THE WOODBURN PROMISE: June 14, 2024
THE WOODBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT PROMISE
WE DID IT! Thank you to our staff, students, parents, families and our greater Woodburn community for helping make the 23-24 school year amazing! Below you will find a year in review video and some information regarding summer opportunities for your student. We hope everyone has a safe summer and we look forward to seeing you back in August. Please follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay connected!
WE ARE ALL TEAM WOODBURN!
(Hit subscribe at the bottom of the page)
JUAN'S WORDS: A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Woodburn School District Community,
As we reach the end of another remarkable school year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the dedication, resilience, and achievements of our students, staff, families, and community members. This year, we have collectively embraced our mission to engage, inspire, and prepare each student to learn, lead, and contribute toward an equitable community, both locally and globally. Our shared commitment to these values has been evident in classrooms, activities and initiatives throughout our district.
Our vision of the Woodburn School District as a diverse, multilingual, and equitable community of learners has guided our actions and decisions. This year, we have made significant strides in ensuring that each student is supported and prepared to succeed. Our efforts have been focused on creating inclusive, safe, and welcoming environments where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our partnerships with families and the wider community have strengthened, fostering a collaborative approach to education. Together, we have created opportunities for students to connect with and contribute to their local and global communities. It’s through these partnerships that we must prioritize improved attendance. Getting each child to school on a regular basis is fundamental to getting a child what they need to be successful academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally.
This year many districts found themselves needing to make difficult financial and staffing decisions due to budget shortfalls. In Woodburn, by being planful around staffing and spending, and being mindful of the future, we were able to produce a balanced budget despite the loss of ESSER temporary funds, declining enrollment nationwide, and increased staffing costs.
We are continuing to prioritize dual language and career technical education, family and student engagement, and social and mental health support for students. These priorities were identified as critical areas by stakeholders, and we will continue to support and nurture their growth.
It is a District goal to strengthen our stewardship of public resources and community trust. We will continue to be mindful of spending and staffing and work to minimize the impact on schools and students, avoid layoffs, and preserve our talented staff to serve them.
As we look forward to the future, we remain committed to our mission and vision. We will continue to engage, inspire, and prepare our students, ensuring that they are equipped to lead and make meaningful contributions to society. Our work is ongoing, and we are dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in our educational practices.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to our students' success. I also want to express my deep appreciation to our families for their support and partnership throughout the year.
To our students, I am incredibly proud of your achievements and the resilience you have shown. You are the heart of our district, and your growth and success inspire us every day. As you enjoy your well-deserved summer break, I encourage you to continue learning, exploring, and making a positive impact in your communities.
Thank you for a wonderful school year. I look forward to our continued journey together in making Woodburn School District a place where every student is supported, valued, and prepared to succeed.
Yours in service,
Juan Larios
Superintendent
Woodburn School District
TECH ADVOCATES HONOR WOODBURN TEACHER
(WOODBURN INDEPENDENT) Woodburn High School math teacher Stephanie Partlow was recently honored by the Oregon nonprofit TechStart as the “2024 Rising Star Educator of the Year.”
Partlow was among four honorees recognized by TechStart, an organization created by the state’s technology leaders aimed at expanding access to computer science to K-12 students.
TechStart officials saluted Partlow for developing “a computer science curriculum for students in an urban setting where many of the students needed to learn English as a second language and have not been introduced to computer science concepts or opportunities."
“She was able to get computer science and web-design courses approved so students have computer science classes available to them at all high school grade levels at Woodburn High School. Partlow also contributes curricular resources to other Oregon university and state programs.”
TechStart presented its educator and student technology awards in late May during its 40th Annual Oregon Technology Awards banquet. The school of each educator receives $1,000 to spend on curriculum, programming, equipment, or professional development selected by each winner. The student winner receives a $2,500 scholarship toward college tuition or related expenses.
TechStart supporters include Stoel Rives, Vernier Science Education, and TAO (Technology Association of Oregon). Other 2024 winners were Corey Culp from the rural K-12 McKenzie River Community School; Jason Niebergall from Sunset Middle School, Coos Bay; Dwayne Wallace, a student at rural Warrenton High School.
