Woodland ROAR Report

Header Images: Illinois Principals Association Student Leadership Awards Breakfast, April 21, 2026

See More Photos on Facebook & Instagram

April 24, 2026

Dear Woodland Families,

Celebrating the people who make up #LifeintheW is one of my favorite things to do as your Superintendent, and this week provided several new opportunities to do so. On Tuesday morning, our four school principals and I recognized eight Wildcats and their families at the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) annual Student Leadership awards breakfast, held this year in Mundelein. Two student recipients from the highest grades at each school (Grades K, 3, 5, and 8) were recognized for going above and beyond both inside and outside the classroom. Throughout the school year, these students consistently worked to bring out the best in themselves and their classmates.

Congratulations to our IPA Student Leadership Award recipients:

• Primary - Elise and Nathaniel
• Elementary - Scarlett and Gabriel
• Intermediate - Vivienne and Vikram
• Middle - Erin and Caylan

I also have good news to share from the Board. At last night’s governing board meeting, the Woodland CCSD 50 Board of Education welcomed Jay Wiltshire as a new member. Mr. Wiltshire was sworn in at the beginning of the meeting and he began his service on the Board immediately after taking the Oath of Office. We also welcomed two new Assistant Principals, Heather Weideman and Stephanie Reuter, to our administrative team. Heather and Stephanie are already very busy serving the Woodland community in a number of important ways, Heather as a veteran teacher at Intermediate School and Stephanie serving as an active parent volunteer; both will begin their new roles on July 1, 2026. You can find more information about all three of these dedicated folks below in the Board of Education highlights or in the video from the meeting. Please join me in welcoming Heather, Stephanie, and Jay to the #LifeintheW team!

You are cordially invited to join Team Woodland as well: please stop by our Annual Career Fair tomorrow morning (Saturday, April 26). Members from each District department will be at the district office from 8:00-11:00am to discuss open positions and career opportunities. I hope to see you there!

Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend,

Dr. Robert Machak, Superintendent

Woodland D50

• 4/24 - Friday Early Dismissal Schedule
• 4/25 - Woodland Career Fair, 8-11 a.m.
• 4/27 - Primary Incoming Kindergarten Information Presentation, 5:30 p.m.
• 4/28 - Elementary Parent Meet Up, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• 4/29 - Keep Your Dual Language Student Learning Over the Summer Webinars, 6 p.m.
• 5/1 - Friday Early Dismissal Schedule
• 5/2 - Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration, 11:30 - 2:30 at WMS
• 5/6 - Warren Multilingual Services Presentation, 6 p.m. - at Woodland Middle School
• 5/13 - Preparing Your Student for Academic Transitions, Virtual Presentations
• 5/19 - Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Engaged During Summer Break, Virtual Presentation

• 4/26: Shop the Primary Book Fair online thru 4/26
• 5/5 - 8th Grade PTA Scholarship applications are DUE. Complete the Application Today.
• 5/5-5/8: Shop the Middle School Book Fair online thru 5/17. Students will attend the fair during the school day. Volunteers Needed!
• 5/11: May PTA Meeting, 7pm via ZOOM, Registration Required. This is the FINAL meeting of the year.
• 5/12: Save the Date: Second Tuesday Fundraiser, Jimano's Pizza.
• 5/13-5/15: Intermediate Book Fair and Spirit Wear Sale during Open House. Shop online thru 5/17. Volunteers Needed!

The Woodland School Board of Education Governing meeting was held on April 23, 2026. Please see below for a summary of highlights from the meeting, or we welcome you to watch the meeting HERE.

Thank you for your continued support of Woodland District 50!

Jay Wiltshire was appointed to the Board of Education to fill the vacancy created when Brianna Powvens resigned. Mr. Wiltshire took the Oath of Office and was sworn at the beginning of the meeting to start his service to the Board and the Woodland learning community.

