🎶 Congratulations to sophomore Alexis Bateman on being selected for the Colorado All-State Concert Band!

Alexis spent three incredible days at the University of Northern Colorado last week alongside more than 200 of the state's top high school musicians, rehearsing and performing a beautiful concert at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley, CO.

Selection to All-State is no small feat — it requires competitive auditions, exceptional musical skill, and a true commitment to performance excellence. We are so proud of you, Alexis! 🎼⭐
4 days ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Congratulations to Alexis Bateman for All-State Band
🎶✨ Choir Festival Results Are In! ✨🎶

Mr. Hemingson's Advanced Jr. High Choir, Select Ladies Ensemble, and Madrigals competed in the annual Southern Colorado Large Group Choir Festival yesterday and the results are brag-worthy!

🏆 Advanced Jr. High Choir earned a SUPERIOR (I) rating for their performance — including the 2nd highest score of the entire day — and an EXCELLENT (II) rating for sight-reading.

🌟 Both the Select Ladies Ensemble and the Madrigals brought home an EXCELLENT (II) rating for their performance and a SUPERIOR (I) rating for sight-reading!

For those unfamiliar with sight-reading: after performing their prepared pieces, each group is handed music they have NEVER seen before and must perform it on the spot for a judge. It is one of the most challenging tests of a choir's musicianship — and our students absolutely rose to the occasion. 🐾

These results are a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and heart that every student has poured into their craft. They represented Woodland Park with class and excellence, and we couldn't be prouder. 💚
4 days ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Photo of choir students
🎭✨ WPHS Takes the Spotlight! ✨🎭

We’re proud to share that Kiernan McCarthy and Abby Kezeor were featured on FOX21 News this morning, highlighting Woodland Park High School’s upcoming production of Grease!

Our students have been putting in incredible work to bring this classic musical to life, and it’s exciting to see their talent recognized! 💚🎶

Be sure to come out and support the cast, crew, and directors—you won’t want to miss this fun, high-energy performance!

📅 Show Dates & Times
🗓 April 9–11 at 7:00 PM
🗓 April 12 at 1:00 PM

📍 Location | Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School |Dickson Auditorium

🎟 Tickets: Available online now!
https://thepantherplayers.ludus.com/index.php

👉 Check out the feature here: https://www.fox21news.com/living-local/classic-musical-grease-to-be-performed-by-woodland-park-high-school/
18 days ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Danny and Sandy, from Grease the Musical.
Senior Sonia Kettler turned a simple idea into something truly meaningful 💚

To earn her Girl Scout Gold Award—the highest honor in Girl Scouts—Sonia collected approximately 7,400 plastic bottle caps and transformed them into a stunning mural in the Jr/Sr High School commons.

She spent about 8 hours designing and installing the piece, carefully choosing a nature-inspired design to reflect something close to her heart. Even more powerful? The mural is made entirely from plastic waste—materials that too often end up polluting our environment.

Her project is a creative reminder that small actions can lead to big impact 🌎♻️

Way to go, Sonia!
30 days ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Sonia Kettler and her plastic bottle cap mural
🎶 Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School is thrilled to welcome Kyle Grimes as our new Instrumental Music Director, beginning with the 2026–27 school year!

Mr. Grimes is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Kansas State University. He has a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and will earn his Master of Music degree with an emphasis in Wind Band Conducting in May. During his time as an undergraduate, he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Trumpet Ensemble, 8-Ball Brass Quintet, and University Band. He also marched with the Kansas State University Marching Band and served as the Music Instructor of the trumpet section for two years.

He is eager to join us and says "I am beyond excited to begin working with the students of Woodland Park Jr/Sr High School! I hope to expand upon the program’s excellence through investing in the process of music-making and providing rewarding experiences for our students! Go Panthers! Go Band!"

Welcome to the Panther Pride, Mr. Grimes! 🎺🎻
30 days ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Graphic with Mr. Grime's photo welcoming him for next school year
Learning about money can be fun! 🎲

Mrs. Schumacher’s Personal Finance classes are diving into the world of budgeting, investing, and financial decision-making by playing Monopoly. Through the game, students experience real-world concepts like managing money, paying rent, making investments, and handling unexpected expenses.