Culp provided students with hands-on experiences in web design, computer languages, creating applications, designing robots, and entrepreneur/marketing classes. Culp also works with Oregon computer science organizations and community colleges in providing suggestions for a K-12 computer science curriculum.
Niebergall developed a technology, engineering, and art curriculum for sixth-grade students which integrates CAD, game design, circuits and robots into interdisciplinary learning experience. He also conducts workshops on how to integrate AI, AR, and VR in the classroom and recently joined the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association Board.
Wallace, the TechStart 2024 Student of the Year, attended a school with no formal coding classes, so he worked to not only teach himself computer science and robotics concepts but introduced those concepts, programming languages, and 3D modeling in developing a remote operated vehicle to Warrenton High. He plans to attend Linn Benton Community College and then Oregon State University and pursue a degree in computer and electrical engineering.
“TechStart’s mission of supporting computer science education is critical to the success of the Oregon tech industry. The Technology Association of Oregon has been a proud supporter of TechStart for many years,” said Skip Newberry, president and CEO, Technology Association of Oregon.
(WOODBURN INDEPENDENT) — Nellie Muir Elementary School second grade teacher Kim Jackson would be the first to tell you that she was hardly an academic standout as a youngster.
The popular 47-year-old teacher found it challenging at times to navigate the nine different K-12 schools she attended while her family moved 14 times by her 18th birthday. She wasn’t champing at the bit to get into college by that age but instead worked and traveled for most of a decade after graduating from high school in West Linn.
However, there is an irony that surfaces later, as the tough times instilled something in Jackson that, once she discovered what she wanted to do professionally, she dedicated herself passionately to it — and she does it very well.
“All teachers are heroes. However, there are a few who will take their job far and beyond their regular responsibilities in order to ensure not only academic success but emotional and well-being support. Ms. Kim Jackson is one of those teachers,” said Nellie Muir Principal Oscar Belanger.
Belanger said Kim’s commitment to fully including her students sets her apart.
“She goes above and beyond to create an inclusive and supporting learning environment for all students,” he said. “Kim recognizes and values the diversity within her classroom, ensuring that each student feels welcomed and included.”
Belanger emphasized Jackson’s approach as one that maintains a healthy, positive atmosphere that is highly conducive to learning, and she’s developed effective strategies to keep it that way.
It may be that Jackson understands that importance because it was something she wished she experienced more in her youth.
“Growing up, I was not a school person,” Jackson reminisced. “At times, I had some amazing teachers, and sometimes there were some who weren’t very flexible, and I had trouble in those classes.”
Jackson said she was held back in the third grade. Later, she came to understand that she learned differently than other students. The rigid, sit-still-and-be-quiet classroom was not a comfortable environment for her. She parlayed that understanding into how she approaches teaching, keeping a firm understanding that students will have different needs and excel in different environments.
Belanger said Jackson does an admirable job tailoring her teaching methods to meet individual needs, which requires significant effort.
“She understands that every child learns differently, and she works tirelessly to provide diverse learning experiences that cater to various learning styles,” Belanger said. “This commitment to differentiation allows each student to grasp concepts more effectively and reach their full potential. Everyone has fun learning in her classroom.
“Kim is also highly reflective in her teaching practice. She regularly evaluates her methods and outcomes, seeking ways to improve and refine her approach,” he added. “This reflective mindset not only benefits her students but contributes to her own professional growth, making her a lifelong learner.”
Emily Van Bergen, the school’s second-grade dual-language teacher, has similar observations and describes Kim as a “phenomenal educator.”
“She is constantly innovating to come up with strategies that best meet her students' needs,” Van Bergen said. “She cares deeply about her students and helps them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
“When challenges arise, Ms. Jackson is quick to address them by using her wealth of knowledge that comes from her years of experience, collaborating with other staff members, and trying out new ideas. She is adaptable, empathetic, flexible, knowledgeable, genuine, and kind, and she believes the best about her students. When she notices that a student is struggling, she looks for ways to help that student find success by coming alongside the student and guiding them. She holds her students to high yet reasonable expectations and always believes they are capable of making growth.”
