Woodland D50 News and Information
Jan. 20, 2023
Superintendent Update: Message from Dr. Machak
Dear Woodland Families,
This was a another busy week at the Educational Support Center: a goal-setting session with the Board of Education, the kickoff meeting for the development of a new Strategic Plan, and the January Governing Board meeting. On Monday night, the Board of Education met to identify goal areas to provide direction and parameters for the overall strategic planning process. Then on Wednesday night, more than 90 Woodland stakeholders participated in a session that detailed the successes, challenges, and “current reality” of each school and District department. More than 60 participants also accepted our invitation to join us in some important committee work, and signed up for specific areas of interest to continue goal development work in February. Finally, the Board of Education held its January Monthly Governing Board Meeting last night. A summary of highlights from the meeting is posted below.
I am so inspired by the commitment of our staff, students, district families, and community partners to roll up their sleeves and help shape the future of this district. Back on August 1, I challenged every District administrator to join me in acting boldly, bravely, and courageously on behalf of our students. On Wednesday, it was clear that our entire District community has accepted this challenge: the conversations in the room Wednesday evening were engaging and full of hope for the promise that lies ahead for the staff and students in Woodland’s learning community. If you want to follow our progress, we will be updating our website as we go and providing updates to the Board of Education at the February and March Governing Board meetings. I have included a few photos from Wednesday night below, but you are welcome to view more photos on the Woodland Facebook page HERE if you are interested.
Finally, just a few timely reminders:
- Last week I talked about the importance of the 5Essentials Survey. The link to the survey is now live.
- The deadline to nominate someone for Teacher of the Year is Monday, January 30.
- We are still looking for Parent Mentors to support students and teachers at Primary and Elementary. Please watch this video to learn more.
Thank you for your time and continued support; wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent
Woodland D50
Important Dates
- Jan. 27 - Report Cards Available in Skyward
- Jan. 30 - Teacher of the Year Nominations Due
- Jan. 30 - Registration Event, Free CLC Adult Education Classes for district families
- Feb. 3 - School Improvement Planning (SIP) Day, Early Dismissal
PTA Events:
- Feb. 3 - PTA and the Middle School PBIS committee are bringing back International Night at WMS, Register Here.
Woodland D50 Board of Education Highlights
The Woodland School Board of Education Governing meeting was held on Jan. 26, 2023. Please see below for a summary of highlights from the meeting, or we welcome you to watch the meeting HERE (once it is posted to the website).
Thank you for your continued support of Woodland District 50!
Pledge of Allegiance
The Board of Education welcomed outstanding teachers who have recently earned top certifications in their field to lead meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board recognized four National Board Certified Teachers who have recently completed all the necessary credentials to earn this prestigious certification, and one educator who recently earned her Special Education License. Congratulations to the following Woodland staff members:
National Board Certified Teachers:
- Bethany Tomlinson, Elementary
- Joanna Wolk, Middle School
- Christine Asbrock, Middle School
- Ashley Campbell, Elementary (not pictured)
Special Education License:
- Dana Scott, Elementary
Superintendent Report
Under the Superintendent Report, Dr. Machak provided a detailed overview of the progress made by the district as a result of the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan. He also updated the Board of Education on the process the team will be following to create a new plan to guide the district from 2023-2028. As part of this review, he also shared highlights from the Strategic Plan Kickoff meeting that took place on Jan. 25, 2023.
Approval of Employment, Resignations and Retirements
The Board of Education approved employment for a new Assistant Director of Human Resources (July 2023), and an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher. They also approved two new Playground Supervisors, a Student Support Technician, a School Secretary, a Registered Nurse, and an Administrative Assistant for the Educational Services Department. Additionally, we will welcome three new Guest Teachers, a Substitute Paraprofessional, and a Substitute Playground Supervisor to the district.
Also under consent agenda, the Board approved the resignation of seven staff members, and one retirement.
Approval of Donations
The Board of Education appreciates the donations from generous supporters to help enhance programming in the district.
- Primary - American Outfitters donated $377.50 to be used for student supplies.
- Elementary - The Blackbaud Giving Fund donated $10 to be used for student supplies
- Intermediate - Coca-Cola Give donated $29.33 to be used for student supplies.
- Middle - ElderCARE of Lake County donated $50 to be used for the Middle School Student Leadership Club.
The total donation for January 2023 is $466.83. That brings the total donation amount for the 2022-2023 school year to $14,205.07 to date. To see previous donations for this school year, view the list HERE.
Other Items Under Consent Agenda
Under Consent Agenda is where you will find approval of Board Meeting minutes, Policy Revisions, and approval of the monthly Financial Reports, Treasurer Reports, and Board Payables for the month. These reports are posted to the website after the meeting.
- Approval of the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar - The Board approved the calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. The calendar is created each year through a multi-step process that takes into account the school calendars for our neighboring feeder elementary and high school districts, as well as feedback from the Union. The draft calendar was presented to the Board of Education at the December 2022 meeting. One change to this calendar is the introduction of a five-day mini-break in February extending the President's Day holiday to provide families with a break in the long stretch between Winter Break and Spring Break. The calendar will be posted to the District website.
- Approval of Non-Resident Tuition Charges - The State requires that the Board of Education approve a tuition amount to charge non-resident pupils. Under the school code, there may be instances where a non-resident pupil is admitted and the tuition is limited to 110% of the audited per capita cost. The Board approved the non-resident tuition charge at $18,202 for the 2023-2024 school year.
- Approval of 2023-2024 District Fees - Annually, the Board of Education must approve registration fees for the upcoming school year. Registration fees cover registration costs and items specific to grade levels such as workbooks, textbooks, school activities, student planners and yearbooks, and other education supply costs. The Board approved the 2023-2024 fee package with a $10 increase to student fees. General student fees have been held flat for the past four years.
Action Items
The business that takes place under "Action Items" is first reviewed by the Board of Education at the previous monthly governing meeting under "Reports/Discussion Items". An item will first be presented as a Report or Discussion item for the Board of Education members to be introduced to the topic and allow time for questions, review, and revisions before that item is moved to the Action Items portion of the agenda for a vote the following month.
- Approval of Administrative Contract Renewals - The Board of Education approved the extension of current contracts of 20 administrators that are set to expire in June 2023, or June 2024. This request is not tied to any dollar amounts at this time, only the length of the contract.
Reports and Discussion Items
Reports and Discussion Items are placed on the agenda as an introduction to a topic. If the topic will require a vote, it will be brought back under "Action Items" at the next regularly scheduled meeting. This allows Board Members to familiarize themselves with the topic and ask questions, or request additional information and modifications before voting on the matter. The following topics were introduced as a Report/Discussion Item at this month's meeting:
A. Written Report and Presentation on Annual Staffing Plan for 2023-2024
B. Written Report and Presentation on Future Adjustments to District Report Cards
C. Written Information on Revised Board Policies
D. Written Information on Board Policy 6:185, Remote Educational Program (New Policy)
E. Written Report on Proposed Professional Development for District Interventions
F. Receipt of an Freedom of Information Act Requests (FOIA)
Links to presentations will be added to the website HERE.
Board of Education Meeting Materials
You are always welcome to go back and review meeting materials, presentations, Board Payables, Finance Reports and the video recording from a regularly scheduled Board Meeting on the district website HERE (select the meeting date to view supporting materials). These items are typically posted within 24-48 hours after the meeting.
Get Involved: Woodland Parent Mentor Program
The Woodland Parent Mentors are having a blast at Primary and Elementary! Do you want to work with students and help support teachers in the classroom? There are still a few openings and we think you would be the perfect fit. Learn more in this video from Tanya Abbey, our Parent Mentor Program Coordinator - TAbbey@dist50.net
Virtual Backpack
Please visit Virtual Backpack for information about other events and resources in the community. New information included for Gurnee Park District Summer Camp, a Cancer Information Session at the Library, Champions Floor Hockey, and registration information for Girls Softball through Warren Township!
Reminders!
This is content you have seen before, but we don't want you to miss out.
Register for Wildcat Summer Adventures
Wildcat Summer Adventures (WSA) is Woodland's summer school program. Registration will be open January 16 - April 15, 2023. To register for the program, you will visit Skyward Family Access and fill out the registration form. Once you are logged in, find "Online Forms" in the left column. You will be notified of payment due by email at a later date. Enrollment and Transportation fees are outlined in the program flyer.
Nominate your favorite educator for Teacher of the Year
It’s Time to Celebrate Amazing Woodland Teachers through the Village of Gurnee Teacher of the Year program. All certified staff are eligible for this award. This includes classroom teachers, special education teachers, special area teachers (ex: music, art, P.E.), social workers, health teachers, band directors, reading or math specialists and more! Deadline: Jan. 30, 2023
Free Adult Education Classes Through CLC
Woodland D50 has partnered with the College of Lake County to provide free Adult Education classes for district families. Registration will take place in-person on Jan. 30, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Woodland Intermediate.