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Principal:
Dr. Linda Besett |
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Wood Gormley is named for two dedicated Santa Fe educators. The Gormley building was founded in 1926, and was named after Frank. F. Gormley who was a school board member from 1914-1932. The addition of the Wood building came about ten years later in 1936. The Wood building was named after Professor James A. Wood who was Superintendent of the Public Schools from 1899-1912. Wood Gormley is the oldest, continuously used public school in Santa Fe.
Wood Gormley is located two blocks south of the Capitol building, in the heart of one of the old historic Santa Fe neighborhoods. This downtown location affords the students many opportunities for walking field trips to museums, galleries, performances and the State Capitol Building and Legislature. Students also become familiar with the traditional architecture of Santa Fe, and are able to visit the farmer’s market and special events on the plaza.
Generations of families have attended Wood Gormley, who continue to bring their children to this school
today. Current and past alumni are able to honor family members who attended the school with inscribed bricks
leading up to the entrance. Wood Gormley has inspired a long history of parent involvement, a strong staff and
high academic performance.
Students at Wood Gormley enjoy a creative, interactive learning environment, which strives to guide the students to be self-directed learners who are critical thinkers. Teachers design thematic, integrated units of curriculum that allow students to go into great depth on given topics. Research skills start being taught in first grade, as well as, algebra, creative writing, journaling on how they think mathematically, the scientific process and developing a strong emotional intelligence. Students have ancillary classes in art, music, PE and library, all of which are taught by highly skilled certified teachers. There are special education teachers to support students that have learning disabilities or are identified as gifted. In all, the academic program at Wood Gormley is highly motivating, and naturally engages the students in the learning process.
Parents are equal partners in the education of their children. Parents fund raise each year to provide a PE teacher, funds for classroom materials, professional development for teachers and scholarships for students to participate in after school activities. The parents also organize many events through the year that bring the whole community together for fun and social interaction. Parents volunteer in a variety of ways to support the learning of students, and showcase the accomplishments of our students. They also serve as coaches, tutors and club sponsors. The active participation of parents and community members at Wood Gormley is one of our school’s greatest assets.
Every person, adult or child, in the Wood Gormley school community understands and supports the mission we have to educate every child to their fullest potential. The atmosphere of the school is one of calm and focused learning. Mutual respect between all members of the school community is expected, and when problems arise, we resolve them in a respectful manner. Wood Gormley is a Character Counts school.
A long history of dedication to education, the partnership between school and home, and the implementation of rigorous and engaging curriculum makes Wood Gormley one of the best-loved schools in Santa Fe. |
