We are excited to celebrate the outstanding staff and students selected as WooStars for the month of April! Below, you will find the list of this month’s honorees, along with their photos and shared insights about their contributions from our school communities.
Please note: There was no WooStar selection for the week of April 21 - April 25 due to spring break. For a full list of WooStars for the 2024-25 academic year, visit the WooStars Archives webpage.
Do you know a WooStar? We are looking for students and staff who have gone above and beyond to feature on our social media channels.
Levis Kotherja, Forth Grade Scholar at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School - Week of 03/31 to 04/04
“Levis is a hard working, engaged student. He is a quiet leader in the classroom who always sets a strong example for his peers to follow. He participates actively across subject areas and contributes to classroom discussions. Levis gets along well with his peers and is a leader socially as well as academically. We are lucky to have Levis at Jacob Hiatt!”
“Levis is a hard-working student. He scored high on his STAR math test placing him in sixth grade level. In reading, he also scored high placing him in fifth grade level. Levis is fluent in Albanian and enjoys his world cultures class. Levis goes to school and is always ready to learn and help his classmates.”
This work demonstrates that Levis is a Curious Learner, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Levis sets academic goals and makes a connection between his goals and his actions in the classroom (CL 1).
Joshua Waddell, Seventh Grade Scholar at Burncoat Middle School - Week of 04/07 to 04/11
“Joshua took the initiative to connect with Legendary Legacies Inc., rallying his Burncoat class to support formerly incarcerated individuals by assembling supplies for welcome home bags. His leadership and compassion exemplify the spirit of community service, making a meaningful impact.”
This work demonstrates that Joshua is an Engaged Community Member, a disposition of the Vision of a Learner framework. Joshua identified a need in the community, articulated and communicated solutions, and developed an action plan to address the need (EC.M2).
Katie O'Leary, School Adjustment Counselor at Burncoat High School - Week of 04/14 to 04/18
“With over 11 years of experience in WPS, Katie has made a lasting impact in every position she has held. I had the privilege of working closely with Katie at Canterbury Street School, where her influence was profoundly felt by both students and staff. Even after her transfer to Burncoat High School two years ago, her exceptional work ethic, infectious smile, and impeccable sense of humor continue to resonate with the Canterbury community. At Burncoat, Katie has positively impacted students as both a teacher and an adjustment counselor. As a parent of a student at Flagg Street School, I have heard numerous stories from one of her former students, who is now a parent there. She shared how Mrs. O'Leary, affectionately known as "Mrs. O," supported her and her friends through both challenges and triumphs. This former student recounted how Katie has consistently been there for her and her son, even years after graduation, seeking her guidance and life advice. Katie O'Leary goes above and beyond for everyone, always prioritizing the needs of others both inside and outside the school environment. She truly embodies the spirit of a WooStar.”