WPSD Woodland Weekly
January 31, 2025
⚽ Athletics Schedule
✅ WPHS & WPMS: Stay up to date by downloading the Panther Nation app for Android and Apple.
✅ Visit wpsdathletics.com and click on calendar
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✅ Help our Boosters support our athletic programs by purchasing items during home games and events.
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday, February 14 from 8:00am - 4:00pm. To secure a meeting with your child's teacher, locate their school in the list below, click the provided link, and select your child's teacher.
If you encounter any difficulties or have questions about the sign-up process, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's school.
The district is thrilled to offer students in grades 3-8 the chance to compete in the 100th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee! If your child is interested in participating, please contact their principal to express interest. More details will be shared as they become available.
We look forward to seeing our students showcase their spelling skills! 🐝✨
Columbine Elementary
🦆 Make way for ducklings! 3rd grade hatched ducklings last month. It was a 28-day process where students candled and observed the growth inside the eggs 🥚, experienced the excitement of the first crack 🐣 and beak poking through to being able to hold and play with Lucky and Peeps. 🐥 What a fun, hands-on learning opportunity they will never forget!
Summit Elementary
Kindergarten at Summit is learning all about Force and Motion through Push, Pull, and Go. 🤗
WPHS
📣🎉 Congratulations to the WPHS Knowledge Bowl Team! 🎉📣
Our incredible team competed against the best in the Pikes Peak region, across 1A to 5A schools, and placed 7th overall! 🏅💡 This is an amazing accomplishment, and we’re so proud of their hard work and dedication.
Now, we eagerly await news of a potential State Competition bid in March. Fingers crossed! 🤞 Stay tuned for updates, and let’s cheer on our amazing team! 🐾📚
Activities Spotlight
💚A huge thank you to everyone who supported our Culinary students at the Culinary Exhibition Night fundraiser!
☀️Your generosity and encouragement mean the world as they work toward their upcoming cooking competition at Disney World.
😊A special shoutout to their incredible teacher, Mrs. Lambert, for guiding and inspiring these talented students every step of the way!
💚 We’re so proud of their talent and dedication!
Athletics Spotlight
🎉 Girls Wrestling Metros Results 🎉
Our girls showed up strong at the Metros Tournament at Trojan Arena! 💪
🌟 Special Congratulations to Cheyenne Becker for becoming a 2-time Metros Champion—back-to-back years of greatness! 🏆👏
Here's how our athletes placed:
🏅 Cheyenne Becker - Champion @ 235
🏅 Brooklyn Hancock - 5th @ 100
🏅 Jasmine Brewer - 5th @ 105
🏅 Lillian Hood - 5th @ 130
🏅 Lorelai Ptak - 6th @ 135
Way to go, ladies! We're proud of your fierce determination on the mat. 🐾💚
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.
👉Visit Virtual Backpack to learn more about events happening in our schools and community!
👉Virtual Backpack is located on the homepage of the district and school websites under the main picture(s).
We held our School Showcase Nights this week, and I want to thank our families and community members for the fantastic turnout. It was wonderful to see students engaging with the various programs and opportunities our schools offer. Woodland Park School District works to ensure every family is aware of and has access to the best educational fit for each child among our exceptional schools. We are thrilled to have you here!
I am delighted to share that as part of our continued expansion of CTE programs, Woodland Park High School has been selected as one of only 500 schools nationwide to pilot AP Career Kickstart™ (CK), a new set of career-focused AP® courses designed to prepare students for high-demand fields like cybersecurity and business. This program helps students earn industry-recognized credentials and college credit while gaining hands-on experience and professional skills that stand out to both post-secondary institutions and employers. Teachers are also supported with valuable resources to enhance instruction. By participating in this pilot, Woodland Park School District is expanding opportunities for students to gain meaningful career preparation and a competitive edge in the workforce. To learn more, visit careerkickstart.org or contact Laura Ferguson-Beahan at lferguson-beahan@wpsdk12.org.
Also, I want to discuss the resolution passed by our Board of Education. On Wednesday, the Board voted to formally recognize only two sexes—male and female—in our district policies and practices. This resolution ensures that our district’s policies reflect biological definitions of sex. The decision in no way changes our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for every student.
The resolution reinforces the district’s respect for the personal physical privacy and security of students and staff in restrooms and other facilities. It also ensures that students have the opportunity to compete in sports in a way that is fair. This resolution aligns with the recent Executive Order stating that "federal funds shall not be used to promote gender ideology." Failure to recognize and uphold biological sex in policy and practice could threaten our district’s federal funding. We will ensure that Woodland Park School District complies with federal requirements and protects the resources that support our students, teachers, and programs.
As a district, we remain laser-focused on academic excellence and creating an environment where every student can thrive. We empower each learner with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed, devoting our full energy to what matters most: helping students achieve their fullest academic potential.
Thank you for your partnership as we work to ensure that our schools are places where all learners are respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.
The Board of Education held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 29, with President Mick Bates presiding.
Student Recognition
The meeting began with a special recognition of Summit Elementary’s 5th-grade class and their recent field trip experience with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Students had the unique opportunity to assist in baiting bighorn sheep as part of a conservation effort to relocate and preserve the herds. This experience stemmed from a classroom initiative where parents share their careers with students. One parent, who works in wildlife conservation, took it a step further by providing the students with an immersive, hands-on experience. The students had a fantastic time and gained valuable insight into wildlife management.
Action Items
Resolution on Recognizing Only Two Sexes and Rejecting Gender Ideology: President Bates read the resolution, followed by a discussion. The board voted 4-1 in favor.
2024-2025 Revised Budget & Appropriation Resolution - Specific Budget Resolution: CFO Jack Bay presented the revised budget, which was unanimously approved by the board.
State Treasurer’s Interest-Free Loan Program: Mr. Bay also presented the resolution authorizing the district’s participation. The board voted unanimously in favor.
Board Reports
Director Patterson updated the district’s Administrative Unit (AU) status. She explained that while the CDE initially approved the district’s multi-district AU, they retracted it due to statutory elimination of multi-district AUs. The district is working with the CDE and Ute Pass BOCES members to complete a new AU formation and remains confident in securing an AU that effectively supports students. She also highlighted the impressive Culinary Exhibition Night, where students showcased their skills by preparing and serving meals professionally. Additionally, she praised the Secondary Campus Showcase Night, where a science teacher performed an explosive helium balloon demonstration, a math teacher stated excitement around introducing a new finance curriculum, and the SWAP team shared their impactful work in supporting students with disabilities.
President Bates congratulated WPHS Cheer on their outstanding 2nd-place finish at Nationals in Dallas this past weekend.
Director Rusterholtz gave a special shoutout to WPHS SSN students for their creative and fun project centered around their favorite candy.
Director Barkley expressed gratitude to parents for continuing to attend board meetings, using their voices, and actively supporting their students.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2025.
