Principal, Teacher, Musician - Jon Wood Was Also A Kid’s Friend
Published: June 24, 2005
Every time he sets foot on the playground or in a classroom, students flock to Jon Wood. They gather around him to say hello, give him hugs, and shake his hand. He’s not a popular student, he’s their Principal.
It is clear that they find him approachable and enjoy the opportunity to interact with him, and the feeling is mutual. They won’t, however, be seeing him at school for much longer.
The countdown to Wood’s retirement from his position as the Cloverland Elementary School Principal has begun. His last day, officially, is June 24, the day after the last school bell rings at Cloverland for the school year.
Incoming principal will be Stacey Aprile, who has been serving as Vice Principal at both Cloverland and Magnolia elementary schools. She spoke of her teaching and administrative experiences with Wood.
“Working as vice principal with Mr. Wood at Cloverland has been a wonderful experience. He is a true leader demonstrating integrity, optimism, a strong work ethic, flexibility, generosity, thoughtfulness, and gracious social skills,” said Aprile.
“Two qualities that really stand out are his organizational skills - an immaculate filing system - and his true love for children and their learning. Working for and with Jon Wood was such a pleasure. [He] taught me the importance of interacting with students, teachers, and parents in the cafeteria, on the playground, and in the classrooms,” she said.
Climbing The Ladder
“I started in 1974 when this district needed a music teacher,” said Wood. “I came here from San Luis Obispo. It seems like a hundred years ago.”
Over the years, he’s held various primary grade teaching positions, has been a Title I teacher, a gifted and talented education program (GATE) teacher, head teacher, master teacher, and summer school and migrant summer school principal.
“I’ve taught just about every grade level, also Title I, which is remedial. Then I really saw how students learn. Later, I realized the fun in teaching gifted learners, too. Kids learn best when we give them what they need,” he said.
“I got my feet wet being a summer school principal and I loved it. It was hot as blazes, we didn’t have any air conditioning back then.”
Then, in 1991, Wood moved into a position as vice principal at Magnolia and later at Fair Oaks Elementary School. He moved on to serve as principal at both Fair Oaks and Cloverland elementary schools.
“It was exciting to see how a whole school works rather than just sitting in your classroom with the door closed,” he said in response to his administrative duties.
A Passion For The Arts
Along the way, Wood always kept his involvement with supporting the arts and teaching music. In his words, the arts are “extremely important.” He has continued to serve as district coordinator for spring and winter elementary school concerts, and over the years has led several student productions.
Wood said that some of his most satisfying work has been in putting together plays or musicals and organizing the science fair.
“Because I’m a performer and a musician, I think some of my most exhilarating moments would be when I produced performances for parents. Those kind of performances are always very uplifting,” he said.
“Also, the science fair. There’s something that makes it fun from start to finish. There’s a satisfaction… You’ve organized it all and it’s appreciated from students and parents.
And, when you finish the year and the budget’s in place, and everything’s taken care of - it’s all very satisfying.”
Wood has also been a strong supporter of the Art Corps program. It is a program that originated in San Diego and was brought to Cloverland by some dedicated members of the Cloverland parent teacher club.
Run by volunteers, it teaches kids the fundamentals of art, and in Wood’s words, “is not to be confused with crafts or formula art.” He has openly praised the program for it’s strong volunteers support and the parental involvement that it also brings to the school.
On the district-wide music program and the recent Art Corps art show, Wood said, “It has contributed to the students’ character. They’re less likely to fuss over their math problems. Or, if they’re a good artist, they’ll sit through that science lesson.”
Aprile remarked on Wood’s contributions to the arts on different levels at the school.
“His passion for literature, art, and music creates an atmosphere of beauty - he has made his mark in the Cloverland halls and office with his artwork. His piano playing as students enter monthly award assemblies will certainly be missed. [His] weekly teacher bulletins are colorful, recognizing students and staff members,” she said.
