Staff and Student Shout Outs
Summer/First Quarter Highlights from throughout WLWV
Have a story you want to share with the West Linn-Wilsonville staff or WLWV community? Contact Andrew Kilstrom at kilstroa@wlwv.k12.or.us!
Unified Soccer Season Under Way for Wilsonville, West Linn High Schools!
WLWV Business Office Welcomes First Student Intern
The West Linn-Wilsonville Business Office will welcome a new addition to its ranks on Monday, Oct. 8.
The department has hired the first of two student interns in West Linn High School junior Tommy Abboud, who will learn alongside district staff after school. Tommy has aspirations of pursuing a career in finance and business, with a particular interest in math. He is currently enrolled in a business class at Clackamas Community College and wanted to join West Linn-Wilsonville to gain real-world experience in the business world.
"I have always been interested in business," he said. "I want to find ways to learn more and be prepared for college and my career. I think this internship will help me a lot."
Tommy will have the opportunity to perform a variety of duties for the business department, also learning to build professional relationships and work in a business setting. He will have the opportunity to study under Business Office staff for the next two years.
Interested high school students from Arts and Technology High School, Wilsonville High School, or West Linn High School can contact Chief Financial Officer Son Le Hughes if they're interested in applying for an internship position.
Bolton Jog-a-thon Raises Money in Fun Fashion
Wilsonville High School Makes Inclusive Move for Students and Fans
The West Linn-Wilsonville School District is predicated on equity and inclusion for all students, staff, and community members. A great example took place last week when staff and students came together to ensure everyone has the ability to support their peers and school during Wilsonville High School athletic events.
While wheelchair accessible, it can be difficult to get a good vantage point for Friday night football games and Thursday night soccer games at Wilsonville High School’s Randall Stadium. One of the best student sections in the state, the cheering section often stands on its feet during big moments, creating visibility issues for wheel-chair bound students and community members.
But, thanks to some help from leadership at Wilsonville High School, administration, and the district’s operations team, the group were able to create an accessible platform that provides a vantage point for all WHS students and community members. The result is increased access and even a better environment for Wilsonville student supporters.
Thank you to Wilsonville High School and to operations for making our schools inclusive for everyone!
Wilsonville School Leaders Earn Doctorates Through Powerful Research
This coming December, George Fox University graduate students will walk across the stage to accept doctorates of education (Ed.D.). The moment will be particularly noteworthy for the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, as not one but two WLWV staff members will be among those receiving degrees.
Boones Ferry Principal Angela Freeman and Wood Middle School Band Director Allison Bonn-Savage will both enjoy the experience together after three years of hard work and important research.
Dr. Freeman focused on self-efficacy in mathematics, looking for differences in subgroups of students in particular. She surveyed high school students throughout the school district regarding self-efficacy, comparing responses to Smarter Balanced test results. She looked for trends and comparisons between students of color with low socioeconomic status and white students with low socioeconomic status as well as white females and females of color.
“I was and am interested in exploring achievement and opportunity gaps for students of color,” she said. “We’re always striving to close those gaps and increase equity for students who might face barriers, and it’s a topic that has always been especially important to me.”
Dr. Freeman didn’t find a clear difference in self-efficacy among students but did find lower scores for students of color in Smarter Balanced testing. Her dissertation, which she successfully defended in early September recommends further research take a closer look at those tends.
Dr. Bonn-Savage, meanwhile, conducted a phenomenological study of professional learning experiences for music educators. She was curious as to how music educators across Oregon experience professional learning, and what lengths they go to in order to grow as educators. Dr. Bonn-Savage interviewed teachers all over Oregon, discovering that music educators often pursue their own professional learning even outside of what would be provided or expected from their school district.
She also found that music educators have a strong interest in helping create professional learning opportunities for themselves and peers, recommending through her dissertation that teachers and school leaders collaborate on professional learning opportunities. Bonn-Savage successfully defended her dissertation in August, fulfilling an accomplishment she hopes serves as inspiration and motivation for her students and her own children.
