WEBMASTER'S NOTE:
Any reference to "sign-up forms" stated
anywhere in the Backwood's News refers to forms located in the
printed copy of this newsletter and not to the electronic copy you
are now reading. Forms found in the hard printed copy can be filled
out and sent to Northwood or you can volunteer by calling the office
at 338-4900 or sending an email to this website. It will be forwarded
to the appropriate person. When sending an email, please state
"volunteer" in the subject line. You may email by clickingHERE.
FROM THE DESK OF THE
PRINCIPAL.....
I would first like to take a
moment and say Thank You to all of our Veterans, as we recently
celebrated Veterans Day 2007 this weekend! Because of you we live in
a world that allows us to be unique, free, and make our own
choices. Your dedication to our country and our freedom is greatly
appreciated. I would also like to extend a special Thank You to all
of our Veterans and parents who helped make our Northwood Middle
School Veterans Day Assembly last Monday such a great success.Your
involvement in this event and throughout the day in the classrooms
allowed it to be a great learning experience for all the students at
NWMS. Thanks again for all that you have done for our country and the
students at Northwood.
Can you believe that the first quarter of
the school year has come and gone already? Before you know it we will
be celebrating the Holiday Season and ringing in a New Year. Speaking
of ending the quarter already, we handed out ISAT results and first
quarter report cards at Parent/Teacher conferences last week. If you
were unable to join us for conferences you should receive your copies
in the mail later this week. Also, if you were unable to join us and
you need to speak with your childāÄôs teacher please
contact the team leader to discuss your concerns and set up a time to
meet if needed.
Although we experienced great success at Northwood during first
quarter and had many students make the honor roll, I want to remind
parents to please stay on top of your childāÄôs
progress. If your child struggled during first quarter, now is the
time to set up a plan at home and in conjunction with the teachers to
address the issues at hand. Do not wait until it is too late and your
child is in a no-win situation and looking at possible retention
and/or mandatory summer school. Make changes now that will help
improve success and eliminate those concerns as we reach the months
of April and May.
I would like to take a moment and wish all of you a safe, happy and
enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday. Enjoy the time with your family and
children and be sure to take some time and rejuvenate for the hectic
push between our return and Winter Break.
Educationally Your
Jake Wakitsch
CERFIFIED STAFF
BIO......
In this edition the staff
bio section focuses on the some of our exploratory and PE
staff.....
Nathan
Schilling
Position: Band
& General Music Teacher
Resides: Woodstock, Illinois
# Years in
Education: First
Year
Graduated From / Degrees:
Lake Forest
College - Bachelor of Arts in Music & Biology
Northwestern University -
Master's in Music Education
Favorite Sports Teams &
Players: Chicago Bears -
Thomas Jones and Devin Hester
Interesting
Tidbits: I was a gymnast in
High School and won conference on the rings event. I am also a
martial artis and am only one degree away from having a black belt in
Aikido, a Japanese art popularized by Steven Segal.
Kim
Burton
Position:
Physical Education
Resides: Woodstock, Illinois
# Years in
Education: 11
years
Spouse's Name: Charles Burton
Children: Casey Burton
Pets: Golden Retriever named Nike
Graduated From /
Degrees:
University of
Wisconsin - Platteville - Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
and Business Administration-Management
St. Xavier University -
Masters of Arts
Favorite Sports Teams &
Players: Any Wisconsin Badger
team
Interesting
Tidbits: I met my husband
while white water rafting in Canon City, Colorado.
Matt
Roark
Position:
Physical Education
Resides: Wonder Lake, Illinois
# Years in
Education: 7
years
Spouse's Name: Michaela Rourk
Children: "Baby Girl Rourk" due Dec
6th
Pets: "Wrigley" - 4 yr old Black Lab; "Cinder" - 1 yr old
gray cat
Graduated From /
Degrees:
College of
DuPage - Associates Degree
Eastern Illinois University
- Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education
St. Xavier University -
Masters of Arts
Favorite Sports Teams &
Players: Cubs - Ryan Sandberg;
Bears - Brian Urlacher & Walter Peyton; Bulls - Michael
Jordan
Interesting
Tidbits: I currently coach
both 7th grade girls and boys basketball at NWMS - Go Warhawks. I
also teach drivers education at Woodstock High School in the
summer.
PTO FANNY MAE
FUNDRAISER
Congratulations to the
following winners of the gift certificates for their participation in
the PTO fundraiser:
1st Kurtis Schaid
2nd Alex Geisler
3rd Larraine Zabat
A reminder to parents that the
fundraiser pick-up will be on November 16th from 3:30-5:30
at NWMS. Please make sure to pick up your orders.<
We want to send a special THANK
YOU to Mrs. Laura Brokaw for her willingness to run this
fundraiser.Thanks for your support of NWMS Laura!!!!
WOODSTOCK NORTH HS
UPDATE
The High School Transition
Planning Committee has reached consensus on a plan for loading
students into Woodstock North High School. The 53-member committee
has recommended that the school open next fall with
9th and 10th graders. Under
this plan a new freshman class will be added every successive year,
meaning that Woodstock North will have 9th and
10th graders next year; 9th,
10th and 11th graders in
2009-2010; and 9th through
12th graders in 2010-2011.
Committee members thought that the 9/10 plan was in the best interest
of students. It allows all upper classmen to remain at Woodstock High
School and also provides time for Woodstock North students and staff
to acclimate to the new school and build a culture, leadership and
new traditions.
Under the boundary realignment plan approved by the Board of
Education last spring, students who attend Northwood Middle School
will attend Woodstock North High School and Creekside Middle School
students will attend Woodstock High School. A decision has not yet
been made regarding assignment of younger high school siblings of WHS
students.
The committee will now address how athletics and extracurricular
activities will be organized. A chief consideration under athletics
will be whether there will be separate teams for each high school
like Crystal Lake or one combined team like McHenry.
The High School Transition Planning Committee will also make
recommendations on how a school mascot and colors will be chosen,
whether some core areas should be named, and what kinds of transition
activities and events should take place. A separate internal
committee is working on recommendations for the staffing process and
curriculum offerings.
It is expected that the committee will complete all of its
recommendations in January. Shortly after that time, meetings will be
held at both middle schools and Woodstock High School to give parents
more details and answer questions or concerns.
THE PTO NEEDS
YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Currently, the
Northwood PTO is non-existent for the 07-08 school year because we
need people to help out and fill our vacant Board positions.The PTO
does not have a President or a Secretary at this time.Without these
vital positions the PTO will not function.Please consider stepping up
to help. We are planning a meeting for sometime in January to try and
get some new involvement and some people top step up and take on
Board positions. Please watch for more information regarding the date
and time to come home soon.
If you would like to become a part of the PTO and help keep these
wonderful extras happening for our students please contact Laura
Brokaw at 815-337-9601 or Mr. Wakitsch at the school.
