Woodland D50 News and Information
Oct. 14, 2022
Superintendent Update: Message from Dr. Machak
Dear Woodland Families,
Next week Woodland will be shining a spotlight on the topic of safety in honor of Safe Schools Week. Safe Schools Week is celebrated nationally in October (Oct. 16 - 22), and we invite you to join us in this observance because, as the saying goes, “it takes a village”.
Just as we need to actively plan for the academic success of our students, we must also continuously work toward creating a safe and healthy learning environment for all. All of the pieces we have in place to try to keep our students and staff physically and emotionally safe, from anonymous bullying tip lines, to weekly SHIELD testing, to practicing scheduled safety drills at each school, are all dependent on someone acting proactively to mitigate a bad outcome if not avert it altogether. We need everyone involved when it comes to safety.
Parents and guardians have a role to play; I am asking for your help keeping your Skyward contact information up to date. Talk to your kids about Internet and social media safety. Reinforce safe behaviors and expectations from home. You are also the best advocates for our children if they show signs that they may need extra social-emotional support. Prior to the pandemic, meeting the social-emotional needs of students was often an afterthought in many schools. The fact is, all of our children are statistically much more likely to be adversely impacted by being bullied, teased, or feeling isolated and misunderstood than they are by a catastrophic event at school. Simply being a good friend can make a big difference.
We also rely on our community partners to help us create a safe environment within our schools. With the help of local fire, police, and sheriff departments, we maintain an emergency plan that will assist us in responding to various situations. These dedicated partners keep us informed of best practices, alarming trends, and alert us to events outside of our schools that may impact safety. They also work with us throughout the year to conduct drills, using our schools for first responder training scenarios as needed. (You will see some of these partners pictured below)
Finally, you can help by acting on the safety-related information that the District will be sharing with the community throughout next week: we are launching a new safety portal on the district website, and will be co-hosting a Safety Seminar with our neighboring school districts. I hope you will join us on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. for a free event at the Warren Newport Public Library to learn more about important safety topics (see story block below).
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our learning community healthy and safe!
Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent
Woodland D50
Important Dates
- Oct. 19 - Gurnee Community Safety Seminar
- Oct. 20 - PTA Meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Educational Support Center (District Office)
- Oct. 21 - PTA and Gurnee Demons Dunk Fest!
- Oct. 24 - Jimano's Fundraiser, all day
- Oct. 27 - Woodland Board of Education Meeting
- Oct. 28 - Friday Night Alternative for 6th, 7th & 8th graders
Gurnee Community Safety Seminar, Oct. 19
Join us for a Safety Seminar during Safe Schools Week in October!
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, four area school districts - Woodland D50, Gurnee D56, Warren Township HS District 121, and Millburn D24 - are co-hosting a Parents’ Safety Seminar from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Warren Newport Public Library. This free event is open to the public. The evening will feature presentations from Warren Township Youth & Family Services, and our School Resource Officers, to offer parents and guardians in or community tips and information on mental health resources, warning signs regarding vaping and our children’s access to drugs, weapons in the home, and more. English Flyer / Spanish Flyer
Tell us you are interested in attending this event HERE! Registration is not required, but the Facebook event will remind you as the date approaches if you click that you are "interested" or "going".
LAST CALL: Parent/Guardian Engagement Survey Closes Next Week
Woodland is conducting a Parent/Guardian Engagement Survey to help us better understand areas of interest for our families, and possible barriers to participation in district events and activities. In the survey, you will also see a few questions about technology preferences and our website. Please complete this short, communication survey; your feedback is important to us! English / Spanish
Survey closes on Oct. 18!
PTA News
October PTA Meeting: The October PTA Meeting will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the ESC building (District Office).
Jimano's Fundraiser: Save the Date! Jimano's Fundraiser - Monday, Oct. 24, All Day! Order from Jimano's in Gurnee any time on Oct. 24 and a portion of the sale will benefit the PTA.
DUNKFEST: The Woodland PTA and the Gurnee Demons are teaming up for DUNKFEST, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Woodland Middle School. The event is Friday, Oct. 21, 4 - 9 p.m. and the registration deadline is Oct. 18. This event is open to all 3rd-8th graders. Register HERE.
WSRA Trunk or Treat: The PTA will be participating in Trunk or Treat hosted by the WSRA on Sunday, Oct. 23. Registration is required. Learn more.
Warren Township Youth & Family Services
Warren Township Youth & Family Services has a number of great programs and groups starting soon!
FRIENDSHIP GROUP - Social skills and experiential group – IN PERSON
This popular 8 week group (grades 3 - 8) addresses the needs of children who wish to improve and develop their skills at making friends and communicating. In a fun and interactive environment, the children develop skills such as listening, conversing, compliments, and introductions.
Starting Monday, Oct. 17, from 5 – 7 p.m. Registration
PARENTING THE ADHD CHILD - A positive approach to understanding your ADHD child - VIRTUAL
This 4-week program presents information about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including embracing its strengths, understanding common challenges, and useful approaches to parenting.
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. via zoom. Registration
HELPING YOUNG CHILDREN HANDLE BIG FEELINGS - VIRTUAL
This workshop will address your child’s emotional and social development, emotional awareness, self-regulation, responding to anxiety and the development of calming behaviors.
Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Registration
New in Virtual Backpack...
Please remember to visit the Virtual Backpack throughout the year to see other events and activities for children and families in the area. Newly Added: Annual Gurnee Turkey Trot, Music Boosters Butter Braids!