WPSD Families Woodland Weekly
December 13, 2024
β½ Athletics Schedule
β WPHS & WPMS: Stay up to date by downloading the Panther Nation app for Android and Apple.
β
Visit wpsdathletics.com and click on calendar
πShow Your School Spiritπ
π² Save 15% on $75+ | Code ENJOY15 π²
β Help our Boosters support our athletic programs by purchasing items during home games and events.
Columbine Elementary
π3rd grade is lucky enough to have the Rotary Club donate Children's Dictionaries π to each student as well as come in and share a hands-on lesson. πStudents learned about guide words, practiced looking up words as well as explored other additions to dictionaries like πΊοΈmaps, lists of presidents and state flags. Thank you Rotary Club for this continued tradition!
Summit Elementary
π Summit K-Kids! π
Our incredible Summit K-Kids have been hard at work this semester with a variety of meaningful activities:
πͺ Hosting a bake sale at Family Fun Night
π Creating gift bags for the DHS Angel Tree Project
π¦ Wrapping boxes for the Mac-N-Cheese food drive for Community Cupboard
π§Ό Clearing trash and wiping tables at Breakfast with Santa
This amazing group of students is discovering inspiring ways to serve their school and community. Way to go, K-Kidsβyouβre making a positive impact! ππΎ
WPMS
πβ¨ Middle School Theater in Action! β¨π
Ms. Davidson's middle school theater class took the stage at Summit Elementary, performing two incredible short plays for the 2nd and 5th graders:
π Stella the Umbrella by Dune Dills
π³ The Kids and the Fairy Tree by Daniel Guyton
The performances, directed by talented high school theater students, were not only entertaining but also meaningful. After each play, students engaged in thoughtful discussions about the plays' important themes like bullying, friendship, kindness, teamwork, and acceptance. π¬β€οΈ
A huge round of applause for our middle school performers, high school directors, and Summit Elementary students for making this such a memorable and impactful day! ππ
WPHS
π Congratulations to Our December Honorees! π
The Pikes Peak Rotary is thrilled to recognize the incredible achievements of these outstanding students:
π Most Outstanding Math Student: Malikai Zenor
π Most Improved Math Student: Skye McArthur
A big thank you to Mrs. Drews and Ms. Teetor for presenting these awards and celebrating our students' hard work and dedication.
Join us in applauding Malikai and Skye for their exceptional accomplishments!
Activities Spotlight
πΆβ¨ Spreading Holiday Cheer! ππΊ
Yesterday, the Madrigals, as well as the Middle/High School Band and Choir brought the joy of the season to the community with their annual Jingle Bell Tour! They performed festive Christmas carols at Summit, Columbine, and Forest Ridge Senior Living, filling the air with music and smiles.
Hereβs a look at our talented Middle School Choir and Band in action! π€π·
Thank you to all the students and directors for sharing the gift of music and making spirits bright! β€οΈπΆ
Athletics Spotlight
β½οΈ Congratulations, Jamie Urban!
A huge shoutout to Jamie Urban for earning a spot on the All-State First Team for 3A Tri-Peaks Boys Soccer! π
Your hard work, dedication, and talent have paid off, and we couldnβt be more proud. Way to represent WPHS and show what Panther pride is all about! ππΎπ
Athletics Spotlight
π 2024 Cross Country Honors! π
Congratulations to our outstanding runners on their incredible achievements this season:
β¨ All-State Honorable Mentions:
βͺοΈ Joseph Begley (Senior)
βͺοΈ Nora Scicluna (Sophomore)
βͺοΈ Landri Prahl (Freshman)
βͺοΈ Olivia Starr (Sophomore)
β¨ All-League Honorable Mentions:
βͺοΈ Nora Scicluna (Sophomore)
βͺοΈ Landri Prahl (Freshman)
β¨ Academic All-State First Team:
βͺοΈ Team Captain Danielle Taylor (Junior)
Weβre so proud of the hard work, dedication, and grit youβve shown all season long, both on and off the course. Way to represent, Panthers! ππΎ
Shoutout to WPHS alum Bella Slocum, Class of 2023! Bella is in her second year playing basketball at Olney Central College in Illinois and making huge waves on the court. π
Currently 2nd in the nation in rebounds, Bella is averaging an incredible 13.3 rebounds per game. In a recent game, she dominated with 20 points and an unbelievable 22 rebounds, leading her team to victory.
