This week, we’re showing our CPSD pride by giving a #SuperSchoolShoutout to Idlewild Elementary School which has recently welcomed its new principal, Greg Wilson, to the Falcon community.

Greg Wilson has been with CPSD for 33 years and was an administrator for more than 20 years. He has served students and families at five CPSD schools and is excited to have begun his journey with the Idlewild community.

“Although being a principal involves similar skills and requirements wherever you work, each school has unique needs and special qualities that require a thoughtful approach,” Principal Wilson said. “During these first few months, I have been figuring out how to best use my skillset to help the school, and during that time, I have truly enjoyed getting to know the students, families, and staff.”

Idlewild is the only CPSD school that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The goal of this curriculum is to encourage students to connect classroom lessons to real world scenarios so they can be knowledgeable of their global and local community.  Principal is happy to see students enjoying project-based learning and creating opportunities for families to join them at school to get a first-hand understanding of the work they’ve been immersed in. 

Principal Wilson is looking forward to the year ahead and the many opportunities for learning and connection. “This year I am excited to become familiar with the staff and their strengths and styles,” he said. “It can be fun to be the fresh set of eyes in a building and bring forward or support ideas that we can all get behind. We have already had a great year with growth and success!”

 

 

We continued our #SuperSchoolShoutout of Idlewild Elementary School with PE teacher Joe Tocher and fifth grader Caden Ware.

This is Joe’s ninth year at Idlewild, and his first year as a PE teacher. “I was excited to take on this role because it’s different from what I’ve done and I loved the idea of working with students in all grade levels,” he said. “I love it and it’s been so much fun already.”

Joe now enjoys working with all grade levels, but the past few months have taught him to be flexible and adaptive when planning their activities. “There’s such a difference between a ten-year-old and a six-year-old in terms of what they can physically do and their attention span for games,” he said. “So, I’m really trying to find what works best for each of them and always have three or four plans in line to make those quick adjustments.”

Growing up, school was difficult for Joe at times because he was dyslexic and had a hard time focusing – an experience many students can relate to. After studying to become a lawyer, Joe worked part-time as a substitute teacher and quickly learned that the classroom was where he belonged. “Since I went through some of those struggles, I’ve always wanted to help students who feel like they can’t be successful by showing them how they can be and making them feel valued,” he said.

Above all, Joe is proud to call himself a Falcon and knows there’s no other school he’d rather teach at. “I’m so proud and grateful to be part of a team of educators who work to make school a place kids want to be every day,” he said. “It’s not an individual thing and all the teachers, supporting staff and everyone in between care about our kids and really work as a team to make sure they are happy, safe and successful.”

 

 

Caden moved to Idlewild last year and immediately felt at home in his new school. “I was proud of myself for making new friends here,” he said. “Then a new student came, and I helped show him around and make sure he felt welcomed at Idlewild too.” 

Being a fifth grader is a big responsibility and Caden is the perfect student to step up as a leader. “I have a ‘kinder buddy’ who really looks up to me,” he said. “Me and my other fifth grade friend like to play with them at recess because I just like to be friendly and make sure everyone feels included.” 

As the months pass by on his fifth-grade year, Caden is having fun being challenged by his coursework. “Science had been really cool, but my favorite subject is for sure reading because I love reading all kinds of books and I’ve been getting ten-out-of-ten on my tests,” he said. “Math is a little harder and we’re starting geometry and new multiplication, but I’m still doing well.” 

Caden is not only focused on exceling in his academics; he also loves basketball and is excited to participate in drama at Idlewild. “I really like performing and being active, so drama and sports are great,” he said. “Last time, we sang ‘Fifty Nifty’ and that was cool. Now we’re getting ready for our next play about the presidents.” 

Above all, Caden loves PE class with Mr. Tocher and when he grows up, he hopes to use his fitness skills to become a successful athlete. “I want to be a professional basketball player for the Lakers and play point guard,” he said. “If that doesn’t work out, I want to play in the NFL.”

Go Falcons!