This hands-on approach helps reinforce key personal finance skills—like strategic thinking, risk management, and smart spending—in a way that’s engaging and memorable.
Who knew building financial literacy could start with Boardwalk and Park Place?
about 1 month ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Students in Mrs. Schumacher's Personal Finance class playing Monopoly
Students in Mrs. Schumacher's Personal Finance class playing Monopoly
Students in Mrs. Schumacher's Personal Finance class playing Monopoly
Students in Mrs. Schumacher's Personal Finance class playing Monopoly
Our students are putting in the work 💪

Several students from WP Sr. HS practiced lifesaving techniques using the backboard—an essential skill for real-life rescue scenarios. Training is led by the amazing managers at Woodland Aquatics Center, who are guiding them every step of the way.

By the end of this program, each student will earn their Red Cross Lifeguard Certification 🏊‍♂️🚑

We’re proud to see their skills, confidence, and teamwork grow with every session!
about 1 month ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Students in the Lifeguard class practicing skills
Students in the Lifeguard class practicing skills
Students in the Lifeguard class practicing skills
Students in the Lifeguard class practicing skills
🎉 Congratulations to senior Mark Messner! 🎉

Mark has been awarded the National Merit Scholarship Program’s Certificate of Merit and has advanced to Finalist standing—an incredible academic achievement!

Each year, approximately 15,000 high school students nationwide are named Finalists, selected from a pool of about 16,000 Semifinalists. These outstanding students are chosen based on their academic excellence, school recommendations, and a comprehensive application that includes a personal essay—representing some of the top scorers in the nation.

We are so proud of Mark’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Way to go, Mark! 👏
about 1 month ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Mark Messner receiving his National Merit Scholarship certificate
💚🐾 Panther Power Assembly! 🐾💚

Today our Panthers showed what community is all about! Junior and senior students teamed up with staff in a fun Community Building Game, bringing lots of energy, teamwork, and Panther pride.

One of the highlights of the assembly was celebrating students who were nominated by staff for acts of kindness. These Panthers are making a real difference through compassion, respect, and support for others.

Congratulations to Mrs. Spornak for receiving the M.V.P. Staff award for the month of March.

We are proud of the positive impact our students are making every day. Keep leading with kindness, Panthers! 💚🐾
about 1 month ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
MVP,  Mrs. Spornak
Group of 11th and 12th grade students recognized for their kindness
🎲🧠 Learning Through Play in Jr. High STEAM!

Students in Mr. Schultz’s Jr. High STEAM class recently took creativity and problem-solving to the next level by designing and building their own board games. From developing game rules to creating boards, pieces, and themes, students applied both imagination and critical thinking throughout the project.

Projects like this help students strengthen important academic skills such as strategic thinking, collaboration, engineering design, and communication. Designing a game also reinforces math and logic skills, writing clear instructions, and testing prototypes through trial and error—all key parts of the STEAM learning process.

The classroom was full of creativity, teamwork, and innovation as students tested and played each other’s games. Great work by these future designers and problem-solvers! 🎲✨
about 1 month ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
STEAM students playing one of the student-made games
STEAM students playing one of the student-made games
STEAM students playing one of the student-made games
🎉 Huge congratulations to our Jr. High Destination Imagination team! 🎉They took 1st place in the Scientific category at the regional competition this past weekend—earning a spot at the State Meet on April 11th at Colorado School of Mines!

Destination Imagination empowers students to grow teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and STEAM skills (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) through team-based challenges—and our students showed exactly what that looks like! 💡🚀

👏 Shoutout to Summit Elementary as well—out of 5 total teams competing at the meet:
🏆 4 teams won 1st place
🥉 1 team won 3rd place

We are so proud of all of our students and coaches for their hard work and creativity. On to State! 💪✨
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Destination Imagination students and coaches
Our Beta Club is teaming up with Summit Elementary K-Kids for a great cause! ❤️♻️

From March 4 – April 4, we’ll be collecting soda can tabs to support the incredible work of Ronald McDonald House. These small tabs make a BIG difference for families in need! 🏠✨

🔴 Students can drop off can tabs in collection containers located in classrooms throughout the school.
🔴 Community members who would like to contribute can drop off tabs at the clock tower entrance during school hours.

Let’s work together to turn something small into something meaningful!
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Graphic announcing Beta Club collecting soda can tabs from March 4-April 4
🎶 Huge congratulations to our Senior High Choir members! 🎶

We’re so proud of the students who auditioned and were accepted to participate in Western Colorado University’s annual Western Slope Honor Choir!

They spent three inspiring days rehearsing under the direction of guest conductors and college music faculty, promoting musical excellence while sharpening their vocal skills. This incredible experience gave them the opportunity to perform challenging choral music alongside talented students from across the region.