Mr. Wiltshire, brings more than 20 years of experience serving students, families, and school communities across the United States. His work is guided by a deep commitment to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality, equitable educational opportunities and the support needed to succeed. He is excited to bring the lessons and experiences he has gained from his work in other school districts and through his experience as a Professor at the College of Lake County.

Thank you to the Wildcat Music Boosters for leading meeting attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board of Education adopted a Resolution recognizing April 19 - 25, 2026 as National Volunteer Week. The district is eternally grateful to the many district families and community members who unselfishly give their time to support the students and staff of Woodland D50.

Parent Mentor Program Update - Tanya Abbey and members of the Parent Mentor Program shared an update on the success of the program and highlights from this school year.

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.

A. Approval of Donations - The Board of Education appreciates the donations from generous supporters to help enhance programming in the district.

• District - The Woodland PTA donated $3,000 to be used for student supplies.
  

The total donations accepted for April 2026 is $3000. This brings the total donation amount for the 2025-2026 school year to $22,177.67.

B. Approval of FY27 Quest Food Services Renewal - The Board approved the FY27 food service contract renewal with Quest Food Service Management. In the 2026-2027 school year, the cost for lunch will be set at $3.50, and breakfast will be set at $1.55.

C. Approval of District Treasurer Renewal - The Board voted to renew Chris Bobek, Associate Superintendent of Business Services, as the District Treasurer for FY27.

D. Approval of District Hazardous Crossings - The Board approved the hazardous crossings throughout the district as mandated by school code to receive funding for transportation through the state.

E. Approval of Establishment of Non-Public Transportation Costs - The Board approved of establishing a cost of $12.22 per mile to provide transportation for students who reside within district boundaries but attend parochial school.

F. Approval of Revised Board Policy 4:140 - The Board approved the revised Board Policy 4:140, Waiver of Student Fees to meet the requirements of the Regional Office of Education Compliance audit.

G. Approval of Board of Education Meeting Minutes: March 16, 2026 Closed and Regular Sessions, April 6, 2026 Closed and Open Sessions and April 9, 2026 Policy Committee Meeting Minutes

H. Approval of monthly Financial Reports, Treasurer Reports for the month of March and Board Payable list for the month of April

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.

A. Approval of Woodland Middle School Assistant Principal - The Board approved the contract for Ms. Stephanie Reuter for the open Middle School Assistant Principal position. Ms. Reuter is currently the Student Services Coordinator for Palatine Community Consolidated School District 15 and she will begin her new Assistant Principal role at Woodland as of July 1, 2026.

B. Approval of Woodland Intermediate School Assistant Principal - The Board approved the contract for Ms. Heather Weidemann for the position of Intermediate School Assistant Principal. Ms. Weidemann is currently a Physical Education Teacher and PBIS Leader at Woodland Intermediate. She is excited to continue her career at Woodland in a new role beginning July 1, 2026.

C. Approval of Human Resources Report/Information - The Board of Education approved two appointments.

• Third Grade Dual Language Spanish Teacher
• Social Worker

The Board also approved eight resignations, and two retirements.

D. Approval of Staff Appreciation Week - The Board approved a Resolution recognizing May 4 - 8, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Week to honor the staff of Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50.

E. Approval of Intermediate/ESC Asphalt Bid - The Board approved the asphalt bid in the amount of $2,194,910 to replace the parking lot asphalt at Woodland Intermediate and the Educational Support Center. This will complete the third phase of a districtwide initiative to replace parking lots and playgrounds that were in poor condition. The work will take place this summer.

F. Approval of Job Descriptions - The Board approved the job descriptions for the Data Analytics Manager, IEP Coordinator, Interventionist, Bilingual Interventionist and Assistant Principal/Special Education Supervisor.

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 on Strategic Plan: Finance - Associate Superintendent of Business Services, Chris Bobek provided the Board with a written update on the Finance goals for the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, specifically accomplishments since the last Financial update four months ago.

B. Written Report on Summer Projects - Director of Operations and Facilities, Robert Adamik, shared a memo on the projects that will take place throughout the district during the summer of 2026.

