🥜🍇 Giving Back to Our Community 🍞❤️
The senior Advisory classes donated more than 50 jars of peanut butter and jelly to the food pantry at Community Partnership Family Resource Center!
Mrs. Hemingson’s class delivered the donations and had the opportunity to learn more about food insecurity in our community and the importance of supporting local families in need.
Thank you to our Woodland Park seniors for showing compassion, generosity, and community spirit! 👏💚
The senior Advisory classes donated more than 50 jars of peanut butter and jelly to the food pantry at Community Partnership Family Resource Center!
Mrs. Hemingson’s class delivered the donations and had the opportunity to learn more about food insecurity in our community and the importance of supporting local families in need.
Thank you to our Woodland Park seniors for showing compassion, generosity, and community spirit! 👏💚
🚁 Students in Mr. Schultz's STEAM Video Production class took learning to new heights today as they explored the world of drones!
Students learned about drone flight rules and what it takes to earn a Part 107 pilot license for commercial drone flying. After getting hands-on experience flying drones, they discussed the many careers where drone technology is transforming the way professionals work — from photography and filmmaking to construction, agriculture, emergency response, and more.
Experiences like these help students connect classroom learning to real-world career opportunities and emerging technology pathways. 🎥✨
Students learned about drone flight rules and what it takes to earn a Part 107 pilot license for commercial drone flying. After getting hands-on experience flying drones, they discussed the many careers where drone technology is transforming the way professionals work — from photography and filmmaking to construction, agriculture, emergency response, and more.
Experiences like these help students connect classroom learning to real-world career opportunities and emerging technology pathways. 🎥✨
🎨✨ Congratulations to our talented student artists! ✨🎨
We are proud to celebrate these incredible students who earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards at this year’s Mountain Artists Student Art Show:
👏 Milo Ritchie (12th grade)
👏 Sophia Mijares (11th grade)
👏 Alexis Smith (12th grade)
👏 Melody Ortega (12th grade)
👏 Laylahnee Leaaetoa (8th grade)
Several of these students took home multiple awards—an amazing accomplishment that reflects their creativity, dedication, and hard work!
🖼️ Pictured: Melody Ortega, Alexis Smith, and Sophia Mijares
📍 All the art entries are currently on display at the Woodland Park Library until April 30—be sure to stop by and check it out!
We are proud to celebrate these incredible students who earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards at this year’s Mountain Artists Student Art Show:
👏 Milo Ritchie (12th grade)
👏 Sophia Mijares (11th grade)
👏 Alexis Smith (12th grade)
👏 Melody Ortega (12th grade)
👏 Laylahnee Leaaetoa (8th grade)
Several of these students took home multiple awards—an amazing accomplishment that reflects their creativity, dedication, and hard work!
🖼️ Pictured: Melody Ortega, Alexis Smith, and Sophia Mijares
📍 All the art entries are currently on display at the Woodland Park Library until April 30—be sure to stop by and check it out!
🎶 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! 🎼⭐
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! 🎼⭐
🎶✨ 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. 💚
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. 💚
🎭✨ 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/
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/
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!
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!
🎶 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
