| PANTHER SPOTLIGHT |
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This month we're spotlighting Darren Dukart and the high school band.
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| Upcoming Events & Meetings |
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11/22 HS Musical
11/24 No School for
Thanksgiving Break
(ends 11/28)
12/03 Collaboration Day
Choir Concert
Panther Pride Boosters
12/06 SAT Testing
Parade of Lights
12/09 Choir Concert
School Board Meeting
12/10 Parent Group Meeting
12/12 Madrigal Dinner
12/13 ACT Testing
Madrigal Dinner
12/16 Drama Dept. Show
12/17 Drama Dept. Show
12/17-19 Fall Semester Finals
12/19 End of 2nd Quarter
12/22 No School for Winter
Break (last day 1/5/09)
01/06 Back to School !!
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| Ask the Principal |
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Opportunity to get your questions answered!
Mr. Garrick wants to keep you informed about the things you want to know about. Email your question to the building secretary, at cwallace@wpsdk12.org by the first Friday of each month.
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Trust So much in life is based on the concept of trust. We trust that our kids will grow to be productive citizens. We trust that our parents have the best interest of our kids in mind as they make decisions. We trust that our relationships will continue infinitely. We trust that our students are being taught by men and women with impeccable morals and a great sense of integrity. All of these statements are true and easy to make. However, the last two, by human nature, are difficult to hold true at times.
Of course being true is a matter of reference and therefore cannot be the only standard by which we measure "trust". To use being true to describe essential, as in the "true" cause of, is certainly not the same as using true to describe accurate, as in conformable to a pattern. We place trust in both of these scenarios, yet they relate to and have completely different ideals. To find a working definition of trust then seems to be the challenge. Merriam-Webster Dictionary would define trust as:
5 a (1): a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship(2): something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another
1 a: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b: one in which confidence is placed
These definitions seem to fit perfectly with the "trust" placed in our schools. It is the charge of the schools to be entrusted with our students. Through the character, ability and strength of our teachers, staff and administration, we guide and challenge these young people to become great. By the very nature of the educational settings, there are going to be mistakes and obstacles. Does this mean we should not "trust" our schools? I would emphatically answer that we should. As mistakes happen, it is not the action that we should see as the challenge to our trust, but it is the reaction. It is the learning that occurs in the wake of the mistake. The reactions should be consistent, or true. Therefore, I would argue that we can trust if there is an assured reliance. We can place trust in our schools.
Sincerely,
Del Garrick
Principal, Woodland Park High School |
| Announcements |
Transcript Requests
Students applying for college/scholarships requiring official transcripts, please be sure to have completed application packets with your transcript request to Mrs. Davies, Registrar, ten school days prior to the deadline date.
Congratulations!
Johnny Schaefer was chosen by Mr. Garrick's selection committee as the winner of the Principal's Leadership Award in recognition of his academic achievement and for demonstrating strong leadership skills.
Social Studies Trip to Washington
There are a number of students who will be traveling to Washington D.C. in February. This is a week long trip and will include tours of government buildings and landmarks. The students will engage with other students from around the country in guided discussions and debates. Depending on our representatives schedules, students have the possibility to meet with these leaders in their work areas.
These trips are expensive, and in order to alleviate the financial burden to themselves and their parents the students have decided to fundraise. Among other things, they have begun to offer an inexpensive babysitting service to the community. These are done periodically on Fridays and Saturdays. Look for flyers at the schools or at various points around town. If you'd like to be included on the email list for upcoming dates please contact Andrew Pappadakis . Please consider using this service especially around Christmas shopping time for your own benefit, but also consider that it's a worthwhile cause and will be helping to send some of our students on an educational and civic journey that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
If it suits you to do so, the students would welcome your donation. Close Up is a nationally recognized non-profit organization. There is a tax ID # associated with this program if you'd like to deduct your donation. Please consider helping these students to reach their financial goals and to reach Washington as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact their sponsor, Mr. Pappadakis, at the high school. His email address is apappadakis@wpsdk12.org. We'd love to hear from you.