Challenges And Rewards
“Being a principal is a lot of work, and a lot of choices, and making the right choices. It’s helping the teachers teach and being a resource. As an administrator, I can’t interfere. I can help. That’s why it’s so important to have good teachers, and I trust our teachers here,” said Wood.
It’s his faith in the teachers that makes him believe that differences can be made in the lives of all the students, even those who aren’t strong academically.
“Students who are reluctant learners are my biggest hurdle. Students are individuals. It not only provides a challenge, but there are endless things that can be done.
“There’s an ongoing commitment every day. Sometimes you’ll see a student grow a little or a lot. The reason we’re here is for the students. When you find one who’s difficult to work with, that’s why we’re here - making sure all students’ needs are met,” he said.
“I remember a lot of my students. Some have become successful and some not successful. Some of my former students are now teachers and are on district staff. It’s a pleasure to know they’re teachers.
“If you’re a teacher, it’s a lifelong learning process… I tell my students, ‘if you’re very lucky, you get to be a teacher.’”
New Principal, Familiar Face
Stacey Aprile’s first job in the district was as a teacher at Cloverland. She has been at all three of the elementary schools in some capacity. Her most recent stint: doing double-duty as vice principal at both Magnolia and Cloverland.
She says she is glad, however, to become principal at Cloverland because it feels like she is “coming home.”
“Cloverland has strong educational programs to support all students in learning, and it is a privilege to serve the community and district at such a great school,” she said.
“One thing I am really looking forward to is being at one school. While my vice principal experiences at both Magnolia and Cloverland helped me prepare for all aspects of being an administrator, it was a challenging assignment.
“While I will miss the Magnolia school community, I am looking forward to being at Cloverland each and every day next year,” said Aprile.
Wood said he is very comfortable in leaving the school, knowing Aprile will soon be at the helm.
“It’s been a perfect ending for my career. It’s been easy for me to ‘close shop’ so to speak, and knowing it will be in good hands,” he said. “Moving administrators around is sometimes unsettling, but part of the job. This school is comforted to know that Stacey will be the principal.
“I think this is a good time to make big changes because of the new [Sierra View Elementary] school. We’ll have [Cloverland] people we know all over the district,” he said.
With the new school scheduled to open in August, Cloverland is expected to have more than 200 fewer students next year. Wood said that means Cloverland will be an overflow school for extra grades if necessary.
“I am very much looking forward to such a great opportunity,” said Aprile. “The supportive staff members and families are so dedicated to providing an outstanding educational experience for each student at Cloverland.”
A Principal’s Legacy
When asked how his colleagues would describe him, Wood thought for a moment and said, “They’re always telling me I’m funny, probably that I am fair, that I listen, I may be lazy from time to time, but I get the job done in a nice, friendly manner. I’m accessible and help them solve problems.”
However, Aprile had much more to add about the effect that Jon Wood has had on her personally and professionally.
She first worked with Wood when he was principal and she was a teacher while they were both at Fair Oaks, prior to their work together at Cloverland.
“Under his supervision as principal, I learned a lot about fair and consistent discipline, meaningful teacher evaluation, conflict resolution, and the importance of being respectful and kind to everyone one encounters,” she said.
When Aprile began work at the university for her Administrative Credential, Wood became her field supervisor, and oversaw the many hours of fieldwork she needed to complete.
“He modeled and encouraged community involvement, excellent parent/school relations, helpful and regular communication with the staff, and the value of data analysis in program improvement.
“I wish him the best in his retirement, and I hope I can carry on with his ability to make every person he encounters feel special and welcome at Cloverland,” she said.
Wood’s philosophy about retiring speaks to the relationships that he’s had with the many students who’ve passed through the school doors. He said he doesn’t look to receive special recognition, just to be regarded fondly and in a positive way.
“I think the best way to be remembered,” he said, “is in the students’ minds - that they had a nice principal.”
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