Weβre so proud of you, Bella! Keep shining and repping Woodland Park at the next level! ππΎπͺ
π’ Know an alum we should highlight? Send us their story, and weβd love to celebrate their achievements! You can message us on Facebook or email mediacontact@wpsdk12.org.
π£ Mark Your Calendars!
Join us for the WPSD Showcase Nights and see all the amazing opportunities our schools have to offer! πβ¨
π WPMS & WPHS
π January 29
β° 4:30β6:00 PM
π Columbine & Summit Elementary
π January 30
β° 5:00β6:30 PM
Donβt miss this chance to explore programs, meet staff, and learn more about what makes our schools shine! π
To view the list of current job openings and transfer opportunities, please visit our website and click on Job Postings; this page provides detailed information about each position, including job descriptions, qualifications, and application instructions.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please don't hesitate to reach out to Peggy Gonzales, HR Manager at pgonzales@wpsdk12.org.
As we approach the final week of the semester, letβs take a moment to reflect on the tremendous achievements our students, staff, and coaches have accomplished both in and out of the classroom. This semester has been a testament to the dedication and talent within our district, from historic academic and athletic achievements to creative projects and impressive performances!
Our students have excelled in academics, the arts, and athletics, showcasing their commitment to hard work. Staff members have inspired, supported, and guided students toward success. Coaches have instilled values of teamwork and determination, pushing our athletes to achieve great things. These accomplishments reflect the strong values and commitment of our district. I am proud of the hard work shown by our great staff.
As we head into the new year, I look forward to continuing our progress and working together to ensure our students have the tools and support they need for continued success. Meanwhile, letβs all ensure we make the most of this last week of school this semester.
To our staff and families, I hope you enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones. Winter break is December 20-January 7. We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on January 8, ready to start the second semester strong!
The Board of Education held its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 11, with President Mick Bates presiding.
Following public comment, Chief Financial Officer Jack Bay presented three items to the Board: two action items and one discussion item.
The first action item addressed was the Mill Levy Certification. In compliance with HB24-1302, WPSD will submit the certification to Teller County by December 15. Mr. Bay explained that the mill rate 29.257 was calculated using the formula provided by the state. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the Mill Levy Certification as presented.
The second action item was a Resolution Authorizing a Request for Extension of Time to File an Audit for Year-End. Mr. Bay requested an extension of up to 60 days to ensure accuracy and thoroughness in completing the audit. Field audit delays were caused by two unsuccessful attempts to conduct field audits due to fire evacuations and inclement weather closing the district. Mr. Bay assured the Board that the next field audit is scheduled for January 6, immediately following winter break, and that the finalized audit is planned to be presented at the February Board meeting. The resolution passed with a 4-1 vote.
Mr. Bay introduced the CDE Cash Flow Interest-Free Loan Program. He explained how this program could help the district manage cash flow gaps caused by delayed property tax payments. By utilizing this program, the district would borrow the required amount, hold the funds in the general account where they would accrue interest, and then use them for salary and other operational needs or return them once property taxes are received. The Board discussed the pros and cons of the program and will vote on the proposal during the January meeting.
An additional discussion was added to the agenda regarding the District Accountability Committee (DAC) appointment process. Director Barkley raised concerns about the qualifications of the current DAC members approved by the Board. She suggested that the Board take corrective action by appointing a new Chair. President Bates agreed to discuss this matter with the current DAC Chair. It was suggested that district leadership provide recommendations for qualified replacements.
Board Reports
Director Patterson highlighted the combined middle and high school bands concert held earlier in the week, which included tributes to the Armed Forces and a standout jazz band performance. She also praised the theater department's exceptional production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Director Barkley informed the community of Columbine Elementary School's sing-along on December 19 at 9 a.m., where she plans to attend and participate.
Director Rusterholtz recognized the districtβs incredible academic improvement, noting the achievement of moving from the bottom half of state rankings to the top 10%. He commended the teachers, staff, and students for their hard work and dedication.
President Bates closed the meeting by discussing scholarship opportunities available to WPSD students. He emphasized the importance of informing students about the Teller County Honorary Deputy Sheriff Associationβs plan to award up to $10,000 in scholarships this year. These scholarships are open to students planning to attend trade schools, community colleges, or four-year institutions.
The next regular Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
