WLWV Community Update

Dear West Linn-Wilsonville Community,

Last week the Justice Department made a decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Once again, students and families in our community have cause for concern and worry about what the future will bring.

While there will be months of debate and consideration by Congress regarding the future outcome of the program, in the meantime our district stands firm in our commitment that each child feel safe, respected, and welcome in their school. Last year, our School Board and I affirmed this commitment to safe and inclusive school environments through a written message to the entire West Linn-Wilsonville community. In that message we stated, "There is no place in our schools for threats or overt acts of bigotry, bullying, racism, or any language that denigrates others based on their gender, religion, origin, race, sexual orientation, or ability. This behavior does not represent the best of who we are, or our community."

At the recent September 11th Board Meeting, our School Board approved a resolution

in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Education, reaffirming West Linn-Wilsonville as a school district with safe and welcoming schools for all students regardless of national origin, immigration status, or documentation status.

We will continue to offer resources to families who may have additional questions or concerns regarding DACA. It is important for our community to know that our district does not ask for, collect, or keep on record immigration information or immigration status of our students or parents.

Thank you for your partnership in creating positive learning environments in our community. I am proud to work in a district that benefits from such enormous parent, staff, and community generosity of spirit, as well as tremendous care for the safe and equitable education of all children.

Most sincerely,

Kathy

This week, the West Linn-Wilsonville School District updated portions of its Student Rights and Responsibilities handbook. Access the links below to view the updated Student Rights and Responsibilities for the 2017-18 school year.

• Student Rights and Responsibilities (English)
• Guia de Responsabilidades Derechos del Estudiante (Spanish)

West Linn-Wilsonville schools have celebrated the new school year in a variety of ways, including curriculum nights, barbecues, and school-wide assemblies.

At curriculum nights, parents got the chance to meet teachers and principals. At the middle and high school level, families received the chance to go through their students' day-to-day schedules, making sure to get to class on time while learning a bit about the classes their kids are taking this school year.

Remaining curriculum nights:

• Wilsonville High School — Monday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m.
• West Linn High School Freshman Parent Night — Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m.
• Lowrie Primary — Thursday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m.

• Boeckman Creek Primary — Thursday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m.

The Oregon Department of Education released the 2016-17 Smarter Balanced results Thursday, Sept. 14. In its third year, Smarter Balanced is Oregon's standardized assessment for English language arts, mathematics, and science. WLWV students consistently scored above the Oregon and national average in multiple categories, but Smarter Balanced is just one form of assessment used in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.

The District emphasizes formative assessments — daily check-ins and classroom work that teachers use to gain information about students' progress on a daily basis — as well as interim assessments, which are consistent throughout all WLWV schools. For more information about West Linn-Wilsonville grading and reporting practices, go to https://www.wlwv.k12.or.us/Page/248.

Music and Arts Partners, also known as MAP, has been part of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District since 1995. The nonprofit is an independent volunteer organization that works to provide additional funds for the music and arts programs in all West Linn-Wilsonville schools. To volunteer with MAP, donate, or become a MAP member, go to www.musicandartspartners.org.

The West Linn-Wilsonville Education Foundation is another vital partner to the WLWV School District. Celebrating its 25th year, the Foundation raises money for the hiring of new teachers in the District with the goal of maintaining effective class sizes. To participate in the Foundation's $25 for 25 — celebrating its milestone — visit the Foundation's website at https://www.wlwvfoundation.org/.

In an effort to better connect with families, the West Linn-Wilsonville School District has joined Facebook and Twitter. In addition to the District's website and ListServ communications, community members are encouraged to follow WLWV for up-to-date information on important District happenings, upcoming events, and breaking news.

• Follow us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter

Starting this year, the West Linn-Wilsonville School District will create a regular WLWV School Board Briefs newsletter, providing community members with important updates from recent School Board meetings.

Past and current editions of WLWV School Board Briefs can always be found at www.wlwv.k12.or.us/domain/2678. Interested community members can also sign up for the District ListServ to receive the latest edition via email upon release. To view past meeting minutes, video from meetings, or Board meeting agendas, go to www.wlwv.k12.or.us/domain/38.

Are you a past or present WLWV volunteer?

In an effort to increase safety and security for all West Linn-Wilsonville students, the District has launched an updated process for volunteer registration and sign-in, which better monitors exactly who is working in WLWV schools. While similar to the past system, the new system is implemented in a district-wide fashion.

That means that all volunteers will need to re-register, even if they've registered and volunteered at WLWV schools in the past. To register, simply visit http://www.helpcounter.net/wlwv and click 'Start' to fill out your application. You will receive an email when you have been approved, but the application approval process could take up to 2-3 days.

The first time that you sign-in to volunteer at any WLWV school you will also be prompted to accept a Volunteer Agreement.

Volunteering in WLWV schools is an extremely rewarding experience and it is greatly appreciated, by both staff and students.

Early Release Wednesdays

Starting Sept. 27, the district will implement a two-hour early release on select Wednesday afternoons to allow educators time to collaborate and participate in professional development opportunities. Upcoming Early Release Wednesdays include (subject to change):

Wednesday, Sept. 27

Wednesday, Oct. 25

School Board Work Session

Monday, September 18

5 p.m.

Administration Office

22210 S.W. Stafford Road

Tualatin

Agenda

• 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

• Past WLWV Community Updates

• WLWV School Board Briefs

• Follow WLWV on Facebook

• Follow WLWV on Twitter

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: https://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