Woodland D50 News and Information

Header Images: Winter Parties in the W! The students featured in the header are Kindergarten students in Ms. Henshall's class at Woodland Primary. More Winter Party photos on Facebook.

Dec. 22, 2023

Dear Woodland Families,

I hope that today’s message finds you ready to enjoy a well-deserved respite with the people you love. Maybe you are looking forward to some quality time with your friends and family over the next two weeks, or maybe you will be traveling to warmer climates to escape the cold. However you plan to spend your Winter Break, all of us at Woodland District 50 send our best wishes for a restful break and a happy and healthy New Year!

The anticipation and excitement that accompanies Winter Break in a school district did not disappoint in Woodland: our District calendar this week was full of action with winter celebrations at each school, PBIS assemblies, a band concert, and the December Board of Education meeting (please make sure to check out the meeting highlights below!).

Before we turn the lights out at the ESC for a few days, I want to share my gratitude to the entire Woodland community for your support and partnership over the past 12 months. There are so many great things happening across the district thanks to the dedication of our amazing staff, our hard-working Wildcats giving their best effort in school, and parents and guardians stepping up to get involved in the classroom, on a committee, or continuing to support our students from home.

The end of the calendar year lends itself to reflection; it’s a good time - for me, anyway - to take stock of what’s working and what’s not, or “what to leave in, and what to leave out” as Bob Seger so eloquently sang back in the day. A little time and distance can do wonders in helping one see old challenges with fresh eyes and to develop a plan of action for becoming the best versions of ourselves. If you are a “New Year’s Resolution” type of person like I am, I would love to hear what you hope to see in 2024 for your family and you. I found this great article, New Year’s Resolutions for Kids, that we are going to use at home to help us frame this conversation with our middle school-aged daughter next week. I hope you find it helpful as well.

As a reminder, all District schools and offices will be closed between December 22 and

January 2, and there will be no district newsletter sent home during winter break.

There are so many great events just on the horizon when we return to school in January: a new Parent University event, a new District podcast, Parent-Teacher advisory committee meetings at each school, a Welcome Back event sponsored by our newly re-formed Woodland Education Foundation, new classroom flat panel screens and, of course, creative and engaging classroom activities being planned by our teachers.

I hope our students and you had as much fun being a Wildcat in 2023 as I did. I am looking forward to coming back together with you refreshed and ready to ROAR in ‘24!

Wishing you a wonderful Winter Break and a very Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating next week!

Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent

Woodland D50

• Dec. 22 - Jan. 5 - Winter Break (all District Schools and Offices will be closed between December 22 and January 2)
• Jan. 8 - Teacher Institute Day, No Student Attendance
• Jan. 9 - School Resumes
• Jan. 17 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) Meeting, 7 p.m., Woodland Intermediate
• Jan. 20 - SAVE THE DATE! Next Parent University Event (details below)

There will be no district newsletter sent home during winter break.

The next newsletter will go out on Friday, Jan. 12!

• Jan. 9 - 2nd Tuesday Fundraiser at Wendy's! 5 - 8 p.m., 6585 Grand Ave, Gurnee.
• Jan. 11 - January PTA Meeting, 7 p.m. (Virtual)

Have you joined the Woodland PTA? Even if you are not able to volunteer at events or chair a committee, the PTA welcomes you to join simply to stay connected! With your $15 membership dues, you are contributing to the PTA fundraising goals with a portion of that money going directly back to our schools. The PTA recently donated $1,000 to the Holiday Food Drive, they help fund the 8th grade boat trip each year, and funding from the PTA provides cultural assemblies at the schools, and classroom supplies for our teachers and students. And that only scratches the surface of how they support our district. There is no obligation to attend meetings or volunteer. JOIN TODAY!

The Woodland School Board of Education Governing meeting was held on Dec. 21, 2023. Please see below for a summary of highlights from the meeting, or we welcome you to watch the meeting HERE.

Thank you for your continued support of Woodland District 50!

Stephanie Ingram, President of the Woodland PTA, led the Board of Education in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Under the Superintendent Report, Dr. Machak invited Director of Technology and Innovation, Sheri Styczen to share an update on the purchase and installation of the Flat Planel Screens that the Board approved in October 2023.

Dr. Walls was also invited to provide information on the success of the Annual Holiday Food Drive, and to thank everyone who donated, volunteered, or supported the food drive.

The Board of Education approved employment for the following positions:

• Interim Facilities Manager (1)
• 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher (1)
• Playground Supervisor (3)
• Bus Driver (1)
• Bus Assistant (2)
• Paraprofessional (1)
• Substitute Bus Driver (1)

Also under consent agenda, the Board approved the resignation of six staff members, and one retirement.

The Board of Education appreciates the donations from generous supporters to help enhance programming in the district.

• Primary - Mission BBQ donated 20 "Good for One Free Sandwich" coupons, and a gift basket for a total value of $275.00 for Staff Appreciation Week. Hollister Incorporated, Warm Hands Warm Hearts donated $250 worth of hats, gloves and socks to support students in need.
• Elementary - The Blackbaud Giving Fund donated $170.00 to be used for student supplies.
• Intermediate - The Blackbaud Giving Fund donated $480.00 to be used for student supplies.
• Middle - The Blackbaud Giving Fund donated $960.00 to be used for student supplies.
• District - The Woodland PTA donated $1,000 to be used for the district Food Drive. The district is in receipt of the following donations to assist with the care and funeral costs for TaVeon Woodward, a student in the district who passed away after a long battle with cancer.
• Mothers Trust Foundation donated $70.94 for bedding
• Warren Township Center donated $500 to assist with funeral costs
• A Warriors Mission Inc, American Children's Cancer Benevolence Fund donated $1500 to assist with funeral costs.

