SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

A big thank you to our families and community for helping us kick off a great school year!💙

Our September Newsletter is full of student and staff highlights, upcoming events, family engagement opportunities, and important reminders like Student-Led Conferences. Be sure to check out the ParentSquare Getting Started Guides and download the app to stay connected.

We look forward to another great month of learning, growth, and partnership together.

#WeAreWoodburn

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📣 REMINDER: LANGUAGE ACCESS

To access web resources in another language, please change the language in your web browser.

Para acceder a los recursos web en otro idioma, cambie el idioma de su navegador.

Чтобы получить доступ к ресурсам сайта на другом языке, переключите язык в своем браузере.

🍎 WELCOME BACK!

💡 JUAN'S WORDS: MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Woodburn Community,

As we close our first month of the 2026–27 school year, I am filled with appreciation for the way our students, families, staff, and community have come together. It’s refreshing to witness the excitement of students reconnecting with each other, educators welcoming students into classrooms, and families joining us with renewed hope for what the year can bring.

This year, we began by reflecting on what makes a strong community: belonging, being known, having a shared purpose, and supporting and celebrating one another. Those ideas capture what we want every student and family to experience in Woodburn.

We want every student to walk through our doors knowing: I belong here. People know me. People believe in me. That sense of belonging is the foundation for everything else we hope to accomplish.

Our destination is clear: student success as defined by our Strategic Plan. The path we take to get there is what we are calling The Woodburn Way. It is not a new program or initiative. It is how we work together, creating safe and welcoming schools, providing engaging and effective instruction, responding to student needs, encouraging regular attendance, partnering with families and community, and continually learning and improving.

Every day matters because every student matters. It’s important that students attend school regularly. That is equal to 90% attendance or roughly no more than 13 absences over the course of the entire school year. Each day at school is another opportunity to learn to read, solve a difficult problem, practice another language, discover a talent, build a friendship, connect with a caring adult, or imagine a future that may not have seemed possible before.

And we cannot do this work alone.

One of our most important opportunities to strengthen the partnership between home and school is coming soon. Parent-teacher-student conferences are October 7 and 8, and we look forward to welcoming families into our schools to connect, reflect, and engage in conversations about student learning and growth.

Conferences are about much more than grades. They bring students, families, and educators together around a shared purpose: helping every student grow, thrive, and succeed. Each person has an important voice in that partnership as we celebrate progress, identify needs, set goals, and determine how we can work together to support continued learning. Students are especially important participants in these conversations. When they help lead conferences, share their learning, reflect on their progress, and discuss their goals, they build ownership, confidence, and agency in their education.

That spirit of partnership extends well beyond conferences. We want families and students to be active participants in our schools, not simply receiving information, but engaging with us in school and district activities, contributing to conversations and decisions, and sharing responsibility for student success. When students, families, and educators listen to one another, learn from one another, and work together, we build stronger schools, communities and create the conditions for every student to succeed.

So, on October 7 and 8, come talk with us. Ask questions. Tell us about your child. Share your hopes. Celebrate their progress. Most importantly, know that you have a place in our schools and a voice in your child's education.

In addition to parent-teacher-student conferences, engagement events will continue throughout the school year and we encourage you to join us. One way you can stay connected with us is to follow our events calendar and to follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook and Instagram.

When students see the adults in their lives working together and believing in them, they receive a powerful message: You matter. Your learning matters. We believe in you, and we are here to help you succeed.

That is how we build belonging. That is how we strengthen our community. And that is the Woodburn Way.

With gratitude and determination,

Juan Larios

Superintendent

Woodburn School District

2026 - 2029 WSD Strategic Plan

You can also find the Strategic plan on our website.

Working Together to Meet Our Goals

Growing Together This School Year

We’ve had a wonderful start to the new school year! Strong student attendance, warm and welcoming school open houses, and a districtwide day of professional learning have helped us begin the year with a strong sense of connection and purpose.

On September 21, our staff spent the day learning together, strengthening their professional practice, and collaborating with their school teams to plan for the year ahead. As we move into the coming months, we’ll continue learning and growing together to create engaging learning spaces and strong school communities for every student.

Families play an important role in that work, too. We invite you to continue partnering with us by attending parent-teacher conferences on October 7 and 8. Conferences are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your student’s teachers, celebrate their progress, and learn more about what they are discovering and learning at school.

Working Together for Strong Attendance

Another key way you can support our home-school partnership, and your student's growth is through attendance. So far this school year, our district’s Regular Attender Rate is 74.5%, which means 74.5% of our students have attended school at least 90% of the time. Our district goal for the 2026–27 school year is 68%, and we’re excited to see our community already making such a strong start. Thank you for all you do already to support your student’s regular attendance!

We know that every day of learning matters. When students are at school, they have opportunities to learn, build friendships, collaborate with classmates, and be part of their school community.

