Woodland D50 News and Information
Nov. 11, 2022
Superintendent Update: Message from Dr. Machak
Dear Woodland Families,
Today we honor the brave women and men who have sacrificed so much for us through their courageous military service. Veterans Day at Woodland is filled with special events and activities designed to show our respect and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country. As the proud son of a decorated World War II veteran, it means a great deal to me personally and professionally that District 50 sees Veterans Day not as a day off from school (as many other districts do), but rather spends the time with our staff and students to understand the significance of this day and the incredible community members we honor.
Woodland Primary welcomed families to school for a flag raising ceremony, and students recited a poem, and sang a song of appreciation. Active military members and veterans were invited to Woodland Elementary to speak with 1st - 3rd grade students about their military service. The students had the opportunity to ask questions, and several students walked up to hug the visiting veterans to thank them for coming. At Woodland Intermediate, students and staff were able to invite the special veteran in their life to join them at school for a ceremony, or to add their veteran to the Wall of Heroes. The special Veterans Day choir also performed a few patriotic songs. And finally, students at Woodland Middle School decorated the halls with poppies, made cards for Veterans, and participated in virtual tours of Key Service Landmarks in recognition of the day. I have included a few photos in the newsletter, but you are welcome to see more photos on our social media pages at Facebook and Twitter.
Next week we will continue this recognition at the Board of Education Meeting. The Board has invited all Woodland staff members who are Veterans to attend the meeting to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Students from our Elementary School will share details about their Change for Change fundraiser with our Board members. This fundraiser will result in a donation to the Lake County Honor Flight program, which sponsors trips to Washington, DC for veterans to be able to visit the national memorial dedicated to their branch of military service. If you’d like to learn more about the Honor Flight program, please click here.
With our national Thanksgiving holiday coming up soon, November is rich with opportunities to focus on the things for which we are most grateful. My hope is that our heartfelt district-wide recognition of our Woodland community veterans provides our students with a fitting model of gratitude on which they can reflect throughout the month.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent
Woodland D50
Important Dates
- Nov. 17 - PTA meeting at 9:30 a.m. Virtual - Register Here.
- Nov. 17 - November Board of Education Meeting
- Nov. 17 - Stuff the Bus! Woodland Buses will be at four local grocery stores to collect donations for the Food Drive from 4:30 - 7 p.m. (Details in story below)
- Nov. 21 & 22 - Parent Teacher Conferences, Early Release
- Nov. 22 - Community SHIELD Testing Event
- Nov. 23, 24 & 25 - District Closed
Report Card Survey: 1st - 5th Grade
Last Friday, you were invited to view your child's 1st Quarter Report Card in Skyward Family Access.
Now we are looking for your feedback!
The purpose of a report card is to communicate meaningful and relevant information related to a student’s progress against Illinois Learning Standards. Currently, Woodland’s Grading and Report Card Committee is working to improve report cards in grades 1-5.
We are asking for your feedback for the following reasons:
- It has been well over two decades since the Elementary and Intermediate report cards have been reviewed.
- It is best practice to continue to improve how we report learning to parents.
- Revised Illinois Learning Standards in all subject areas are being implemented.
Your voice is important to us as we shift to incorporate equitable grading practices and align report cards with state standards. After reviewing your child’s Q1 report card, please complete this survey by Nov. 22, 2022.
If you would like to have more information about the committee or the process of report card development, please contact Dr. Victoria Kieffer, Director of Teaching and Learning at vkieffer@dist50.net.
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.
Holiday Food Drive
Donations have already started rolling in for the Annual Holiday Food Drive!
There are several ways to participate!
- Food Donations: Bring in non-perishable food donations to school, or drop off at the district office. Follow this guide to see what is needed: English / Spanish
Accepting Donations Now through Dec. 9! - Financial Donations: Your donation will go toward purchasing food and other needed items for Woodland families. Please use this link to donate by Dec. 5, 2022.
- Receive Food Donations: Woodland families are invited to self-register if they wish to receive food, or you can nominate a deserving family who may need support. Register HERE.
Food Drive Collection Events!
Shop With an Educator: Dec. 7 from 4 - 7 p.m. at Gurnee Target (Elementary)
Staff from Woodland Elementary will be ready to shop with Woodland students at Gurnee Target. Families are welcome to come purchase items for the food drive with a little help from our Elementary staff members to push the cart and help select items.
Stuff the Bus: Nov. 17 from 4:30 - 7 p.m.
If you see a Woodland bus when you are out shopping, drop off your donations when you leave the store! We will be at the following locations:
- Aldi's in Gurnee
- Butera in Grayslake
- Jewel in Gurnee
- Walmart at Fountain Square
See Something, Say Something - Quick Tips
Student Safety is everyone's responsibility and we want Woodland students and their families to feel empowered to say something if they something suspicious or concerning. This can include threats or rumors you see on social media, or bullying and other conflicts you witness outside of school that may carry over into the next school day.
If you have something to share with school or district leaders, please consider submitting a Quick Tip. Quick Tips is an anonymous and confidential reporting system for anyone in our learning community. You can find the Quick Tips icon on the district website, and on each school website.
Tips may be submitted via Quick Tip 24 hours a day. However, tips may not be received and acted upon until the next school day. If your tip is regarding an emergency situation, please call 911.
PTA News and Events NEXT WEEK!
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. More Information.
November PTA Meeting - Nov. 17
The November PTA Meeting will be held on Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. via ZOOM. Register Here.
Good Night, Sleep Tight - Nov. 18
The PTA is excited to announce the return of our very entertaining FREE family event, Good Night, Sleep Tight. Once again, we will welcome Chris Fascione, the "juggling storyteller" for an evening of acting, storytelling, comedy and juggling, this year back IN-PERSON! Grab your family, a blanket, maybe a stuffy or two, and join us on Friday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Pajamas are definitely allowed. The event will be held at Woodland Intermediate School. More information.