Woodland D50 News and Information
Sept. 16, 2022
Superintendent Update: Message from Dr. Machak
Dear Woodland Families,
As we wrap up another busy week in the W, there are many people and occasions to celebrate: our Woodland students have been working hard in class, giving their best effort during fall MAP assessments, participating in the first week of fall sports and clubs, and supporting the Warren Township Food Pantry through last night’s “Fill the Drum” event (photo below). When I stop for a minute and think about just how much there is to celebrate in our district, it is a wonderful reminder that there is something for everyone in #LifeintheW.
Speaking of celebrations, I invite you to join me in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Did you know that 38% of our student population at Woodland is Hispanic or of Latin American origin? Our diverse learning community here at Woodland is a real strength of our school district and something to be celebrated all year long. Special recognition months give us the opportunity to pause and shine a spotlight, so to speak, on the contributions of the different cultures that create the mosaic that is our Woodland community; I look forward to sharing these opportunities with our students, their families and the Woodland staff throughout the year!
Over the next few weeks, students will be learning about significant contributions of Hispanic-Americans during each school’s morning announcements and through classroom activities. Students will also learn about significant dates and events in Hispanic history (for example, September 15 is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively). We will also share events happening in the community through our Virtual Backpack if you wish to attend these celebrations with your family.
Please join me in recognizing and celebrating our Hispanic and Latinx families and staff members. We honor each of you and your many contributions to #LifeintheW. Reconocemos a cada uno de ustedes y sus muchas contribuciones a la #VidaenlaW.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent
Woodland D50
Important Dates
- September 19 - Kindergarten Curriculum Night
- September 20 - Dual/EC/WELE Curriculum Night
- September 22 - Board of Education Meeting
- September 23 - ROAR Run! Register TODAY
Hiring in the W!
In the newsletter last week, Dr. Machak highlighted the need for bus drivers, but there are many other opportunities to join the #LifeintheW team! We are currently hiring for:
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Registered Nurse
- Building Maintenance Worker
- Student Support Technician
- Paraprofessional
- Bus Drivers
- Guest Teachers
- and more!
Please visit the "Careers" tab on the district website or follow @WoodlandCareers on Twitter to learn more about our open positions.
50 Backpacks for Woodland D50!
Thank you to the many district families and staff members who donated to the School Supply Donation Drive during our Back-to-School events! With the help of the United Way of Lake County, the Woodland PTA, and Warren Township High School's Students of Service, we were able to assemble 50 backpacks for our students. With the extra supplies donated, the United Way was also able to create mini-supply kits to help stock our classrooms. Your generous donations will help prepare Woodland students for success and build self-esteem. If you are in need of supplies for your child, please contact your school principal.
If you wish to connect with resources in the community, such as, bilingual services, adult and workforce education, housing, legal assistance, or food, please contact:
Jennifer Cordova
Spanish Interpreter, Translator, Community Outreach Specialist
Email/Correo Electrónico: Jcordova@dist50.net
Voice/Teléfono: 847-596-5624
PTA News and Events
Lou Malnati's Fundraiser - Order dinner from Lou Malnati's on Tuesday, Sept. 20 and a portion of all sales will go to the PTA to directly support our schools. Both the Gurnee and Grayslake locations are participating. You must mention Woodland PTA before placing your order, or use code "FUNDWD5022" when placing an online order. More Information.
ROAR Run - There is still time to register for the ROAR Run. This is a great event for the whole family, even if you are not a runner. REGISTER HERE.
September PTA Meeting - Save the date for the next PTA Meeting on September 29 at 7 p.m. This will be a virtual meeting. Sign-up HERE and the PTA will email you the zoom link to join the meeting.
In Case You Missed It...
Last week we told you about two important new programs we have started in the district.
- Woodland now offering Text Alerts! Sign-up Today.
- New Parent Mentor Program - Stronger Together
We are sharing these links again because we don't want you to miss out.
Virtual Backpack
Visit the Virtual Backpack to find events and activities in the community to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! You will also find information about Warren LAX and Poms clinics, Girl Scouts, and workshops for students to learn study and time management skills.
Please remember to visit the Virtual Backpack throughout the year to see other events and activities for children and families in the area. We will be making more of an effort to post information here to reduce the amount of flyers sent home.