There are many ways families can help support regular attendance:

Establish consistent bedtime and morning routines so students are ready for the school day.
Prepare backpacks and clothing the night before to make mornings easier.
Create healthy technology habits by turning off phones, video games, and computers at bedtime.
Whenever possible, schedule routine appointments outside of the school day.
Plan vacations during school breaks when possible.
Reach out to your school if your family needs support. Our schools can help connect families with resources and work together to address attendance challenges.

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. By working together, we can help ensure that every student has consistent opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead!

SITE COUNCIL REMINDER

When parents are involved, schools become stronger.

We invite you to join your school's Site Council team and have a voice in important conversations that help shape the future of our schools! See flyer for more information.

🧠 ATTENDANCE TRACKER

Regular attendance matters!

WSD is happy to share an Attendance Tracker to help families monitor student absences throughout the school year.

Students missing more than 10 days of school are at high risk of chronic absenteeism and negative impacts to their learning.

Be sure to check out the Attendance Tracker below and keep track of your student’s attendance all year long! 📚✨

UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DAYS

📚 PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES

OCTOBER 6 & 7

Be sure to contact your school for conferences schedule and details!

🏫 OCTOBER: NATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MONTH

October is National School Principal Month! We take this opportunity to thank our Woodburn Principals for all they do for our students, staff, and community! 💙

Sherrilyn Rawson-Ybarra - Heritage Elementary School
Teresa Alfaro - Lincoln Elementary School
Alfredo Belanger - Washington Elementary
Peter MCcDougal - Nellie Muir Elementary
Aaron Kerns - French Prairie Middle School
Ana Hansen - Valor Middle School
Dulce Nash - Woodburn & Success High School

🧡 NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

National Bullying Prevention Month is a time for everyone to:

UNITE: It is important to amplify the unified message that no one deserves to be bullied and all students deserve to feel safe and supported and to inspire everyone to act with kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
RAISE AWARENESS: Talking about bullying prevention helps build understanding. All schools, organizations, and communities are encouraged to widely share and post information about how to prevent bullying in their communities. Partners will be listed on PACER’s bullying prevention website and will have access to resources to get involved at their schools or in their community.
LEARN: It’s empowering to know what to do when you see or experience bullying. Everyone can access the free web-based resources that can be used by schools, parents, and students to better understand opportunities to prevent bullying. Educational opportunities include interactive websites, classroom toolkits, and contests.
TAKE ACTION: Actions have impact. Educators can access and share the free toolkits for student-led activities and downloadable posters and other visual displays, as well as bookmarks and other promotional items. Parents can visit PACER’s bullying prevention websites with their children. Communities can participate in Unity Day or Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying events.

About Unity Day (Oct 21, 2026)

Unity Day, started by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center in October 2011, is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. This is a day when we can come together to send a visible message of building community through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. The call to action is simple: wear and share the color orange. This vibrant statement becomes a conversation starter, showing support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention.

💙 CELEBRATING AMAZING STUDENTS & STAFF

Celebrating Student Representatives on WSD School Board!

Meet Abigail Trapala Vera and Edwin Estevez Ramos, two Woodburn High School juniors who proudly serve as Student Representatives on the WSD School Board this year!

We’re grateful for the perspectives they bring and are excited to have them on board. Read below to learn more about them through a Q&A!

⭐ What inspired you to apply to become a Student Representative on the School Board, and what does this opportunity mean to you?

Abigail (A): "Being a part of something bigger in my community is what inspired me to apply for this role. I believe having the opportunity to be a Student Representative shows me that I’m capable of achieving things for my community that I once didn’t think were possible."

Edwin (E): "Having the opportunity to voice the perspectives of my peers in board discussion and decision-making is what inspired me to apply! To me, this opportunity is about committing to advocate for my community."

⭐ What is one fun fact about yourself that people may not know?

A: "A fun fact about me is that I’ve never missed a day of school, and I love being involved in different activities like choir, theater, and track. You’ll probably find me at different school events, clubs, and other extracurricular activities!"

E: "I am naturally very curious and always willing to learn. I can get interested in almost anything, but I especially enjoy science, medicine, and finding ways to get involved in my community!"

Read full interview here.

September Board Recognitions!

Join us in celebrating two outstanding groups recognized at this month's School Board Meeting!

💐 Dual Preschool Staff (Spanish & Russian Dual Programs)

💐 Teaching & Learning Department - Program Secretaries

Please join us in celebrating and thanking these incredible team members for the care, support, and commitment they bring to our students, families, and schools every day.💙

Celebrating Russian Preschool Teacher: Ludmilla Slivkoff!

For more than 10 years, Ludmilla Slivkoff has helped create welcoming, engaging, and supportive learning experiences for our youngest students. We are grateful for her dedication and the difference she makes every day!

