OCTOBER 30, 2026
We extend our appreciation to all families and staff for their continued partnership and dedication to Woodburn students.
In this month’s District Newsletter, you’ll find important reminders, opportunities to connect with our schools, fall weather safety information, a celebration of Woodburn High School student writers, and a preview of next month’s events.
Thank you for staying connected with Woodburn School District! We are #TEAMWOODBURN 💙
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Dear Woodburn Community,
When we think about what makes a great school, we naturally think of the experiences of our students: the excitement of learning something new, the encouragement of a caring teacher, the confidence that comes from overcoming a challenge, and the relationships that help students feel known, valued, and supported.
Behind these experiences are dedicated educators and staff who work tirelessly to help our students learn, grow, and succeed. One of the most important ways we support their work is by investing in their continued learning and professional growth.
Our 2026-27 school calendar includes eight professional development days, in addition to training and preparation before the school year begins when students are not in school. We have two coming professional development days on November 23 and 24. These days provide dedicated time for staff to strengthen their knowledge and skills, collaborate with colleagues, and improve the educational experiences we provide.
In November, our professional development days will take the form of a districtwide learning conference themed "Learning Together, Better Together." One of the most meaningful aspects of this conference will be the opportunity to learn directly from those at the heart of our work, our students. Through keynote presentations and breakout sessions, current students and Woodburn alumni will share their experiences, perspectives, and insights. Their voices will help us reflect on what makes a difference in students' lives, what we are doing well, and how we can continue to grow. After all, some of our most important learning comes from listening to those we serve.
Professional development builds upon the tremendous knowledge, experience, and dedication our staff already bring to their work. It provides opportunities to learn effective practices, reflect on student needs, and collaborate on solutions. Our understanding of how children learn continues to grow, instructional practices improve, and students' academic, social, emotional, and linguistic needs become increasingly complex.
Professional development is not time away from supporting students. It is time dedicated to becoming even better at supporting them.
Professional learning opportunities include strengthening literacy, biliteracy, and math instruction, supporting multilingual learners, improving academic interventions, creating engaging classrooms, supporting students' social-emotional development, and fostering safe, inclusive learning environments.
Staff also work collaboratively to examine student progress, plan instruction, share effective strategies, and identify ways to better support students.
Professional development matters most when it improves students' everyday experiences. That's why our work continues beyond individual training sessions through coaching, classroom learning walks, collaboration, and ongoing reviews of student progress.
Our goal isn't simply to provide training. It's to translate what adults learn into stronger instruction, more supportive classrooms, and greater opportunities for every student to succeed. At the heart of our work is a simple belief that when our educators grow, our students benefit.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we work together to engage, inspire, and prepare every Woodburn student to learn, lead, and succeed.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Juan Larios
Superintendent
Woodburn School District
Board Chair
Board Vice Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Abigail Trapala-Vera
Student Representative to the Board
Edwin Estevez-Ramos
Student Representative to the Board
Sign up for Flash Alert!
We want to remind our families to sign up for Flash Alert and receive the latest weather updates in our District!
If you would like automatic Woodburn School District notifications, you can register to receive email or cell text messages by clicking on this FlashAlert link.
You can also learn more about FlashAlert here on our website.
- Delete the existing Flash Alert app from your mobile device
- Go to your Android or Apple app Store and install the new app
- Follow registration instructions
Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1st, at 2:00 AM. Remember to set your clocks back one hour!
Daylight Shift: Sunrise and sunset will happen about one hour earlier by the clock, creating brighter mornings and darker evenings.
Fall Weather Safety Tips for Families
1. Stay Visible in the Rain
Rainy weather and cloudy skies can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry an umbrella when needed.
2. Watch Your Step
Wet leaves, puddles, and slippery sidewalks can cause falls. Walk carefully, watch for slick surfaces, and avoid running on wet ground.
3. Be Extra Careful Near School Buses
Always stay alert around school buses. Never walk behind a bus, and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the road.
4. Slow Down on Wet Roads
Rain can make roads slippery and increase stopping distances. Drivers should reduce speed, leave extra space between vehicles, and watch carefully for students walking or biking to school.
5. Stay Safe on Bikes and Scooters
Wear a properly fitted helmet, use lights and reflectors when visibility is low, and slow down on wet pavement. Make sure brakes and tires are in good condition.
6. Prepare for Shorter Days
Fall brings darker mornings and earlier sunsets. Plan routes ahead of time, use well-lit paths, and remind children to cross streets at designated crosswalks.
7. Dress for Changing Weather
Fall temperatures can change throughout the day. Dress children in layers and bring rain jackets or waterproof shoes to help them stay warm and comfortable.
