Black Dads Rock! on CLC Lancer Radio
The Music That Made Us: Black Fathers, Culture, and Community with Black Dads Rock
In a powerful and uplifting episode of CLC’s Lancer Radio, Professor Jay Wiltshire and Dr. Brent Steffens sit down with members of Black Dads Rock, a Woodland District 50 initiative dedicated to celebrating Black culture and challenging harmful stereotypes about Black fatherhood. Blending conversation with a thoughtfully curated soundtrack, the guests share songs that have shaped their lives and communities, using music as a springboard to explore identity, fatherhood, resilience, and representation.
Episode on CLC Lancer Radio - http://www.lancerradioclc.com/Show_Archives/Black%20Dads%20Rock%202026.mp3
Spotify: Black Dads Rock! Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2wq0RIv5T1cYU22ulWDUQK?si=a20c213b0c8f4c56&nd=1&dlsi=ffa2a44141a24d7e
Black History Month Celebration at Woodland, Feb. 7 - https://aptg.co/TV_3L_
The Music That Made Us: Black Fathers, Culture, and Community with Black Dads Rock
In a powerful and uplifting episode of CLC’s Lancer Radio, Professor Jay Wiltshire and Dr. Brent Steffens sit down with members of Black Dads Rock, a Woodland District 50 initiative dedicated to celebrating Black culture and challenging harmful stereotypes about Black fatherhood. Blending conversation with a thoughtfully curated soundtrack, the guests share songs that have shaped their lives and communities, using music as a springboard to explore identity, fatherhood, resilience, and representation.
Episode on CLC Lancer Radio - http://www.lancerradioclc.com/Show_Archives/Black%20Dads%20Rock%202026.mp3
Spotify: Black Dads Rock! Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2wq0RIv5T1cYU22ulWDUQK?si=a20c213b0c8f4c56&nd=1&dlsi=ffa2a44141a24d7e
Black History Month Celebration at Woodland, Feb. 7 - https://aptg.co/TV_3L_
Help us give a warm Wildcat Welcome on this very cold day!
Woodland welcomed three new #LifeintheW team members at last night’s Board of Education meeting: two new Board of Education members, Dr. Virginia Tate and Ms. Gabriela Valverde Strobehn, were sworn in at the meeting; the Board also appointed a new Elementary School Principal, Dr. Christopher Harmon, to start July 1, 2026 when Mr. Reardon moves into his new District-level Human Resources position.
See the rest of ROAR Report here: https://app.smore.com/n/4qk6y
Woodland welcomed three new #LifeintheW team members at last night’s Board of Education meeting: two new Board of Education members, Dr. Virginia Tate and Ms. Gabriela Valverde Strobehn, were sworn in at the meeting; the Board also appointed a new Elementary School Principal, Dr. Christopher Harmon, to start July 1, 2026 when Mr. Reardon moves into his new District-level Human Resources position.
See the rest of ROAR Report here: https://app.smore.com/n/4qk6y
Woodland Intermediate Spelling Bee Semifinals!
Each classroom sent their top speller to the grade level semifinals. A first and second place winner from 4th grade and a first and second place winner from 5th grade will compete in the final round next week to determine who will be the Intermediate Spelling Bee Champion for the 2025-2026 School Year. All of the spellers did a great job and it was a huge accomplishment to make it this far.
Congratulations to the following grade level winners moving on to the finals:
4th grade, 1st Place - Shrita
4th grade, 2nd Place - Beckham
5th grade, 1st Place - Vikram
5th grade, 2nd Place - Jaysen
Way to go Wildcats! #LifeintheW 🤩
Each classroom sent their top speller to the grade level semifinals. A first and second place winner from 4th grade and a first and second place winner from 5th grade will compete in the final round next week to determine who will be the Intermediate Spelling Bee Champion for the 2025-2026 School Year. All of the spellers did a great job and it was a huge accomplishment to make it this far.
Congratulations to the following grade level winners moving on to the finals:
4th grade, 1st Place - Shrita
4th grade, 2nd Place - Beckham
5th grade, 1st Place - Vikram
5th grade, 2nd Place - Jaysen
Way to go Wildcats! #LifeintheW 🤩
WINTER FEST POSTPONED!
The Parent Mentor Winter Fest event has been rescheduled due to the extreme winter weather impacting our area tomorrow. The new date is Feb. 20, 2026. We hope to see you there! 🤩❄️
Event Flyer: https://aptg.co/zy4qVQ
The Parent Mentor Winter Fest event has been rescheduled due to the extreme winter weather impacting our area tomorrow. The new date is Feb. 20, 2026. We hope to see you there! 🤩❄️
Event Flyer: https://aptg.co/zy4qVQ
Woodland D50 is closely monitoring the weather forecast for Friday, Jan. 23, which currently calls for extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills. Please read this Winter Weather Update for more information - https://app.smore.com/n/2zx36
Recently, two classes at Woodland Intermediate earned pizza parties to celebrate their classroom’s outstanding attendance!
Congratulations to Ms. Rosenblum’s class and Ms. Outinen’s class for their excellent attendance in December! We are so proud of your hard work, consistency, commitment, and dedication to learning.
Celebrations like these are a great reminder that being present every day makes a difference, and it’s worth celebrating! Other classes can earn fun rewards too, so keep showing up, Wildcats, and keep making every day count in the W!
Congratulations to Ms. Rosenblum’s class and Ms. Outinen’s class for their excellent attendance in December! We are so proud of your hard work, consistency, commitment, and dedication to learning.
Celebrations like these are a great reminder that being present every day makes a difference, and it’s worth celebrating! Other classes can earn fun rewards too, so keep showing up, Wildcats, and keep making every day count in the W!
January 9 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Gurnee Police Department for all they do to support and protect our community.
We would also like to recognize and thank our incredible Woodland School Resource Officers (SRO) for the many ways they support our schools, staff, and students each and every day. Thank you for your dedication, partnership, and commitment to keeping our learning community safe. 💙
If you see Dets. Hansen, Tazzioli, or Gullifor make sure to say thank you and give them a high-five!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Gurnee Police Department for all they do to support and protect our community.
We would also like to recognize and thank our incredible Woodland School Resource Officers (SRO) for the many ways they support our schools, staff, and students each and every day. Thank you for your dedication, partnership, and commitment to keeping our learning community safe. 💙
If you see Dets. Hansen, Tazzioli, or Gullifor make sure to say thank you and give them a high-five!
Thank you to our awesome Technology Team and the Tech Integration Specialists for creating this exciting EDTECH Camp for Woodland staff to kick off the January 2026 Teacher Institute Day! #LifeintheW
Count down to Winter Break! Part 2 of 2
Students at Intermediate celebrated the last day of school before winter break with fun and festive classroom parties. It was the perfect way to kick off winter break!
A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers for helping make these celebrations so special! #LifeintheW
Students at Intermediate celebrated the last day of school before winter break with fun and festive classroom parties. It was the perfect way to kick off winter break!
A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers for helping make these celebrations so special! #LifeintheW
Count down to Winter Break! Part 1 of 2
Students celebrated the last day of school before winter break with fun and festive classroom parties! Marshmallows sailed through the air, reindeer antlers were spotted throughout the halls, and there were lots of laughs as students enjoyed games, treats, and crafts.
It was the perfect way to kick off winter break!
A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers for helping make these celebrations so special!
Students celebrated the last day of school before winter break with fun and festive classroom parties! Marshmallows sailed through the air, reindeer antlers were spotted throughout the halls, and there were lots of laughs as students enjoyed games, treats, and crafts.
It was the perfect way to kick off winter break!
A huge thank you to our amazing parent volunteers for helping make these celebrations so special!
Giving in the W! – Donation to Lurie Children's Hospital 💚🤍
Students at Woodland Intermediate had the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. Instead of using the ROAR cash they earned for showing ROAR behaviors to buys little toys and rewards for themselves, they purchased items from the ROARazon store to donate to patients at Lurie Children's Hospital! The giving campaign was a huge success and the students donated nearly 500 items to children currently in the hospital.
In these pictures, 4th and 5th grade PBIS Student Leaders skipped recess to help pack the boxes, assemble activity booklets, and make cheerful cards to brighten a stranger's day. WAY TO GO WILDCATS!
Students at Woodland Intermediate had the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. Instead of using the ROAR cash they earned for showing ROAR behaviors to buys little toys and rewards for themselves, they purchased items from the ROARazon store to donate to patients at Lurie Children's Hospital! The giving campaign was a huge success and the students donated nearly 500 items to children currently in the hospital.
In these pictures, 4th and 5th grade PBIS Student Leaders skipped recess to help pack the boxes, assemble activity booklets, and make cheerful cards to brighten a stranger's day. WAY TO GO WILDCATS!
Giving in the W! Thank you to our many volunteers for lending a helping hand to support the Woodland learning community on a chilly evening. We received so many generous donations over the past few weeks that helped make the Annual Food Drive event a success. Thank you to all who brought in non-perishable foods during the various donation drives and contests at each school, attended one of the food drive events in the community, donated online, or offered your time in support of this effort. We couldn't have done it without you! #LifeintheW
Woodland is currently accepting letters of interest and applications to fill two vacancies on the Board of Education resulting from the resignations of Board Members Amy Sabor and Michael Senol.
Please read the announcement to learn more about the opportunity and the application process:
https://app.smore.com/n/mzyns
Please read the announcement to learn more about the opportunity and the application process:
https://app.smore.com/n/mzyns
Ms. Werner’s Social Studies class took part in a hands-on simulation to explore the daily lives of American colonists, the rule of King George, and the events that led to the American Revolution.
It was a fun and memorable way for students to connect with history… and enjoy some Skittles!
It was a fun and memorable way for students to connect with history… and enjoy some Skittles!
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
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
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
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.
🍂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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
