2021-22 School Year Planning
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The West Linn-Wilsonville School District continues to work closely with the Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Health Authority, and Clackamas County Public Health Department as we make preparations for the first day of school on Sept. 8. As we return to five full days of in-person instruction, we know that families may have questions about the coming year. Please refer to these frequently asked questions or contact your principal for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Athletics
Will students need to wear face coverings to participate in after-school athletics?
Students are not required to wear masks indoors or outdoors when practicing or playing a competitive sport at any level outside of normal school hours.
Students and coaches who are not actively participating (i.e. on the sideline during an indoor or outdoor competition) are required to wear face coverings. Students and coaches are required to wear masks when in the weight room.
Will students need to socially distance?
Students are encouraged to exercise at least 3 feet of social distance from other students and at least 6 feet of distance from adults, to the extent possible.
Under what circumstances will students need to quarantine?
Starting March 12, students will not need to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19. Until then, the following protocols are in place. If a student comes in contact with another student with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they maintained at least 3 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure.
If a student comes in contact with an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they had maintained at least 6 feet of distance and were wearing a mask at the time of exposure.
If a student comes in contact with another student or an adult with a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the student does not need to quarantine if they're fully vaccinated and at least 14 days beyond completion of the vaccine series at the time of the exposure.
In the event of a positive case and potential exposure, trained staff will look at close contacts to determine which students need to be quarantined.
What are the rules for spectators at athletic events?
Through March 11, masks are required at all times for indoor events.
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Co-curriculars and Performing Arts
Are face coverings required to participate in co-curricular school activities and performing arts?
Face coverings will not be required for students engaged in athletic practice or competition, when playing a musical instrument using the mouth, or when giving a speech or performing.
Will students need to socially distance?
Students are encouraged to exercise at least 3 feet of social distance from other students and at least 6 feet of distance from adults, to the maximum extent possible.
What are the rules for spectators?
Through March 11, spectators are required to wear masks at all times for indoor co-curricular activities. Spectators are encouraged to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between families/groups to the extent possible.
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Classrooms
How will 3 feet of distancing be maintained while in the classroom?
To the extent possible, student chairs and desks will be arranged to accommodate a minimum of 3 feet of distancing. There may be instances during the school day when students are less than 3 feet for one another.
Will students share supplies?
Sharing of supplies will be limited to the extent possible.
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Cleaning
How often will school spaces be cleaned?
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces will follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC advises that when no people with positive or presumptive COVID-19 cases are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove any virus that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility. District custodians will clean and disinfect a space when a sick person or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 has been in that space within the last 24 hours. School custodians will also maintain their regular routine cleaning protocols at all school buildings.
What products are used for cleaning?
As needed, the District uses three different models of Protexus Electrostatic Sprayers. The District uses Evaclean PURTABS Disinfection Tablets as its primary disinfectant solution, which is hospital grade. For high-touch surfaces, the District also uses the Solsta 764 Quaternary disinfectant from WAXIE.
What rooms will get additional cleaning?
Locker rooms, health rooms, and bathrooms will be cleaned nightly using Protexus Electrostatic Sprayers. These school areas are more prone to germs given the nature of the spaces.
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Contact Tracing
Contact Tracing will no longer be conducted starting March 12. Until then, the following contact tracing protocols are in place.
Notifications Move from Phone Calls to Written Emails
With the updated authorization, West Linn-Wilsonville schools will shift to a general notification of potentially exposed students in the event of a positive case of COVID-19 through email. Families will no longer receive a personalized phone call from the school.
- For our primary schools, students who have been determined as close contacts through the contact tracing process will receive this notification. Notification letters will include phone numbers for families to call if there are any questions.
- For our middle and high schools, families will receive a notification that their child was exposed to a positive case in their classroom/team/grade. Notification letters will include phone numbers for families to call if there are any questions.
With this new authorization, families of students exposed to COVID-19 will be expected to assume responsibility and keep their child home, using this guidance:
- Vaccinated students do not need to quarantine if they are symptom-free;
- Students who have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days do not need to quarantine;
- Unvaccinated students will need to quarantine at home for 5 days, or, participate in the Test-to-Stay Program;
- Schools will expect families to abide by public health requirements and keep their children home (quarantine) when exposed.
Impact on Schools With This Shift
This change allows the district nurses, health assistants and office staff to shift resources and focus from making contact tracing phone calls to more timely notifications and other important areas of highest impact, such as:
- Screening of students or staff who develop symptoms during the day,
- Consultation with students who are in isolation or quarantine,
- Responding to school-based illnesses, emergencies and health education.
Families with questions about quarantine guidance will be provided a list of phone numbers to call if they have any questions, including an OHA hotline, county phone bank, district office or school office.
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COVID-19 Reporting
COVID-19 reporting will change starting March 12. Until then, the following protocols are in place.
What do I do if my student tests positive for COVID-19?
If your student tests positive for COVID-19, please contact your school office immediately.
Will I be alerted about a positive case of COVID-19 at my student's school?
In the event of a positive case of COVID-19, the parent-guardian of any student who is determined to have been exposed during the contact tracing process will be contacted by email to determine if quarantine is needed. Only K-12 indoor, unmasked exposure will be subject to quarantine and notification as defined by the Oregon Health Authority.
The entire school community will be alerted in the event of a significant outbreak at the school. Schools will not send school-wide notifications for every individual case of COVID-19, however. The district’s COVID-19 dashboard will be updated daily to display the total number of recent and cumulative cases of COVID-19 in each school building.
How can I find out how many COVID-19 cases have been reported in the district?
In an effort to be fully transparent, the District is publishing data on reported positive or presumptive COVID-19 cases among our students and staff. This data is collected by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and is published daily in the District's Online COVID-19 Dashboard. The Dashboard is updated as frequently as possible. However, please know that there can occasionally be a lag-time between data collection and data publication.
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COVID-19 Testing
Is testing available if my student develops COVID-19 symptoms during the school day?
Optional COVID-19 testing may be offered to a student if the student has developed new symptoms of COVID-19 while at school. Testing is performed by a trained district nurse or health assistant.
COVID-19 testing for students is optional and parent-guardians may refuse consent.
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COVID-19 Vaccinations
Will students be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine to attend in-person learning?
West Linn-Wilsonville schools are not requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Students' enrollment will not be impacted by whether or not they receive the vaccine. When determining whether or not an individual needs to quarantine after a COVID-19 exposure, vaccine proof may be requested by the local public health department. Students would then have a choice to provide proof of vaccination or quarantine if proof is not provided.
WLWV follows guidance from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) in regards to which vaccinations are required for students to attend our schools and what exemptions are acceptable. At this time, ODE and OHA have not required the COVID-19 vaccine for students, ages 12-17.
Where can my student get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Students ages 12 and up are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you would like information about where to find a vaccine, visit the state's Find a COVID Vaccine in Oregon website.
Will West Linn-Wilsonville staff be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Per Governor Kate Brown’s recent order, West Linn-Wilsonville will now require all staff members to provide proof of vaccination; exemptions may be made for eligible medical or religious reasons.
For those of you who need to be vaccinated, please check the state’s Get Vaccinated Oregon website or call 211 for the nearest vaccination location.
Will volunteers be required to show proof of vaccination?
Per the Governor's order, all volunteers will be required to show proof of vaccination to volunteer in a school. Schools will only utilize essential volunteers to start the school year to minimize the potential of exposure to staff and students.
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Field Trips
Will students and classes take field trips this school year?
West Linn-Wilsonville schools will not take field trips to indoor venues to start the school year. Schools may participate in approved outdoor field trips on a limited basis where stable cohorts and health and safety protocols can be ensured. The district will continue to monitor conditions.
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Masks/Face Coverings
WLWV: Indoor Masking not required starting March 12
- Starting March 12, masks will only be strongly advised but not required in West Linn-Wilsonville schools when county community levels are high (see CDC COVID-19 Community Levels). Currently, Clackamas County is at medium level. At all levels, individuals may choose to mask based on their individual risk assessment. This applies to all school settings, including while riding the school bus.
- Students may be asked to wear a mask in the school health room if it is determined that symptoms warrant this health protocol.
- We understand that masking will become a personal choice for staff and students based on their individual health needs. Staff will continue to remind students to be respectful of one another regarding their masking decisions. We know that some will still have concerns based on their own assessment of risk for themselves or their households.
Until March 19, the following masking protocols are in place:
Can a student be exempted from wearing a face covering?
Similar to last year, students with documented medical issues that prevent face covering wearing may be exempt. Talk to your school principal for more information.
Will masks be required on school buses?
As part of a federal mandate, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses. Drivers do not need to wear masks if they're the only person on the bus.
What should I do if I don’t want my student to wear a mask?
Students should apply to our WLWV K12 Online Academy as soon as possible.
Will students be able to remove masks while eating or drinking?
Students will be able to remove masks while eating and drinking.
Will students be able to remove masks during outdoor recess?
Students will be able to remove masks during outdoor recess.
Will students be able to remove masks during outdoor classes?
Students will be able to remove masks during outdoor classes.
Will students be able to remove masks during band?
Students will be able to remove their masks while playing instruments that require use of their mouths (i.e. trumpet). Alternatively, they can opt to wear masks with slits designed for this purpose.
Students who don't play mouthed instruments will be required to wear a mask while in band class.
Will students be able to remove masks during choir class?
No, masks are required during choir class.