Van Bergen further lauded Jackson’s teamwork with other teachers. At the same time, Jackson, in turn, said the Nellie Muir team of teachers is something she regards as amazing and instrumental to her strides as an educator. It certainly seems like a healthy learning environment.
“Kim is an amazing person inside and out,” Nellie Muir second grade teacher Jessica Pichardo Ramirez enthused. “Her dedication and work ethic are truly admirable. Even on tough days, she gives 110 percent and never gives up. Always putting her students first and coming up with ideas and solutions to better their learning.
“She always listens without any judgment! Having someone like her as a coworker and also as a friend is truly a blessing. She is a shining example of kindness and support,” Pichardo Ramirez added.
Emily summed it up:
“Every student deserves a teacher like Ms. Jackson, and any student that has the opportunity to be a part of her classroom community is truly fortunate. It is an honor to get to teach alongside Ms. Jackson and learn from her every day.
LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NUTRITION EMPLOYEE WINS WESTERN REGION RECOGNITION
(Arlington, VA - May 1, 2024) – The national, non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) has named Rosa Roque, Nutrition Services Assistant, Lincoln Elementary School, in Woodburn School District #103 in Oregon, the Western region Employee of the Year. The award recognizes the valuable contribution of school nutrition employees who exhibit a remarkable commitment to both their school meal program and the students they serve. Rosa Roque is described as a star employee who greets students each morning with a smile and a positive attitude. She is always willing to help a struggling student or colleague and lends at hand at other school kitchens within the school district when needed. Roque serves as a great example for others with the efficient and hands-on way she performs her duties, her high energy and upbeat nature.
For holidays and celebrations such as National School Lunch Week and Breakfast Week,
she dresses up and promotes what’s being served in a fun and uplifting way. Roque
understands the importance of offering students a variety of healthy options and
consistently adds new fruits and vegetables to the salad bar. Menu options burst with color
and flavor, such as freshly sliced jicama infused with lime or locally sourced berries.
“Rosa is a bright light who shines within the school district and her community,” said Chris
Derico, SNS, School Nutrition Association President. “She has led summer and school break
meal programs and is always making positive connections with students and families.”
Roque believes in professional development and participation and is among the first to sign
up for state and national conferences. She strives to be an active member of SNA and
always passes on important information to others. This includes member benefits and the
wealth of knowledge she gains when attending these events. Roque also regularly attends
virtual trainings through the Institute of Child Nutrition and SNA.
The Employee of the Year Award was created to recognize outstanding school nutrition
employees who influence the quality of school meals through customer service, an interest
in young people, cooperation, work attendance, creativity, participation in professional
development and their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Roque was announced as the Western region Employee of the Year during an online awards
ceremony on April 30 in advance of School Lunch Hero Day, celebrated on May 3, 2024, to
honor all of America’s dedicated school nutrition professionals. The accomplishments of
Roque and all SNA award winners will also be highlighted in a special digital publication
and promoted in SNA's annual Hero Day social media campaign on
WSD SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM
OREGON LAUNCHING SUMMER EBT FOOD BENEFITS PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN
Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfers (Summer EBT) is a new food benefits program to help shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break. It will start late June and will provide $120 per eligible child to buy food. If you are interested in participating in this program and have questions about how to qualify and sign up, please visit sebt.oregon.gov
WOODBURN COMMUNITY CONNECTION & KID FEST
- Family Fun and Resources
- Kid-Friendly Activities
- Free Hot Dogs, Chips, & Water (While supplies last)
- Entertainment & Information
- Police/Fire Vehicles Displayed
- Exhibitor Giveaways & Drawings
- Free Children's Backpacks (While supplies last)
- And Much More
Email questions to : woodburncom.con@gmail.com
RECREATION * EDUCATION * CELEBRATION * CONNECTION
STAY ACTIVE: SUMMER PROGRAM CONNECTIONS FOR STUDENTS
Woodburn Public Library: Summer Reading Activities for Teens
General Activities:
- Summer Reading Kick-Off Party: Friday, June 21st @ 2pm *Free Snow cones*
- Video Game Tournament: Saturday, June 29th 12pm-4:30pm
- Watercolor Art Camp: July 15th-July 19th 2pm-4pm
- Tie-Dye in the Library Park: Thursday, August 1st 2pm-4pm
- Escape Room: Thursday, August 22nd 2pm-4pm
Summer Performers: Tuesdays @ 2pm
- June 18: CCRLS performer: Red Yarn Comedy and Music
- June 25: Valentina Ortiz, bilingual storyteller
- July 9: Reptile Man
- July 16: CCRLS performer: Paradise of Samoa
- July 23: CCRLS performer: Jeff Evans, magician
- July 30: Nathalia, bilingual singer
Summer Adventure Programs: Fridays @ 2pm (free snow cones at all the following events)
- June 28: Paint Party
- July 12: Giant Bubble Party!