C. Written Report on Technology Matters - There were several reports regarding technology matters this month.

• Disposition of Obsolete Technology
• Written Report on Middle School Cabling
• Written Report on MacBook Purchase
• Written Report on iPad Refresh Purchase
• Written Report on Flat Panel Purchase
• Written Report on XPel Contract Renewal
• Written Report on Frontline Professional Growth Modules Year 2
• Written Report on Cisco Voice Year 3

E. Written Report on Treasurer’s Bond Procurement - The Board received a memo from Chris Bobek, Associate Superintendent of Business Services, regarding the procurement of the Treasurer’s Bond. The school district is required to have the District Treasurer bonded prior to July 1, 2026 in order to receive State revenues.

F. Written Information on Revised Board Policies - The Board Policy Committee met on April 9, 2026 to review and discuss the revisions suggested by the Illinois Association of School Boards.

• 2:120 Board Member Development
• 2:150 Committees
• 2:200 Types of Board of Education Meetings
• 2:220 Board of Education Meeting Procedure
• 8:90 Parent Organizations, Booster Clubs

G. Receipt of any Freedom of Information Act Requests - The District was in receipt of 13 FOIA’s for the month of April.

Committee Reports

• Update on IASB/ State Committees
• District Committee Updates
• Board Agenda Revisions

• Discussion of Board Members on Committees
• Discussion on of May 12 Committee of the Whole
• Upcoming District Events and Conferences

Status of Correspondence

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.

Registration is OPEN NOW for ALL students (returning students, incoming kindergarteners, and new students) for the upcoming school year.

Thank you to the 5th Grade third quarter PBIS Student Leaders at Intermediate for helping us with this Registration Reminder!

For more information on registering a new student or a returning student for the 2026-2027 school year, visit the Woodland Website. There you will find helpful resources to ensure a smooth registration process. If you have any questions or need assistance, the Registration Department is available to help!

Join the Woodland Team! Stop by our Career Fair to explore open positions and see what makes Woodland a great place to work!

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 8 - 11 a.m.

Location: Educational Support Center, 1105 N. Hunt Club Road, Gurnee

Register Now!

Now Hiring For All Positions:

Early Childhood - 8th Grade Teachers, Special Education, Student Support Services (OT/PT/Speech/Social Work), Maintenance & Custodial Staff, Bus Drivers, Playground Supervisors, Substitute Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Dual Language Teachers.

Please join us for the Districtwide Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration on May 2, 2026. We look forward to honoring and celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities with you. ALL FAMILIES WELCOME!

Date: May 2, 2026

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Location: Woodland Middle School

Learn More

The celebration will include:

• Poetry, Dancing, and Musical Performances
• Student Performances
• I-RADHA (Indian Rhythms, Arts, & Dances Heritage Academy)
• Aloha Chicago
• Dancenter North
• Traditional Filipino food to sample
• Crafts for Kids
• Informational Tables/Displays
• Community Organizations
• Filipino American Student Association at Warren High School
• AND MORE!

Join us at the Middle School for a presentation by Dr. Sandra Moran, Director of Multilingual Services and Family Engagement at Warren Township High School. This event is for Bilingual Families and English Learners in 8th Grade who are headed to Warren Township High School next year.
Flyer in English / Flyer in Spanish

Date: May 6, 2026

Time: 6 - 7:15 p.m.

Location: Woodland Middle School

Register HERE!

• Overview of Services for Multilingual Learners
• Language Support
• Student Life and Academic Success
• Policies, Expectations, and Tools
• Parental Engagement

Dual Language Webinars, April 29

Parent University is teaming up with the Dual Language Immersion Program to bring you free webinars offering support for your Dual Language Learner over the summer. Join us on April 29 at 6 p.m. from the comfort of your home to learn from Woodland's Dual Language teachers!