Will students be able to remove masks during P.E.?
Students participating in certain indoor sports during P.E. where masks may present a strangulation hazard may remove their masks. Otherwise, masks will remain on.
Students participating in outdoor P.E. classes won't be required to wear masks.
When else are masks required?
Students and staff must wear masks when engaging in educational activities such as field trips or off-campus classes during regular school hours and when engaging in educational activities indoors but outside of regular school hours.
Can students wear face shields instead of masks?
A face shield may be worn instead of a mask if an individual cannot wear a mask for medical reasons. Students must have documentation from their doctors. Masks are preferred over face shields, as they provide better containment of small aerosols that can be produced while talking.
What type of face covering or mask should my student wear?
Universal and correct use of face coverings keep students learning in-person. Please refer to proper face covering guidance from the CDC when trying to find a mask for your student to wear while at school.
Masks should have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric; completely cover your nose and mouth; fit snugly against the sides of your face and don't have gaps; and havea nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.
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Nutrition Services (Lunch)
Will school meals be free for all students?
Yes, all meals are free for students enrolled in West Linn-Wilsonville schools. Nothing is required for students to access a free meal. Meals will no longer be available for children not enrolled in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, however.
Will students be able to remove masks while eating or drinking?
Students will be able to remove masks while eating and drinking.
Will students eat lunch outside?
If possible, students will eat lunch outside, weather permitting. The ability to eat outside depends on several factors unique to each school campus.
How will cafeterias be set up to comply with the recommended 3 feet of distancing?
To the extent possible, students will be spaced to accommodate a minimum of 3 feet of distancing when eating inside. However, depending on the school building, that may be difficult as school cafeteria configurations vary greatly. Students may also eat in classrooms in some instances.
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Quarantining
Starting March 12, students will not need to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19 per the Ready Schools, Safe Learners guidance. Students who are positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate for at least 5 days. Until March 12, the following quarantine guidelines are in place.
Quarantine Protocols Through March 11
Effective Friday, January 14, Oregon will no longer consider indoor masked contact in K-12 settings, including school buses, to be an exposure, regardless of distancing. Only K-12 indoor, unmasked exposure will be subject to quarantine. The updated guidance will strongly advise students and staff to maintain physical distancing to the greatest extent possible.
The new recommendations are based on accumulated evidence that layered mitigation efforts in K-12 schools have worked well to minimize transmission. The vast majority of any school-based transmission has occurred following indoor, unmasked activities (e.g. athletics, eating/drinking).
This new guidance will allow schools to focus resources on identifying high-risk, indoor, unmasked exposures most likely to result in transmission, such as lunch times and unmasked indoor co-curricular activities.
In summary:
- Fully vaccinated children and adults who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination series and are symptom-free are not subject to quarantine if exposed and may continue to attend school.
- Unvaccinated children and adults who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case at school during lunch or unmasked, indoor co-curricular activities will need to be quarantined unless participating in the test to stay program.
Notification Letters to be Updated
Based on this new Exposure & Quarantine guidance, notification letters to families will be updated. We anticipate fewer students needing to be quarantined under this new guidance, thereby allowing more students to continue attending school.
Isolation Update
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status or symptoms, must isolate at home and away from others for a minimum of 5 full days, with day 0 being the first day of symptoms. For those with no symptoms, day 0 is the day they took the test that came back positive.
If the ill individual continues to have a fever or other symptoms have not improved after 5 days of in-home isolation, they should wait to end their isolation until they have been fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication, and other symptoms have improved.
If the individual in isolation has no symptoms or mild symptoms that have resolved after 5 days, they may return to school if they consistently and diligently wear a well-fitting mask when around others for an additional 5 days. If masking is not feasible during certain extracurricular activities (such as sports), then the individual should not participate in that activity during this second 5-day mask-wearing period.
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Recess
Updated 2/7/22
Will masks be required?
Students are not required to wear masks during outdoor recess.
Will equipment be cleaned after each use?
There will be no cleaning of playground equipment after use. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands upon re-entering school.
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School Day Schedule
When is the first day of school?
The first day of school for all West Linn-Wilsonville schools and students, including the WLWV K12 Online Academy, is Wednesday, Sept. 8.
What time does school start and end?
Primary Schools: 7:50 a.m. - 2:10 p.m.
Middle Schools: 9:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
High Schools: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Preschool: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
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Social Distancing
Will students be required to socially distance?
In accordance with the recommendations from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), classrooms will be set up to maintain 3 feet of social distancing to the extent possible.
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Symptom Screening
Starting March 12, students and families will be expected to self-screen for any symptoms of COVID-19. Students may receive onsite diagnostic testing if they develop symptoms during the school day. Until March 12, the following protocols are in place.
What is the student screening process for COVID-19 symptoms?