- July 19: Nature Walk at Legion Park
- July 26: MNCH: Journey Under the Sea
- August 2: Campout Activities
Story Times:
- Wednesdays @10:30am: Baby & Toddler Storytime
- Thursdays @ 3:30pm: Spanish Storytime
- Fridays @ 10:30am: Family Storytime
- Saturday, June 29th & Saturday, July 27 @ 10:30am: Russian Storytime
Boys & Girls Club of Woodburn
The Club Teen Center at Settlemier Park
- Grades 6-12
- Open Monday-Friday: 12pm-5pm
- Free meal daily
- DIY STEM
- Art
- Laptop Stations
- Team Building Games
- Mentorship
- Pool Table
- Field Trips
- College Tours
- Service Projects
To learn how to sign up please contact:
Phone Number: 503-980-2428
Email: nsanchez@bgc-salem.org
Applications can be turned into Woodburn Service Director, Nasmeydi Sanchez, nsanchez@bgc-salem.org
YMCA
See the flyers below for summer activities for your child!
- Track and Field
- Basketball Camp
- Volleyball Camp
- Multi-Sport Camp
Visit www.theyonline.org or call 503-980-2417 for more information
City of Woodburn Recreation and Parks
Click HERE if you want to learn more about the Woodburn City Aquatic Center!
STAY INFORMED: WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED TO WSD
FLASH ALERT: EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
REMIND: KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED
The Woodburn School District is dedicated to the safety and well-being of its students and staff. To ensure that everyone is informed and prepared in the event of an emergency, the district uses a communication system called Flash Alert.
Flash Alert is a web-based service that enables the school district to quickly and efficiently communicate with parents, students, staff and local news channels. The system sends out alerts via email, text message, and phone calls, so that that everyone is informed and up-to-date on the latest information. This communication tool can be used in a variety of situations, such as in the event of an emergency or to communicate other important information. For instance, Flash Alert is used to communicate school closures due to inclement weather, and changes in school schedules.
Be sure to sign up for Flash Alert. Click on our link below to sign up for Flash Alerts from WSD.
http://www.flashalert.net/news.html?id=213
Another method of communication WSD uses is Remind. Remind is a communication platform that helps individual schools, as well as the district, reach out directly to students and parents via email and/or messaging. In order to receive Remind messages it is critical that you provide your school up-to-date phone and/or email contact information. Remind is often used by sites to push out text and digital information which allows users to access it when it is convenient for them. To sign up for Remind, or update your information, please contact your school's office.
SCHOOL CONTACT INFO:
WHS: 503-980-6250
VALOR: 503-981-2750
FPMS: 971-983-3550
HERITAGE: 503-981-2600
LINCOLN: 503-981-2825
NELLIE MUIR: 503-982-4300
WASHINGTON: 971-983-3050
SUCCESS: 503-980-6185
GIVE BACK: SCHOOL VOLUNTEER PROCESS
WSD SOCIAL MEDIA: STAY INFORMED!
SAFE OREGON TIP LINE: SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
- 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
SCHOOL REPORT/RELEASE TIMES:
ELEMENTARY: 7:55am - 2:20pm
MIDDLE SCHOOL: 8:15am - 3:15pm
HIGH SCHOOL: 8:30am - 3:30pm