August 12, 2026

There is a lot happening around campus this summer as we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year! Summer Care is wrapping up, the interior of Ivy Manor is getting a fresh coat of paint, and we are replacing the stair treads on the Upper School stairs to keep them looking great and, most importantly, safe for our students and staff.

We are also excited to share that our new playground swingset has been delivered (Thank you, Class of 2026!) and will be installed soon! New doors for the Middle School and Gymnasium have also been ordered and will be installed as part of our ongoing campus improvements.

These are just a few of the projects underway. Several other campus updates and improvements are currently being finalized, and we look forward to sharing more with you as they come together. It is exciting to see our campus continuing to grow and improve for our students and families!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! It’s hard to believe that the start of the 2026–2027 school year is just around the corner. We are busy getting everything ready on campus and are looking forward to welcoming our students and families back for another great year at Woodland!

As we prepare for the first day of school, please take a few minutes to review and complete the back-to-school paperwork. The required forms are included with this newsletter, and completing them as soon as possible will help us make sure everything is in place for a smooth start to the school year.

A few important reminders as we get ready for the year ahead:

• Back-to-School Paperwork: Please review and complete all required forms as soon as possible.
• Class Supply Lists: Class supply lists have been emailed by Mrs. Hitchner. Please be sure to check your email for your child’s list.
• FACTS Enrollment: If you have not yet completed your enrollment in FACTS, please take a moment to do so.
• School Information: Many helpful links and resources can also be found on the myWCDS tab of the school website.

We are excited to get the new school year underway and can’t wait to see everyone back on campus!

One of my goals as Head of School is to continually listen, learn, and grow alongside our community. This survey is an important opportunity for us to hear directly from our families about what's working well, where we can improve, and how we can continue making Woodland the best possible place for our students.

Your feedback will help shape our priorities, guide future planning, and ensure that the decisions we make reflect the experiences and needs of our community. Whether you've been part of the Woodland family for years or are just joining us, your perspective is valuable.

Thank you for taking a few moments to share your thoughts. I truly appreciate your partnership and your willingness to help us continue building an exceptional experience for every Woodland student.

Summer reading is one of the best ways to keep young minds active, curious, and growing during the break from school. Reading regularly helps students maintain the progress they made throughout the year, strengthens vocabulary and comprehension skills, and encourages a lifelong love of learning.

For Students Entering Grades 2–8

Students entering grades 2 through 8 should complete the summer reading assignments provided by their teachers. Information regarding specific requirements has been shared with families. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher directly.

For Rising First Graders (Current Kindergarten Students)

As our kindergarten students prepare for the exciting transition to first grade, we encourage them to make reading part of their summer routine. Students who complete a summer reading log will have the opportunity to earn Blue or White Team points when they return to school in September—and there may even be a special surprise for those who participate! Students are encouraged to complete the log entries independently whenever possible, although parents are welcome to help. To qualify for team points, students must complete at least 30 reading log entries. Whether it's a favorite picture book, a new chapter series, or reading together as a family, every page helps build strong readers. We hope our students take time this summer to explore new stories, discover new interests, and enjoy the adventure that reading can bring.

Happy Reading, and have a wonderful summer!

Although summer is still in full swing, we are already beginning to plan for our Upper School fall trips! This year's trips are scheduled for September 16th–18th.

Our 5th and 6th grade students are planning to head to Camp Pecometh (MD) for an exciting outdoor education experience. The cost for the Camp Pecometh trip will be $400 per student. Our 7th and 8th grade students are looking forward to traveling to Williamsburg for a memorable educational adventure. The cost for the Williamsburg trip will be $500 per student.

As we begin making reservations and finalizing transportation and lodging, we ask that any family who knows their child will not be participating in the trip please let us know as soon as possible. Having an accurate participant count early in the planning process helps us secure reservations, organize logistics, and keep the overall cost as affordable as possible for everyone.

Look for permission slips and itineraries next week!

As we get closer to the start of the school year, now is a great time to order school uniforms! Lands’ End is offering 10% off school uniforms through August 14th. Use code 900043506 when placing your order.

Our Uniform Exchange is also open during regular office hours, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office staff may be available at additional times, but please call the school office before stopping by to make sure someone is available to assist you.

We encourage families to order early so you have plenty of time to get everything ready for the first day of school!

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.

Congratulations to our very own Mike LoBiondo on being recognized with the Healthy Kids Running Series Spirit Coordinator of the Year Award!

This award is presented to a coordinator who truly shines in every aspect of the Healthy Kids Running Series mission - demonstrating outstanding character, exceptional service to the community, and a passion for helping children develop a love of running and healthy living.

Mike's dedication to the Stow Creek Healthy Kids Running Series has made a lasting impact on so many local families. Through his leadership, the program has continued to grow while creating a fun, welcoming, and encouraging environment for every child who crosses the starting line.

As the Healthy Kids Running Series National Office shared:

"Congratulations, Michael! It's clear to everyone around you that you care deeply about the Stow Creek, NJ program, and that dedication is reflected in its growth and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from both runners and their families over the past few years. Your passion, commitment, and genuine care for every runner is truly admirable. You consistently go above and beyond to create a positive, welcoming experience for everyone involved, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award." - Kate Ciesielka, Program Manager

We couldn't agree more! Congratulations, Mr. LoBiondo, and thank you for the incredible difference you make in the lives of so many children and families. Woodland is proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!

August 2026

Aug 24 - Parents' Association Kick-Off Meeting: 6:00 pm

September 2026

Sept 1 - Student Orientation: 2:00 pm

Sept 2 - First Day of School

Sept 7 - Labor Day: No School

Sept 14 - Back to School Night: 6:30 pm

Sept 16-18: Upper School Overnight Trips

October

October 3: Panther Prowl 5K and Fun Run: 9:00 am