Both Dr. Freeman and Dr. Bonn-Savage said their desire to pursue Doctor of Education degrees came from wanting to better themselves as learners and educators as well as providing important research for the future.
“I learned a lot and am better off for this experience,” Dr. Bonn-Savage said. “I’ve grown as a leader but I’m also a better teacher. The students at Wood have benefited from my growth.”
Wilsonville High School Named Unified Champion School
Unified Sports is a program through Special Olympics that blends equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (also known as unified partners) into one team. Unified Sports is an extension of the West Linn High School Unified Club, which meets every other Wednesday throughout the school year, serving as a bonding experience for students from all backgrounds.
West Linn High School was named a national Champion school after completing an application process last spring. Special Olympics determined that West Linn High School had met national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. Wilsonville High School joins West Linn High School, was named a Champion School last school year.
CREST Fall Festival Provides Something for Everyone
WLHS Enjoys New Perspective in Exchange Student Nic Hsiao
Nic Hsiao arrived at West Linn High School for the first day of classes alongside hundreds of his peers on Aug. 27. But, for Nic, the experience was a little bit different than it was for his classmates.
That’s because Nic is an exchange student from Taiwan. Thanks to the West Linn Rotary Club's Youth Exchange Program, he’ll attend West Linn High School for the entire school year before returning home to share his experiences with classmates back in Taiwan. A junior, Nic only arrived in West Linn on Aug. 20, but he has quickly adapted to his new school.
“I met a lot of people on the first day. Everyone was very kind and very nice,” he says.
Nic will stay with three separate host families during his time in West Linn thanks to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, which allows 15- to 19-year olds to participate in study-abroad opportunities. With help from West Linn Rotary Youth Exchange Officer Ken Worcester and Rotary President-Elect David Goode, the Rotary Club is always looking for willing families who will host students. It’s a unique opportunity for all involved.
“It’s a really great opportunity for both the student and the host family. This is something we‘ve been able to facilitate for four years now and we feel very fortunate that we can bring this to our West Linn community,” Goode says.
Nic says he had wanted to participate in the exchange program for some time, choosing America in part so that he can continue to work on learning English.
“Through the Rotary program we can go to any country, and I wanted to come to America because English is a very important language and I want to learn more still,” he says. “Now that I’m here I’m looking forward to meeting new people.”
Nic says he’s interested in studying engineering someday, enrolling in physics and computer science among other courses at WLHS this year. He says he experienced a bit of a culture shock since first arriving in Oregon, but that he’s enjoyed meeting so many friendly faces as well as the natural beauty that surrounds West Linn.
He enjoys playing basketball and the guitar in his free time, and he’s excited to partake in some of the outdoor experiences that Oregon has to offer. He’s already attended a University of Oregon football game as well as a Portland Timbers game, and he says he’s particularly looking forward to attending a Portland Trail Blazers game later this year. He also has ambitions of trying surfing on the Oregon Coast and skiing at Mt. Hood for the first time.
It’s been a whirlwind first couple of weeks, but he says he’s settling into his new home. He says he can’t wait to see what this year has in store.
“Everything so far was a surprise. I didn’t know what to expect,” Nic says. “All of the experiences have been new o me so far, but they have been really great.”
WLWV Practices High School Athletic Event Safety With Local Partners
The West Linn-Wilsonville School District regularly partners with local leaders in school safety, meeting multiple times every school year to discuss safety and security measures for students and the larger community. Providing a safe and welcoming school environment for our students, staff, volunteers, and community members is a top priority for each of us, which is why our organizations routinely practice emergency safety situations that could arise within the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.
