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THE WOODBURN PROMISE: April 26, '24
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THE WOODBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT PROMISE
With the end of the school year closing fast, we want to encourage our students to finish strong! Stay focused, stay involved, and set a course to success. Families and students, please continue to stay connected with your schools and don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need help. It's never too early to begin planning for summer. Over the next few months we will be posting opportunities for students to stay connected. Be it summer school, Boys and Girls Club, the City of Woodburn activities, or other pro-social opportunities, we urge you to find meaningful activities that will help you and your student stay connected over the summer months.
WE ARE ALL TEAM WOODBURN!
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WSD BUDGET MESSAGE
Dear Woodburn School Community,
Over the years, Woodburn School District has been known to be a leader in providing for the needs of multilingual students and families and for closing the opportunity gap for students. We have consistently prided ourselves in the work we do on behalf of our community, and look forward to continuing this success in the future.
Our decisions are guided by our mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives. Collectively they form our strategic plan and they provide us with direction for development of a budget that supports us to engage, inspire, and prepare each student to learn, lead and contribute towards a just community both local and global. Annually, our budget development provides us an opportunity to reflect upon our use of resources in order to strengthen our stewardship of public resources and community trust and maximize services for our students.
Our Board’s mission and vision for the district in their strategic plan along with feedback gathered leading up to the development of this budget provide us with priorities. Over the course of the year we engaged in listening sessions with school site councils, which included participation from parents and school based staff members, pre-budget committee presentations with our Board and Associations to identify priorities like dual language, career and technical education, family and student engagement programs, and social emotional and mental health support for students.
Contributing Factors
Due in large part to increased employee costs, the 2023-24 budget spent down the district's ending fund balance. The 2023-24 salary increases were the largest percentage increase for employee salaries we have ever done. Spending down the ending fund balance was a short term solution to maintain a balanced budget. That fund has now been spent and is no longer available to offset the rising cost of staff.
Woodburn has also benefited from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. These expiring funds were made available to help districts safely reopen and sustain the same operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students. These funds provided Woodburn with a means to increase support and programs, like online school, and balance a budget during times of financial shortfalls. The unsustainable ESSER funds have been exhausted and are expiring in September 2024.
It is also important to note that Woodburn, like most districts across the state and nation, continue to face declining student enrollment. In recent years, Woodburn has seen enrollment decline from 5,628 students in 2020 to our current enrollment of 5,242 students. That’s a significant decline of 386 students. For perspective, Washington Elementary School’s current enrollment is 441. During this same period of time Woodburn has been able to maintain staffing levels due to expiring, one-time ESSER funds.
A Look at 2024-25
We are all aware of how fragile the State’s school funding model is. As a State, we have struggled to fund schools at the needed levels, which has left Districts to rely on temporary funding sources and ending fund balances to help maintain services and staffing levels.
To be clear, the current Oregon State School Fund budget is not sufficient enough to allow WSD to maintain current staffing levels and program options. In order to produce a balanced budget for the 2024-2025 school year we are planning to reduce general fund spending by $2.92 million over the prior year’s budgeted expenditures. The loss of ESSER funds, depleting ending fund balance, increased staffing costs, and a decline in enrollment requires us to make difficult decisions in order to find a new normal under which to operate.
We are hoping to close this funding gap by evaluating district supports and staffing levels to ensure that they align with the reality of our enrollment and student needs. To the extent possible, this budget gap will be closed through reduced spending and strategic staffing decisions. We will align staffing levels through attrition, that is by not refilling positions of staff who are leaving. We estimate needing to not refill 13 staffing positions for the upcoming school year. The District has already been working this year to reduce spending and manage staff allocation to lessen the budget impacts going into the 24-25 year.
Woodburn School District is committed to engaging, inspiring, and preparing each student to learn, lead and contribute towards a equitable community both local and global.
SUPPORTING THE WHOLE CHILD
The emotional and mental health of our students is a critical component to their safety and growth. The District has made strategic investments to help develop and expand these supports at all levels. From increasing counselors across the board, to hiring School Social Workers, WSD has helped lead the way in creating structures and practices to help promote and nurture the emotional and mental well being of our students.