🍎If you could describe your classroom in three words, what would they be?

"Welcoming, joyful, and Bilingual!"

🍎What inspired you to become a preschool teacher?

"I have always loved working with children and being part of their learning and development. Young children are curious, honest, and excited to discover new things everyday. I wanted to become a teacher because I love helping children build a strong foundation and develop love for learning."

Read full interview here.

Celebrating Nellie Muir Kinder Teacher & Cosecha Mestiza Director: Rosa Floyd!

Join us in congratulating Rosa Floyd & Cosecha Mestiza for being recognized at the Portland Fire Basketball Game this month! 🎉💐 Thank you, Mrs. Floyd for supporting students in the classroom and in dance! We are lucky to have you in our District!

Watch a short interview video here.
See pictures of Cosecha Mestiza’s performance here.

🎉 Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the generations of Hispanic and Latino leaders, families, students, and educators who inspire our community every day.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month to our students, staff, families, and community!❤️

💻 REMINDER: PARENTSQUARE

Getting Started with ParentSquare for Parents and Guardians

Welcome to ParentSquare! Below you will find a Getting Started Guide which will help you activate your account. We highly recommend parents/guardians to download the free ParentSquare app to start receiving updates from your school.

SCHOOL SAFETY: VISITOR ENTRY

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

❗SAFETY FIRST

Student, staff, and community safety is a District priority. Your involvement is instrumental in helping us keep our schools safe. Thank you for your partnership as we strive to make our schools a safe place for all. Thank you for looking out for each other. If you have information that you would like to share, you can contact your school directly using the information above, or you can use the SafeOregon tip-line. SafeOregon gives kids, parents, schools, and their communities a way to report safety threats or potential acts of violence. Tips can be submitted in a variety of ways:

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.

🏫 REMINDER: STUDENT CALENDAR AVAILABLE NOW!

The 2026 - 2027 Student Calendar Is Available now!

Access the calendar on our website here.

⚡ REMINDER: SIGN UP FOR FLASH ALERT

We want to reminder 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.

Remember: The new Flash Alert iOS and Android apps are now available! Please make sure you do the following to continue receiving Flash Alert Notices:

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

FlashAlert iOS app on the Apple App Store

FlashAlert Android app on the Google Play Store

LOOKING AHEAD!

💙🤍 WOODBURN CHEER KIDS CAMP! 💙🤍

The Woodburn High School Cheer Program is excited to host an upcoming Woodburn Cheer Kids Camp for students in grades K–8!

This camp is a fun opportunity for local youth to connect with positive high school role models, build confidence, learn cheer skills, make new friends, and feel more connected to the Woodburn community.

A few important details:

No pre registration is required
Cash and checks will be accepted on the day of the clinic
The camp will be held at the Woodburn High School football field
The camp is open to students in grades K–8
Sponsored by the Bulldog Foundation

The goal is to welcome as many young athletes as possible and create a memorable experience that celebrates school spirit, community connection, and youth involvement.

🎹 WHS Digital Audio Production CTE - Family Studio Night 🎶

Join Woodburn High School’s Digital Art Production CTE for Family Studio Night on November 4 & 5! Families are invited to step into the studio and see students showcase their music production projects, creativity, and progress from class.

See flyer below for details.

🚒 Save the Date! 🚒

Our friends at the Woodburn Fire District invite you to their Open House & Safety Fair on Saturday October 3! Don't miss this opportunity to learn about safety, explore emergency vehicles, and connect with local firefighters!

🎃 Save the Date! 🍭

Save the date for the City of Woodburn's Trunk or Treat event! See flyer below for details. See you there!

📘 GET INVOLVED: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Want to get involved? Help supervise lunch, read to students, chaperone a field trip and more. To get signed up, click on the QR code or click on the button below to go to the webpage.

Volunteer Webpage

📷 STAY CONNECTED: SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS

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

INSTAGRAM LINK

FACEBOOK LINK

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

📘 HELPFUL HANDBOOKS

The 2026-2027 Student-Parent Handbook is available on our website.

Click the link below to read it:

Event Information

Student Led Conferences (No Classes)

When?

Thursday, Oct 8, 2026, 12:00 PM

Event Information

Non Contract Day (No Classes)

When?

Unity Day! (wear orange)

When?

Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026, 07:00 AM

Event Information

Woodburn High School - Site Council Meeting

When?

Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026, 05:30 PM

Where?

Woodburn High School, North Front Street, Woodburn, OR, USA

Event Information

Heritage - Site Council Meeting

When?

Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026, 05:30 PM

Where?

Heritage Elementary School, Parr Road Northeast, Woodburn, OR, USA

Event Information

Reading Workshop (Grade: Pre-K)

When?

Wednesday, Oct 21, 2026, 06:00 PM

Where?

