Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up and we asked our Woodland teachers to share their best advice, tips, and helpful ways families can prepare. We want to make these conferences as meaningful, encouraging, and helpful as possible for both families and students.

"These Spring conferences are student-driven guided by the teacher, of course. This should be an opportunity to celebrate your student and their hard work, success and achievement. Take advantage of it! And be sure to celebrate your student's efforts every day they bring finished work home. As you know, they thrive on positive feedback and celebrating their work does wonders for their confidence; alternatively, not celebrating it can send a message that their work and their efforts are not important. Please celebrate your student and their efforts each and every day!"
- Kathy Schumann, 1st Grade Dual Teacher

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"Here are activities to do at home that support home-school connections:

Clean up when you are done playing;
Stay at an activity for a period of time before going to the next activity;
Have your child take off their own coat and bag;
Hand washing;
Following directions and multiple step directions;
Asking for help using words and or sign language.

I know it can be hard to wait, but letting your child try is the best way to prepare them for school and beyond."
- Elizabeth Gaulin, Instructional K Teacher
about 1 month ago, Woodland D50
Graphic with advice about Parent Teacher Conferences
Graphic with advice about Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up and we asked our Woodland teachers to share their best advice, tips, and helpful ways families can prepare. We want to make these conferences as meaningful, encouraging, and helpful as possible for both families and students. Stay tuned over the next few days for more insights from our teachers!
"As students are leading their conferences, be quick with praise and encouragement, it can be intimidating to talk in front of so many adults.
Accountability is a skill that our students are actively working on. Therefore approaching tough conversations with curiosity and patience can help prevent your student from shutting down, and help them be able to self-reflect and engage in meaningful conversations."
- Andrea Schaper, Social Worker
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"I wish families would come to Parent Teacher Conferences ready to ask questions and share what they’re noticing at home so we can truly work as a team. When parents see the meeting as a partnership focused on growth—not just grades—it makes a powerful difference in supporting their child’s success."
- Elementary Teacher
about 1 month ago, Woodland D50
Graphic with advice about Parent Teacher Conferences
Graphic with advice about Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up and we asked our Woodland teachers to share their best advice, tips, and helpful ways families can prepare. We want to make these conferences as meaningful, encouraging, and helpful as possible for both families and students. Stay tuned over the next few days for more insights from our teachers!

"Open communication between parents and teachers helps us understand and support your child better!"
- Mercy Kuruvilla, WMS Special Education Teacher
about 1 month ago, Woodland D50
Graphic with advice for Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up and we asked our Woodland teachers to share their best advice, tips, and helpful ways families can prepare. We want to make these conferences as meaningful, encouraging, and helpful as possible for both families and students. Stay tuned over the next few days for more insights from our teachers!

"Since our spring conferences are student led, I'd like to encourage parents to ask open ended questions to their students during their conference. This allows students to open up more about things we've been learning in the classroom or share their desire to grow in a certain academic area. Support your child and their academic growth, celebrate their big and small wins!!"
- Lisette Sanchez, 2nd Grade Teacher
#LifeintheW
about 1 month ago, Woodland D50
Since our spring conferences are student led, I'd like to encourage parents to ask open ended questions to their students during their conference. This allows students to open up more about things we've been learning in the classroom or share their desire to grow in a certain academic area. Support your child and their academic growth, celebrate their big and small wins!
Check out these recently posted positions to join the #LifeintheW team:
Intermediate Assistant Principal / Special Education Supervisor
Intermediate Assistant Principal
Facilities Manager (2 Positions)
Learn more about Careers at Woodland and link to Employment Opportunities HERE - https://www.dist50.net/page/careers
about 1 month ago, Woodland D50
Check out these recently posted positions to join the #LifeintheW team: Intermediate Assistant Principal / Special Education Supervisor
Check out these recently posted positions to join the #LifeintheW team:  Intermediate Assistant Principal
Check out these recently posted positions to join the #LifeintheW team: Facilities Manager (2 Positions)
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up and we asked our Woodland teachers to share their best advice, tips, and helpful ways families can prepare. Their goals are to make these conferences as meaningful, encouraging, and helpful as possible for both families and students. Stay tuned over the next few days for more insights from our teachers!