On Oct. 3, the group took a moment to walk through potential incidents that could take place during High School Athletic Events. First Responders, local law enforcement, TVF&R, and district officials worked through scenarios, lending their perspectives and experiences. While every situation and incident brings its own unique challenges, Wednesday's Table Top exercises helped officials think about incident priorities, solidify communication channels and better prepare for potential emergency events. [LEARN MORE ABOUT WEDNESDAY'S SAFETY MEETING]
West Linn-Wilsonville Community Collects Back-to-School Items for Students
We are incredibly lucky to have such a generous and supportive community in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.
A special thank you goes out to local organizations Heart of the City as well as the West Linn Chamber of Commerce, West Linn Police Department, West Linn Public Library, Building Blocks 4 Kids, Willamette Coffee House, and Lark Cafe for hosting successful Back-to-School Drives for our students and families.
We are amazed by the level of generosity and care our community partners and members provide on a regular basis. Thanks to all of your hard work, and for the abundance of support from the entire West Linn-Wilsonville community in stepping up to make donations. Thanks to your efforts, so many of our students were prepared and ready for the first day of school, ensuring a great start to a successful school year.
Thank you West Linn-Wilsonville community partners for leading for all!
Long-Time Staff Celebrated at Annual Welcome Back Breakfast
Welcome New Teachers to the West Linn-Wilsonville School District!
West Linn High School Welcomes Greg Neuman as Principal
The West Linn-Wilsonville School District has selected Gregory Neuman as the next principal at West Linn High School. Mr. Neuman was hired following a comprehensive process involving interviews with administrators, teachers, and classified staff, followed by secondary interviews with district-level administrators and Superintendent Dr. Kathy Ludwig.
Greg most recently served as a high school principal in the Yamhill-Carlton School District for the past four years. Before that he spent 16 years working in roles as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. Greg received his Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University, his teaching degree from Concordia University, Masters in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix, and his Continuing Administrative License from Portland State University.
Greg demonstrated a deep commitment to the success of all students and a willingness to work tirelessly to support each and every student throughout the interview process. Greg is committed to excellence in education and leading collaboratively. He has a passion for equity and furthering work in the area of restorative justice, and is eager to begin working in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.
Welcome, Mr. Neuman!
Balancing the Books — WLWV Honored with Governmental Financial Reporting Award for 25th-Straight Year
The West Linn-Wilsonville School District was recently awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). It's the 25th-straight year the district has received the award, marking quite the milestone.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
Lowrie Primary Welcomes Sarita Amaya as Principal — Aug. 9
Sarita Amaya quickly settled in as Lowrie Primary's principal this school year, bring excitement and expertise to the Wilsonville community.
Sarita came to Lowrie from the Beaverton School District, where she most recently served as Assistant Administrator for Multilingual Programs. She brings a broad and diverse background in education to Lowrie Primary, which is a testament to her long-time commitment and passion for public education.
Originally from Oregon, Sarita graduated from the University of Oregon before earning a master’s degree in education from Arizona State University. She began her teaching career in Phoenix as a dual language teacher before returning to Oregon to work in the same role in the North Clackamas School District. A classroom teacher for a total of 14 years, Amaya then joined the Oregon Department of Education in 2014, working as an Education Program Specialist in Policy and Partnerships. She was hired as ODE’s Equity Director in 2015 before going back to school to serve as assistant principal at Elmonica Elementary in the Beaverton School District.
“I would say that my administrative experience is very multi-faceted,” she says. “Working with the Oregon Department of Education was an exciting time. We created a model of early learning that started with expected mothers and lasts all the way until those children are age five. My role was to ensure that voices of historically underrepresented communities were at the forefront of that process, and I learned a lot about relationship-building and establishing trust with so many different people.”
But while Sarita’s journey in education has taken her across the west coast and seen her work in a variety of educational capacities, it’s her students that have always been the primary reason for her work. It’s why she wanted to get back to the school level after her most recent stint with the Beaverton School District. And it’s why she is so excited to get to know the Lowrie Primary community this school year.
“My little gut feeling always tells me to get back to where you’re closest to, which is working with students and teachers,” she says. “I think by listening to their stories and building those relationships day in and day out, it makes your decision-making as an administrator that much more effective. I’m excited for children to be in the building so that I can start building those relationships with our students and families.”
