a support system,” another student said. “If a student has had something bad happen, you have people to talk to.”
The school was also described as “personal” and “welcoming” and “comfortable.”
When a student mentioned that a particular teacher did a good job or that he or she liked a certain teacher, each was asked why.
One student said her favorite teacher is nice and loves all students. “We just really have a good bond,” she said. “She tries to help everybody.”
Another student said he had a few reasons for appreciating one teacher the most. “I like the way he teaches,” he said. “He’s friendly, but he knows how to be stern. He wants me to get the work done.”
Another spoke of how one particular teacher has had an impact. “He respects everybody,” he said. “He makes sure everybody knows how to do it.”
One spoke well of the entire faculty. “They’re all great,” he said. “They have a great mood and they just want to be at school. They just want to teach us and help us.”
As far as negative feedback, the only comments students had that were close to being critical were directed towards some of their peers.
“Some people like to talk while the teacher is trying to teach,” one said.
“Kids know the rules and expectations,” another said about students talking during a teacher’s lesson. “They choose to start ignoring them. That makes it difficult.”
But in the end, the consensus was that the North Wood students like their school.
“I feel comfortable here,” one said. “I like to socialize, and pursue my interests.”
Another spoke of the good influence the adults at North Wood have.
“If I wake up in a bad mood one day,” he said, “when I come here, guess what? My attitude is changed. The teachers help me.”
