 Don't Forget to check the Virtual Backpack |
Remember to check the Virtual Backpack on the district's website for informational flyers on
a wide variety of programs and events
for D200 families.
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Learn More About Our Schools | |
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Board of Education
Paul J. Meyer
President
Sue Palmore
Vice President
Camille Goodwin
Secretary
Bob Birchfield
Russ Goerlitz
Dr. Kathy Lechner
Marcy Piekos
Superintendent
Ellyn Wrzeski
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Looking Ahead
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Half Day (Conferences)
Wednesday, Oct. 3
No School (Conferences)
Thursday, Oct. 4
No School
Friday, Oct. 5
No School
(Columbus Day)
Monday, Oct . 8
One Hour Late Start
Wednesday, Oct. 24
Go to the Calendar or Upcoming Events sections of the district website for a detailed listing of all events by school, month, day or type.
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Use the QR reader on your smartphone for quick access to the district website.
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Creekside Middle School art teacher Jeriel McGinness brought
his mosaic expertise to Clay Academy this year. Mr. McGinness worked with Clay students to design, create and mount this wonderful piece in the hallway for everyone to enjoy. In addition
to the actual creation, students learned how to take an idea
and grow the concept into a real project.
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Parent/Teacher Conferences are October 3 and 4
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Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on October 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on October 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in all District 200 schools. Parents were given the opportunity to sign up for times earlier in the year. If you have not set an appointment with your child's teacher, please call your child's school to schedule a time.
Middle and high school parents may sign up for conferences using the online system called Pick-A-Time. Parents received a letter from the schools that included a link and instructions to use when setting up appointments with teachers. If you have questions or need assistance with this process, please contact your child's school.
Conferences are a time when parents and teachers can set educational goals, discuss student strengths and create problem solving strategies for any challenges a student may be facing. Parent attendance at conferences helps to build relationships with teachers that will enhance the educational process for students.
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Woodstock District 200 Implements National Common Core Standards
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Woodstock School District 200 has begun the important process of implementing the Common Core Standards. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is a national effort designed to improve educational outcomes for all students. These standards were developed by groups of leading experts from across the United States. The Common Core Standards will ensure that students across the nation will receive the same rigorous curriculum in English language arts and mathematics.
In the past, each state set their own standards, created their own curriculums and, therefore, developed their own assessments to measure student achievement. The Common Core works to level the playing field for all students across the nation, and ensures students receive a curriculum that is of the highest quality. CCSS is based on the principle that mathematics should be the same in Missouri or Michigan, and reading skills should be the same in California or Illinois.
The standards are being developed using the following criteria:
- Aligned with expectations for college and career success
- Clear, so that educators and parents know what they need to do to help students learn
- Consistent across all states, so that students are taught to the highest quality standards.
- Include both content and the application of knowledge through high-order skills
- Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards and standards of top-performing nations
- Realistic, for effective use in the classroom
- Informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society
The goal of the new standards is to have every student college or career ready when they graduate from high school.
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2013 National Merit Semifinalists Named
Two District 200 high school students have been named National Merit Semifinalists in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The students are:
Martin Chakkalamuri, Woodstock North High School
Jack Uidl, Woodstock High School
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National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists from District 200 are
Martin Chakkalamuri, Woodstock North High School (left),
and Jack Uidl, Woodstock High School.
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These talented scholars are two of the 16,000 seniors from across the nation who entered the scholarship program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (SAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Martin and Jack will now have the opportunity to advance to the finalist level in early 2013.
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 High School Students Attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show Seventy-seven students from both Woodstock and Woodstock North High Schools attended the International Manufacturing Technology Show at Chicago's McCormick Place. The trip was made possible through the generosity of the McHenry County Economic Development Corp, Scot Forge, Sage Products and Wells Manufacturing. The students were able to see first hand the absolute enormity of the manufacturing industry. In addition, they spoke to representatives from exhibiting companies about career possibilities that are available in the manufacturing field and learned what role manufacturing plays in our country. Woodstock High School CTE Division Head Steve Thompson said that the motivation to get into the manufacturing field seems to have picked up, and that is a benefit to students who are interested in manufacturing careers. Woodstock North Engineering/Industrial Technology Teacher Dale Daugherity said his students were impressed with the amount of technology, engineering, math and science that go into the design, and operation of the machines. Many took videos on their cell phones of machines running, and showed other students back at school. | |
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Woodstock North Students Learn What it Takes to Teach
Four Woodstock North High School students are serious about their career path to becoming teachers. During their sophomore and junior years they were enrolled in early childhood development classes that exposed them to young students who are part of the school's Thunder Tots program. As seniors, they are now participating in a seminar in child care class that gives them the opportunity to work in a District 200 elementary school during their zero and first hour classes. The students working at Mary Endres Elementary are Alyssa Vollkommer, Rebecca Einspahr and Abigail Carbajal. Emily Finch is working at Olson Elementary School.
