WLWV Community Update

Primary students throughout West Linn-Wilsonville schools have enjoyed hands-on science lessons the past couple weeks, including trial-and-error experiments with Rube Goldberg-like devices at Bolton Primary as pictured below. Science helps build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also introducing students to the scientific method and the greater world of science.

FlashAlert is the system that West Linn-Wilsonville uses to notify constituents of school closures, delays, and other similar events. The system is routinely pruned of untouched accounts, so even if you had previously subscribed, you should verify your subscriptions at https://www.flashalert.net/login.html.

Please note that this is not a West Linn-Wilsonville system and the district can only provide limited help. Families are encouraged to consider getting the free FlashAlert Messenger app from the Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore. Announcements will also be displayed on local TV news channels. During an event, we will also post an announcement on the district home page (www.wlwv.k12.or.us).

West Linn-Wilsonville administrators and staff met with members of the West Linn Police Department, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue last Friday, Oct. 27. The various community partners shared important updates and revisited their safety procedures and practices for the coming school year.

Each organization shared what they're currently focused on or excited about, like WLWV's partnership with the SafeOregon Tip Line and WLPD's new Mobile App, and also talked about future collaboration for potential major events like earthquakes and inclement weather.

Many WLWV schools celebrated the turning of the season with Harvest Festivals, Trunk or Treats, Pumpkin Paloozas, and Fall Festivals. Celebrations included Stafford Primary's, pictured below, which included costumes and fun activities during an afternoon of fun.

WLWV's Superintendent's High School Study Group recently met for its first meeting, with the purpose of exploring the need and range of possibilities for current and future high school program design and learning spaces. The Study Group will conduct research throughout the 2017-18 school year by touring high schools with varying programs and designs, forming focus groups of current and past WLWV high school students, surveying teachers, analyzing current and future demographic data, and consulting with high school architects and program designers.

Comprised of high school parents, principals, teachers, and district administrators, the Study Group will share its findings with Superintendent Kathy Ludwig, who in turn will share with the School Board and Long Range Planning Committee. Findings will be useful for district administration and staff as they consider current and future high school program designs, as well as for the school Board as they consider future learning spaces for WLWV high school programs.

West Linn-Wilsonville Schools participated in the Great Oregon ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 19, reviewing processes and routines in the event of an earthquake before putting their safety skills to the test.

Teachers went over the proper “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol ahead of the state-wide drill, ensuring students are ready should it ever be necessary. Taking cover under desks and away from windows, students listened to announcements over the intercom before forming single-file lines and exiting their respective buildings.

Maintaining silence, students from all schools and grade levels put their preparation on display, performing all of the necessary steps to perfection. The Great Oregon ShakeOut was a state-wide initiative to practice earthquake safety in the event of a natural disaster, with agencies all over Oregon participating in the event at precisely 10:19 a.m.

Starting in November, the WLWV Education Foundation will begin their annual HOT Campaign. By making a donation to the HOT campaign through the West Linn-Wilsonville Education Foundation, you can thank WLWV teachers and staff. They will receive a special certificate of recognition and a notification that your gift was in their honor.

With a donation of $250 or more, the Foundation will include a $10 gift card to each teacher or staff member you honor (up to four). The gift cards are funded by a generous grant, so your total tax-deductible donation can be used by the Foundation to help fund additional teaching positions to our schools.

West Linn-Wilsonville hosted Oregon Department of Education Expert Carrie Thomas-Beck for a Dyslexia Information Night on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Sunset Primary. Dozens of parents and community members filled the library as Thomas-Beck provided updates on recent legislation around Dyslexia and the changes families can expect to see in the future.

The most notable change is that school districts throughout Oregon will now test for Dyslexia in kindergarten, with clear guidelines that will help school districts address learning disabilities early on in students’ career. Warning signs will be tracked during students’ development, ensuring the best education plan for all students.

That change will take effect starting with the 2018-19 school year. Thomas-Beck described Dyslexia as a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin and causes inaccurate or non-fluent word recognition. She shared the specifics behind the disability and evidence-based strategies that Oregon school districts will utilize in the future. She also added that, when properly diagnosed and managed, students can achieve the same levels of reading comprehension and academic success as those without Dyslexia.

Dia de los Muertos Festival, Wednesday, Nov. 1 — Wilsonville High School will host its annual Die de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The celebration of life will honor lives and spirits of loved ones and mentors who have departed, while highlighting student artwork.

School Board Meeting: Monday, Nov. 6 — The WLWV School Board will hold a public meeting on Nov. 6. The meeting will be held at the district office; 22210 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

No School (Veteran's Day): Friday, Nov. 10 — Veteran's Day is Saturday, Nov. 11. WLWV will honor the holiday with no school on Friday, Nov. 10.

School Board Work Session: Monday, Nov. 20 — The WLWV School Board will hold a public work session on Nov. 20. The meeting will be held at the district office; 22210 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. and is open to the public.

Thanksgiving Break: Monday, Nov. 20-Friday, Nov. 24 — There will be no school for all WLWV schools from Nov. 20-24. Staff and teachers will participate in staff development on Nov. 20-21.

Professional Growth Wednesday (Early Release): Wednesday, Dec. 6 — Professional Growth Wednesdays include a two-hour early release on select Wednesday afternoons to allow educators time to collaborate and participate in professional development opportunities.

• Updated 9/15/2017 Student Rights and Responsibilities

• Flash Alert ListServ

• Education Foundation

• Music and Arts Partners (MAP)

• Volunteer in WLWV Schools

• SafeOregon Tip Line

• Bus Routes

The West Linn-Wilsonville School District is nationally recognized for its high student and staff achievement, including one of the top graduation rates in the State of Oregon. West Linn-Wilsonville serves nearly 10,000 K-12 students across 16 schools in West Linn and Wilsonville, with a mission of creating learning communities for the greatest thinkers and the most thoughtful people for the world. WLWV strives to provide challenging education opportunities that prepare students to be college and career ready.

Website: www.wlwv.k12.or.us
Location: 22210 Southwest Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR, United States
Phone: 503-673-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WLWVschools/
Twitter: @WLWVdistrict