Superintendent's Message
5 Things You Should Know About District 50 January, 2010 Dear Woodland Parents and Families, Budget Deficit Reductions and Revenue Generator Discussions Continue: The Board of Education held a forum earlier this month to discuss the district’s financial state, the Financial Advisory Community Taskforce and review the proposed budget deficit reductions. The Board of Education will meet several times over the upcoming weeks to review the proposals before taking action on February 25.	Superintendent Joy A. Swoboda, Ed. D.

Below is a list of the upcoming meeting dates:

Please visit the Board of Education link on our website to access minutes from meetings: http://www.dist50.net/Board/documents.html
To access historical information about the FACT taskforce please go to: http://fact.dist50.net

We encourage you to stay involved by attending meetings. You may also provide the Board with input by sending emails to board@dist50.net or at (847) 856-3583.

Dollar Drive:
Beginning February 1, Woodland schools will join forces to support those impacted by the recent earthquakes in Haiti. Woodland students will participate in a "Dollar Drive" through February 12 during which time they can put their cash dollar donations in the containers located at each of the schools. All proceeds will go directly to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief and Development Fund. The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, including the Haitian Red Cross, and other partners to assist those affected by this disaster.

Woodland PTA Membership Award:
Congratulations to our very own Woodland PTA. They were recently recognized by the Illinois PTA for significant membership increases over the last several years. Each year, at the Illinois PTA Convention, recognition is given to local associations who have achieved increases in membership. Woodland PTA was one of only five associations to have an increase of more than 300 members. This is a remarkable accomplishment. Thanks to all who have worked hard to promote the PTA and thank you to those of you who have joined this amazing organization.

Tweet-Tweet:
Follow us on Twitter as we embrace the world of social media. You can find us at www.twitter.com/District50News News from the schools, board meeting updates and any other pertinent information will be shared through Twitter.

What is Twitter?  Twitter is a one-way communication tool that uses short messages to share information.  You can access Twitter from a computer or a range of mobile devices including mobile phones, pdas, and ipods. It is a great way to keep up with district information.

Business and Education Partners Program:
Our Business and Education Partners Program (BEPP) is planning its fourth annual Taste of College this spring. Designed for 8th graders, the program is intended to provide students with the opportunity to take classes and be exposed to area colleges in Lake County.

This year’s Taste of College will be held on February 18, February 25, March 4 and March 11.

What is BEPP? In the fall of 2004, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce joined with Woodland School District 50, Gurnee School District 56, and Warren Township High School District 121 along with area colleges and universities in a partnership to support and promote public education in Lake County. BEPP was formed with a charge to enhance school/community relations through the support and partnership of area business leaders. The Lake County Chamber of Commerce and surrounding school districts have partnered with Woodland and Gurnee District 56 to develop this program specifically designed for 8th grade students.