September 4, 2026
“Dream more, learn more, care more, and be more.” D. Parton
There is something so special about seeing our campus come alive again. After a summer of planning, preparing, cleaning, improving, and getting everything ready, it was wonderful to welcome our students and families back to Woodland. There were so many smiling faces, excited students, and familiar hellos, and it truly felt like we were home again.
We’re starting this school year with our highest enrollment in many, many years, and I honestly can’t put into words how grateful I am. Grateful for every student who walks through our doors, every family who has chosen Woodland, and the incredible trust you place in us each day.
I know choosing a school is a big decision. I never take for granted the sacrifices, commitments, and trust that come with being part of the Woodland community. Thank you for choosing us and for allowing us to be part of your children’s lives: to care for them, challenge them, encourage them, and love them. We are truly so thankful to have each and every one of you here.
It has also been wonderful to see everyone enjoying the campus improvements that we have been working on. So much happens behind the scenes over the summer, and seeing our students and families enjoying these spaces makes all of that hard work worth it. We have more improvements planned throughout the year, and I am excited to continue making Woodland a place that feels special, welcoming, and truly ours.
A huge thank you for your patience at dismissal on our first day as we navigated the rain. It certainly wasn't the smooth, sunny dismissal we had pictured, but everyone handled it with patience and grace, and I appreciate that more than you know!
And finally, thank you to everyone who stopped by for a cup of coffee on Thursday morning. It was so nice to have a few minutes to simply say hello, catch up, and start the year together. Hopefully, we can make this something we do again soon (with a little better weather next time)!
What a wonderful way to begin a new school year. Thank you for being here. Thank you for choosing Woodland. And thank you for being part of what makes this community so incredibly special.
Here’s to a great year ahead! 💙🤍
Please take a few minutes to review and complete all of the back-to-school paperwork and return it to the office as soon as possible. Having these forms completed and on file is important to ensure we have everything we need to keep our students safe and prepared for the school year.
A reminder for our Upper School families: students may not participate in their upcoming field trips unless we have an Emergency Medical Form on file. Please make sure this form is submitted as soon as possible.
If you need a paper copy of any of the forms, please stop by the office, and we will be happy to provide one. Thank you for helping us get the year off to a smooth start!
We’re excited to welcome Jackie Villalpando to the Woodland family! Jackie recently joined us as part of our Morning Care staff, and we’re so happy to have her with us as we start the new school year.
Here’s a little bit about Ms. Villalpando:
“My name is Jackie Villalpando, and I recently joined Woodland as morning care staff. I am a senior at Rowan University majoring in psychology. I hope to attend graduate school and become a school psychologist to help kids reach their full potential. Some of my hobbies are attending Philly sports games, spending time in nature, and playing field hockey. I am so excited to see what the school year brings!”
Please join us in giving Jackie a big Woodland welcome! We’re looking forward to having her as part of our team this year.
As we settle into our first week of a new school year, our teachers, faculty, and staff are excited to welcome our students back and get the year underway! There is always so much preparation that happens behind the scenes to make our classrooms and student spaces welcoming, engaging, and ready for a great year.
Many of our Woodland team members have created Amazon Wish Lists featuring items to enhance their classrooms, programs, and student spaces. We’ve gathered the links in one place for families who may be interested in supporting a teacher or program throughout the year.
Please know that there is absolutely no expectation to purchase anything. Your support can take so many forms, from purchasing a classroom item or sending in a needed supply, to volunteering your time or simply being an active part of our Woodland community.
We are incredibly fortunate to have such generous and caring families. Thank you for all the ways you support our teachers, our students, and Woodland!
Fall is right around the corner, and our 8th Grade Class of 2027 is getting into the spirit with their annual Mum Sale! This fundraiser is about more than just beautiful fall flowers; it helps our 8th graders work toward their class gift.
All proceeds from 8th grade fundraising throughout the year go toward this special gift. With the support and guidance of faculty, the students will choose something meaningful that will benefit our students and staff and allow them to leave their own legacy at Woodland. It is a wonderful opportunity for our graduating students to give something back to the school community.
Mums are available in a variety of beautiful fall colors and come in 9" pots. They are $10 each or 3 for $28. Orders are due by Thursday, September 17, and mums will be available for pickup on Wednesday, September 23.
Support our 8th graders, brighten up your home for fall, and help them leave a lasting mark on Woodland!
We’re excited to invite our Woodland families to our Back-to-School Night on Monday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to come together, enjoy some dessert, and get to know the other parents in your child’s grade. After dessert, you’ll have a chance to head to the classrooms for an informal visit with your child’s teachers.
This evening is for parents and guardians only, and Upper School families (Grades 5–8) are asked to bring a favorite dessert to share. Please bring it in a disposable container (Leftover desserts are sent on the overnight field trips with our students).
Please return the form to the Main Office by September 10th so we can plan seating.
We hope you’ll join us! It’s always a fun way to start the school year and build our Woodland community!
Show Your Panther Pride! 🐾
Check out our brand new swag - perfect for school, sports, and beyond! Grab your Panther gym bags, beach towels, and water bottle stickers, and represent Woodland in style.
Items are in stock and ready to go home!
We’re excited to once again host the Stow Creek Healthy Kids Running Series this fall at Woodland! Races will be held on the following Fridays: September 11, September 25, October 2, October 16, and November 6 from 3:30–4:30 PM on the Woodland Country Day School athletic fields. Make-up dates are scheduled for November 13 and November 20, if needed.
A friendly reminder that this is a community-sponsored event, and we look forward to a season filled with fitness, fun, and encouragement. Please remember, if you are unable to be present at the start of Healthy Kids, you must make arrangements with another parent to supervise your children.
Mark Your Calendars!
September 2026
Sept 7 - Labor Day: No School
Sept 14 - Back to School Night: 6:30 pm (Parent and Guardian Event)
Sept 16-18: Upper School Overnight Trips
Sept 17: Mum Sale Orders Due
Sept: 23: Mums Delivered
Sept 26: Designer Bag Bingo: Doors Open at 6:00 pm
October
Oct 3: Panther Prowl 5K and Fun Run: 9:00 am
Oct 6: PICTURE DAY! (Students in K-8th: Please wear a white shirt): More info to come!
Oct 7: Fire Prevention Assembly: 8:30 am
Oct 9: K-8th Parents' Visiting Day (Preschool is in March): Dismissal at 12:00: No extended day!
Oct 9: Pumpkin Carving
Oct 10: Spooktacular
Oct 12: No School: Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day
Oct 22: 4th-8th Field Trip: Classroom to Courtroom
Oct 27: Morning Assembly: 8:30 am
Oct 30: K-4th: Halloween Party and Parade: 1:00
Oct 30: Costumes and Cocktails: Adult Event