We have invested in materials for Social Emotional Learning (see December newsletter) and staff to help ensure students and families are being supported. Schools are providing differing levels of support from a multitude of staff members. Licensed, Classified, and Administrative staff provide daily contact and support, whereas positions such as Counselors, Behavior Specialists, School Psychologists, and School Social Workers provide more small group and individual support. These positions also serve as liaisons with outside resources and help connect students and families with even more individualized and specialized support as needed.
WSD, with stakeholder involvement and input, has created these teams of support at all levels to ensure our students and families have key personnel to help them access the services they need to be successful. These positions are critical to the mission of the District and are part of the upcoming proposed budget.
HELP YOUR CHILD ACCESS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY
Connecting with and supporting our families and students is a top priority for us at Woodburn School District, especially during extended breaks, like summer break! There are many ways you can stay connected with learning throughout the summer, whether it be through accessing events and learning opportunities in the community, or engaging with online school resources that are available year round. The easiest way to access trusted online learning resources through the summer is through your student’s Clever account. To access the Clever account, please go to clever.com. Instructions for logging in can be found in the infographic below.
Once in Clever, you will be able to access different learning platforms. For instance, at the elementary level, students can access math supports through DreamBox, and reading and writing materials through Benchmark education. At the Middle and High School level, students can access Naviance to do college and career exploration and goal setting; they can also access their health class materials via the G-W application (Goodheart-Wilcox).
If you have trouble accessing your Clever account, please contact the Teaching and Learning Student Information Specialist, Ian Campbell: inpcampbell@woodburnsd.org.
EXCEPTIONAL TEEN NAMED OREGON YOUTH OF THE YEAR BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Betzabet Gascar Hernandez set to receive college scholarship and vie for regional title this summer
Salem, Oregon – Selected among 6 outstanding youth from across Oregon, Betzabet (Betzy) has been named the Oregon Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle. Now in its 77th year, the Youth of the Year program honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures. As the 2024 Youth of the Year, Betzy will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, will receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and will advance to the regional Youth of the Year and ultimately the national event.
Gascar Hernandez is a senior at Woodburn High School and has been attending the Boys & Girls Club since her sophomore year. She aspires to attend University of Oregon and study government and politics. She participates in the T3: Training Teens for Tomorrow program where she received workforce development training and participated in an internship at Woodburn’s City Hall along with support with college applications and future plans.
“Being at the Boys & Girls Club reassures me that continuing my studies is the right choice. They advocate for keeping good grades, being involved in the community, and networking. I have even landed a job thanks to them, and have visited universities with students that were equally curious about pursuing post-secondary schooling. If I had known that the Boys & Girls Club offered so much, I would have enrolled sooner,” said Gascar Hernandez.
“Betzy’s determination, resilience and poise shine in everything she does,” said Sue Bloom, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties. “Her journey and accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and commitment to a bright future.”
“We are incredibly proud of Betzy and all the Youth of the Year nominees,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Being named Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor and accomplishment. As the Oregon Youth of the Year, Betzy will serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club kids and teens across the state who need more role models that they can admire and emulate.”
Founded in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club. The Youth of the Year program is supported by Toyota and Kohls. As the Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year, Toyota and Kohls are committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs provide life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work. Youth of the Year representatives are the workforce leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
This summer, Betzy will join other state Youth of the Year in Beverly Hills, California to vie for the Pacific regional title. If named the regional Youth of the Year, they will be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five finalists along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in September 2024 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota Corolla. For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit bgca.org/yoy.
-Article provided by Kari Roberts of the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties
WOODBURN INDEPENDENT - Gov. Tina Kotek visited Washington Elementary School in Woodburn on Wednesday, April 17, where she signed a bill into law that will fortify learning programs statewide.
House Bill 4082 directs Oregon Department of Education to fund summer learning programs and to study how to provide learning during non-school hours. It will provide $30 million in state funding for summer learning opportunities across Oregon, according to the governor’s office.
The funding means an estimated 48,000 students across Oregon will benefit from summer learning programs this year. The bill also creates a workgroup to develop recommendations for sustainable long-term funding for summer.
“Our goals must be student-centered to reduce opportunity gaps for historically underserved students and raise the bar on outcomes for all students,” Kotek said. “And we have to help families know their children have a safe, welcoming place to learn during the summer months and after school.”
The bill garnered broad support from state lawmakers, passing 26-4 vote in the Oregon Senate and 53-4 in the Oregon House.
“It’s essential that we make targeted investments to get our students back on track,” said Rep. Tracy Cramer (R-Gervais). “It’s equally important that the Legislature take an active role in ensuring these funds are used wisely. We must track and monitor their performance and outcomes to ensure these funds are increasing student’s proficiency in the basics of reading, writing, and math.”
Rep. Susan McLain (D-Forest Grove), was the bill’s primary chief sponsor and is co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education.
“As a teacher of over 42 years and as a Legislator, I have been steadfast in my commitment to ensuring that students have the tools needed for success,” McLain, said. “This funding will strengthen partnerships between districts law, community organizations, local governments and tribal nations already doing great work to support all Oregon students.”
The bill aims to provide safe, healthy, and enriching resources for Oregon students between school years. Summer learning programs also ensure kids who need extra help to reach their full potential don’t get left behind.
“We saw with the influx of one-time COVID-funding that summer learning programs can make a real difference for our students” said Senator Michael Dembrow (D — Portland), chair of the Senate Education Committee. “We no longer have those federal dollars, but we do still have students who need to catch up. This bill is a great step towards creating the long-term, sustainable, and effective summer learning programs Oregon kids deserve.”
In addition to providing $30 million for programs this summer, HB 4082 also requires the Oregon Department of Education to study and identify how to establish Summer Learning as a permanent feature of Oregon’s larger K-12 system.
“We must make summer learning funding permanent to ensure ongoing stability and quality of our summer opportunities for Oregon kids,” said Representative Courtney Neron (D-Wilsonville, Sherwood, King City, Tigard), an educator and Chair of the House Committee on Education. “These investments align with research and underscore our commitment to ensuring kids are getting the tailored services they need to rebound from COVID learning challenges.”
To ensure programs reach students with the greatest need, the legislation requires districts to partner with tribes and community-based organizations trusted by youth and families. Programs serving youth from preschool through grade 12 are eligible for summer learning funding.
Programs have to provide academic enrichment, by aligning with academic content standards in math, science, language arts, life skills, school readiness, or credit recovery.
“We know that education is the key to Oregon students being able to compete globally and locally in a 21st Century economy,” said Sen. Janeen Sollman (D — Hillsboro). “Summer learning programs ensure that students not only have the basic skills they need to gain access to good jobs, but summer programs can also give students exposure to STEM education that will help them no matter what industry they go into.”
CLASS OF 2024: STAY INFORMED
Congratulations class of 2024! The end is in sight! This time of year is exciting and busy. In an effort to help keep people organized and on time, we would like to share upcoming deadlines, activities, and other information. Again, stay focused and finish strong. YOU CAN DO IT!
Upcoming events, activities, and other important information:
Prom: May 4th, 7:00pm-10:00pm @ Festhalle, Mt. Angel
Athletic Signing Day: May 20th, 4:00pm @ WHS Main Gym
Seal of Biliteracy: May 22nd, 6:30pm @ WHS
Senior Final Grades: May 31st
Senior Trip: June 4th
Senior BBQ: June 5th
Senior Farewell: June 5th
Senior Awards Night: May 31st
Mandatory Graduation Practice: June 7th
Session A: 8:00am-11:30am
Session B: 12:00pm-3:30pm
Graduation Day: June 8th, 2:00pm @ WHS-Dale Yuranek Field
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: 24-25 SCHOOL YEAR
DAY OF THE CHILD: FAMILY ACTIVITY!
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
NEW LUNCH MENUS: UPDATED MENUS BELOW
To open the menu, please click on the menu images.
Elementary School Menu Mar - June Cycle
Middle School Menu Mar - June Cycle
Elementary School Menu April 29 - May 3
Middle School Menu April 29 - May 3
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