Panther Nation Newsletter
August 20, 2021
A Message from our Principal
As we start back to school each year, one of my annual traditions is to take a moment and reflect on the things that make me proud to be a Panther and to work in such an amazing place as Woodland Park. Here are a few that come to mind right away:
- Our amazing kids who rise to excellence every day.
- The dedicated, caring and well prepared staff who make Woodland Park High School the best high school in the Pikes Peak Region
- The amazing support staff including our secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals and guest teachers who keep the school running smoothly, each and every day behind the scenes.
- The commitment we all share in holding the bar at the highest level for our students to clear.
- The extensive curriculum that we can offer our students. This often means that many of our teachers prepare for more than 5 different courses in a given semester or year. That's dedication and it is amazing.
- Our amazing fine arts programming. We put on amazing performances in music, theater and produce incredible visual pieces.
- Visionary leadership whose courage and confidence help our school to lead, and not follow. By leading, our kids have an opportunity to shine before others can catch up.
- Dedicated coaches who run programs that focus on growth and long term investment - teaching that delayed gratification can be remarkably satisfying for a productive lifetime.
- The supportive WP community who help us to meet our goals each day, each week and each year. Those who pull on the same rope, give us their trust and provide confidence that we need to continue moving forward.
Woodland Park has a lot to be proud of, certainly. I look forward to seeing you all soon and sharing your pride in our school, our school district and in our Panther Nation.
Until next time,
Mr. Burr
Your WPHS Staff have returned to the building!
- Academic Rigor and Differentiation - meeting each student where they are and guiding them to more
- Mentoring - our goal is that EVERY student has a connection with a trusted adult in our building
- Standards Based Grading - regrounding and refining
Our staff is READY to see all of our Panthers in person, and we are ready to continue to grow as a community and as individuals!
Coach of the Week - Stacy Roshek Volleyball
I asked Stacy why she believes high school athletics are important. " High school athletics are important because it gives students/athletes an opportunity to make connections with their peers. It also builds character as they are learning how to be good teammates, good role models, discipline, and time management skills."
Personally, Stacy shared that coaching has allowed her to learn and grown while coaching. " I am always learning ways to be a better person through coaching. I have built lifelong relationships with my players and coaches."
The goal for the teams this year is to win leagues and regionals and qualify for state. When asked what song would best describe her volleyball teams, Stacy said, "Here Comes the Boom." Anyone who has seen this team over the years would totally agree!
Good luck on a successful season Coach Rochek and all the Lady Panthers!
Sponsor/Coach of the Week - Emily Witczak Theatre
Mrs. Witzcak has been at WPHS for 5 years, and this is her 7th year teaching. This is her 4th year directing the Theatre productions. She believes high school activities are opportunities for students to have a creative outlet and to express themselves in unique ways! When asked what personal impact being a school activities sponsor has had on her life she said, "Directing high school theatre continues to solidify my belief that the performing arts have a unique way of bringing people together and lifting people up."
The song that best describes the Theatre program is For Good from the musical Wicked. She says this song is best because "anyone who joins our theatre program, immediately becomes an integral part of our story."
Her goal for the 21-22 Theatre season is to create joy and have fun while learning with each other every day!"
For more information about the Theatre program, visit the Panther Players website, and see the season line up below.
Break a Leg Panther Players!
WPHS Panther Players 2021-2022 Theatre Season
Fall Play: Anne of Green Gables
November 11-13 Auditions will be September 1st and 2nd Winter Play: a student directed childrens play title is TBD January 27th and 28th Auditions will be November 30th and December 1st Spring Musical: The Drowsy Chaperone* April 28th, 29th, 30th (TH and F night show, SAT matinee & night show) Auditions will be February 1st and 2nd
Woodland Park High School
Website: https://wpsdk12.org/wphs/
Location: 151 Panther Way, Woodland Park, CO, USA
Phone: 719-686-2076
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpsdk12