WLWV School Board Briefs
Nov. 6
The West Linn-Wilsonville School Board held a regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 6. The following are select highlights from that meeting.
Board Recognizes Information and Technology Department
Nelson noted the 8,000 Chromebooks, 2,500 PCs, 100 Macintosh computers, 1,000 iPads, and 200 printers the staff manages and monitors, including the numerous accounts that need to be set up and managed for the district's 1,100-odd employees. In addition to all of the networking and technology the IT Department is responsible for throughout 16 schools and even more buildings, Nelson's team also handles student data and reporting to the state, including 74 required state reports. The department is also responsible for the data implementation that makes nutrition services systems, bus routing services, and security systems possible in addition to countless other essential functions.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of this staff and the passion and care they have for this work," Nelson said.
Board Receives 2017 Third Quarter Bond Report
Although Meridian Creek Middle School and Sunset Primary opened for the first day of school back on Aug. 29, operations staff and contractors continue to work through punch lists for both schools. Operations Director Tim Woodley said work continues on the track and field at Meridian Creek, but that the gym expects to be completely finished and made available for public use in the next week or two. At Sunset, meanwhile, Woodley said the school's main parking lot is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
High School Reports
Arts and Technology High School's Kaya Williams informed the Board that Art Tech was already off to a fast start to the second quarter, with the arrival of new STEM Teacher Philip Clark, who is utilizing the school's new maker space for a variety of hands-on class offerings. She also highlighted the Phoenix Leadership Program that several Art Tech students participated in last week, as well as the school's recent and successful Rock Band concert.
Senior Shay Hicks said West Linn High School enjoyed a successful Homecoming football game and dance. She told the Board that student leadership had decided to adjust the title of the homecoming court from king and queen to "royals," to avoid addressing genders while making the longtime tradition more inclusive for all students and community members. She also highlighted an upcoming food drive WLHS is embarking on as well as the school's Unified Soccer Team, which enjoyed having the school's cheerleading squad, pep band, and a packed crowd for its last game of the year last week.
Wilsonville High's Kara Hix, meanwhile, informed the Board about her school's new Women's Empowerment Club, which meets once a week to discuss issues in the world surrounding women's rights. She complimented the journalism program on printing their first issue of The Paw Print, as well as the Drama Department's ongoing production of "The Little Mermaid."
Board Makes OSBA Nominations
Mentoring New Teachers
Teacher mentors are WLWV teachers who spend two years outside of the classroom. They spend that time working with 25-plus teachers who have come to the district in the past three years. First-year teachers receive 72-90 hours of professional development, including mentorship from their teacher mentor, while teacher mentors simultaneously hone their own craft.
Teacher mentors will reenter the classroom at the conclusion of the two-year program, utilizing the insights they've gained from working so closely with others.
Pryor said professional development, as well as individualized teaching and learning, are two major factors that excite WLWV teachers. He added that it's a large contributor to West Linn-Wilsonville's 96 percent teacher retention rate.
Board Prioritizes Schools, Community Engagement
Upcoming Meetings
Regular Meeting: Dec. 4, 6 p.m.; District Office, 22210 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin
About West Linn-Wilsonville
Website: https://www.wlwv.k12.or.us/
Location: 22210 Southwest Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR, United States
Phone: 503-673-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WLWVschools
Twitter: @WLWVdistrict