The total donations accepted for December 2023 was $5,205.94. This brings the total donation amount for the 2023-2024 school year to $15,461.94 to date.

Under Consent Agenda is where you will find approval of Board Meeting minutes, Policy Revisions, and approval of the monthly Financial Reports, Treasurer Reports, and Board Payables for the month. These reports are posted to the website after the meeting.

E. Disposition of Curriculum Materials

F. Approval of Ellevation: EL Program Management & Teaching Tools: K - 12

G. Approval of Board of Education Meeting Minutes

H. Monthly Financial Reports, Treasurer Reports, and Board Payables

The business that takes place under "Action Items" is first reviewed by the Board of Education at the previous monthly governing meeting under "Reports/Discussion Items". An item will first be presented as a Report or Discussion item for the Board of Education members to be introduced to the topic and allow time for questions, review, and revisions before that item is moved to the Action Items portion of the agenda for a vote the following month.

A. Approval of Administrative Contract Extensions - The Board of Education approved the extension of current contracts for 21 administrators that were set to expire on June 20, 2024, June 30, 2025, or June 30, 2026. The extension only applies to the length of the contract as there are no dollar amounts attached to this action item. This action provides an extension to excellent administrative staff in their last or penultimate contract year.

B. Approval of Two Additional Paraprofessionals at the Primary School - Two students at Woodland Primary require 1:1 paraprofessional support throughout their learning day based on their IEP and immediate educational needs. The Board approved the addition of two paraprofessionals at Primary to support these students.

C. Approval of a 1:1 School Nurse at the Primary School - The Board approved the addition of a 1:1 School Nurse to directly support a student with their immediate medical needs based on the student's IEP. The nurse will provide the student with the medical support needed to maintain the student's health during the 2023-2024 school year.

Reports and Discussion Items are placed on the agenda as an introduction to a topic. If the topic will require a vote, it will be brought back under "Action Items" at the next regularly scheduled meeting. This allows Board Members to familiarize themselves with the topic and ask questions, or request additional information and modifications before voting on the matter. The following topics were introduced as a Report/Discussion Item at this month's meeting:

A. Auditor Report

B. Written Information on FY25 District Fees

C. Written Report on Non-Resident Per Capita Tuition Charge for FY25

D. Written Update on Education and Academics Strategic Plan Goals

E. Written Report on Schoolwide Plan for Primary School

F. Written Update on FY24 School Improvement Plan for Elementary School

G. Written Information on Revised Board Policies

H. Receipt of any Freedom of Information Act Requests

A. Announcements and Committee Reports

• PCCS Charter Renewal - Dr. Mackak shared an update on the Illinois Charter Commission's renewal of the Prairie Crossing Charter School charter, and discussed next steps.

B. Board Improvements/Status Requests and Future Board Items

• Discussion of Sessions Attended at the Joint Annual Conference
• Discussion of IASB Superintendent Evaluation System

You are always welcome to go back and review meeting materials, presentations, Board Payables, Finance Reports and the video recording from a regularly scheduled Board Meeting on the district website HERE (select the meeting date to view supporting materials). These items are typically posted within 24-48 hours after the meeting.

The next Parent University event is coming soon! This will be an in-person event. Parents are invited to attend a variety of sessions on supporting your students, safety, and navigating school technology and systems. The format will be similar to a mini-conference with concurrent sessions on different topics relevant to parents and caregivers. You will have the option of attending which sessions are of interest to you. REGISTER NOW!

Here are some of the topics:

• Supporting your Young Math Learner
• Supporting Student with ADHD at Home
• Social Media and Teens
• Early Literacy Interventions for Parents
• Seesaw for Parents or Schoology for Parents
• Vaping and Drugs in the Community
• How to Support Your Child and Their Rights
• Building Connections to Foster Self-Esteem
• Belonging: The Key to Children's Resilience
• And MORE!

Date: Saturday, Jan. 20

Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: Woodland Middle School

Registration will be starting soon for the next round of Free Adult Education Classes through the College of Lake County (CLC).

Register in person on Jan. 22, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Location: Woodland Intermediate, 1115 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee

Testing and registration may take up to three hours, and childcare is available. Please bring a picture ID. Call 847-543-2485 or 847-543-2872 with any questions.

Classes offered:

High School Diploma (HSD) also known as GED

• Tuesday / Thursday, Feb. 6 – May 9, 6:00 – 8:50 p.m.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Monday / Wednesday, Feb. 5 - May 8, 6:00 - 8:50 p.m.
  OR
• Tuesday / Thursday, Feb. 6 - May 9, 6:00 - 8:50 p.m.

The next meeting for the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee will be Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at Woodland Intermediate School. Nicasa will provide a presentation called "Prevention Talk" to teach parents and caregivers about trends in drug use and the dangers of substance use in youth. The presentation features a mock teenage bedroom simulation to show parents what to look for in their child's bedroom called "Stay Out of My Room!"

Children are welcome to attend and create winter crafts with Woodland Dual Language teachers while parents attend the presentation.

Date: Jan. 17

Time: 7 - 8 p.m.

Location: Woodland Intermediate, 1105 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee

About Nicasa:

Nicasa is a not-for-profit behavioral health services organization that is building brighter futures for vulnerable and at-risk children, adults, and families in Lake County and northern Illinois. Since 1966, Nicasa’s network of dedicated and caring professionals has been pioneering award-winning efforts in prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery.