Woodlawn Update - 11/05/23

Woodlawn Families,

I hope you are doing well. Just a few updates this week:

Woodlawn Winter Market Success:

I am delighted to report that our recent Woodlawn Winter Market was tremendously successful. Your participation, whether through volunteering, shopping, or simply stopping by to enjoy the festivities, contributed to the event's overwhelming success. The Winter Market raised an impressive $1,614.65 direct profit for our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) through booth fees paid by our vendors and the revenue generated from raffle tickets. The funds raised will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the various initiatives and programs that our PTO supports.

Lost and Found Overflow:

On another note, I'd like to bring your attention to our overflowing Lost and Found. With the changing weather, it's common for students to misplace their belongings, and our Lost and Found area always finds them! If your child has lost any personal items, I encourage you to stop by and look through the Lost and Found area near the gym. It's an excellent opportunity to reclaim those misplaced items before they find a new home.

Once again, thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school. Woodlawn Elementary thrives because of the incredible community that surrounds it.

-Jayci

The RunLawrence Thanksgiving Day 5K is November 23. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Woodlawn Elementary. All proceeds go to our elementary running clubs. Here is a printable entry form.

The Lawrence school board is offering opportunities for staff and community members to drop by and visit informally with their elected school leaders. December’s “Beyond the Boardroom” will be held at 6:00 p.m. Dec. 4 in the cafeteria at Community Connections at Pinckney. Bring your questions and suggestions. The board looks forward to visiting with you. Community members may attend at any location. The full schedule, once finalized, will be posted to www.usd497.org/SchooBoard.

Lawrence Public Schools invites community members to attend a "Portrait of a Graduate" public input session. Share what experiences and skills you expect of all graduates of Lawrence Public Schools. Attend either session:

• November 7, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Community Input Session, Free State High Cafeteria/Commons

• November 9, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Community Input Session, Lawrence High Learning Commons

Community input sessions will include a brief presentation, small group discussion and sharing, and opportunities for each participant to provide additional input electronically. (Please bring your smart phone or device. District iPads will be available.) The district values your input in the school improvement process, expansion of our strategic plan, and the success of our graduates!

Research supports that having a mentor can improve students’ attendance, grades, test scores, sense of belonging and connectedness at school, and belief in themselves as learners. Lawrence Public Schools and the Lawrence Schools Foundation have expanded their partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence with a goal of securing mentors for every student. Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters (JJack@KansasBigs.org or www.KansasBigs.org/Be-A-Big ) to sign up to “Be a Big” and support a student.

ELA - Benchmark Advance

Math - Math Expressions

Science - Mystery Science

Social Studies - USD 497 IDM Blueprints (Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th)

Social/Emotional - Character Strong

Beginning this week, Officer Affalter will visit Woodlawn Elementary to conduct valuable lessons for students at all grade levels. The lessons will kick off with discussions on essential topics such as "What do SRO/Police Officers do?", "Internet Safety," and "Stranger Danger." Should you notice a police car parked in front of our school, it's most likely that Officer Affalter is inside, educating our children on these important subjects!

We also value your input and suggestions. If you have ideas for future topics that Officer Affalter could address with our Riverhawks, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email.

In addition to these informative lessons, it's helpful to understand the role of Student Resource Officers (SROs) in Lawrence Public Schools. SROs play a crucial role in our school community. To provide a better understanding of what SROs do, read more here: Role of the Student Resource Officers (SROs)

For a more detailed insight into the Student Resource Officers program, you can refer to the "MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING" ("Agreement") between the City of Lawrence, Kansas – Lawrence Police Department and Lawrence Public Schools – Unified School District 497 for the school resource officer program.

Email: Jayci.Roberson@usd497.org
Website: https://www.usd497.org/woodlawn
Location: Woodlawn Elementary School, Elm Street, Lawrence, KS, USA
Phone: 785-832-5920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodlawnelementary/
Twitter: @WLRiverhawks