Woodland D50 News and Information
Oct. 7, 2022
Superintendent Update: Message from Dr. Machak
Dear Woodland Families,
Being a school principal is a complicated labor of love, complete with many layers of responsibility and various audiences to serve. The Woodland School District 50 Principal’s job description contains 46 specific duties and responsibilities that our principals are expected to complete every day. Our principals advocate for students, evaluate academic assessment data, encourage our Wildcats to do their best, problem-solve with staff, support teachers, respond to parents, and report to the district office - very often on the same morning, if not the same day. Our principals set the tone in our schools by greeting students by name, caring about the well-being of colleagues, visiting classrooms, and making sure everyone feels welcome and safe.
October is National Principals’ Month. Governor Pritzker has proclaimed October 16-22 as Principals Week and Friday, October 21 as Principals Day in the state of Illinois. Please join me in showing our collective appreciation to these dedicated leaders and #ThankaPrinicpal with an email to your child’s principal or a kind word about them on social media. Probably like with most professions, our school leaders typically only hear from our stakeholders when there is a problem that needs solving or an issue that a parent/guardian feels needs attention.
I can promise you that Ms. Anderson, Ms. Drake, Mr. Sheldon, and Mr. Wollberg do their very best to knock all 46 of their responsibilities out of the park every day. I am certain that they would love to hear from our community with a note of thanks or appreciation, just as I know first-hand how seriously they take all of our families’ concerns and suggestions.
Robert Sergiovanni wrote that “leaders are the first followers”; that observation describes our four principals well. They are the embodiment of our District vision at their schools. They implement our Strategic Plan and ensure that our schools are following state laws and Illinois school code. Fittingly, they “follow” in a more important way as well by placing the needs of their students and their school’s staff above their own each day.
Being a principal in 2022 is hard. Being an excellent principal in 2022 is even harder. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the four dedicated professionals who lead our Woodland schools. Please join me in celebrating them today!
Thank you to the more than 60 families who have already filled out the Parent Engagement Survey that I shared in my message last week. This feedback will be invaluable as we make decisions regarding our website, plan informational events at each school, and look for ways to increase community engagement in district initiatives. I appreciate everyone’s comments and suggestions. The survey will close on Oct. 21, so you still have two weeks to complete it if you have not had the chance to do so yet. English / Spanish
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,
Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent
Woodland D50
Important Dates
- Oct. 7 - Teacher Institute Day, No Student Attendance
- Oct. 10 - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day, No Student Attendance
- Oct. 13 - Woodland Board of Education Committee of the Whole Meeting, Strategic Plan
- Oct. 13 - Potty Training Webinar English / Spanish
- Oct. 19 - Gurnee Community Safety Seminar
- Oct. 21 - PTA and Gurnee Demons Dunk Fest!
- Oct. 27 - Woodland Board of Education Meeting
Board of Education: Committee of the Whole Meeting, Oct. 13
The Woodland D50 Board of Education will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting on Oct. 13, 2022 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Educational Support Center (ESC). The purpose of the meeting will be for the Board to hear proposals from three potential consultants who wish to assist the district with the development of the next Strategic Plan. The Board will not be taking any action during this meeting. The presentations are for informational purposes only. The agenda will be posted HERE on Tuesday afternoon.
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".
Parent/Guardian Engagement Survey
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
Playground/Lunchroom Supervisors at Woodland
Thank you to the Playground/Lunchroom Supervisors across the district for all the many ways you support our learning community. From keeping our students safe at recess, to supporting Woodland staff by always lending a helping hand, we appreciate you! Here are a few photos of the Primary team so you can see a few of these valued employees in action. If you would like to apply to be a Playground/Lunchroom Supervisor, please visit our Careers tab on the district website.
PTA News
Signature Chocolate Fundraiser Forms Due 10/12! Online ordering will remain open until 10/16.
More Information.
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.
The PTA will be participating in Trunk or Treat hosted by the WSRA on Sunday, Oct. 23. Registration is required. Learn more.
Interested in Running for School Board? IASB Resources for Candidates
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) has a collection of resources for individuals that are interested in running for school board positions.
- Qualifications and Characteristics of School Board Candidates
- How School Boards Work
- Key Dates for School Board Candidates
Friday Night Alternative is Back!
Warren Township Youth & Family Services is excited to bring back Friday Night Alternative (FNA) for 6th - 8th graders. Join your friends for an open gym, DJ and dancing, karaoke, dodgeball, or just to hang out. This is a great opportunity for kids to socialize in a space with plenty of activities, supervised by staff from Warren Township Youth & Family Services, volunteers and parent chaperones. Friday, Oct. 28 from 7 - 9 p.m. Open to middle school students who attend Districts 50 and 56 only. Fee is $10 and includes a slice of pizza and soda/water. Must register in advance. Visit the website for more information and to register.
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: WSRA Truck or Treat, Oct. 23!
As Seen on Twitter!
Follow #LifeintheW on Twitter to get a behind the scenes look at the school day, and the many exciting things happening at Woodland.