We are looking for a dedicated, hard working individual to join the Woodland Team. Check out this opportunity for a Data Analytics Manager position! #LifeintheW
Learn more about working at Woodland! https://www.dist50.net/page/careers
1 day ago, Woodland D50
Now hiring data analytics manager
Woodland Middle School has 27 athletes competing in the State Track & Field Meet this Friday and Saturday in Peoria. Help us cheer on our track stars. Best of luck in the meet Wildcats – we are so proud of you!
We grabbed a few photos from the Athletic Live results, and parents are sending in photos to our coaches - but feel free to add your Wildcat in action to the comments!
Boys Qualifiers
1. Abner A.
2. Austyn S.
3. Aiden N.
4. Daniel P.
5. Noah C.
6. Carter C.
7. Zander L.
8. Isaac M.
9. Zion R.
Girls Qualifiers
1. McKenzie C.
2. Savannah R.
3. Zalay J.
4. Leilani C.
5. Reaiah A.
6. Raina A.
7. Mariah L.
8. Ariana S.
9. Arianna M.
10. Harper L.
11. Graysen O.
12. Mila D.
13. Azalea C.
14. Alaina L.
15. DaNae T.
16. Lydia G.
17. Skylar L.
18. Addison M.
2 days ago, Woodland D50
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
State Track Meet Qualifiers - photo from Athletic Live
Congratulations to the 85 WMS 7th Grade students who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) in a beautiful ceremony last night. These students were selected based on their Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship - the Five Pillars of NJHS. We can’t wait to see how you step into leadership roles during your 8th grade year. We know you will do great things and take NJHS service to the next level!
We also want to thank the current 8th Grade NJHS members who will be moving on to high school next year. You truly made a difference through your NJHS membership by being good role models, participating in service projects, elevating student voice, and creating spaces of belonging. #LifeintheW
3 days ago, Woodland D50
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
NJHS Induction Ceremony, May 19, 2026
Students in Mr. Golwitzer’s class brought history to life with their “Living Museum” presentation! (Props and costumes were encouraged!) They researched famous historical figures and shared with their classmates why their person should be added to the Gallery of Greatness!

From former presidents and legendary musicians to ancient Greek philosophers, these Wildcats did a great job presenting their research in creative and engaging ways!
3 days ago, Woodland D50
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
Students giving presentations to their classmates on famous figures in history
We loved cheering on our Wildcats at WMS’s 8th Grade Awards Ceremonies!

These ceremonies celebrated students and all of their achievements! Congratulations everyone for all of your outstanding work. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished here at Woodland, and are very excited to see what you do next!

