TOPe Focus Header
October 2016
In This Issue
Conferences Are This Week!
Revised K-5 Report Cards
Marcy Buchanan is Finalist for National Science Award
Health Information Due by October 14
D200 Seniors Named National Merit Commended Students
Orchestra Program Expands to High Schools
Crosstown Fun on October 14th
Cardio Rooms Open at Both Middle Schools
Language Learning Opportunity for Adults
Newsletters Provide Information and Resources


Quick Links




Virtual Backpack

Virtual backpack logo

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. 

 









The District 200 Board of Education has approved the 2016-17 budget. It is available for viewing on the district's website at:








Have You Liked Us 

on Facebook?

 

Be sure to "like" the 

D200 page so that updated information 

from the District will appear on your 

Facebook News Feed.  

 

 Click here to visit D200 Facebook

 





Looking Ahead 

Half Day Attendance
(Conferences) 
Wednesday, Oct. 5

Parent-Teacher Conferences 
4:00 - 9:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, Oct. 5

No School
(Conferences)
Thursday, Oct. 6 

  Parent-Teacher Conferences 
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. 
Thursday, Oct. 6

NO SCHOOL
Friday, Oct. 7
 
NO SCHOOL
(Columbus Day)
Monday, Oct. 10 

Board of Education Mtg
7:00 p.m. at Clay PDC
Tuesday, Oct. 11
 
One Hour Late Start
Wednesday, Oct. 19

Half Day Attendance
Tuesday, Oct. 25

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 .




Learn More About Our Schools

 

 

Dean Street 

Elementary School

 

Greenwood 

Elementary School

 

Mary Endres Elementary School

 

Olson 

Elementary School

 

Prairiewood 

Elementary School

 

Westwood 

Elementary School

 

Creekside 

Middle School

 

Northwood

Middle School

 

Woodstock

High School

 

Woodstock North 

High School

 

Clay Academy







 

Board of Education

  

Carl W. Gilmore,

President

 

Camille Goodwin,

Vice President

 

Bill Nattress,

Secretary

 

Russ Goerlitz
 

Paul J. Meyer

 

Jerry Miceli

 

David Shinherr

Stars Spiral  

Superintendent

 

Dr. Mike Moan 

 










D200 Logo on Gray

"P" is for popcorn - or at least it is when Ms. Melissa's Zebra Room
PreK students are studying their Jolly Phonics and focusing on
the letter of the week!  

Parent-Teacher Conferences are Oct. 5 & 6
Don't forget - Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, October 5th from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at all schools.  Elementary schools have contacted parents with information about how to secure a time slot.  At Mary Endres Elementary, and the middle and high schools, parent sign-up for conferences is done with the online Pick-A-Time system.  Links to the system appear on the schools' website homepages.  If you have any questions or concerns about conferences, please contact your child's school.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are an excellent opportunity to learn about the specific curriculum expectations for your child, and their progress. All parents are encouraged to attend conferences and learn more about the many exciting new initiatives that are being implemented this year in District 200.

The district looks forward to your attendance at Parent-Teacher Conferences.  Thank you for taking the time to participate!

Revised K-5 Report Cards 
The school year is in full swing, and for the elementary students, we are moving toward the completion of the first trimester.  We are only using trimesters at the elementary level, while the middle and high schools continue to use quarters.  At the Parent-Teacher Conferences, elementary parents will receive a brochure that will highlight the main sections of the revised K-5 report card.  For additional information, please join us at an upcoming meeting to discuss the new cards.  Report Card Meetings will be held as follows:
  • October 12, Olson Elementary, 6:00 p.m.
  • October 19, Mary Endres Elementary, 6:00 p.m.
  • October 25, Prairiewood Elementary, 5:30 p.m.
Parents are welcome to attend a meeting at any of the three schools depending upon their schedules.  

Northwood Teacher Named State Finalist
Northwood Middle School Science Teacher Marcy Buchanan has been named an Illinois State Finalist in the competition for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching. Established by Congress in 1983, the PAEMST program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year.

The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning. At the State level, coordinators convene local selection committees, which include prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science educators, district level personnel, and classroom teachers. These committees select up to five finalists from each discipline (mathematics or science) for recognition at the state level.  

Teachers must go through a lengthy application process that includes nominations, recommendations, a video of their class in action and other requirements.   Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science (including computer science) education. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Congratulations to Marcy on this tremendous honor!  She and the other Illinois State Finalists will be honored at the Illinois Math and Science Conference in Peoria on October 7, and at a dinner at Fermilab in Batavia on November 3.

Health Records and Immunizations Due by October 14th
Parents are reminded that per Illinois State law, all student school physical and immunization records must be submitted by Friday, October 14, 2016. Records may be submitted to the child's school nurse. All children must complete a physical examination prior to entering Illinois schools for the first time, prior to the date of entering kindergarten or first grade, prior to entering sixth grade, and prior to entering ninth grade.

The State of Illinois requires vaccinations to protect children from a variety of diseases. For school entrance, students must show proof of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, haemophilus influenza type b, hepatitis b, and varicella, as well as pneumococcal and now meningococcal (depending on age) vaccinations. 
 
Proof of physicals and immunizations is required by October 14, 2016.  Failure to provide the information will result in a student's exclusion from the school until the required health forms are presented. 
 
For more information about immunizations, including vaccination schedules, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization, or contact your school nurse.

