To: Asha Riley, Superintendent
From: Phillip Pearson, WHS Principal
Date: 3.19.2026
RE: WHS Board Report
School Improvement Plan
Scholarship season is upon us, so I thought it would be helpful to provide a sense of how we are communicating with families and students about scholarship availability and application processes.
The counseling department sends out regular emails and notifications to seniors via email, Google Classroom, and Talking Points messages, which also includes parents. Emails and announcements are sent when new scholarships are posted, and each month we send out a "tips & tricks" email to the senior class with various strategies and ideas for navigating the college and scholarship application process, as well as messages to encourage students to stay motivated and finish their senior year strong. This email document is also available on the WHS Scholarships webpage, is emailed directly to seniors and senior advisors, and sent via Talking Points and through Google Classroom. Scholarship information is also provided to seniors through the GRIT classes. The local scholarship application process is open until April 17th. The timeline for other scholarships varies by program.
Here are two examples of a scholarship message that was sent out recently to seniors:
Winning Strategy: The community of Woodland is very generous and has many local scholarships just for you. One application covers them all, although some may have additional criteria, such as a short essay or artwork portfolio. Set a goal to apply for two scholarships this month. Even if they are small, those are your "gas money" and "tool budget" for next fall! Don't forget to swing by the counseling office to pick up a goodie for every application you submit! Check your inbox for the WHS Senior Class tips & tricks email for more great suggestions (or go to www.woodlandschools.org/page/106).
Class of 2026...Keep an eye on the WHS website's scholarship page for updated information about local and national scholarships. Don't miss out on these opportunities for FREE MONEY from some very generous community members. Also, check out the recent edition of the WHS Senior Class Tips & Tricks emails below for information about asking for letters of recommendation. Past emails have given guidance on the application process, scholarships, and financial aid. Keep doing the good work and pushing toward the prize!
Lastly, here’s the message we’re going to send out weekly to families starting this week:
Seniors! Keep checking your school email for information about state/national and local scholarships! The April 17th deadline for the local scholarship application is quickly approaching. State/national scholarships have varied due dates, so make sure you are paying attention to those. Check out the scholarship page on our website for all the information you'll need to apply for this FREE MONEY! Did you give it a try and still have questions? Swing by Student Services for assistance from Debbie in navigating the website, or email your counselor for help completing the application.
On a different note, important progress is being made by our MTSS staff in replicating the success we’re having with 9th grade on track in the 10th grade class. Here’s a graph over time of the number of failing grades registered by our sophomores:
Recognition
The amazing Shari Conditt continues to amaze. Click here to see a video highlighting her receiving the Sandra Day O’Connor award recently. I also want to celebrate the Night of the Arts, organized by Patrice Lins featuring performances by a host of kids and our own Brent Liabraaten, Liz Hix, and Officer Cuneta. We heard classical piano, heavy metal, folk music, and many genres of music in between. Lastly, Alex Onslow and Ryan Balara organized a wonderful Unified Prom last Saturday for our students.
Upcoming Events
Spring sports have kicked off, the Lion King runs this weekend, and our spring conferences (we’re calling the High School and Beyond Board Presentations) run the week after next. Click here to read the family information that was sent out this morning.