Woodland D50 News and Information
Nov. 4, 2022
Superintendent Update: Message from Dr. Machak
Dear Woodland Families,
Over the past few weeks, I have shared some different ways in which we are supporting children here at Woodland. To the extent I could, I highlighted some of the steps we are taking to keep our students and staff physically safe while at school. Last week, I talked about the emotional support we can provide our students through a variety of Social Emotional Learning initiatives. This week, I’d like to highlight the supports that Woodland has put in place to support our parents, guardians, and Woodland community members.
Throughout the month of November, we are calling on our staff, students, and families to participate in the Annual Holiday Food Drive. We sent out a message on Tuesday to kick off the campaign; I invite you to review the details HERE in case you missed it.
Our annual food drive (we actually did two last year) is one way that the district can bring our community together and provide additional support to Woodland families during the holiday season. You can participate by donating non-perishable food items that we will use to set up a grocery store/food pantry experience for families to shop for what they need. There is also an option to support the food drive with a financial donation, and we will take the funds to purchase food and other needed items for participants.
If you wish to be a food recipient, we invite you to register your family using this form. There are many different reasons why someone may need additional support this time of year, and we do not require proof of need, or an explanation. Anyone is welcome to shop at the Woodland Food Pantry, but registration is required so that we can provide you a confirmed appointment time and to make sure we have enough.
We offer parents, guardians, and community members other types of support as well. For example, we facilitated two free vaccination events at Elementary School last winter and partnered with SHIELD Illinois to offer free PCR testing events at Woodland Middle School during winter and spring breaks last year. We are looking to offer these resources again this year (see below), and have expanded the resources we have available to help families support their children academically, including our popular Latino Literacy Nights at Primary School and the expansion of our partnership with the College of Lake County to offer our community Adult Education classes at Intermediate School. Finally, next week (November 10, 6:30-7:30pm) Alice Belgrade Moss, the District’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst, will offer a free webinar entitled “Shaping Cooperation”. In this webinar, Alice will provide specific tools to promote cooperative behavior and self-esteem. Participants will understand the meaning of ‘misbehavior’ and how to turn it around so that both child and parent build a positive relationship. You can register for this free workshop via this link: Shaping Cooperation.
As a school district, we have resources and creative problem-solvers on our team that may be able to assist you and your family in other ways. If you need additional support, please reach out to your school principal for assistance. Or you can contact me directly at rmachak@dist50.net. Thank you in advance for your support of our food drive so that ALL Woodland families may enjoy this special time of year.
Stronger Together,
Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent
Woodland D50
Important Dates
- Nov. 4 - School Improvement Planning (SIP) Day, Early Release
- Report Cards will be available in Skyward November 4!
- Nov. 8 - Election Day, District Closed
- Nov. 11 - Veterans Day, School is in Session
- Nov. 17 - November Board of Education Meeting
- Nov. 21 & 22 - Parent Teacher Conferences, Early Release
- Nov. 22 - Community SHIELD Testing Event
- Nov. 23, 24 & 25 - District Closed
Nov. 4 - School Improvement Planning (SIP) Day, Early Release
As a reminder, today is a School Improvement Planning (SIP) and an early dismissal for students. Our staff will use this time to for professional development and to work in their teams, additional training in the area of Restorative Practices, assessing PBIS strategies, reviewing student Health Care Plans, and CPR recertification for those that need it. All of the work our staff participates in during staff and school improvement sessions are directly in support of our students.
Schedule of SIP Days:
SIP Days and Teacher Institute Days are published well in advance each year when the Board of Education approves the calendar. The current calendar was approved in March of 2022 and can be found on the district website HERE. We appreciate your support in our effort to provide our staff with meaningful professional development opportunities. If you ever have a question about what we are working on during SIP days or Teacher Institute days, you are welcome to reach out to your school principal.
Report Cards Available in Skyward
First Quarter Report Cards will be available for viewing in Skyward Family Access on Friday, Nov. 4. This only applies to students in 1st - 8th grade. Kindergarten and Early Childhood do not receive quarterly report cards.
Once you log in to Skyward, select the Portfolio option, and you will be able to view and print a copy of your child’s progress and grades for 1st Quarter. On the Family Access login screen there is a “forgot your login/password” option available to assist. For help with logging in and to request login credentials, you may send an email to AccessHelp@dist50.net.
If you need a paper copy, please contact the front office of your school and they will be able to assist.
Hiring in the W!
Have you ever considered working for the school district where your child (or children) attend school? You don't have to be a teacher to work for a school. Working for the district could mean similar hours and days off as your child depending on the type of position. We have more than 800 employees and we are one of the biggest employers in Gurnee. Please view our current job openings on the district website under the "Careers" tab or follow @WoodlandCareers on Twitter.
We are currently hiring for:
- Network System Engineer
- Student Support Technician
- Paraprofessionals
- Bus Drivers
- Administrative Assistant
- Nurse
- Payroll Specialist
- Guest/Substitute Teachers
- Playground/Lunchroom Supervisors
- And more...
Join the #LifeintheW Team Today!
Community SHIELD Testing Event, Nov. 22
Woodland has partnered with SHIELD IL to schedule another free, optional pop-up COVID-19 testing event for all District 50 families and community members. We are offering this to our families and community members for anyone who wants to test before visiting relatives during the upcoming holiday.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 22
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Woodland Intermediate School, 1115 Hunt Club Road, Gurnee
This event is free, and no appointment is necessary. To save time, you may register in advance by visiting the SHIELD IL portal HERE and use agency code "df5brbrj". Walk-ins Welcome!
To help ensure a usable sample, please do not eat, drink (including water), smoke, chew anything or brush your teeth at least 30 minutes prior to testing.
FAQ: How do I add community testing (or other agency) to my child's profile? Learn more.
PTA News and Events
Panera Fundraiser, Monday, Nov. 14, ALL DAY!
Order from Panera in Gurnee any time on Nov. 14 and a portion of the sales will benefit the PTA. You MUST mention Woodland PTA at the register or enter online code "FUND4U" when ordering online, in the app, or at a kiosk.
Save the Dates!
11/17 - November PTA Meeting 9:30 a.m. via ZOOM. Registration will be required.
11/18 - Good Night, Sleep Tight, 6:30 p.m. at Intermediate. This is a FREE Family Storytelling event. Be on the lookout for more Details!
Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos
Woodland students and staff recently had the opportunity to remember loved ones while learning about the tradition of Día de los Muertos. They created beautiful ofrendas to honor loved ones who have passed away. An ofrenda is built to share pictures, memorabilia and favorite things (favorite candy, favorite flowers) that remind us of our loved ones. Students were invited to participate if they wanted to share, and many were proud to share favorite memories of family members, friends and even pets!
Pictured: Ofrenda at Woodland Intermediate
Pumpkin Composting Event, Nov. 5
The Village of Gurnee will be hosting a pumpkin composting event. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Gurnee Village Hall located at 325 N. O'Plaine Rd.
They will also take any other organics including gourds or hay bales. Please remove all candles before composting your pumpkins. All material collected is used to create compost and divert organics from the landfills.