Bravo to these singers for representing our school with dedication, talent, and heart! 💚🎤
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Choir members posing at Western Colorado University
Collage of two photos of choir members on stage performing
Congratulations to Reaiah Gordon, Alexis Bateman, Layne Hoffstatter, Evie Rohman, Midian Stump, and Sarah Walma on their acceptance into the Top of the Nation Honor Band! 🏆🎺

These talented musicians spent three incredible days last week at Adams State University alongside students from across the region, learning and making music under the direction of ASU faculty and guest clinicians. The experience wrapped up with a fantastic concert performance on Saturday — and they absolutely shined! 🌟

We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and musical excellence. Way to represent! 👏🎵
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Band students posing outside of Richardson Hall at Adams State University
Top of the Nation Band Concert at Adams State University
Congratulations to this month's Rotary Award winners! 🎉

Mrs. Lambert and Ms. Ferguson proudly presented this month’s honors to:
🏆 Most Outstanding Career & Technical Education Student: Elena Starr
🌟 Most Improved Career & Technical Education Student: Christine Renteria

We are so proud of your hard work, dedication, and growth—keep shining! 👏
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Ms. Ferguson and Christine Renteria
Mrs. Lambert and Elena Starr
✏️When students peer edit they aren’t just correcting grammar — they’re strengthening critical thinking skills, practicing constructive feedback, and learning to view writing from a reader’s perspective.

That's what students in Mrs. Geist's 8th grade English classes were doing today. By collaborating with classmates, students gain new ideas, catch mistakes they may have missed, and build confidence in both giving and receiving feedback.

This process encourages communication, accountability, and a growth mindset — all essential skills that extend far beyond the classroom.✅
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Two students peer editing during English class
Two students peer editing during English class
Two students peer editing during English class
🌟Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School students and staff had an unforgettable visit from astronaut and WPHS alumna Nichole Ayers last Thursday! 🚀

🧑‍🚀She spoke to the entire student body about her experience aboard the International Space Station, answered questions, and even signed jerseys from her Panther basketball and volleyball days, which will soon be displayed in our athletic hallway. She also sat down for an interview in our north gym with FOX31 Denver!

🌠For her first spaceflight, Ayers served as the pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission, spending 146 days as a flight engineer during Expeditions 72 and 73, and completed one spacewalk totaling 5 hours and 44 minutes (https://www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-astronaut-nichole-ayers/)

☺️A huge thank you to Nichole Ayers, NASA, and the United States Air Force for making this incredible experience possible.

💚 Your Panther family is so proud of you, Nichole! 🐾 See less
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Collage of Nichole Ayers speaking at the school
🎉 Huge congratulations to our Speech & Debate team! 🎉

Sr. High students Mark Messner and Gage Strawmatt took First Place at the National Qualifying Speech and Debate Tournament this past weekend! They will advance to compete at the NSDA National Tournament in July in Richmond, Virginia in Duo Interpretation.

Also, a big shoutout to:
👏 Peyton Simon – First Alternate in Humor Interpretation
👏 Elena Starr – 5th Place in Poetry Interpretation

We are so proud of all of you and your hard work and dedication. Way to represent! 🏆✨
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Forensics students at competition
Strawmatt and Messner with award
🚗💨 Race Day in the Woodshop!

Mr. Kettler’s Woodshop students designed and crafted their own CO₂ Cars, and the results were FAST!

Cars will fly down a 50-foot track in under 2 seconds as students put their skills to the test in a day full of speed and friendly competition. 🏁

Along the way, students learned how to safely and effectively use:
🔧 Drill press
🪚 Band saw
⚡ Power sanders
✋ Hand tools

From design to finish line, this project combined creativity, engineering, and hands-on craftsmanship. Amazing work, racers! 👏
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Student with his CO2 car
Three students posing with their CO2 cars
Student using Woodshop tools to build his CO2 car
Student using Woodshop tools to build her CO2 car
🎶✨ Congratulations to Our 2026 Colorado Middle All State Choir Members! ✨🎶

Ella Trichell, Molly Walma, Sophie Cantrell, Macy Schroeder, Chloe McNerney, Jude Cederblom, Zoey LaGuardia, and Greyson Snyder successfully auditioned for this prestigious honor choir and spent two inspiring days in Denver alongside more than 500 students from across Colorado.

Under the direction of distinguished clinicians from the University of Northern Colorado, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, and Vanderbilt University, our students immersed themselves in music-making at the highest level and performed Friday night at the beautiful Bellco Theatre in Denver.

We are so proud of their dedication, hard work, and musical excellence. Way to represent our school and community! 🎵💚
about 2 months ago, Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School
Photo of Jr. High Choir students at All State Choir