2017 National Merit Commended Students

Four District 200 seniors have been named Commended Students in the prestigious 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations to WHS seniors Kathryn Dawdy and Shannon Fetzner; and WNHS seniors Amy Carr and William Taylor

They are among only 34,000 students nationwide being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.  Although they will not continue in the 2017 competition for National Merit Scholarship Awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2017 competition by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
 
The students each received a Letter of Commendation and congratulatory message from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), and will be recognized by the Board of Education at its October 11 meeting.
Congratulations to Commended Students Kathyrn Dawdy,
Shannon Fetzner, Amy Carr and William Taylor.

Orchestra Program Expands to High Schools

In 2011, the District 200 orchestra program began with one instructor, Becky BlahoLyndra Bastian joined Becky in 2013
Orchestra students at a 2015 performance
to help with the expansion of the program into the middle schools.  The program has seen tremendous growth since then, now serving more than 500 students district-wide!  Full-time teacher Patrick Yasutake and part-time teacher Cara Fulcher have joined Becky and Lyndra to meet the needs of our students.

With the 2016-17 school year, our orchestra program has now grown to the high school level. D200 students have placed in the prestigious ILMEA District 7 Junior Orchestra, and have shared their music not only at District concerts, but at hospitals, local retirement homes and Sheltered Village as well. In March, thanks to a grant from the D200 Education Foundation, orchestra students will celebrate their hard work with a trip to see renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Congratulations to everyone involved in this wonderful program - we look forward to many, many more outstanding performances! 
BACK TO TOP
One Community - Two Teams - Infinite Fun!


This year's Crosstown Classic football game between
Woodstock High School and Woodstock North High School on October 14 will include some fun new activities!  Families are invited to attend the inaugural First National Crosstown Challenge - a special event that has been created to engage our entire community in this great evening. The event is being hosted by, and all proceeds are being donated to, the Athletic Booster clubs at the two high schools.  The boosters will use the funds raised to continue to support athletic teams at all District 200 schools.  

There will be a tailgate meal served before the game, included in the price of the ticket.  There will also be a parade of athletes before the varsity football game. The parade will start at approximately 6:20 p.m. and will highlight all District 200 high school and middle school athletes along with community youth athletic teams. Participants must purchase a ticket to the event to attend the game and participate in the parade of athletes. Tickets are $10 for admission to the game and the tailgate meal, and are available at the middle schools and high schools. Please note that because this is a fundraiser, season passes are not valid for admission to the Crosstown game.

Come take part in the parade of athletes and join in a fun event to support District 200 Athletics, and to celebrate our great community!
Students Gain Cardiovascular Endurance in Middle School P.E.
With the goal of increased fitness and individual goal setting, the students at Creekside Middle School have the chance to experience what very few middle schools across the country can provide.  The Carol M. White PEP Grant has funded a 32 piece cardiovascular room at the middle school which will enhance the current Physical Education curriculum at the school.  Students have also been using Polar H7 Heart Rate Monitors to keep track of their cardiovascular fitness while using the cardio room and during other P.E. activities. With the use of this technology and cardio equipment, students are able to set fitness goals and P.E. teachers are able to monitor individual student progress. 
 
Students are learning proper techniques and workouts using elliptical machines, adaptive motion trainers, treadmills,
Northwood students work out in
the school's Cardio Room. 
upright and stationary bikes, and rowers.  Students of all abilities are motivated through the use of the machines and the heart rate monitors.  The same equipment is part of the P.E. curriculum at Northwood Middle School and there has been much success in individualizing fitness activities for each and every student.  Students have reported an increased interest in their P.E. classes and improved muscular and cardiovascular strength.  The knowledge they are gaining in their P.E. classes with these new facilities is an important element to a lifetime of healthy living.

Language Learning Opportunity for Adults
The registration deadline is October 10 for Spanish for District 200 Parents & Staff. This class, offered by McHenry County College in conjunction with D200, will focus on the beginning aspects of Spanish, including basic writing, speaking, pronunciation, listening, understanding, and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Parents will get insight and information on how to help their child with homework in the Spanish language. The class will meet on Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., from October 17 - November 21.
 
The course fee is $55, and the class will be held in Room A110 at Woodstock High School, 501 W. South Street. The required book is Spanish Is Fun Book 1: Lively Lessons for Beginners by Amsco School Publications, third edition, ISBN: 9781567654646. The textbook must be purchased prior to the start of class. Register in person at McHenry County College in room A-258; by calling Registration at (815) 455-8588; or online at www.mchenry.edu/mymcc (Course ID: NFL S05 015 M). For more information please contact Dori Sullens, Director of Continuing Education at (815) 455-8559. 

Health Newsletters Provide Info and Resources for Families
The Carol M. White PEP Grant, which was awarded to District 200 two years ago, is focused on improving physical activity and nutrition habits for our students.  As an initiative of the grant, we are excited to introduce two monthly newsletters, Nutrition  Nuggets  and   Teen Food & Fitness. The newsletters offer practical ideas to improve nutrition and physical activity habits.

Students with healthy physical activity and eating habits have better attendance, improved concentration, higher test scores, fewer discipline referrals and greater overall achievement. The Nutrition Nuggets newsletter will be incorporated into the building level newsletters at the elementary schools.  Parents can access the newsletters on the Health Services website, the Food Services website and the SHAPE Woodstock website. The Teen Food & Fitness monthly newsletter will also be available in food service areas at the middle schools and high schools.  

Check out these great new resources at:

WOODSTOCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 200
227 W. Judd St. | WOODSTOCK | IL | 60098 | 815-338-8200
www.woodstockschools.org  


 

e-Focus is published online every month by Woodstock Community Unit School District 200. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact the editor by
phone at (815) 337-5147 or by email at dwalsdorf@wcusd200.org