Sarita strongly believes in the workshop model and in the district’s emphasis on creating lifelong readers and learners. And with a decorated background in dual language education, she says Lowrie’s Dual Language Program was the cherry on top of what was a perfect opportunity.
“Dual Language is where I started in education and where I come from. It’s my connection to my family, and growing up with a multi-cultural background I know how important it is to have those cultural ties in a school,” she says. “The fact that we can support family connection with this program is huge, and it benefits the entire school’s ability to be curious about different cultures.”
West Linn High School Artists Unveil West Linn Police Department Mural
West Linn High School Art Students finally got the chance to unveil the masterpiece they spent the better part of the spring working on with the West Linn Police Department on Friday, June 22. Located at the West Linn Police Department's headquarters, the mural is a depiction of Mt. Hood, with personal artworks created by a number of talented young artists.
Student leaders gathered together with WLPD officers and officials on June 22 alongside WLHS Teacher Diane Gauthier, Principal Kevin Mills, friends, family, and community members to celebrate the achievement. The mural will welcome officers for the next three years, at which time a new group of students will paint a new work of art over the existing mural.
WLWV Students Utilize Youth Transition Program to Catapult Toward Graduation and Beyond — August 7
Justin Taylor’s journey through the West Linn-Wilsonville School District is a testament to his own resolve, and to the power of public education. His path to graduation was full of twists and turns, but thanks to hard work, dedication in the classroom, and some help from staff and peers, Justin walked across the Rolling Hills stage this past June a member of the Wilsonville High School Class of 2018.
Now a customer service employee ZOUP Eatery, Justin began gaining traction in his educational career when he joined a wealth of school and work programs during his time at Wilsonville High School. He joined the district’s Youth Transition Program in 2016, where he gained real-world job experience and learned a variety of job-specific skills.
A partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation Oregon and the University of Oregon, the district’s Youth Transition Program serves roughly 50 students across West Linn-Wilsonville’s three high schools. The Youth Transition Program works to pair students with job and internship opportunities throughout the community, allowing students to learn real-world job skills, build resumes, and gain valuable experience.
His experiences with YTP gave him the confidence to apply and interview for a part-time position at ZOUP in December of 2017. He was hired in January when he quickly completed training and received his Food Handler’s card. He soon mastered taking the bus to and from school, and then to work in the afternoons.
With the help of his combined team made up of his Special Education case manager, Youth Transition Program coordinators, vocational rehabilitation staff, and ZOUP managers, Justin was able to master his daily routine, cheerfully tending to the lunch crowd at ZOUP for nearly two full years now. His ZOUP managers praise Justin for his ability and friendly demeanor, even giving him additional responsibilities in recent months.
Justin’s experiences helped propel him to graduation in the spring, and he now gets ready to return to the district’s Adult Transition Program in the fall. Congratulations Justin — thank you for being a terrific steward of the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.
District Leaders Gather for Impactful Two-Day Leadership Retreat — August 3
Students in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District are often reminded about what it means to have a “Growth Mindset,” and why it’s so important to success in academics and in life. But it’s not just students who embody and practice a Growth Mindset, it's teachers, principals, and even district administrators, too. That's why leaders from across the West Linn-Wilsonville gathered for learning of their own during the district’s annual Leadership Retreat from Aug. 1-2.
During the two days of leader learning, some 65 staff members from across the school district participated in a wide range of work. The retreat began with reflection from the 2017-18 school year, as staff celebrated leadership moves that produced positive results while examining areas where further growth can be attained. District leaders engaged in work surrounding Professional Learning Communities, and how schools can continue to cultivate learning pods that best benefit teachers in their own professional development.
Much of the leadership retreat was centered on equity, which continues to be a top priority for the entire West Linn-Wilsonville School District. Gathered in school teams, district leaders reflected on the equity work they engaged in during the 2017-18 school year, brainstorming future leadership moves that will continue to build school communities that are welcoming and inclusive for all students. School leaders also pondered instruction, and systems that can increase access and opportunity, ensuring every WLWV student has the same level of ability to achieve success.
