History of John P. Woods Elementary

  • historical photo outside of woods elementary school with students gathered in frontWoods Elementary School was established in 1975 to address the growing population on the east side of Fort Smith and alleviate overcrowding at Echols Elementary. Located on an 11.27-acre plot next to Chaffin Junior High School, Woods became the easternmost school in Fort Smith. The school was one of four built using the open-space concept, featuring classrooms without permanent walls to promote a team-teaching philosophy.

    The school was named in honor of John Powell Woods, a distinguished Fort Smith attorney who served as a member of the Fort Smith School Board for 18 years (1929-1947), including a term as president from 1945 to 1947. 

    Woods Elementary has earned a reputation as one of the top schools in the city and state. Teachers and staff foster an environment that not only supports academic excellence but also instills responsibility and citizenship in its students, aligning with John P. Woods' vision "to not only teach the youth but to teach them how to live.

     

    Major Milestones in Woods History

    Fall 1975: Woods Elementary Opens

    • Woods Elementary opened with 12 teachers, one media specialist, and 250 students. Bill Freeman was the school’s first principal, serving for 19 years. The school was built with an open-space design, allowing for flexible, team-based teaching.

    1979: North Wing Addition

    • The north wing was added shortly after the school’s opening to serve as the kindergarten rooms.

    1987-1989: Kindergarten Moved to Barling

    • Due to the school's increasing size, the kindergarten was temporarily moved to Barling Elementary. 

    1990: Cafetorium and South Wing Addition

    • A cafetorium (a combined cafeteria and assembly room) and a south wing were added to the school, providing additional classrooms and storage space.

    1993-1994: Arkansas School of Excellence Award

    • Woods Elementary received the Arkansas School of Excellence Award, recognizing it as one of the best schools in the state.

    1996: Computer Room Addition

    • A computer room was built to enhance students' computer skills. The room had over 15 computers and allowed students to play games and participate in nationwide programs.

    2019-2021: Wall Project

    • In response to challenges posed by the open-space design, such as high levels of noise and frequent distractions, FSPS completed a wall project. This transitioned Woods Elementary away from its original open-concept layout.

    Summer 2022: Secure Vestibules Addition

    • Secure vestibules were added to enhance the safety and security of the school.

    Who was John P. Woods?

    John P Woods as a young manJohn Powell Woods was born in 1886 in Melbourne, AR. He earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas and began practicing law in Fort Smith in 1912. During World War II, Woods served as a captain in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being seriously wounded in France. 

    Woods dedicated 18 years to the Fort Smith School Board (1929-1947), serving as its president from 1945 to 1947. His tenure was marked by efforts to secure funding for payroll and operating expenses during the Great Depression without issuing scrip in lieu of cash.

    In 1919, John Woods married Mabel Fairfax Hon, and they had four sons: John Powell Jr., Pendleton "Pen," Daniel, and Gaines. Two of his grandchildren, Kathleen Reynolds and Gaines Jr., lived with him and attended Fort Smith Public Schools.

    John Powell Woods’ exceptional dedication to education and community service made him an ideal namesake for the school. His 18 years on the Fort Smith School Board, including his tenure as president, highlighted his deep commitment to enhancing local education. Additionally, his distinguished service as a World War I veteran and his contributions to Fort Smith reflect the values of leadership and service that Woods Elementary upholds.

     

     

    Notable People in Woods History

    Bill Freeman: the first principal of Woods Elementary, served with dedication for 19 years. His leadership was pivotal in shaping the school's culture, including the establishment of enduring traditions such as the adoption of the Patriot mascot and the weekly "Red, White, and Blue Day." Freeman's commitment to fostering a strong, community-oriented environment laid a solid foundation for the school's continued success and growth.

    Discover Our History

    Explore the rich history of Woods Elementary. Here, you'll find documents, stories, and resources that highlight key milestones and achievements of our school. Dive into the past to see how Woods Elementary evolved and has made a lasting impact on the community. Click the links below to learn more.

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