Select from the following sessions:

• Supporting Middle School Dual Language Learners in continuing their biliteracy over the summer. Presented by Margarita Castrejon
• Supporting Primary Dual Language Learners in continuing their biliteracy over the summer (in Spanish). Presented by Roxana Troncozo
• Keeping Bilingual Brains Learning. Presented by Sherri Peck and Rocio Rangel

Register for Virtual Sessions HERE

Website

School Specific Webinars, May 13
Parent University is teaming up with each school to bring you free webinars offering support for your Wildcat over the summer. Join us on May 13 at 6 p.m. from the comfort of your home to learn from educators from all four Woodland schools!

Attend the Virtual Session specific to the school your child attends:

• Supporting Your Primary Student - Presented by Sandy Sanchez Panchi
• Supporting Your Elementary Student - Presented by Assistant Principal Elizabeth Gaiser
• Supporting your Intermediate Student - Presented by Jane Weiland
• Supporting Your Middle School Student - Presented by Mrs. Drake & NJHS Students from the Middle School

Register for Virtual Sessions HERE

Website

Warren Youth and Family Services Webinar, May 19

Parent University is excited to collaborate with our partners at Warren Township Youth & Family Services to bring you fresh new ides for keeping your Wildcats engaged during summer break. Creative ideas for getting kids off their screens and connected to family, peers, and nature. Register now and add it to your calendar. Presenter: Linda B. Grandolfo MS. Ed

Register for Virtual Session HERE

Website

Join us for three weeks of summer enrichment where students will continue learning through fun and exciting indoor and outdoor activities. This program is more than just Language Arts and Math - students will participate in STEAM activities, Music, Art, PE and more! Secure your spot today.

• Register through Skyward Family Access!
• Program Details, Dates/Time/Location

Watch this Video below to see what Wildcat Summer Adventures is all about!

Champions Offers Before and After Care for Wildcat Summer Adventures

Champions Summer Camp will provide before and after care for the Wildcat Summer Adventures Camp to help families with a smooth start and end to each day. Care will continue through July and August with a full-day Champ Camp program, offering a safe, engaging, and fun-filled environment for campers ALL Summer Long!

Champ Camp Flyer

We are looking for volunteers to help out with summer Tech Department projects in June, July, or early August. No experience is needed!

• Unbox Chromebooks: We have a fleet of 1,000 Chromebooks that need to be unboxed
• Enroll & Update Chromebooks: All Chromebooks will need to be enrolled and updated for management purposes
• Build Charging Carts: Chromebook charging carts need to be built

Apply here to volunteer with our Tech Department this summer!

Questions? Contact Morgan at mreyes@dist50.net

You Are Invited to Attend the Warren 2026 Live Arts Festival

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026

Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location: Almond Campus - Warren Township High School

Stop by to support, experience, and celebrate the fine arts program at WTHS, and see artwork created by our very own Woodland Wildcats. Woodland Art Teachers from each school will be submitting student artwork for display at the Live Arts Festival. We are very proud of our Wildcats for all their hard work and creativity.

There will be live performances, interactive workshops, caricature artists, shirt decorating, drum circle, face painting, artwork display, art contest, photo booth, & so much more!

Admission is Free!

Champions is a great option to consider for after school care, days off, Early Release Fridays, and more. This program is offered on site at Woodland, but this is a separate provider that partners with the school district. In order to participate in Champions programming, you need to enroll your child in their programs.

• Safe and sound environments
• Talented and nurturing teachers
• STEM skills galore
• Inside (and outside) play
• Help with homework
• Reliable year-round programs
• Flexible Scheduling
• Tuition Assistance
• Learn More!

Primary Flyer

Elementary Flyer

Intermediate Flyer

Please visit Woodland's Virtual Backpack to learn about other events and resources in the community. New events are added all the time, so check back often.

Featured this week:

• Disconnected: How to Reconnect with Your Adolescent Child - Parent Group starting April 30
• Gurnee Police Department's 27th Annual First Responder Expo - May 16
• Under the Stars Family Dance Night - May 30
• Outrun the Cops 5K & 10K - June 27