8. Be Ready for Stormy Weather
Keep flashlights, extra batteries, and essential supplies handy in case of power outages. Secure outdoor items and check local weather alerts before traveling.
🎉 October School Board Recognition: Student Services!
About Heather's recognition:
"For her leadership in the district with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC includes tools and strategies that support or replace spoken communication, such as gesture, sign language, picture boards, and speech-generating devices or apps." -WSD Student Services Department.
About Sarah's recognition:
"For her leadership in the district with the implementation of a comprehensive school psychology model, supervision of interns and practicum students, and mentoring new school psychologists." -WSD Student Services Department.
Thank Heather and Sarah for your leadership! 💙
🌟📖 Continued Literary Success of Woodburn High Students!
The Pulitzer Center recently published Charles’ article which highlights the work of WHS students who use photojournalism to amplify marginalized voices. Read the article here.
Thank you, Mr. Sanderson, for supporting students every day!
🥇Two Years of Literary Excellence!
For two years in a row, more WHS students have been published in 826 National's anthology, the largest youth literary organization in the country founded by David Eggers, than any other high school in the country.
Recently, seven WHS students were published in No Ordinary Dreamer: Science Fiction and Visions of the Future by Our Nation's Young Writers, an anthology featuring wondrous worlds, visions of the future, and heroic reflections by extraordinary young authors across the country in grades 5–12, with a foreword by author Tony Weaver, Jr.
Congratulations to the following students on this great achievement! Ava Diaz, Angel Cruz Jose, Jazlin Lopez, Fabian Gonzales Rubio, Janeth Gallardo Mota, Karen Carmona, and Naomi Ruiz Tapia.
“Even when the world changes, some lights are meant to stay.”
—Ava Diaz, Grade 10, Woodburn, OR
WHS Students Featured in the 2025–26 Literary Arts Anthology!
We are very proud to learn that WHS writers are being published in A Small Piece of Night, this year's Literary Arts Student Anthology, that launches at the Portland Book Festival on November 7, 2026.
Please join us in congratulating the following WHS students: Abby Lunsford, Jazmin Sanchez Zaragoza, A.V.C, Jackelyn Arely Nava Monroy, Karen Carmona Hernandez, Miguel Angel Romero Nolazco, Lana Reyes, Laila Alexa Del Rio, Scarlett Georgina Estrada Carrillo, Alondra Lopez Silva, Amaya Cruz Reyes, and Martha Carmona Zamora.
We wanted to take a moment and remind everyone of the process we have for visitors accessing our school sites. Thanks to the hard work of our community in passing a bond years ago, we were able to build secure vestibules and add entry safety measures at sites. That means that every main entrance has a camera and a microphone that is connected to the school office. This is the main access point for all visitors who do not have keys or badges. All visitors will be asked to stop at the outside door and buzz into the office. If it is your first time going to the school, and the staff do not recognize you, you will be asked to identify yourself and your purpose. This means any visitors who do not have a legal or legitimate reason for entering the school, would not be allowed entrance. This is why the vestibules and entry cameras were added. They are a tremendous safety tool and we are grateful to have them. We do ask that if you are outside waiting to come in, please be patient. Our staff will get to you as soon as they can. Thank you for your understanding and helping us keep our buildings safe.
Visitor Entry Procedures:
Locate main entrance
Locate microphone and camera and press buzzer
Wait for office staff to greet you through the intercom
Be prepared to identify yourself and your purpose
Enter school vestibule area if buzzed in
If entrance is denied, you can request administration assistance to meet you at the main door
- Contact your school directly
- Web Portal - www.safeoregon.com/report-a-tip/
- Download the mobile app in your app store
- Call or text - 1-844-472-3367
Please remember, if you see or hear something, say something.
Follow WSD on social media!
Our district is committed to providing consistent communication and updates for students, families, and the community. Stay informed and engaged by following our Facebook and Instagram pages using the QR codes below.
INSTAGRAM QR CODE
FACEBOOK QR CODE
SCHOOL CONTACT INFO:
Heritage Elementary - (503)981-2600
Lincoln Elementary - (503) 981-2825
Nellie Elementary - (503) 982-4300
Washington Elementary - (503) 983-3050
French Prairie Middle School - (503) 983-3550
Valor Middle School - (503) 981-2750
Woodburn High School and Success High School - (503) 980-6250
SCHOOL REPORT/RELEASE TIMES:
ELEMENTARY: 7:55am - 2:20pm
MIDDLE SCHOOL: 8:20am - 3:15pm
HIGH SCHOOL: 8:30am - 3:30pm
The 2026-2027 Student-Parent Handbook is available on our website.
Click the link below to read it:
