Mid-Summer Update
July 2025
Midsummer Update & Save the Dates!
We know many of you are still in “Summer Mode”— but here at Woodland, we’re already buzzing with excitement as we prepare for the new school year! While you still have time to savor picnics in the park, ice cream runs, and all your favorite summer adventures, we want to share a few important reminders and dates, invitations, and deadline information.
Official Back to School Communications will start in early August, but we wanted to do a quick check-in to let you know that we are thinking of you. We can’t wait to see all the smiling Wildcat faces in just a few weeks!
Chillin' with the Principal - Primary
Join the Primary Admin Team for a bit of fun before the school year begins! Cool off with a chilly treat while connecting with other students and families, and check out our newly renovated playground during this fun event.
When: Thursday, August 7
Time: 3 - 5 p.m.
Where: Woodland Primary, Kindergarten Playground
Wildcats at Gurnee Days
We are excited to once again represent #LifeintheW at the annual Gurnee Days Festival Aug. 9 & 10, 2025! Team Woodland will be joining in the community celebration by volunteering at Ribfest on Saturday, and marching in the parade on Sunday.
Saturday, Aug. 9, 6 p.m. - RIBFEST
Woodland Board of Education Members, District & School Administrators, and other Woodland representatives will be working the RibFest Tent starting at 6 p.m. If you are walking through Viking Park during that time, please stop by the tent to say hello and purchase food in support of the Exchange Club of Gurnee.
Sunday, Aug. 10, 12 p.m. - PARADE
Help us show off our school spirit by wearing green and cheering for Wiley as we pass by. If your family would like to walk in the parade with us, please fill out this form. We would love to show parade attendees how important our staff and students are to Team Woodland by walking side-by-side with Wildcats from each of our schools!
Medication & Health Record Drop Off, Aug. 11
Medication Drop Off for ALL schools will be on Monday, Aug. 11 at the Middle School from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 3 - 7 p.m.
Nurses and Health Assistants from each school will be on hand to take medications, physicals, vaccine forms and discuss health needs prior to the first day of school.
REMINDER: The deadline for dental exams, vaccines, and physicals is Oct. 15.
Check out this Back-to-School Health Flyer from the Health Department! It includes a QR code that links to a full list of providers in Lake County who accept state insurance and see children. The list covers providers for medical, dental, vision, and hearing services — everything our students need to start the year healthy and ready to learn!
Popsicles with the Principal - Intermediate
4th and 5th grade Wildcats can join in the fun at Intermediate! Stop by, connect with old friends and make new ones before the first day of school at Popsicles with the Principal! Enjoy a cooooool treat and get to know the Intermediate Team!
When: Tuesday, August 12
Time: 3 - 5 p.m.
Where: Woodland Intermediate, East Playground
Popsicles with the Principal - Elementary
Whether you’re just starting your journey at Woodland Elementary or you’re already a seasoned Wildcat, we invite you to join us for a fun afternoon to kick off the new school year! This is a great opportunity to meet the Elementary Team, connect with other students and families, and make new friends before the first day of school. Plus, enjoy a sweet treat to celebrate heading back to school!
When: Wednesday, August 13
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Where: Woodland Elementary, Elementary Playground
WMS Back to School Bash!
Join us for a fun-filled back to school bash at Woodland Middle School to celebrate the new school year! Come hang out, meet new friends and families, and learn more about all the exciting opportunities that Middle School has to offer you and your student. Our WMS Admin Team will be there ready to answer your questions, or even just to hang out. We hope to see you there!
When: Thursday, August 14
Time: 3 - 5 p.m.
Where: Woodland Middle School, Back Soccer Field
Safety Stars & Dilly Bars
The Gurnee Police Department's Safety Stars & Dilly Bars Back to School Bash is back—and bigger than ever!
After a successful first year, the event is moving to a new location: Welton Plaza (along Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee). It will take place on Friday, August 15, from 5–7 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings together local Gurnee school districts, the police and fire departments, public works, the Mayor of Gurnee, and more to celebrate back-to-school safety. Attendees can enjoy interactive activities, connect with community leaders, and get ready for a safe and successful school year.
Event Highlights Include 🌟
• NEW THIS YEAR – Live Music!
• Free Dairy Queen Dilly Bars
• Student Raffle Prizes
• Touch-a-Truck Experience
• Interactive Booths from Local Organizations
• Meet and Greet with Community Leaders
Elementary Back to School Event
Elementary is ready to welcome families and students to stop by to drop off supplies, see your child's classroom, and meet your teacher!
Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
Location: Woodland Elementary
Time: We are offering two different times (Afternoon or Evening) and splitting up by last name to help space everyone out. This helps with parking and traffic flow, and gives you a bit more space to explore your child's classroom.
Please Select Only One!
Afternoon Event:
2:30-3:00 Last names starting with A - F
3:00-3:30 G - O
3:30-4:00 P - Z
OR
Evening Event:
5:30-6:00 Last names starting with A - F
6:00-6:30 G - O
6:30-7:00 P - Z
WMS Meet & Greet
Woodland Middle School invites you to bring your class schedule and school supplies to meet your teachers and find your classes!
Date: Tuesday, August 19
Time: 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: Woodland Middle School
Intermediate Meet & Greet
Intermediate is ready to welcome families and students to stop by to drop off supplies, see your child's classroom, and meet your teacher!
Date: Tuesday, August 19
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Woodland Intermediate
Primary Welcome Times
This special visit is a great opportunity for you and your child to see their classroom, meet their teacher and some of our wonderful Primary staff, and bring in their school supplies to unpack and get settled. Families are welcome to attend either the morning or afternoon session, and we ask that a parent or guardian attend alongside their child. We can’t wait to meet you and kick off a fantastic school year together!
Date: Wednesday, August 20
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. OR 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Primary
Wildcat Reminders
School Supply List
The Wildcat Calendar
7/26 - WNPL Back to School Event, 10 - 12 p.m.
8/7 - Chillin' with the Principals, 3 - 5 p.m.
8/9 - 10 - Gurnee Days!
8/11 - Medication Drop Off, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 3 - 7 p.m.
8/12 - Intermediate: Popsicles with the Principal, 3 - 5 p.m.
8/13 - Elementary: Popsicles with the Principal, 3 -5 p.m.
8/14 - WMS: Back to School Bash, 3 - 5 p.m.
8/15 - Safety Stars and Dilly Bars, 5 - 7 p.m.
8/18 - Elementary: Back to School Event (see times in story block above)
8/19 - Intermediate: Meet & Greet, 2 - 3:30 p.m.
8/19 - WMS: Meet & Greet, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
8/20 - First Day of School 1st-8th Grade (Half Day)
- Elementary 10:50 a.m.
- WMS 11:35 a.m.
- INT 12:20 p.m.
8/20 - Primary: Welcome Times, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. OR 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
8/21 - First Day of School: Primary - Early Childhood and Kindergarten
8/28 - Woodland D50 Board of Education Meeting
Stay Connected!
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I work for Woodland District 50 in a communications and public outreach role.