Newton’s Thinkers at Judge Woods
A community investing deeply in what students can become.
Judge S. Woods Newton’s Thinkers serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade through academic support, enrichment, mentoring, Saturday programming, and summer learning opportunities.
About the Site
The program helps students strengthen reading, math, and science skills; build confidence; collaborate with peers; and engage in real-world learning in a safe and enriching out-of-school-time environment.
Judge Woods is heavily investing in its students after school. The partnership reflects a shared belief that student success should not be limited to the regular school day. BTS and Judge Woods work together to extend learning time, strengthen support, and create more space for students to grow academically, socially, and personally.
Judge Woods’ strength is its commitment to continuation. The school’s letter of support noted that many students had already benefited from the 2021–2024 Newton’s Thinkers cohort and that the school looked forward to future programming continuing to foster growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
About the Site Leader
Janae Wheelan represents the BTS model in motion. Her journey with BTS began in its youth leadership pipeline, and she has grown through several roles, including Conference Coordinator for the Let’s Get Into Good Trouble Youth Leadership Conference, Champion, Assistant Site Leader, and now Site Leader for Judge Woods.
Her path reflects one of BTS’ core beliefs: young people can grow into leadership when they are given meaningful responsibility, strong support, and real opportunities to lead.
Janae’s background includes tutoring and teaching experience, assistant site leadership, event coordination, data entry, community outreach, graphic design, and creative leadership. At Judge Woods, she brings energy, attention to detail, and a lived understanding of what it means to grow within the BTS ecosystem.
Her leadership gives students a visible example of development, responsibility, and opportunity over time.