"As educators, we are truly wanting to work with you. If there is a parent concern, please reach out to us sooner rather than at a conference. We want to make the most of the designated time, especially when students are present for the conference."

- Elementary Teacher
about 1 month ago, Woodland D50
Image of Quote from teacher with advice on Parent Teacher conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up and we asked our Woodland teachers to share their best advice, tips, and helpful ways families can prepare. Their goals are to make these conferences as meaningful, encouraging, and helpful as possible for both families and students. Stay tuned over the next few days for more insights from our teachers!
about 1 month ago, Woodland D50
Parent Teacher Conference Advice: Sherri Peck, 1st Grade Dual Language Teacher. "Sherri Peck Spring Conferences are a special time for your child to shine and showcase how much they have learned. Let them guide the conference using the portfolio they have created and celebrate their progress."
School Social Workers Week is March 1-7, 2026!

We want to say the biggest thank you to all of our amazing Woodland Social Workers. The work they do each and every day is so important and has a meaningful impact on our students, their families, and our staff. Their care, dedication, and support make a difference, and we are truly grateful to have them as a part of the Woodland learning community.

#LifeintheW
about 2 months ago, Woodland D50
Graphics for School Social Workers Week
✨Sneak Peek!✨
Our Intermediate Wildcats gave their classmates a preview of their upcoming musical, Alice in Wonderland, Jr.!
With their colorful costumes, creative sets, and songs straight out of wonderland, this is definitely a show you won't want to miss.
Performance Dates: February 26 & 27, 2026
Times: 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $5.00
Just follow the White Rabbit for an amazing journey to Alice in Wonderland, Jr. – We hope to see you there! 🐰✨
about 2 months ago, Woodland D50
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
Alice in Wonderland Jr INT School Preview
We are looking for an amazing administrator to join the Woodland Middle School Team. Check out this opportunity for a Middle School Assistant Principal position! hashtag#LifeintheW
about 2 months ago, Woodland D50
Now Hiring Graphic for this open position
Students throughout the district have been making Valentines for seniors in the community. Today is the day! We are on our way to join the Village of Gurnee and the Gurnee Police Department to spread the love and deliver the Valentines. 💌
2 months ago, Woodland D50
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Valentines for Seniors Feb. 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the February Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting with special guest Dr. Mario Guzman Sescosse. Dr. Guzman Sescosse's presentation was "Parenting: A Relationship of Love and Discipline" and attendees found it to be very informative and interactive. We also raffled off copies of his book and he was gracious enough to sign copies for the winners.
While the adults were learning, the children in attendance created crafts with a few of Woodland's Dual Language teachers and volunteers from the “Avanza” student group at Warren Township High School. Our friend Tobias Comfort Dog was there too!
Thank you to Community Trust Credit Union and Starbucks Gurnee for donating additional prizes for the event! We appreciate your support. #LifeintheW
2 months ago, Woodland D50
February BPAC Meeting - Volunteers from Avanza (student group at Warren Township High School)
February BPAC Meeting - Volunteers from Avanza (student group at Warren Township High School)
February BPAC Meeting - "Parenting : A Relationship of Love and Discipline"
February BPAC Meeting - "Parenting : A Relationship of Love and Discipline"
February BPAC Meeting - "Parenting : A Relationship of Love and Discipline"
February BPAC Meeting - "Parenting : A Relationship of Love and Discipline"
February BPAC Meeting - while the adults were learning, the children completed crafts with volunteers
February BPAC Meeting - while the adults were learning, the children completed crafts with volunteers
February BPAC Meeting - while the adults were learning, the children completed crafts with volunteers
February BPAC Meeting - while the adults were learning, the children completed crafts with volunteers
Woodland’s SRO Det. Hansen took over health class for the week! She spoke to students about showing kindness to those around us, and how being kind to others is good for our mental health.

