🎶 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! 🎺🎻
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! 🎺🎻
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?
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?
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!
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!
🎉 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! 👏
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! 👏
💚🐾 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! 💚🐾
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! 💚🐾
🎲🧠 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! 🎲✨
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! 🎲✨
🎉 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! 💪✨
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! 💪✨
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!
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!
🎶 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! 💚🎤
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! 💚🎤
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! 👏🎵
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! 👏🎵
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! 👏
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! 👏
✏️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.✅
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.✅
🌟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
🧑🚀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
🎉 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! 🏆✨
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! 🏆✨
🚗💨 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! 👏
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! 👏
🎶✨ 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! 🎵💚
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! 🎵💚
🎺🎶 Festival of the Winds Honor Band at CSU Pueblo 🎶🎺
Our students had an incredible experience participating in the Festival of the Winds Honor Band at CSU Pueblo! This festival enriched every student’s musical journey through small group rehearsals and masterclasses with CSU Pueblo applied faculty.
Participants also enjoyed outstanding performances by CSU faculty and students, the Pikes Peak Brass Band, and the Air Force Academy Band. Nearly 360 band students from across the region came together to perform in a powerful culminating concert!
🎉 Congratulations to these 10th graders:
Layne Hoffstatter
Evie Rohman
Sarah Walma
Alexis Bateman
We are so proud of your hard work and musicianship! 👏🎵
Our students had an incredible experience participating in the Festival of the Winds Honor Band at CSU Pueblo! This festival enriched every student’s musical journey through small group rehearsals and masterclasses with CSU Pueblo applied faculty.
Participants also enjoyed outstanding performances by CSU faculty and students, the Pikes Peak Brass Band, and the Air Force Academy Band. Nearly 360 band students from across the region came together to perform in a powerful culminating concert!
🎉 Congratulations to these 10th graders:
Layne Hoffstatter
Evie Rohman
Sarah Walma
Alexis Bateman
We are so proud of your hard work and musicianship! 👏🎵
👏 Woodland Park Jr/Sr High School would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the amazing professionals in our community who joined us for Career Day today!
Students rotated through sessions to learn about a variety of careers and the many pathways that can lead to success. We hosted 30 incredible speakers including an author, engineer, police officer, chef, cosmetologist, dentist, EMT, firefighter, microbiologist, marketing expert, retired military, nurse, psychologist, teacher, veterinarian, welder, nutritionist, wildlife manager, entrepreneur, cybersecurity professional, electrician, doctor, and more!
Thank you for inspiring our students and helping them explore their futures! 💚
Students rotated through sessions to learn about a variety of careers and the many pathways that can lead to success. We hosted 30 incredible speakers including an author, engineer, police officer, chef, cosmetologist, dentist, EMT, firefighter, microbiologist, marketing expert, retired military, nurse, psychologist, teacher, veterinarian, welder, nutritionist, wildlife manager, entrepreneur, cybersecurity professional, electrician, doctor, and more!
Thank you for inspiring our students and helping them explore their futures! 💚
We are beyond thrilled to share some out-of-this-world news! 🚀✨
Astronaut and Woodland Park High School alumna Nichole Ayers will be visiting Woodland Park next week on February 19!
While in the area on military orders, Nichole has graciously carved out time in her schedule to return home and spend the morning at Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School with our 7th–12th grade students and staff. What an incredible full-circle moment for our Panther community!
This special visit will give our students the opportunity to hear firsthand about her journey from WPHS graduate to astronaut, the dedication it takes to pursue big dreams, and the limitless possibilities that await them. Having one of our own achieve such extraordinary accomplishments is a powerful reminder to our students that their goals — no matter how ambitious — are within reach!
We cannot wait to welcome Nichole home and celebrate this remarkable moment with our Panthers! 🌟
Astronaut and Woodland Park High School alumna Nichole Ayers will be visiting Woodland Park next week on February 19!
While in the area on military orders, Nichole has graciously carved out time in her schedule to return home and spend the morning at Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School with our 7th–12th grade students and staff. What an incredible full-circle moment for our Panther community!
This special visit will give our students the opportunity to hear firsthand about her journey from WPHS graduate to astronaut, the dedication it takes to pursue big dreams, and the limitless possibilities that await them. Having one of our own achieve such extraordinary accomplishments is a powerful reminder to our students that their goals — no matter how ambitious — are within reach!
We cannot wait to welcome Nichole home and celebrate this remarkable moment with our Panthers! 🌟
📣 On February 10, at the District Office, we proudly swore in Robb Davidson as Woodland Park School District’s newly appointed Board of Education Director.
Mr. Davidson was selected following an interview process conducted by the current Board members. We are grateful for his willingness to serve our students, staff, and community in this important role.
Mr. Davidson worked as a civilian with the U.S. Air Force for 35 years. Following his retirement, he volunteered with the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance, helping connect local students with businesses for internship opportunities.
Both of his children are proud graduates of WPSD and are now teachers at Woodland Park Jr./Sr. High School.
Director Davidson shared that he will prioritize stabilizing relationships, encouraging hope, and advancing excellence across the district.
👏 Please join us in welcoming Mr. Robb Davidson to the WPSD Board of Education. 💚
🔔 Join us tonight for the Board of Education Regular Meeting beginning at 6 pm at the District Office.