But while staff participated in a great deal of productive learning, the highlight of the two-day retreat came toward the end of day two. A total of seven high school students from the district’s three high schools took time out of their busy summer vacations to join staff for a student panel. Students shared their own experiences in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, providing insight on areas and aspects of their education that have been most beneficial, while helping school leaders to address areas for improvement.
The most powerful moment of the two-day retreat came when students were asked about the inclusive nature of West Linn-Wilsonville Schools. West Linn-Wilsonville classrooms include ALL students, regardless of ability. Students with disabilities learn alongside their peers, instead of in contained classrooms, with the goal of providing equity for every learner. The student panel confirmed that they’ve noted growth from their peers. But, just as importantly, students say inclusive classrooms have furthered their own learning.
“This past year we had a boy in our leadership II class who had a learning disability, and he loved leadership class. It was the perfect place for him to be in sixth period. And I think it helped him learn a lot, but it especially helped everyone learn a lot about what that looks like, and that having students who may have a learning disability in a classroom with you isn’t that big of a deal. By the end of the year, it wasn’t even a thing anymore, and it shouldn’t be,” said West Linn High School senior and Associated Student Body President Ashley Hayter. “These students have just as much potential as anyone else, with so much to offer. We’re going to be working with them and living alongside them in life after high school, so why wouldn’t we get to know them and learn how to work with them now?”
Still, there's always room for improvement. Students talked about chances for even more equity, whether it's with learners with disabilities or other aspects of equity such as race and sexual orientation.
“That’s another initiative of mine for next school year as ASB President, is to find ways to further include students with disabilities into school, so that they feel welcome and comfortable, and equal to everyone else," Hayter said. "We want people to feel like they want to be at school. Not just they can be part of activities, or even that they need to be, but that they WANT to."
The annual retreat serves as a moment for WLWV educators to reflect on another terrific school year, as well as organize and prepare for what promises to be another great year in West Linn-Wilsonville. District Leaders left feeling energized to “Lead For All.”
Brian Quinn Brings Food Education Background to Nutrition Services Department — July 20
When West Linn-Wilsonville students venture into their school cafeteria this coming school year they might notice a new yet familiar face.
That’s because Brian Quinn joined the West Linn-Wilsonville School District as Nutrition Services Coordinator at the beginning of July, bringing a diverse background in food that might sound, and look, familiar to WLWV families and students.
If you’re an avid watcher of KGW’s Portland Today news broadcast, you might recognize Brian from their popular “In the Kitchen” segment. For the past eight months, Brian has educated viewers on a variety of both tasty and healthy foods, teaching other aspiring chefs how to prepare delicious dishes in their own kitchens. It’s just one example of Brian’s passion for food education, and a great example of why he’s so excited to join the West Linn-Wilsonville School District.
“I’ve been in senior dining for the last 10 years, and before that, I’ve been in restaurants, hotels, and have pretty much done all kinds of things in the food industry,” he says. “But I wanted to get into a school district where I felt the passion that I still have for food, and for discovery and cooking that I could share with kids.”
Brian brings a wealth of experience in the world of food to the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. He’s owned his own restaurant, served as a chef in restaurants and hotels, has taught children cooking skills and table manners on a variety of platforms, and has always enjoyed sharing his passion on KGW and his own educational blog.
“We’re lucky and excited to have Brian as part of our Nutrition Services team,” says Nutrition Services Manager Lindsey Flores. “With all of his experience and his passion for food education, we look forward to continuing to move our program forward in serving the students and families in our community.”
Brian is already hard at work, getting cafeterias ready and staff trained for another year of delicious and nutritious foods. In particular, he hopes his passion for food education can help improve students’ knowledge and understanding of the food they eat and where it comes from. The Nutrition Services Department focuses on serving local foods whenever possible, doing its part in sustainable agriculture while ensuring students have access to healthy options.
Brian has already been to the CREST Farm, which will provide many fresh fruits and vegetables for school cafeterias in addition to the great selection that is already offered. He also hopes to introduce students to as many new and nutritional foods as he can in his role with the school district, as well as increase participation in the district’s breakfast program.
“I’m excited because food education is something that is so rewarding to me,” Brian says. “I’m passionate about growing a vegetable garden, maintaining an herb garden, preparing food for people, showing a child some new vegetable or preparation and seeing their reaction. The younger you can get students to try foods the better. Even if they don’t like a vegetable or food right away, I always remind students that it’s OK. I didn’t like squash and tomatoes when I was young either, but, our pallets change. Having that open mind with food is so important. Flavors can take you around the world without ever leaving the table.”
Food, and nutrition in particular, have been a passion of Brian’s for as long as he can remember. He says that some of his greatest memories have involved food and that he’s looking forward to creating some of those same memories for West Linn-Wilsonville students in the coming years. He plans to educate through teaching tables in school cafeterias — much like you might see at Costco or in the grocery store — and looks forward to getting into schools as much as he can.
“When you smell bread that is rising, meat that is grilling or garlic sautéing, it brings you to a specific place and point in your life,” he says. “You can remember the chair you were sitting in at your grandmother’s house, and how old you were. That’s powerful. Food has that kind of effect and I just want to help kids in that discovery process.”
Students Inspire Standout WLWV Scientists at Summer Catalyst Camp — July 17
Every summer, CREST’s Catalyst Camp offers one-of-a-kind experiences for up-and-coming student scientists in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District. With two options — High Tech for the technology-inclined and Engineering and Inquiry for ISEF hopefuls — incoming high school students have spent the past several weeks hard at work in science exploration.
After weeks of learning, Engineering and Inquiry students capped off their summer of science by pitching research projects to past International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) finalists in a “Shark Tank” setting. Students spent the week experimenting with CREST science equipment at Wilsonville High School, and touring science institutions in downtown Portland, all the while brainstorming and working on science projects that have interest to them.
Their hard work culminated on Friday, July 13, when students pitched their project ideas to their mentors. Facilitated by CREST Program Coordinators Amy Schauer and Danielle Grenier, students presented their science project ideas — projects they’ll likely pursue as ISEF competition research projects next school year — to science “sharks.”
The sharks were made up of Rice University sophomore and WLHS graduate Daniel Tang, Oregon State University freshman and WLHS graduate Nikolay Galstev, West Linn High School senior Pooja Jain, and Wilsonville High School senior Hannah Budroe.
After listening to each pitch, sharks asked questions and provided feedback, giving students varying amounts of skittles (hypothetical investment money) depending on the strength of their project and proposed execution. Students also received advice as well as contacts of industry professionals who can help make their science goals and aspirations a reality.
Naturally, there were many skittles to go around given the complexity and impressive nature of student projects. Sharks were wowed by Ben Pinoli’s proposed project, for example, which plans to use genetically modified corn as a jumping-off point to explore whether or not gene modification can eliminate pesticide use in the agriculture industry while reducing pollutants in the ocean.
Jacob McClelland, meanwhile, pitched his idea of taking advantage of city skylines to create renewable energy through building modifications. Using solar panels as a springboard, McClelland shared recent breakthroughs in renewable energy technology that provided the groundwork for small-scale experiments he had dreamt up. His brother, Ben McClelland, also shared his project idea of altering drone technology to work as automated wildfire detection equipment among other potentially groundbreaking ideas.
Sharks also gave students advice about what to expect if they decide to enter ISEF competitions next school year. The congratulated their protégées for strong starts, encouraging them to continue working and experimenting.
“Don’t be concerned with the success or failure of your actual project, because ISEF is for science exploration and learning,” Tang told students. “Judges like hearing about your failures, because it shows the entire process and is proof of your hard work.”