After her lesson, the students made Valentine’s for seniors in the community and Det. Hansen will deliver them this coming Friday!
2 months ago, Woodland D50
Det. Hansen working with students during health class to create Valentines for members of our community
Det. Hansen teaching health class
Teacher working with students during health class to create Valentines for members of our community
students during health class creating Valentines for members of our community
students during health class creating Valentines for members of our community
Det. Hansen teaching health class
Wow!!! Thank you for coming to Woodland's Black History Month Celebration this past Saturday! It was a great event full of music and togetherness, amazing performances, wonderful support from our community partners and volunteers, and beautiful artwork by our talented students. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. #LifeintheW
2 months ago, Woodland D50
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
Black History Month Celebration at WMS on Feb. 7, 2026
In honor of the Superbowl and the Olympics, Ms. Rakosnik's class competed in a series of activities and challenges. The students were encouraged to work as a team to help each other cross the finish line. Great job Wildcats! #LifeintheW
3 months ago, Woodland D50
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Teamwork in Ms. Rakosnik's class at Woodland Intermediate
Mr. Sheldon brought BIG ENERGY to Ms. Wieland's class for a discussion about solar power. Did you know that Woodland Intermediate has solar panels on the roof? #LifeintheW 🌞
3 months ago, Woodland D50
Ms. Weiland's class discusses solar power with Mr. Sheldon at Woodland Intermediate
Ms. Weiland's class discusses solar power with Mr. Sheldon at Woodland Intermediate
Ms. Weiland's class discusses solar power with Mr. Sheldon at Woodland Intermediate
Ms. Weiland's class discusses solar power with Mr. Sheldon at Woodland Intermediate
Ms. Weiland's class discusses solar power with Mr. Sheldon at Woodland Intermediate
We look forward to seeing you this Thursday, Feb. 5, at Woodland Intermediate for a presentation by Dr. Sescosse (6:30 p.m.). We will be raffling off signed copies of his books, gift cards, and bilingual books and games. There will also be crafts for the children, refreshments, and many more surprises!
Topic - Parenting: A Relationship of Love & Discipline
Learn More & Register HERE: https://app.smore.com/n/3v2d4
Thank you from the Bilingual Parenting Advisory Committee!
3 months ago, Woodland D50
BPAC Meeting Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. English Flyer
BPAC Meeting Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Spanish Flyer
An interactive Math lesson with Ms. Del Campo! These 5th grade students were learning about cubic units, building models, and working in pairs. Way to go Wildcats 🤩 #LifeintheW
3 months ago, Woodland D50
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Math Lesson in Ms. Del Campo's Class at Intermediate
Many thanks to State Representative Joyce Mason who met with us this week to review several pieces of legislation she is drafting to address our state authorized charter school funding issue. We are grateful for Representative Mason’s support and her unwavering commitment to the children of Woodland CCSD 50! #LifeintheW
To see more news and announcements, check out the Woodland ROAR Report for Friday, Jan. 30 - https://app.smore.com/n/sc8y0v
3 months ago, Woodland D50
Woodland Board Member Joel Zwiefelhofer, State Rep. Joyce Mason, Superintendent Rober Machak
The Intermediate Spelling Bee Has a Champion!

Earlier this week, the final four spellers of the Intermediate Spelling Bee went head-to-head, spelling some truly challenging and tricky words.

Congratulations to the Final Four:
4th Grade: Shrita and Beckham
5th Grade: Vikram and Jaysen

The final round came down to Vikram and Beckham!
After an intense back and forth, the winning word was piccolo, and the champion was Vikram–for the second year in a row!

We are so proud of all of our Wildcats who participated in the Spelling Bee! Amazing work!

Also, a big shout out to Ms. Silasiri for organizing the Bee, to our spell master, Principal Sheldon, and to our wonderful judges, Ms. Shiffer, Ms. Newman, and Ms. Kallal
3 months ago, Woodland D50
INT Spelling Bee Winner with Principal Sheldon
Student spelling during the Int Spelling Bee
Student spelling during the Int Spelling Bee
Image from the Int Spelling Bee
Judges for the Int Spelling Bee