Woodward Mill Elementary School
Principal: Dr. Sonya Brown
2020 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
School Highlights
The following school highlights showcase how Woodward Mill Elementary School is fulfilling Gwinnett County Public School's four strategic priorities of Empathy, Equity, Effectiveness, and Excellence. Visit the School Profile Dashboard to find more detailed data on our school.
- Woodward Mill Elementary is honored to have the privilege of being one of two schools in the nation who have been selected to participate in the 2025 Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) event. This exciting opportunity will allow us to host a scheduled amateur radio contact with a crew member aboard the International Space Station, where students will have the opportunity to ask an astronaut questions. Our contact was made during the week of February 20, 2025. The primary goal of the ARISS program is to engage young people in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) activities and raise their awareness of space communications, radio communications, space exploration, and related areas of study and career possibilities. ARISS does this by organizing scheduled contacts via amateur radio between crew members aboard the ISS and students. Before and during these radio contacts, students, educators, parents, and communities take part in hands-on learning activities tied to space, space technologies, and amateur radio.
- Woodward Mill proudly maintains its No Place for Hate designation, fostering a school culture of inclusivity and respect. We actively promote understanding, empathy, and kindness among our Cubs through ongoing initiatives, awareness campaigns, and student-led efforts. Our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment ensures that every student feels valued and accepted. This distinction has been obtained for several consecutive years.
- Students at Woodward Mill have the opportunity to join multiple clubs, including Readers Rally, Garden Club, Running Club, Robotics, Cubs Care, Student Council, Safety Patrol, and Dance Club. Among these clubs, our gardening club is vital in maintaining the beautiful planters they donated. The planters adorn our school’s entrance and help enhance our welcoming school environment. Our robotics club competes annually in the Robotics Competition.
- Woodward Mill takes great pride in expanding its business and community partnerships, welcoming new members to our Partners’ Board prominently displayed in our main lobby. These dedicated partners contribute their time and essential funds, ensuring that our school can consistently deliver a world-class education to our Cubs. Furthermore, our dedicated partners actively engage with our school community, participating in events, workshops, and mentorship programs. Their commitment fosters a collaborative environment where students thrive and achieve their full potential.
- Woodward Mill proudly hosts parent and community involvement nights, including STEM Night, where students can enrich their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning. Additionally, we celebrate cultural diversity through our International Night, where students learn about and honor the various cultures represented by our student body and families. Notably, our hallways are adorned with flags from different countries, symbolizing the rich diversity of our staff and students.
- Throughout the school year, both students and staff at Woodward Mill demonstrated remarkable generosity by actively participating in various service projects. Some of these initiatives included the Kids Heart Challenge, United Way campaigns, Relay for Life events, Toys for Tots drives, and a holiday canned food collection. Their collective efforts positively impacted the school community and extended kindness beyond its walls. This year, Woodward Mill was designated as a ""Gold"" level school for our fundraising efforts in the fight against cancer.
- Woodward Mill’s PTA plays an active role in the school community, organizing various events, including the Bear Scare, Bingo Night, Mom and Me Masquerade, You Are My Sunshine Dance, Movie Night, and other evening activities. In addition to these events, the PTA actively collaborates with teachers and parents to support educational initiatives and create a vibrant school environment. Their dedication fosters a strong sense of community at Woodward Mill. PTA also contributed to the purchase of a six-bay swing set for students to enjoy while at recess.
- Our school maintained a meaningful partnership with KIDS HOPE USA and North Metro Baptist Church, offering essential mentoring services to over twenty students. This collaboration garnered positive feedback from students, parents, and teachers alike. Many students have benefited from the consistent support of the same mentor throughout their elementary journey at Woodward Mill Elementary School. This valuable partnership received positive feedback from students, parents, and teachers. The program has continued to grow and yield benefits each year.
- Our students thrive in an environment where engagement and emotional well-being are prioritized. Check-ins with a preferred staff member, morning greetings and hugs from the Principal, Brag tags, and Kindness Week initiatives foster a strong sense of inclusion. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons during morning meetings and counselor-led small groups provide students with essential tools to build resilience and empathy. We celebrate Special Needs Awareness week like never before by providing a safe space for all students to feel loved and appreciated.
- Our school’s new head custodian, Liubov Ceban, and the entire custodial staff received well-deserved recognition for their exemplary performance in custodial care during the 2024-2025 school year. Their dedication ensures our students and staff a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.