“When you’re at the international competition, presenting alongside some of the brightest young minds in the entire world, it can be intimidating,” Jain advised West Linn-Wilsonville students. “But it’s important to remember that we’re all there because we’re trying to bring positive change to the world, and help through science and exploration. It's a competition, but that's not why we take part in ISEF or research.”
The shark tank activity capped off another successful Catalyst Camp, providing inspiration as they rest up before what promises to be a busy 2018-19 school year.
More Learning from this Summer! — July 11
Last week we shared the great student learning taking place in our high schools, as incoming freshmen transition from middle school to high school, returning students take advantage of Go-Ahead opportunities, and students across the school district embrace the growth mindset that has become a calling card of West Linn-Wilsonville.
And while those students will wrap up their summer learning at the end of this week, they’re not alone. Both Primary and Middle School students have been similarly engaged for the past few weeks, participating in reading programs, CREST summer camps, and a variety of other summer learning opportunities.
At Boones Ferry Primary, for example, students from across the school district have joined together to participate in a unique summer reading program. Aimed at all reading levels, students have received extra practice this summer while getting a chance to read both their favorite books as well as explore new titles as they improve reading skills.
For the outdoor-inclined, CREST (Center for Research in Environmental Sciences and Technologies) is offering multiple summer learning camps for varying grade levels. EnviroCamp, open to students in grades 1-5, is a nature day camp bursting with exploration, learning, and discovery. Students spend their days exploring local creeks and forests, finding interesting critters, playing active games, and of course making new friends. With four sessions this summer, EnviroCamp, students learn to interpret their local natural environment by developing tracking, observation, and survival skills. With camps at CREST Headquarters in Wilsonville and at Mary S. Young Park in West Linn, there are exciting adventures to be had for all West Linn-Wilsonville students.
For older students, the Middle School Adventure Camp is always a hit. For students who enjoy adventure and trying new things, Adventure Camp includes experiences of hiking, canoeing, white water rafting the Clackamas River, and rock climbing. Students also get to kayak and stand-up paddleboard on the Willamette River, providing unique experiences for every type of adventure-lover. In addition to exploring the outdoors, students meet new friends from across the district, play active games, and learn team-building skills.
Catalyst Camp, meanwhile, provides learning opportunities for the district’s up-and-coming scientists. With camps for incoming eighth- and ninth-graders, students create their own original research experiments solving important world problems. CREST offers two options — engineering and inquiry as well as high tech. During the Engineering and Inquiry Catalyst Camp, students learn from district ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) standouts, tour local real-world labs, and enjoy their summer amongst fast-paced brainstorming sessions with peer and mentor support. Catalyst Camp also gives ISEF hopefuls extended time to prepare and work on projects they’ll submit in the winter and spring.
At the High Tech Catalyst Camp, students explore, create, and learn with technology. Students are guided through experiences with future areas of study using design thinking, problem-solving, and exposure to new and upcoming technology. Students explore fields such as robotics, coding, and app development, 3-D design and printing, aerial photography and drone flight, and wearable technology among other topics.
And of course, the CREST Farm is brimming with activity during the summer, as student interns tend to the many flourishing crops that fill the farmland. For students in grades 8-10, the CREST Farm Internship provides work experience as well as intimate knowledge of how a farm operates. Students learn the entire agriculture process, from the planting of crops to harvesting, even getting leadership opportunities along the way. Students are largely responsible for CREST’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), which provides 30 families with vegetables throughout the summer and fall.
Farm Interns also help facilitate several CREST camps, which was the case with EnviroCamp on July 11, when primary-aged students traveled to the farm for a tour and agriculture activities. Farm Interns led tours, instructed students in crop maintenance, and even facilitated the sampling of farm veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes.
WLWV Welcomes Son Le Hughes as Chief Financial Officer — July 9
We were lucky and honored to announce Son Le Hughes as the district’s next Chief Financial Officer back in July.