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WNHS senior Rebecca Einspahr guides a first grade reader at Mary Endres Elementary School.
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During morning "Wolf Work" which is a 30 minute period at the beginning of each day when Endres students work in small reading groups, Alyssa and Rebecca work with first graders on reading comprehension. In addition, the WNHS students are able to help teachers by writing simple lesson plans, taking attendance and being another set of eyes and ears in the classroom.
Alyssa commented, "It is a little weird to be teaching in the same classroom where I went to first grade but I love it. It is supposed to be only a one semester class but I have asked if I can take it again." And, although Rebecca has not finalized her college choice yet, she is planning to major in elementary education.
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Food Services Director Wins State Award of Excellence
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Each year the Illinois School Nutrition Association recognizes one of its members with an Award of Excellence for demonstrating innovation, creativity and dedication to students by taking a school district lunch program from ordinary to extraordinary. At the Association's annual conference in June,
 | | Food Services Director Sue Malley is congratulated by Superintendent Wrzeski and the Board of Education at the Board's Sept. 25 meeting. |
Director of Food Services Sue Malley was named this year's recipient. In his nomination, Associate Superintendent Mark Heckmon wrote, "With the rising cost of food and labor, it is difficult to offer nutrient rich foods such as whole grains and fresh fruits for a low cost to families. District 200 has a large percentage of children on the free and reduced plans and providing them with a healthy breakfast and lunch daily is laying a foundation for a healthy learning environment. Without Sue Malley's dedication to maintaining both a balanced budget and providing high quality meals, our district's students would not receive the high level of nutritional food that they are currently able to access."
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Community Services Department Honored by State Association
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 | | Debra Walsdorf and Barb Banker accept the INSPRA Award of Excellence for the D200 2011-12 Parent and Student Handbook. |
The Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) sponsors a statewide contest every year to honor high quality school communications that promote the message and mission of Illinois school districts. On September 21, The District 200 office of Community Services received an Award of Excellence for the 2011-2012 parent handbook. Former (retired) Director of Community Services Barb Banker and Communications Specialist Debra Walsdorf completely overhauled the parent handbook for 2011-2012 in an effort to create a more clear and concise, easy to use document. In their comments the judges characterized the handbook as a "Beautiful piece ... Great layout and information. Easy to read and navigate." School communications professionals from neighboring states annually serve as judges for the prestigious contest.
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Olson Elementary Kicks Off Character Program
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Olson Elementary School kicked off its Character Education
 | | Olson Principal Gail Perkins introduces Sparkle the Spirit Horse at the all-school Character Education Assembly on Sept. 24. |
Celebrations with an assembly highlighting this year's theme, "Olson's Character SPARKLES!" The school's character education program is based on the Character COUNTS! program and its Six Pillars of Character: Caring, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness and Fairness. Principal Gail Perkins introduced Sparkle, the Spirit Horse, to the staff and students. Classrooms will earn the right to have Sparkle in their classroom when Ms. Perkins sees their Character SPARKLING by displaying the behaviors of the Six Pillars.
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District 200 Buildings Conserve Energy
The District 200 Environmental Task Force sponsors a monthly "Power Hour" for all of our schools and departments. Each month, district buildings turn off lights for the last work hour as a means of conserving energy. This is the second year the district has sponsored this event.
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Northwood Middle School's Track Gets a Facelift
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The Northwood Middle School PTO donated $8,000 to help upgrade the school's track. The funds were used to resurface and repaint the track.  Principal Jake Wakitsch said, "The wonderful generosity of the NWMS PTO has helped to, once again, make our track something that our students, staff and community can be proud of."
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Fit For The Future Update
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The 2nd annual Fit For the Future raised over $9,700 for health and fitness related projects for District 200 schools.
On September 9, participants were able to visit exhibitor booths, see various student groups perform, visit the Touch-a-Truck exhibit sponsored by the City of Woodstock and watch a show by the Jesse White Tumblers. The day culminated with a three mile walk around Emricson Park.
Creekside Middle School has used the funds raised to install a Frisbee golf course around the school. The nine "hole" course will be used in physical education classes and is open to the public.
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A member of the Jesse White Tumblers soars through the air
as the crowd at Fit For The Future watches. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and the Jesse White Tumblers were very
popular special guests at this year's event.
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