Woodlawn Families,

I hope this week you found a few minutes for rest and full of whatever makes you happiest! I am forever thankful for your support and willingness to come together and work through any scenario to give our youngest the best chance. I always tell everyone I can that the Woodlawn community is something special and we couldn't do what we do without all of you. Thank you!

-Jayci

DID YOU KNOW?

This school year, Woodlawn modified the building schedule to address the issue of tardy students missing crucial reading instruction. We shifted the start time for reading or math instruction to 8:30 or later, aiming to maximize student attendance. To optimize learning time, consider scheduling doctor's appointments later in the day, as the first half typically includes essential core reading and math instruction.

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.

As we enter a season of gratitude and giving, please consider supporting students in need by donating to the district’s School Nutrition Meal Support Fund. Money donated to the Meal Support Fund may only be used for negative balance accounts. The School Nutrition Meal Support Fund committee will determine how to distribute the donations. Donors contributing more than $250 (or upon request) will receive a charitable contribution acknowledgement for their generous donation. Donations can be designated for specific schools or can be designated for use district-wide.

Donations can be made via cash or check at each school (or at the ESC), or online at the link below. If donating with cash or check, please add a note stating that it is for the Meal Support Fund.

MEAL SUPPORT FUND

Students will be taking their Winter Benchmark assessments before Winter Break. Please see the assessment calendar and descriptions below for more information.

Ruben Martinez is in his sixth year at Woodlawn and his twelfth year as an educator, all of which have been devoted to teaching Kindergarten. Ruben holds a Bachelor's degree from Fort Hays State University and a Master's degree from Newman University.

Ruben is a proud parent, with two children of his own and two stepchildren, all cherished and close to his heart. Having called Lawrence home for the past six years, Ruben and his family made the move from western Kansas.

Outside of school, you might find Ruben playing the drums, hanging with family, singing with his remarkable voice, or mowing lawns as his side gig.

With a remarkable 28 years in education, Gina Carter is entering her fifth year at Woodlawn; this year, she is teaching Kindergarten and Title Reading. Her daily schedule includes mornings dedicated to Kindergarten and afternoons focused on reading intervention groups. Gina's teaching journey has included Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 5th. She proudly holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Kansas.

Gina lives in Lawrence with her husband and two cats. Gina is a proud parent to Matthew and Ellie. Beyond the classroom, Gina enjoys gardening, cultivating veggies and flowers, and whipping up delightful meals for her family and friends. A sports enthusiast, she relishes watching baseball and football, and her love for live music is evident through her fondness for attending concerts.

In her second year as a Riverhawk, Cathy has 12 years of experience in Lawrence Public Schools. Previously, she had taught in K-2 classrooms before taking a hiatus to live overseas for five years, focusing on raising her children. Upon returning, she resumed her teaching journey at Schwegler Elementary.

A Lawrence native, she is a proud alumna of Lawrence Public Schools, having graduated from Free State in 2000. Returning to Lawrence with her husband, they've built a family that includes three kids, a Labrador, and a crested gecko.

Her dedication to teaching and passion for reading is evident, as she diligently stays current on the latest research to better address the needs of struggling readers. This year, she team teaches Kindergarten with Mrs. Carter.

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