Woodland School District 50

We ❤️ our community! Woodland has partnered with Warren Township to bring volunteers into our schools to read with our elementary students. Thank you, Community Readers, for spending time with our Wildcats, talking with them, and brightening their day with a friendly smile!

Thank you to all of our Woodland friends for joining us at Elementary's Shop with an Educator event on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025! We filled up one of our buses with your generous donations to the food drive.

This is a big week for the FOOD DRIVE! Please join us at one of these events to help boost donations. Or you can bring your donations to any of the schools throughout the week. Deadline - Dec. 10, 2025.
Dec. 1 - Elementary Shop with an Educator, 4 - 7 p.m. at Target
Dec. 3 - Stuff the Bus, 4:30 - 7 p.m. (Jewel, Marianos, Aldi, Butera)
Dec. 4 - Primary Shop with an Educator, 4 - 7 p.m. at Walmart
BONUS! If you join the Woodland PTA 50 Raise Right effort, you can support two things at once.
Learn more: https://www.dist50.net/page/annual-holiday-food-drive

Did you see the news about Mr. Reardon moving to a new position in the District Office? The Board of Education appointed Mr. Reardon to Assistant Director of Human Resources starting July 1, 2026. That means we are currently searching for a new Elementary Principal in the 2026-2027 school year. Woodland is seeking a dedicated, passionate, and student-centered educator to join the #LifeintheW team! Please help us spread the word.

Explore this position and more on our Careers Page:
https://www.applitrack.com/dist50/OnlineApp/default.aspx

Will you be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this week? Shout out to Ms. Sellers and her students for making "balloons" and hanging them in the hallway leading up to the break!
The students recently read Balloons Over Broadway and then worked in small groups to make their own Balloons Over the Hallway! 🤩 (The class is currently studying the Northeast region of the United States so this activity was a fun way to tie in the upcoming holiday as well.)
Great job Wildcats! #LifeintheW

REMINDER: Schedule for the Week!
🍂November 24 and 25 will be half-days of student attendance for Parent-Teacher Conferences.
🍁The district will be closed Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (November 26-28) for Thanksgiving Break.
Conferences Half Day Schedule - Student Dismissal Times:
🍂 Primary - 10:40 a.m.
🍁 Elementary - 10:50 a.m.
🍂 Middle School - 11:35 a.m.
🍁 Intermediate - 12:20 p.m.

Jayla and Isabella asked Det. Gullifor to match their jeans and cowboy boot look on Friday. They reminded him throughout the week so he wouldn't forget. Not only did he show up wearing his cowboy boots today, but he brought a friend! Det. Parsell joined in on the challenge too. Fun Fact - Det. Parsell is a former Woodland student! We are so lucky to have such a great partnership with the Gurnee Police Department. #LifeintheW

Please welcome Det. Brittany Tazzioli to the School Resource Officer (SRO) Team! Brittany will be working with Det. Hansen to support our learning community.

Det. Tazzioli has been an officer with the Gurnee Police Department for more than eight years, and has served in law enforcement for 10 years. She is excited to work with our Wildcats and help support our district with compassion, care, and connection!

If you see Brittany around, make sure to welcome her to #LifeintheW!

Day Two of Junior Achievement Town at WMS! Students were given the opportunity to learn budgeting and the value of investing in their futures in this hands-on learning experience. Thank you to all of our volunteers for taking time out of your day to help our students learn and grow!
8th Grade JA Town - COMING SOON!
Keep an eye out for Volunteer Sign-Up details.

The Voice and Vibe Club made friendship bracelets at a recent meeting. This is a new club at WMS. The students select the types of activities they want to do, and Ms. Monterroso helps make it happen! #LifeintheW

Woodland Wildcats had a very special visitor today — Matt Eicheldinger! The author of Sticky Notes, storyteller, influencer, and former middle school teacher joined our 8th Grade Advanced Language Arts students via Zoom for an inspiring conversation. Our students were able to ask questions about writing, storytelling, and his journey as an author.
Thank you, Matt Eicheldinger - Author, for taking the time to connect with our students and share your story!
And a big shout-out to Mr. Golwitzer and Ms. Motley for bringing this meaningful experience to life for our Wildcats.

The Heart of Local Education

November 15 is School Board Members Day in Illinois. We would like to take a moment to recognize and thank our Woodland Board of Education Members for their outstanding efforts and dedication to our Woodland learning community.

⭐ Thank you ⭐
President Brianna Powvens, Vice-President Amy Sabor, Secretary Joel Zwiefelhofer, Dr. Carla Little, Julia Plescia, Keri Rasmussen, and Michael Senol.

We are grateful for the time, care, and commitment you invest in our schools. Your leadership and dedication make Woodland a great place to learn, grow, and thrive!

Classroom Visit: Heeres Hawks!
These little learners at Woodland Primary work hard each morning on learning letter sounds, practicing writing letters, counting by 5's and 10's, finding patterns, and so much more. Then they got up for a movement break as they practiced counting to 100 along with a silly video to get their wiggles out. #LifeintheW

Now Hiring! We have an opportunity to join the #LifeintheW team. Check out this position, and others on our Careers page: https://www.applitrack.com/dist50/OnlineApp/default.aspx

Ms. Benjamin's 2nd grade class made a new friend on Veterans Day. Say "hi" to Buddy! 👋
Buddy is Ms. Benjamin's 94-year old grandfather, and he served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He explained that he recently had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. as part of the Lake County Honor Flight and showed the students photos of his trip. The students at Elementary are collecting coins this week to donate to the Honor Flight! (Last year we raised almost $3,000 and were able to send two veterans on their honor flight.)
Thank you for your service, Buddy. ❤️🤍💙 #LifeintheW

Woodland is celebrating Veterans Day across the district with special events and recognition for staff and family members who served our country. We stopped by Elementary, where veterans and active service members spoke to our students about their roles and experiences in the military. Our Wildcats also learned how to deliver a sharp and respectful salute!❤️🤍💙#LifeintheW

Woodland is celebrating Veterans Day across the district with special events and recognition for staff and family members who served our country. Woodland Intermediate held a special assembly with a performance by the Veterans Day Choir, essay contest winners, and speakers from the school district and community! Dr. Machak shared lessons learned from his father who served in WWII, and we heard from three Gurnee Police Officers who talked about the lifetime friendships they have built during their service. Students invited special veterans from their family to participate in the event. #LifeintheW ❤️🤍💙

Woodland is celebrating Veterans Day across the district with special events and recognition for staff and family members who served our country. WMS hosted a breakfast for students and their special veteran to come to school and spend time together. Stay tuned for more pictures throughout the day! #LifeintheW ❤️🤍💙

Today we honor and celebrate Veterans in our schools, community, and across our country.

Thank you for you service and dedication.

Woodland is celebrating Veterans Day across the district with special events and recognition for staff and family members who served our country. We started off the day with a special breakfast at Primary for students to invite their special veteran to come to school and spend time together. Stay tuned for more pictures throughout the day! #LifeintheW ❤️🤍💙