Woodland D50 News and Information

Header Image: WMS Cross Country Athletes are Headed to the State Meet! Congratulations to the girls team for winning Sectionals on Oct. 7, and to Brody and Tyler for also qualifying for state. The State Cross Country Meet is Saturday, Oct. 14 in Normal, IL. Best of luck Wildcats!

Oct. 12, 2023

Dear Woodland Families,

At Woodland this week our thoughts are very much with those who are impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, as we collectively mourn the innocent lives lost and worry for those still missing. The disturbing sounds and images on TV and social media, combined with reports of casualties and injuries to civilians and children, are extremely upsetting. Even more so for our staff members and students who have strong connections to this region and the people in danger.

I want to assure you that our schools remain safe spaces for all students and staff, regardless of religion or ethnic origin. We believe that together, as a caring and resilient community, we can provide the comfort and strength our children need to overcome the confusion and uncertainty they may be experiencing due to these very scary developments. It is important that we continue to stand as one community, reaffirming our commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all students within our diverse school population.

We are aware of recent worldwide reports of potential violence against Jewish communities slated for tomorrow, October 13. Although there is no specific threat to Woodland, there are steps we can take as a learning community to reinforce our commitment to safety. First and foremost, we are working closely with the Gurnee Police Department to monitor developments. The Gurnee Police Department has told us that they will increase patrols across our district; I am so grateful to our village and county law enforcement; they are always ready to show their support by being visible during distressing times. We can also share with parents and guardians a warning that we have seen across many educational forums. Now more than ever, you should consider your child’s access to social media, and increase your monitoring of social media use. Many people impacted by the violence in Israel may use social media to broadcast live video and images to Tik Tok and other channels to provide first hand accounts of what they are seeing. There is no way of knowing what threatening messages or images of death and destruction your child may be exposed to through these channels.

As you engage with your children and help them understand the complex events unfolding in the world, you might find the tools below beneficial at home.

• How to Talk About the Israel-Hamas War: Resources for Educators (Education Week)
• How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War (Common Sense Media)
• Talking to Children About War (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
• Helping Students in Troubling Times (American School Counselor Association)
• Handle with Care: Supporting Young People During Crises (Learning for Justice)
• Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children, middle school children (American Psychological Association)

As always, we are here to help support your child if he or she is feeling anxious or affected by this situation. Please reach out to your child’s principal or me, and we can connect you to additional resources as needed.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent

Woodland D50

• Oct. 18 - Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC), 7 p.m., Warren Newport Public Library
• Oct. 21 - Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Warren Newport Public Library
• Oct. 26 - Woodland D50 Board of Education Meeting (2023-2024 Schedule)

• Oct. 20 - Woodland PTA and Gurnee Demons Dunk Fest, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. More Info and Registration.

Dr. Doug Bolton returns to Woodland for our first Parent University event on Nov. 6!

Woodland is excited to provide yet another opportunity for parent involvement by starting a Parent University. We are currently developing programming designed specifically for our families to give you the tools and resources you need to best support your child from home. You will see this is a continuing theme throughout the year because we have made a commitment to building a sense of belonging in #LifeintheW. This is a cornerstone of many of the initiatives in the strategic plan, and we strongly believe that parent/guardian involvement is a key indicator for student success.

FIRST EVENT - Join us for a virtual presentation by Dr. Doug Bolton on the Three Myths that Undermine our Parenting. Dr. Bolton's experience comes from his work as a Principal at North Shore Academy, a special education consortium school for northern cook county districts, Lurie's Children's Hospital, and as a clinician for students and families. Dr. Bolton is a very dynamic and engaging speaker, and he presented to our district families in the spring. He has continued to work with key staff and administrators at the Middle School for a strong start to this school year, and he genuinely understands many of the special qualities that make our district unique. Dr. Bolton's Biography.

Date: Monday, Nov. 6

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Virtual, Free Parent Webinar

Register ENGLISH / SPANISH

As Woodland begins preparations for our annual Veterans Day events, Woodland Elementary is seeking active military members or veterans to be part of a memorable presentation for 1st - 3rd grade students.

Are you or a family member an active military member or veteran? If so, Woodland Elementary would love to have you come in and share your experiences and knowledge with our 1st-3rd grade students. If you are interested, please register here.

Marcel, a former Woodland student, and current Sophomore at Warren, is working on his Eagle Scout Project and has reached out to Woodland for support. He will be hosting a blood drive on Oct. 22, and collecting letters for Lake County Honor Flight Veterans.

Two Ways to Help:

• Donate Blood - Marcel has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grade Ave, Gurnee. The blood drive will be Sunday, Oct. 22 from 1 - 5 p.m. Make an Appointment HERE.
• Write a Letter - Lake County Honor Flight celebrates America's Veterans with a trip to Washington D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Please help surprise our veterans with special greeting upon their return home. Our veterans truly appreciate reading your kind words and messages of gratitude for their service.
  
• Write a Letter at the Blood Drive Event on Oct. 22
• Mail your letter to Lake County Honor Flight - P.O. Box 8482 Gurnee, IL 60031
• Email your letter to Marcel at Marcelhill07@gmail.com (Subject: Eagle Project Mail Call)

By donating blood or writing a letter, you will be entered for a chance to win a 58' 4K UHD LED TV, or $25 gift card.

Reminder: Woodland offers free tutoring and instructional support for ALL Woodland D50 students in English and/or Spanish from a certified D50 teacher. Saturdays from 8 - 11 a.m.

Enjoy fun activities including traditional music and other cultural presentations, with performances and artwork from Woodland D50 students. Participants will have the chance to take home a variety of fun goodies, while supplies last. Registration not required.

Date: Saturday, Oct. 21

Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Warren Newport Public Library, 224 North O'Plaine Road, Gurnee

Woodland celebrated Attendance Awareness Month in September, but attending school every day is important all year long. To keep the celebration going, we are holding a POSTER CONTEST! The contest is open to all Woodland D50 students in grades K-8, and the theme is “Attend Today - Achieve Tomorrow”.

All entries must be:

• On the entry form (8.5”x11” paper). Or, you can use your own white, 8.5” x 11” piece of paper and attach it to the entry form.
• Be sure to complete the information at the top of the entry form.
• Entries can not be submitted by email. Hard copies must be turned in to the school office.
• Posters must include the “ATTEND TODAY - ACHIEVE TOMORROW” logo.
• Posters should illustrate at least one reason attendance is important.
• Artwork can be original hand drawn and colored, or original computer-generated artwork.
• Posters will be judged on creativity, originality, visual clarity, and appeal.
• Each student may only submit one entry.
• All entries must be turned in to the school office by Oct. 31, 2023

Winners will be announced on Nov. 3, 2023. There will be prizes and recognition for each grade level, as well as winners from each school, and a district-wide winner. Winning posters will be displayed in the schools, and all winners will be invited to attend the November Board of Education Meeting to receive a certificate of achievement and say the pledge of allegiance.

Questions? Contact Risa Cohen, Director of Educational Supports and Innovation at RCohen@DIST50.NET

Please visit Woodland's Virtual Backpack to learn about other events and resources in the community. New events are added all the time, so check back often.

New this week in Virtual Backpack:

• Wildcat Music Boosters Fall Fundraiser
• Champions Floor Hockey
• WSRA Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 22
• Lake County Special Needs Trick-or-Treat, Oct. 24

Download the Woodland D50 app from the iOS App Store or Android Play Store