Final Exam Schedule
The schedule for first semester exams is posted on the high school website. Click here to view.
We need your input...
If you have ideas for future newsletters or information you'd like included as a regular article, email the HS Building Secretary, Cindy Wallace, at cwallace@wpsdk12.org.
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| Counseling News |
 Planning Their Future
The counseling staff is having a busy and fun year! We are doing our very best to work with your son/daughter. Our major areas of emphasis are post-secondary planning, personal concerns, and helping our young people achieve academic success.
The senior class continues to be very active in turning in college applications to Mrs. Davies, our registrar. Don't forget to sign up for the FAFSA pin numbers now as well as the College Opportunity Fund if your student will be attending college in our state next fall. This easy sign-up can be done by visiting the College in Colorado website. Parents are welcome any time in the Career and College Center, which is located right here in counseling.
Have a restful break and we will continue to work with your students when we come back in December!
Thank you,
Mark Martin, Senior Counselor
686-2072 direct line
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| Parent Group Corner |
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Teachers and Staff Enjoy Fall Luncheon in Their HonorThe WPHS Parent Group took the opportunity to express their appreciation for the tremendous job done by Woodland Park teachers and staff at a fall luncheon in their honor. The event was hosted by members of the Parent Group on Thursday, October 16th just after classes were dismissed and before teacher conferences were to begin. Parents and Killday's Deli in Divide prepared special recipes of soup, salad and desserts for the teachers and staff to enjoy. The Parent Group itself brought in several 5 foot long subs from City Market to supplement the feast. The teacher's lounge and Commons area were set up with fall colors and decorations to make the luncheon a more festive one.
Many thanks go out to the parents who baked, prepared or purchased food for this occasion and also to those that helped organize, e-mail, setup, decorate and clean up. The efforts of many made the load light. The teachers were incredibly thankful for your efforts and expressed that over and over at the luncheon!
Notes from 11/11 Meeting
Discussion: DriveSmart Program
Parents are given the opportunity to see what is being presented to their children regarding this program on Parent's Night, slated for Wednesday, November 12th from 6:30 to 8:00 in the auditorium. The Student Council put together a week of activities around teens driving safely. Last year, STUCO won an award for their video surrounding this program. Tuesday, crash dummies visited the school and Thursday, there was a Drive Smart assembly for the students.
Topic: Safe to Tell Program
This is a program that was started after the Columbine incident. It is funded through the State. Information about the program is on the back of the students ID card. Students are encouraged to call the 24 hour hotline (1-877-542-SAFE) if they know of friends or others who need help. The hotline will contact the high school and they are legally required to follow up. The school may provide counseling or offer other assistance.
Topic: 21st Century Meeting, report from Constance Brown
10 Critical Skill Sets have been identified that students should have upon graduation from High School. They are currently focusing on two: (1) Critical thinking and (2) Work ethic. Subcommittees will brainstorm on what schools can do, what and how to teach and how to measure a student's success in these areas. They should be finished in January, with a presentation to the Board in February.
Topic: Building Advisory Committee, report from Susan Hicks
The Committee has just completed reviewing the budget line by line with Principal Del Garreck. There was much discussion around Parent Surveys, wanting to get more input, trying to figure out best way to reach them and get their opinions. Also, would like to get feedback from teachers, where they can offer suggestions and not fear retribution.
Topic: Teacher Conferences
We discussed pros and cons of where to conduct, in the Commons versus in the Classroom. Also, talked about difficulty in scheduling with College Night, i.e., just not enough time to do it all. Further, there is a need to coordinate with Coaches, so that athletes are able to attend College Night.
Topic: Infinite Campus website
Parents concerned that not all websites are being maintained as presented by teachers at Open House. Also, weekly grades are supposed to be updated by Monday morning at 8:00 am. If teacher is not doing this, it was suggested that the parent contact the teacher initially. If that does not resolve, then contact administration. Automated calls should be going out when a student has a D or F. There was discussion about whose responsibility it is to notify a parent if a student has a grade of D. Bottom line, the parent should utilize Infinite Campus on a regular basis. If a student's family life is difficult, perhaps the parent should notify the teacher, so that they can be on the lookout for dropping grades and notify the parent accordingly. Also discussion about CSAP results recorded on Infinite Campus. Students know that results do not count for grades or graduation. What do we do with those? Mr. Vaswani says: Stay tuned!
Topic: Panther Pride Program, presented by Mohan Vaswani
The program has been in existence for 3 years. It is an attempt to reward students for a positive work ethic, not necessarily around academic performance. A coupon is awarded to the student, acknowledging something special they have done, presented by another student in front of their classmates. It comes along with a small treat. The Parent Group voted to donate $200.00 for these treats.
Topic: Next Parent Group Meeting
Our next meeting is scheduled for January 13, in the WPHS library at 6:30 pm. Del Garrick, Principal, will be speaking. Come and bring a friend who has not attended a meeting and receive a gift!
Sincerely,
Leticia Watters 687-0467
Co-President
Tracey Cannella 330-8442
Co-President
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| Panther Actitivities & Athletics |
 Updates from Brian Gustafson
Greetings, Panther fans! Now that November is upon us it is time for Winter Sports and Activities. Please take a moment to congratulate competitors and coaches from the Fall Sports as Woodland Park High School had a very competitive and successful Fall season. The last of the Fall Sports to wrap-up were Cross Country, Football and Volleyball. Football finished with a 5-3 league record and a fourth place Southern League finish. The WPHS Volleyball team experienced the most successful volleyball season in a decade as their 2nd place District finish qualified them for the Regional round and an opportunity to go to the State Tournament. Though the Panthers were eliminated in the Regional Tournament, they still ended up in the top 16 teams in the state. Consider there are 67 4A volleyball teams...way to go ladies! As a state qualifier, the Girls' Cross Country team enjoyed a commendable season and finished 15th at the State Meet in Fort Collins. The Boys' had one qualifier (Shawn Dubbs) who earned an 18th place finish in his race at State. Competition results would be incomplete without a mention of the WPHS Marching Band that made Finals at the State Competition and ended up with a 6th place 3A finish. Again, congratulations to all of the dedicated participants, sponsors and coaches who dedicated so much time and effort to their respective Fall activities. Winter Sports are under way and competition begins December 1st! Boys' Basketball will open the season with a home game against Pueblo East. The Girls open the next night right here in the Panthers' Den against Pueblo County and Wrestling hosts the Palmer Terrors on December 3rd. Be loud and proud and support the Panthers! If you're looking for theatrical and musical entertainment, be sure to catch a performance at the High School in November. Hello Dolly! opens November 20th and wraps on November 22nd. Don't miss it! Good luck to all of our participants in November. If schedule information is ever needed, be sure to go to www.highschoolsports.net. As always, GO GREEN! |
 Getting to know... |
 Darren Dukart and
the HS Band Woodland Park High School is very proud to have Darren Dukart leading our instrumental program. As is evident by the great performances at football games, competitions, and concerts, our band program is flying high. Darren is in his 3rd year at WPHS and has seen great improvement during this time. "Band participation numbers are up. Not only from student participation but from parental involvement and community awareness" Dukart noted. When asked what he expected to see in the future, Darren expressed that the band will continue its upward track and we are beginning to see a very sustainable program.
Darren is constantly looking at ways to improve his program. Part of that task is recruitment. "Studies show that students involved in music programs perform better in other classes and are able to acquire concepts at a more rapid level." Darren uses this idea to promote the importance of students enrolling in music. If you get a chance to see the band in action, please do so. You will quickly understand why we feel lucky to have Darren on our staff. Back to Top |
| Panthers in the Field |
Athletic Training Class Puts on Health Fairs 
Mrs. Becker's Athletic Training students went down to Columbine on 11/5/08 and Gateway on 11/6/08 to put on health fairs for the elementary students. All grades were able to come to the fair and learn healthy habits. Some of the stations included were:
- Hand washing
- Captain nutrition
- Candy vs. Medicine
- More Weight = More Work
- Pig Lung (smoking)
- Emphysema
- Mr. Big Mouth (smokeless tobacco and dental care)
- Heart Health
- Drugs and Alcohol (rode tricycles with drunk vision goggles)
- Bike Rodeo
- Emotions
- Touch-a-Truck (fire and ambulance)
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| Collaboration |
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November 12th
Math: Used the time to investigate different delivery methods in relation to the Panther Academy. Wrote a description for a new class to be offered - Introduction to Engineering. Language Arts: Continued the implementation of Writing Alive. Also working to identify students with reading issues and develop a system to properly place them. CTE (Business and FACS): Working to align current class offering with the new pathways model for the high school. Continued the development and implementation of Panther Enterprises. Social Studies: Worked on collaborative and integrative units within the department. Looked a t the possible future standards and began to align the curriculum with those in mind. Science: Worked with the technology department to explore possible technology purchases and/or initiatives. Physical Education: Developed a new fitness/aerobic class. Foreign Language: Discussed and developed techniques that are consistent across the languages. Identified areas in which French and Spanish are similar in order to connect content between classes. Counseling: Developed procedures and protocols for working with students. Began the discussion of how the structure of the department should look. Fine Arts: Looked at different class offerings in order to recruit and retain more students in this area. Library/Media Service: Explored possible books on 21st Century learning techniques. This is to create a professional library for the teachers to utilize. Back to Top |
| Library Information Center |
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Web Page Access! Woodland Park High School Library Information Center has a Web page that provides easy home access to all of our databases and our electronic catalog. Be sure to bookmark this address in your Favorites!
Library Media Access Online
The Username for ALL of our Databases is: wpsd2
The Password for ALL of our Databases is: panther
One of the very best sites on the web for all levels of students of English is Bartleby.com. "The preeminent Internet publisher of literature, reference and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge."
Please take a look at Bartleby and bookmark it for the next time you or your children need to find that poem you remember from your school days or just the right pithy quote. On this site you'll find dictionaries, encyclopedias, all sorts of reference works, hundreds of books in full text--just about everything you might want that falls under the broad range of subjects taught in English classes. Everything is indexed by author, title, and subject, and searching the site is effortless. Enjoy!
Renee Rowcliffe, Teacher Librarian
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| Panther Pride Athletic Boosters |
 Thank you for your support!As our fall sports seasons come to a close, I want to thank all the people who volunteered their time to work concessions and Panther Wear sales for football games and volleyball games. We were able to raise enough money so that we can donate $500 to all athletic teams this year, including the trainer program, cheerleading, and the weight room for maintenance. The biggest "THANK YOU" goes to Karen Mosier, Nancy Austin, and Margie Wilson for coordinating all the volunteers for the games' concessions as well as purchasing all the necessary items to make sales as lucrative as it was. Another huge "THANK YOU" goes to Bill Blackburn for purchasing items for and maintaining our merchandise sales through our Panther Store and during athletic activities. Deb Stover, another dedicated Booster member, deserves a tremendous "THANK YOU" for highlighting our athletes weekly by taking their pictures, getting information about each athlete and posting the selections during their athletic seasons for Athlete of the Week.
Another of our largest fundraisers for the school year is our 4th Annual Mountain Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival which was held November 15th and 16th in the high school commons. Any non-perishable food or money raised through admissions donations and money raised through booth fees went toward Teller County Regional Animal Shelter, Community Cupboard, and Panther Pride Athletic Boosters. The Art Festival highlighted items made by hand from artisans from different parts of Colorado, including many from Teller County.
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| High School Mock Election |
 Voting in the Halls!The high school held its own election on November 4th. All students were invited to participate. They had to show student ID in order to register. Informational posters were hung around the school several weeks in advance so students could learn more about the candidates and where they stood on the major issues. Election results: McCain defeated Obama: 55% to 38%.
Staff dresses up as the Republican candidates
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High School Happenings