Woodburn School District does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination in any programs or activities on the basis of protected class, including age, citizenship status, color, disability, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. See Policies Nondiscrimination Policy, Policy KL Public Complaints and related Complaint Procedures. Complaints and/or inquiries regarding discrimination based on any protected class listed here may be directed to the appropriate Coordinator specified below. Unresolved complaints may be appealed to the Oregon Department of Education. Complaints and/or inquiries regarding discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, and/or sex may be referred to the U.S.Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

The following employees are designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Title IX Coordinator and Civil Rights Coordinator (sex discrimination or any discrimination)

Casey Woolley, Human Relations and Communication Director

1390 Meridian Dr, Woodburn, OR 97071

Phone Number: (503) 981-2702

Email Address: cwoolley@woodburnsd.org

Section 504 Coordinator ADA/Title II Coordinator (disability)

Michelle Murer, Student Services Director

1390 Meridian Dr

Woodburn, OR 97071

Phone Number: (503) 981-2726

Email Address: mmurer@woodburnsd.org

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

📣 REMINDER: LANGUAGE ACCESS 📣 REMINDER: LANGUAGE ACCESS

🍎 WELCOME BACK! 🍎 WELCOME BACK!

💡 JUAN'S WORDS: MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT 💡 JUAN'S WORDS: MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

2026 - 2029 WSD Strategic Plan 2026 - 2029 WSD Strategic Plan

Working Together to Meet Our Goals Working Together to Meet Our Goals

Growing Together This School Year

SITE COUNCIL REMINDER SITE COUNCIL REMINDER

When parents are involved, schools become stronger.

🧠 ATTENDANCE TRACKER 🧠 ATTENDANCE TRACKER

Regular attendance matters!

UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DAYS UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DAYS

📚 PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES 📚 PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES

OCTOBER 6 & 7 OCTOBER 6 & 7

🏫 OCTOBER: NATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MONTH 🏫 OCTOBER: NATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MONTH

🧡 NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH 🧡 NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

💙 CELEBRATING AMAZING STUDENTS & STAFF 💙 CELEBRATING AMAZING STUDENTS & STAFF

Celebrating Student Representatives on WSD School Board!

September Board Recognitions!

Celebrating Russian Preschool Teacher: Ludmilla Slivkoff!

Celebrating Nellie Muir Kinder Teacher & Cosecha Mestiza Director: Rosa Floyd!

🎉 Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

💻 REMINDER: PARENTSQUARE 💻 REMINDER: PARENTSQUARE

Getting Started with ParentSquare for Parents and Guardians

SCHOOL SAFETY: VISITOR ENTRY SCHOOL SAFETY: VISITOR ENTRY

❗SAFETY FIRST ❗SAFETY FIRST

🏫 REMINDER: STUDENT CALENDAR AVAILABLE NOW! 🏫 REMINDER: STUDENT CALENDAR AVAILABLE NOW!

The 2026 - 2027 Student Calendar Is Available now!

⚡ REMINDER: SIGN UP FOR FLASH ALERT ⚡ REMINDER: SIGN UP FOR FLASH ALERT

LOOKING AHEAD! LOOKING AHEAD!

💙🤍 WOODBURN CHEER KIDS CAMP! 💙🤍

🎹 WHS Digital Audio Production CTE - Family Studio Night 🎶

🚒 Save the Date! 🚒

🎃 Save the Date! 🍭

📘 GET INVOLVED: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER 📘 GET INVOLVED: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

📷 STAY CONNECTED: SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS 📷 STAY CONNECTED: SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS

Follow WSD on social media!

INSTAGRAM QR CODE

FACEBOOK QR CODE

📘 HELPFUL HANDBOOKS 📘 HELPFUL HANDBOOKS

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

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Declaration of Nondiscrimination:

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026

📣 REMINDER: LANGUAGE ACCESS

🍎 WELCOME BACK!

💡 JUAN'S WORDS: MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

2026 - 2029 WSD Strategic Plan

Working Together to Meet Our Goals

SITE COUNCIL REMINDER

🧠 ATTENDANCE TRACKER

UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DAYS

📚 PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES

OCTOBER 6 & 7

🏫 OCTOBER: NATIONAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MONTH

🧡 NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

💙 CELEBRATING AMAZING STUDENTS & STAFF

💻 REMINDER: PARENTSQUARE

SCHOOL SAFETY: VISITOR ENTRY

❗SAFETY FIRST

🏫 REMINDER: STUDENT CALENDAR AVAILABLE NOW!

⚡ REMINDER: SIGN UP FOR FLASH ALERT

LOOKING AHEAD!

📘 GET INVOLVED: SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

📷 STAY CONNECTED: SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACTS

📘 HELPFUL HANDBOOKS

UPCOMING EVENTS