Meet Shelly Moody, Principal of ATW
Meet Shelly Moody, Principal of Atwood Primary School!
What are you most looking forward to about this upcoming school year?
I am thrilled to be returning to Atwood Primary School! It’s been a few years since I was part of the Atwood Awesome staff, so I am looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues, students, and families as we begin a new school year. I am grateful, humbled, and so very excited to be part of the school community that gave my own children a joyful start to their educational journey. My heart is full when I am learning alongside students, so I plan to spend a great deal of time in classrooms. Mrs. Naegely and I are excited to plan school-wide events to unify and energize our peaceful village!
Tell us about your family!
My family is the most important part of my life. I am fortunate that my husband, Jon, is also an educator, so many conversations at home are about our shared commitment to the teaching profession. We live in Oakland with our fun-loving black lab, Bailey, and our three children. My son, Jacob, is heading to LeMoyne College this fall to study computer science and play Division 1 golf. My daughter, Grace, will be a sophomore at MHS and is an active member of the field hockey, swim, and track teams. My daughter, Olivia, will be in fourth grade at Williams Elementary. She loves many activities including Girl Scouts, field hockey, and basketball. When I’m not at school, you can usually find me on the golf course or on the sidelines cheering for my kids in the activities they love!
What is one thing you’d like to share with the students of your school building?
All three of my children are proud alumni of Atwood Primary School, so I know it is a special place to grow and learn! I want students to know that Mrs. Naegely and I plan to continue the traditions that make Atwood awesome. From earning a fish for hard work to enjoying the famous Atwood Carnival in June to dancing with Mrs. Blaisdell – my children loved being Atwood Awesome Superheroes, too. We can’t wait to meet you and learn what you love about Atwood Primary School!
What is your favorite thing about being part of RSU 18?
This is an easy question… the community! I am incredibly thankful for the relationships I’ve formed with families, colleagues, and students over the past 25 years in RSU 18. I’ve been so fortunate to spend my entire career in this district! I started as a third grade teacher at Atwood Primary, so I am excited for the opportunity to return to the school where it all began. It’s already been fun to make connections with my former students as their children start their educational journey in RSU 18. By far, the best part of our district is the incredible community support for our schools.
What is your favorite book to share with students and why?
I am a HUGE book lover! Reading to students is one of my favorite things to do! I can’t wait to read aloud in classrooms at Atwood this year. I am especially fond of books that have important messages about being true to yourself or having a growth mindset. One of my favorite picture books to share with students is Strictly, No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev. Children always have amazing lessons to share about this book, which is one of the reasons that I love to read it aloud to classes at the start of a new year!
