August 21, 2026
“Our one wish is that the summer never ends!” – P. Dini
I feel like I blinked, and somehow it is already time to welcome everyone back to Woodland.
This summer was full of moments I know I will look back on for years to come. I watched my daughter graduate and then, somehow even harder, dropped her off at college. I am still trying to figure out how we got here so quickly.
I conquered one of my fears and went zip-lining in Ecuador. I still hate heights, by the way, but sometimes the best memories come from doing the things that scare us a little.
I watched my son take on projects, learn new things, and spend his summer helping around campus. Preston, thank you for all of your hard work and for helping make Woodland look its best this summer. I am so proud of you.
And through all of it, I kept thinking about how quickly time moves.
It has also made me think a lot about Woodland and the role this school has played in my own children’s lives. They have grown up here. They have made friendships here, learned from incredible teachers, discovered things they love, faced challenges, and become the people they are today. Woodland has been so much more than a school for my family. It has been part of our family’s story.
That is probably why the quiet halls never feel quite right to me.
I love summer. I love the slower mornings, the adventures, the extra time with family, and all of the memories we make. But there is something about walking through an empty school that makes me miss the noise. The laughter. The footsteps. The classroom doors opening and closing. The energy that our students bring to this place.
And now, we are almost there.
The classrooms are ready. The halls are ready. Our teachers and staff are ready.
And I am ready.
Ready to see our students walk through those doors again. Ready for the excitement, the questions, the accomplishments, the challenges, and all of the little moments that make a school year so special.
Time really does move too quickly. So this year, I am going to try to slow down enough to notice it.
I hope you will, too.
Welcome back, Woodland. We have missed you. 💙🤍
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. Contact hitchnerc@wcdsnj.org if you did not receive your 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!
As we are getting ready to welcome everyone back for another wonderful school year, our teachers, faculty, and staff have been busy preparing their classrooms and spaces for our students!
Many of our Woodland team members have created Amazon Wish Lists with items that would help make their classrooms, programs, and student spaces even more special this year. We wanted to share all the links in one place for any families who may wish to help.
Please know that there is absolutely no expectation of purchasing anything. All support is truly appreciated and loved, whether it is purchasing a classroom item, sending in a needed supply, volunteering your time, or simply supporting our Woodland community throughout the year. We are incredibly fortunate to have such generous and caring families!
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.
Mark Your Calendars!
August 2026
Aug 24 - Parents' Association Kick-Off Meeting: 6:00 pm
September 2026
Coming Soon! 8th Grade Mum Sale!
Sept 1 - Student Orientation: 2:00 pm
Sept 2 - First Day of School
Sept 3 - A Cup of Woodland with Mrs. Blew: 8:30 am (Coffee, Conversation, & Community!)
Sept 7 - Labor Day: No School
Sept 14 - Back to School Night: 6:30 pm
Sept 16-18: Upper School Overnight Trips
Sept 26: Designer Bag Bingo
October
October 3: Panther Prowl 5K and Fun Run: 9:00 am