(Not every award winner is pictured)
4 days ago, Woodland D50
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
8th Grade Awards Ceremonies 2026
We love our Community Partners! Woodland partnered with Honey Orthodontics in Gurnee to provide vocational learning opportunities for these Middle School students. Through this partnership, students assemble bags provided to patients at the end of their appointments while building workplace readiness and independence skills. Students have already completed more than 160 bags and are expected to finish the project by the end of the school year. #LifeintheW Honey Orthodontics: Braces and Invisalign by Oana Honey Gurnee IL
5 days ago, Woodland D50
WMS partnered with Honey Orthodontics to create bags for patients and build job and independence skills for the students
WMS partnered with Honey Orthodontics to create bags for patients and build job and independence skills for the students
WMS partnered with Honey Orthodontics to create bags for patients and build job and independence skills for the students
WMS partnered with Honey Orthodontics to create bags for patients and build job and independence skills for the students
WMS partnered with Honey Orthodontics to create bags for patients and build job and independence skills for the students
WMS partnered with Honey Orthodontics to create bags for patients and build job and independence skills for the students
May 18th is National Speech Pathologist Day, the perfect time to celebrate all the wonderful ways Woodland's Speech and Language Pathologists help Wildcats with their speech and language needs. Today we celebrate these experts in communication development. Thank you for empowering our students to express themselves with clarity and confidence. #LifeintheW
6 days ago, Woodland D50
National Speech & Language Pathologist Day, May 18
Today was a great day for an outing to Warren Township park! Students from Ms. Banks and Ms. Gregg's P.E. classes walked over for a picnic lunch and a game of kickball to celebrate a great year of friendship in the W.
8 days ago, Woodland D50
Warren Township Park Field Trip and Picnic
Warren Township Park Field Trip and Picnic
Warren Township Park Field Trip and Picnic
Warren Township Park Field Trip and Picnic
Warren Township Park Field Trip and Picnic
Warren Township Park Field Trip and Picnic
Warren Township Park Field Trip and Picnic
Kickball in the park
Kickball in the park
Kickball in the park
FREE WEBINAR - Is your student moving on up to the next school during the 2026-2027 School Year? Hear from leaders at each school about what to expect and how to prepare your Wildcat for this next step in their academic journey!
Join us on May 13 at 6 p.m. from the comfort of your home!
💚 Supporting Your Primary Student - Sandy Sanchez Panchi
⭐️ Supporting Your Elementary Student - Assistant Principal Elizabeth Gaiser
💚 Supporting your Intermediate Student - Jane Weiland
⭐️ Supporting Your Middle School Student - Middle School NJHS Students & Principal Tiffany Drake
REGISTER:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDVZji4KcXxi3mTlGoXd8uiidEnkTGAyvb3F8-bo21Akz2gg/viewform
LEARN MORE: https://www.dist50.net/page/parent-university
12 days ago, Woodland D50
Parent University May 13 - Free Webinar on Supporting Your Student Through Academic Transitions
Congratulations to Danielle Rosario on being named Woodland’s Bus Driver of the Year by the Transportation Department!
Danielle has been a valued member of the Woodland Team since 2021 and brings many years of experience as a school bus driver. She is known for her outstanding attendance, positive attitude, willingness to support others, and dedication to student safety. Danielle has a special place in her heart for our Special Education students and consistently goes above and beyond each day to support and care for them with patience and kindness.
Danielle demonstrates professionalism in all that she does and works to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff. She leads by example each day and helps create a safe, welcoming, and positive experience for Woodland students.
The Bus Driver of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the performance of his or her duties as a Woodland School Bus Driver, professionally executing safe school bus operation, while providing the students with the safest form of transportation to and from school.
Thank you for always going the extra mile!
15 days ago, Woodland D50
Dawna Choe and Danielle Rosario - Bus Driver of the Year
Last night, our 5th–8th Grade Bands came together for their final band performance of the year at the Spring Concert! For the first time ever, all 300 band students performed together, making the evening truly special. Congratulations to all our student musicians on their exceptional performances, and thank you to our band directors for all their hard work. It was a fantastic concert and a wonderful celebration of our talented Wildcats!
15 days ago, Woodland D50
Images of the 5-8th Grade Spring Band Concert
Images of the 5-8th Grade Spring Band Concert
We are very proud to recognize Woodland’s Educator of the Year nominees. These outstanding educators make a meaningful difference in the lives of Woodland students and are a true representation of excellence in education.

Our nominees were honored last night at the 5th Annual Educator of the Year Celebration, presented by the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation. This celebration was a wonderful way to acknowledge and honor the educators in our community who make a lasting impact on students, their families, and their school communities.

Congratulations to all who were celebrated, and a special shoutout to our Woodland nominees:

Leah Kropp
Lydia Campbell
Robert Stone
Suzanne Dylla
Alyssa Desamero
Brian Golwitzer

Thank you for your dedication and passion you bring to your classrooms and school each and every day.
16 days ago, Woodland D50
List of nominees
Congratulations once again to our outstanding Woodland Teacher and Staff Member of the Year winners–Jess Pierson, Woodland’s Teacher of the Year & Brandi Smith, Woodland’s Staff Member of the Year.
Last night, they were recognized at the Village of Gurnee Board Meeting, alongside the winners from Warren Township High School and District 56.
Thank you to the Village of Gurnee for celebrating the incredible educators in our community, and recognizing the impact they make for students and their families every day.
19 days ago, Woodland D50
Teacher and Staff Member of the Year at the Gurnee Board Meeting
Teacher and Staff Member of the Year at the Gurnee Board Meeting
Pierson and Smith with Woodland Admin
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this past Saturday!
We were very excited to host our district’s first-ever AAPI celebration, and we couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. It was a great afternoon filled with music, delicious food, amazing performances, and creative student artwork and poetry.
Thank you so much to our Woodland families who volunteered their time, shared their cultures, and helped create a wonderful event. We are also grateful to our community partners for their support of our learning community.
We hope you enjoyed the celebration as much as we did!
19 days ago, Woodland D50
Woodland Family at the AAPI Celebration
Dr. Machak, Dr. Shrode, and Ms. Daniels at the AAPI Celebration
Student volunteers
Student Performance
Student with their artwork on display
AAPI table
AAPI table
Students dancing to a performance

