In Arlington, Texas, the halls of J.B. Little Elementary are buzzing with excitement. Principal Beth Ann Woodard, now in her 16th year as an elementary principal and 32nd year in Arlington ISD, has kicked off the school year with a burst of energy, creativity, and community spirit.
Her secret? Welcome Week, a five-day celebration packed with themed dress-up days, fun activities, and opportunities for students—affectionately called “Little Rascals”—to build connections and confidence. This year’s schoolwide theme is “Game On!”, with the tagline: Learn. Lead. Level Up. Game On!!!
A Week of Fun and Friendship
Welcome Week is designed to set a positive tone for the year and help students feel at home. Each day comes with its own spirit theme:
- Monday – Independence Day: Students dress in red, white, and blue to celebrate walking to class on their own for the first time. The day ends with a PTA Welcome Back Skate Night.
- Tuesday – Kindness Day: Everyone wears yellow and meets two new friends.
- Wednesday – Scrabble Day: Students wear giant Scrabble letters and work together to build high-scoring words—the winning group earns a party of their choice.
- Thursday – Mismatch Day: Inspired by the game Confusion, students wear mismatched outfits and play favorite board games.
- Friday – Spirit Day: The whole school comes together in spirit shirts and school colors, celebrating the JBL community.
A Principal With Deep Roots
Beth Ann is a lifelong Arlington ISD product—student, teacher, assistant principal, and now principal. Her journey to J.B. Little began in 2010 after serving as AP at Roark, Starrett, and Short Elementary Schools. She laughs about the day she was hired:
“When the Superintendent called, he asked if I could spell ‘Little.’ My family teased me—was I really getting a promotion going from a ‘Short’ school to a ‘Little’ one?”
From day one, she’s worked to create a culture where staff, students, and families feel valued and connected.
Building Leaders, One Student at a Time
This year, J.B. Little is beginning its journey with the “Leader in Me” program, which develops leadership skills in every student based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The theme “Game On!” ties perfectly into the idea of leveling up—not just in academics, but in character and leadership.
Beth Ann’s staff and PTA have embraced the theme with enthusiasm. Hallways are decorated like board games, the school mascot has been reimagined as the Monopoly man, and spirit shirts feature Pac-Man and The Price Is Right.
Focusing on the Whole Child
Beth Ann is proud of JBL’s academic successes but emphasizes that her school is more than a letter grade.
“We focus on the whole child and their needs. We partner with families and the community to make sure our students have opportunities to reach their dreams.”
She credits her staff for creating an environment where students feel seen and supported:
“We love where we get to work every day! We’re constantly learning, growing, and striving to be better than the year before.”
Passion That Lasts a Career
After more than three decades in education, Beth Ann’s energy hasn’t faded.
“I have the best career in the world because I get to see the greatness in learners, educators, families, and our district. Seeing the impact our teachers make inspires me every day.”
At J.B. Little Elementary, “Game On!” isn’t just a theme—it’s a mindset. Under Principal Woodard’s leadership, the Little Rascals are learning, leading, and leveling up toward a bright future.