Son Le comes to the West Linn-Wilsonville School District from the University of Oregon, where she was most recently the Assistant Director of Finance. She has also held financial positions at Oregon State University, Linn-Benton Community College, and Eugene School District, providing her with a wealth of experience in both K-12 education as well as higher education. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Leadership from Oregon State University.
Son Le’s expertise in finance will be a welcome addition to the school district.
“Ms. Hughes is notably comfortable working with budgets and numbers and is a thoughtful leader,” said Superintendent Dr. Kathy Ludwig. “She will be an excellent addition to our team and someone we feel lucky to have.”
Son Le's predecessor, Doug Middlestetter, will remain with the school district until his retirement at the end of December. Middlestetter will serve the role of Business and Finance Consultant to the school district before his retirement, marking more than six years in West Linn-Wilsonville.
During the next several months Middlestetter will work with Hughes during the transition process, facilitate the district’s transition to a new audit firm, help to create a new budget document format for public consumption, create projection analyses for the district, and organize Construction Excise Tax expenditures among other consultation duties.
Learning Never Stops in West Linn-Wilsonville — July 3
The learning never stops in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, as evidenced by the many high school courses taking place at both Wilsonville and West Linn high schools this summer. Hundreds of students are currently engaged in wellness courses, advanced math courses, social studies, transition courses for incoming freshmen, and science courses among other offerings available to students looking to get a leg up on next school year.
For the past two weeks, students across the district have packed up backpacks and headed back to school, learning alongside like-minded classmates. Despite warm weather and the call of summer, learning is a mindset for WLWV students.
Look no further than West Linn High School Teacher Tyson Brown’s Go Ahead Civics class, where students have spent the past couple weeks reading about the Constitution and Bill of Rights, learning about forms of government, civil liberties, civil rights, elections, voting behavior, congress, supreme court, and more. Meeting from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, the summer schedule allows students to pour all of their focus into one subject, fully immersing themselves in the United States government.
That learning was followed by the chance to display their new knowledge in a class debate on Tuesday, July 3. Tackling the discussion of whether or not college education should be free for all people, students were assigned to either debate in favor of or against free college education for U.S. citizens. Students were given a couple days to research the topic, formulate background knowledge, and compile evidence to back up their claims before embarking on the class-wide discussion on Tuesday.
Citing studies conducted by reputable organizations such as the Pew Research Center, College Board, CNN, and more, students shared turns listening to their classmates before formulating counterarguments in favor of their side. Students had to think on the fly but were also required to rely on research they had already conducted, ensuring arguments were evidence-based and not just opinions. Summer school lasts just three weeks in length, but the learning students engage in is just as rich as they’d receive during the school year.
Over at Wilsonville High School, meanwhile, Liz Kinder’s Go Ahead class focuses on helping incoming freshmen with the transition from middle school to high school. Students have spent the past couple of weeks learning useful resources such as Google Docs, how to navigate the school’s website, and how to best utilize the school library.
In addition to touring their new school, learning what student clubs and organizations are available to students and the various ways in which students can connect to Wilsonville High School, students also get the chance to connect with some of their new classmates and ease into their freshman year of high school.
“It’s been helpful to learn a little bit about high school and where we can go for help,” says freshman Caden Edwards.
Students also enjoy the presence of senior leaders, like Rachelle Aguilar, who is volunteering her summer to help her new classmates learn the ropes at Wilsonville High School.
“I just thought it was a great opportunity to help new students acclimate to Wilsonville High School and share my experiences with them,” she says. “I was pretty shy when I first started my freshman year so I’m hoping I can show them how they can get connected and find their place. Knowing some seniors and people they can ask questions should help them feel confident at the start of the school year.”
About West Linn-Wilsonville
Email: kilstroa@wlwv.k12.or.us
Website: www.wlwv.k12.or.us
Location: 22210 Southwest Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR, USA
Phone: 503-673-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/wlwvschools
Twitter: @wlwvdistrict