In addition to the excitement of the WMS Assembly, 69 students were recognized for their OUTSTANDING attendance this school year! Each of them missed ZERO days during the year!
These Wildcats were celebrated by their peers, teachers, and other Woodland team members for all their hard work and commitment to learning. As a special reward, each student was awarded 3 free pizzas thanks to Jimano's Pizzeria!
We are so excited to celebrate the incredible accomplishment of these students! Keep showing up, Wildcats. And thank you to Jimano's Pizzeria for supporting our students and their accomplishments!

22 days ago, Woodland D50
Image of the Students and Attendance Ribbons with Jimanos Cards
Woodland Middle School’s all-school assembly was a slam dunk! 🐯💚🏀
The Dunk Team brought nonstop energy to WMS this morning. They wowed our Wildcats with gravity-defying dunks and high-flying tricks. Students and staff were even brought in to join the fun and the entire Middle School cheered them on!
What a great way to end the week!
#LifeintheW
22 days ago, Woodland D50
Mr. Murphy and Wiley at the WMS Assembly
Mrs. Drake and Mrs. H. at the WMS Assembly
The Dunk Team and students
The Dunk Team Leader and Wiley
The Dunk Team and students
The Dunk Team and students
The Dunk Team and Mrs. Drake
We are excited to announce Woodland's winning Teacher and Staff Member of the Year in the annual Village of Gurnee contest.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
💚 Woodland's TEACHER of the Year - Jessica Pierson, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist/Hearing Itinerant Teacher
💚Woodland's STAFF MEMBER of the Year - Brandi Smith, Woodland Middle School Hall Monitor
Announcement - https://app.smore.com/n/sg9xru
We are sharing this news today in case you want to show your support at one of the recognition events scheduled in May.
Upcoming Celebrations:
⭐️ 5/4/26 - The Village of Gurnee will recognize the Woodland winners, as well as the Gurnee 56 and Warren 121 winners on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the Village Board Meeting.
⭐️ 5/28/26 - The Woodland D50 Board of Education will continue celebrating the winners and finalists at the May 28, 2026 Governing Meeting.
23 days ago, Woodland D50
Teacher of the Year Winner - Ms. Pierson
Teacher of the Year Winner - Ms. Pierson
Teacher of the Year Winner - Ms. Pierson
Staff of the Year Winner - Ms. Smith at WMS
Staff of the Year Winner - Ms. Smith at WMS
Staff of the Year Winner - Ms. Smith at WMS
⭐️ Next in the Parent University Series! ⭐️
May 13 - Supporting Your Student Through Academic Transitions - Is your student moving on up to the next school during the 2026-2027 School Year? Hear from leaders at each school about what to expect and how to prepare your Wildcat for this next step in their academic journey!
May 19 - Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Engaged During Summer Break - Parent University is excited to collaborate with our partners at Warren Township Youth & Family Services to bring you fresh new ideas for keeping your Wildcats engaged during summer break. Creative ideas for getting kids off their screens and connected to family, peers, and nature.
Free Webinars for Families!
Learn More & Register Here: https://www.dist50.net/page/parent-university
23 days ago, Woodland D50
Supporting your student through Academic Transitions graphic with four speakers pictured
Creative Ways to Keep Kids Engaged Flyer
Congratulations to Donte for winning an ice cream party to celebrate with three of his friends! Quest Food Management Services held a contest at the Middle School and the prize was a special ice cream party for four in the middle of a busy lunchroom. VIP treatment for these Wildcats! #LifeintheW
24 days ago, Woodland D50
Student Wins an Ice Cream Party for 4 - special VIP table in the busy lunchroom
Win an Ice Cream Party for 4! Flyer from Quest Food Services
The WMS Scholastic Bowl Team won 1st place in conference! Please help us wish the team good luck at Regionals tonight in Vernon Hills - Let's Go Wildcats ⭐️
24 days ago, Woodland D50
Conference Champions - WMS Scholastic Bowl team photo
Conference Champions - WMS Scholastic Bowl coaches