As Attendance Awareness Month comes to an end, we want to make sure attendance is a priority ALL YEAR LONG! We will continue to focus on helping our students be present, connected, and ready to learn!
Did you know that every Woodland school has a dedicated Family Coordinator? Meet Maria at WMS!
Maria Hristoforatos, Woodland Middle School Family Coordinator
Middle school is an exciting time filled with new experiences, new routines, and sometimes a lot to navigate. As your Family Coordinator, my goal is to be a familiar person families can turn to and help make the connection between school and home a little easier. Whether it’s an attendance concern, finding the right support at school, connecting with a community resource, or simply not knowing where to start, I’m here to help point you in the right direction. I’ve been part of the Woodland community for many years, and serving families in this community is especially meaningful to me. I look forward to getting to know your family throughout the school year and hope to see you at upcoming events!
Did you know that every Woodland school has a dedicated Family Coordinator? Meet Gabriela at Intermediate!
Gabriela Navarro Diaz, Woodland Intermediate Family Coordinator
At Intermediate, the students and staff know my main goal is making sure every child can walk through our doors EVERY DAY feeling like they truly belong and are genuinely happy to be here.
From helping with attendance challenges to linking your home with everyday support, I work directly with families whenever life gets in the way of a great school day.
Consider me your family's go-to partner in making school a comfortable place where showing up each day is easy!
Did you know that every Woodland school has a dedicated Family Coordinator? Meet Jordan at Elementary!
Jordan De Leon, Woodland Elementary Family Coordinator
Hi Woodland Families!
As family coordinator at Woodland Elementary, I'm here to be a friendly face and a helping hand for our families, whatever they may need along the way. Whether it's finding transportation, connecting with community resources, navigating a challenge, or simply figuring out where to start, I'm always happy to help. If something comes up, please reach out - I want every family to know they have someone who will listen, support them, and help find a way forward.
As Attendance Awareness Month comes to an end, we want to make sure attendance is a priority ALL YEAR LONG! We will continue to focus on helping our students be present, connected, and ready to learn!
Did you know that every Woodland school has a dedicated Family Coordinator? Meet Kristen & Lavonna from Primary!
Kristen Carruthers, Woodland Primary Kindergarten Family Coordinator
Starting kindergarten is a huge milestone for first-time parents and experienced parents alike! It marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside every family. I’ve called the Woodland community home for more than 20 years, and my own children attended Woodland schools. This community is very special to me, and I’m here to help your family feel at home, too. From navigating attendance challenges to connecting with local resources, please never hesitate to reach out. We are in this together!
Lavonna Garner, Woodland Primary At-Risk Parent Facilitator
As the At-Risk Parent Facilitator at Woodland Primary School for PreK, I advocate for parents/guardians to be actively involved in their student's learning. I support the PreK Screenings, plan and facilitate family engagement and parent education events, and develop and maintain a network of relevant community agencies and parent resources to strengthen families. I collaborate with staff to understand and provide the support our PreK families need to help their students thrive!
• Ms. Gabriella Barshak - 5th Grade Dual Language Teacher at Woodland Intermediate
• Ms. Prisila Velasquez - Kindergarten Dual Language Teacher at Woodland Primary
We are so excited to have you both on the Woodland team! This is #LifeintheW
This week at Woodland:
Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.
Parent University (Virtual) Understanding the i-Ready Assessment
https://www.dist50.net/article/3097103
Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.
September Woodland PTA 50 Meeting (Virtual)
Register for link - https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C0D4AA4A623ABF9CF8...
Sept. 23 at 7:30 a.m.
Coffee & Conversation with Dr. Machak
https://www.dist50.net/article/3129004
Sept. 24 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Elementary Book Fair Family Fun Night
https://www.givebacks.com/.../67de43a8-be41-4616-aa78...
Sept. 25 during the school day
2nd Districtwide Day of Service!
• Ms. Liana Jacobson - Health Teacher at WMS
• Ms. Soma Maity - 6th Grade Math Teacher at WMS
We are so excited to have you both on the Woodland team! This is #LifeintheW
Have you heard of Woodland's Saturday Study Hall and Homework Help program? On Saturday mornings, all Wildcats have access to FREE tutoring and mentorship. Students can work one-on-one with Woodland teachers, or in small groups with their peers to complete homework, study for a test, get help on a project, have someone proofread their paper, practice speaking Spanish, work through a math concept that is giving them trouble, play educational games, and whatever else your Wildcat needs!
Some students come every week because this has become such a beneficial part of their routine, and some Wildcats only come when they need a quiet place to work on extra homework or study. Some of our students sign up when their parents can't help them with a certain subject, and some have joined us on Saturday morning when they are trying to catch up after missing a few days of school. Whatever the reason, everyone is welcome!
Program Details & Registration - You MUST register in advance! https://www.dist50.net/page/saturday-study-hall
Join us on Saturday mornings for a relaxed, no stress, supportive environment! #LifeintheW
Here are a few photos from last school year so you can see what it looks like!
Parent mentors volunteer four days a week for two hours a day. While in the classroom they work one-on-one with students, lead small group activities, and support the classroom teacher. They also participate in weekly training and workshops to increase their skills and proficiency.
It's not too late! You can still sign up to be a Parent Mentor. Learn more here: https://www.dist50.net/article/3069871
Congratulations to Mallorie! She is a former Woodland Parent Mentor, and now she is the new Parent Mentor Coordinator for Gurnee School District 56! Woodland 50 and Gurnee 56 teamed up to train together throughout the week.
This is the joy of reading in the classroom!
Photo 1: This photo was taken early this morning at Woodland Middle School by Kenny Lohfink (Operations & Facilities) after lowering the flag to half-staff.
Photo 2: District employees gathered outside the Educational Support Center for a moment of silence and to share reflections and memories on the 25th anniversary of September 11.
Dr. Machak invites you to stop by the district office for a casual conversation and a cup of coffee after you drop your student off at school. There is no formal agenda. This is an open house format designed to be social. Ask questions, share feedback, or simply visit with other Wildcat families.
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Time: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Location: Woodland's Educational Support Center, 1105 Hunt Club Road, Gurnee
Not Able To Attend? Share Your Voice Here!
Community Voice Suggestion Box - https://forms.gle/5FzYbRxddHZWDPch9
RSVP to Yuliana Yucus at yyucus@dist50.net
• Mr. Brian Todorovic - Data Analytics Manager
• Ms. Abby Dixon - Social Worker at Woodland Intermediate
We are so excited to have you both on the Woodland team! This is #LifeintheW
• Mr. Michael Brierton - Physical Education Teacher at Woodland Intermediate
• Mr. Quintin Fiala - Physical Education Teacher at Woodland Elementary
We are so excited to have you both on the Woodland team! This is #LifeintheW
In Ms. Chandrasekar’s class, our Wildcats are growing their reading and literacy skills!
Looks like a few of the students in Ms. Beaudry's class will be cheering for the Bears this football season.
This week we are kicking off Attendance Awareness Month with a districtwide spirit week. Increasing overall student daily attendance is one of the three main goals of the Woodland Board of Education.
It's not too late to participate!
🦸♂️ THURSDAY: Favorite Character Day (Wear a shirt with your favorite character or colors)
💚🐯 FRIDAY: Be Present Be Proud Day (Wear green & white or Woodland spirit wear)
• Ms. Valerie James - 1st Grade Teacher at Woodland Elementary
• Ms. Danielle Dechter - 3rd Grade Teacher at Woodland Elementary
We are so excited to have you both on the Woodland team! This is #LifeintheW
