Dave Woody's Home Page
Nothing at all like it will eventually be......
but isn't that the way it always is when you have lots to do?

    Here is a collection of various things in which I am interested, and which I will gladly discuss at length with any other concerned individuals (as my family or friends will tell you).  In the future, I hope to add a variety of sub-pages to this original, so I can give you more depth on my interests.  The yellow links will take you there.  Dialogue is the lifeblood of progress.
 

Education ~ I teach Social Studies to Sophomores (World Cultures), Juniors (20th Century History), and Seniors (Economics & Philosophy) at PCHS.  I am very interested in new approaches: Critical Thinking Skills, Interdisciplinary Education, Group Work, Socratic Method (Yeah, NEW, huh?), Journals, Portfolios, etc.  Not long ago, I presented my grading system to the Ohio Catholic Education Association meeting.  I am also a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.  (What's that?)
    CT and Problem Solving skills development is a focus of our school's current North Central Association accreditation process.  We have become committed to advancing our students' abilities in all thinking areas.  There is some pretty interesting work going on among our faculty members.  Our other goal areas are: Integration of Technology with Education; Student Safety; and Writing Across the Curriculum.
    I have tried to use my improving technological skills to create some units for my students.  Perhaps you'd be interested in seeing my decision-making exercise based on the Punic Wars.  (It won an award!  I was thrilled.)

Genealogy ~ I began researching my family tree about 6 years ago, and have been very excited to find so much information available in libraries and on the web.  My favorite earliest ancestors: Benjamin WOODY (Revolutionary Soldier), George SAMS (Early Farmer), Andrew LAYMAN (Railroad Engineer), Eliakim STOOPS (Rev. Sol.), James GUTHRIE (West Virginia Pioneer), Jacob BRINKER (Rev. Sol.), Jonathan LOCKHART (West Virginia Pioneer), Zachariah REXROAD (Rev. Sol.), Joseph CHEUVRONT (Rev. Sol. and Methodist Pioneer), Frederick HENRY (Pennsylvania Pioneer), Patrick SINNETT (Rev. Sol.), Moses ELSWORTH (Methodist Pioneer), and Anthony Jacob HENCKEL (Lutheran Pioneer). I am blessed!
    I particularly enjoy the resources at ROOTSWEB!

Sports ~ I coach Junior High Girls' Basketball and Varsity Softball for our school.  It has proven to be quite a terrific experience, getting to see the exceptional capabilities of these young ladies in venues other than the classroom.
    Of course, I also vociferously support the teams of my alma mater, West Virginia University, as well as the St. Louis Rams, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Lakers (all of whom I have supported since the days of Roman Gabriel, Jim Merritt, and Jerry West, so don't call me a Johnny-come-lately).  I highly value my subscription to Sports Weekly, where my favorite writer is the literate and thoughtful Paul White.

Music ~ I have an eclectic interest, favoring good quality performances in almost all styles.  I'm not real big on country music, but I can find enjoyment in classical, jazz, rock & roll, etc.  My favorites include Beethoven, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Charlie Parker, Don Ellis, Chicago (the old stuff), Alice Cooper, Garth Brooks, and, of course, George Gershwin.
    I have also written an educational Fine Arts unit on the music of Pink Floyd.  I had a desire to demonstrate that even rock bands can have a significant impact on the development of music.

Philosophy ~ I am not only interested in the great philosophical ideas, I consider myself a "Searcher", always on the lookout for the truths in life. I believe in the power and possibilities of the human spirit, and hold out hope that we will eventually reach our full potential (but boy, do we have a long way to go). I am open to all sorts of potential solutions to the great mysteries, and think Robert Fulghum is very helpful to modern Americans.

Russia ~ I went to Russia in 1995 for a three week educational experience after a lifetime of interest in the country and its people.  It proved to be as great an experience as I had hoped for, and one that has effected our entire school.  18 of our students have gone so far, as well as my principal, and we continue to do our small part to improve world relations.  AFS helped with the funding, and we found the kindest, warmest, most accepting people we've ever known.

Trek Wars ~ I have been a fan of STAR TREK since the original series, which I still believe to be the best, though TNG has much to recommend it.  I watched VOYAGER regularly, but DSN seemed to get away from me.  I was anticipating the new UPN prequel, but our local station doesn't show it, so I haven't formulated a solid opinion.
    Of course, I took my kids to the re-release of the STAR WARS trilogy, and they seem to have nearly every line memorized.  We found a lot to like about The Phantom Menace, and even wrote a nasty letter (3 pages) to Newsweek for dissing it.  Attack of the Clones was not fully satisfying, but we're anxious to see what occurs in Chapter III.  George Lucas rules, but Gene Roddenberry dominates.