West Linn-Wilsonville Schools will once again use the three step process for screening students for COVID-19.
Step 1: Parents/guardians are expected to perform a daily health evaluation before sending students to school. If a student is exhibiting a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a new loss of taste or smell or any of the symptoms, the student should stay home.
Step 2: School staff will give a visual screening of students upon arrival at school for COVID-19 symptoms. Any student displaying or experiencing symptoms will be escorted to the health room for further evaluation.
Step 3: A district nurse or health assistant will take the student's temperature and screen for COVID-19 symptoms. The parent-guardian may be called and asked to take the student home or get the student tested for COVID-19.
What happens if a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms at school?
If a student exhibits or complains of any COVID-like symptoms, an adult will accompany the student to the school isolation/health room. A school nurse or health assistant will then take the student’s temperature. If the student presents with COVID-like symptoms or symptoms warranting exclusion, the student will be instructed to wait in the isolation room until a parent/guardian can pick up the student. The student will be encouraged to see a health care provider for evaluation.
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Temporary Remote Learning
IN THE EVENT that we reach a point where we’re unable to safely operate a school with adequate staffing, we would transition the school to temporary remote learning (TRL) as a last resort. This is what the process for TRL would look like:
- Families will be notified that their school will be moving to temporary remote learning, and the dates it would take effect. The school will communicate with their families about the logistics for distributing Chromebooks, picking up meals, and other information.
- Per our agreement with our teacher and staff associations (WWEA, OSEA), the district will provide two days for teachers, staff and the school office to transition to remote learning. For example, if the District made an announcement Monday late afternoon about transitioning to temporary remote learning, teachers and staff would have Tuesday and Wednesday to prepare. Online learning would begin on Thursday. The two preparation days would allow for technology distribution, online teaching systems set-up, as well as communication with families and students regarding the daily schedule. Families would have the two days to work with their teachers and school staff on any questions or challenges with access or accommodations before instruction begins.
- Online instruction would be both synchronous (live, with teacher) and asynchronous (independently).
- For primary schools, synchronous time would be in the mornings, daily, with some short breaks planned in between. After lunch, primary students would engage in asynchronous learning (e.g. independent reading, writing, math practice) and optional PE/Music activities.
- For secondary schools, teachers would determine how much of each class period is for synchronous time (attendance, check-in, direct instruction) and how much is asynchronous (independent work, practice, research).
- Meal service will continue. Families will be able to pick up a breakfast-lunch bag from school daily at a designated time. Schools will communicate details about meal pick-ups.
Our sincere hope is that we will not need to transition any school(s) to temporary remote learning during this COVID surge. But if we do, our commitment is to provide a meaningful and high-quality online learning experience.
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Test to Stay
The Test to Stay Program will no longer be offered beginning March 12. Until then, the following protocols are in place.
What is the Test to Stay Program?
The Test to Stay Program is available to unvaccinated students who are close contact exposures but are negative for COVID-19. Participating students will take tests at school twice during their 7-day quarantine period. Tests are administered by a district nurse or health assistant. Exposed students participating in this program may continue to attend school if symptom-free and if they test negative through the Test to Stay Program. Students must schedule an appointment using the online link found below.
Students can participate in the Test to Stay Program even in the following circumstances if universal masking was in place:
- If the student is exposed at lunch.
- If the student is exposed on the school bus traveling to and from school.
Students are not eligible to participate in the Test to Stay Program and instead must utilize 7-day quarantine under the following circumstances:
- If a student is exposed to COVID-19 while outside of the school setting.
- If a student is exposed on the school bus during a co-curricular activity. This is because masking is optional in co-curricular activity settings and the risk of transmission within the cohort is greater.
- If a student is exposed during participation a co-curricular activity.
Testing for the Test to Stay Program must occur using the Abbott BinaxNOW resources through the school district.
Testing will occur at the West Linn-Wilsonville Administration Building; 22210 SW Stafford Road, Tualatin, OR 97062. Your student's school will provide instructions for scheduling a testing appointment.
How Does the Test to Stay Program Work?
The Test to Stay Program requires that a participating student be tested twice during the 5 days following exposure to COVID-19. The first test takes as soon as the exposure has been identified with a second test occurring between 3-5 days following the exposure. Assuming tests are negative and the student is symptom-free, they can continue attending school in-person. Students in the test-to-stay program are expected to maintain quarantine outside of the classroom setting. Students may continue to participate in co-curricular school activities but must wear a face covering at all times during their 5-day period. Students must have a consent form on file to participate in the program.
Schedule a Test to Stay Appointment or review other frequently asked questions on the Test to Stay webpage.
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Transportation
Starting March 12, masks will no longer be required on buses. Until then, the following bus protocols are in place.
Will masks be required on school buses?
As part of a federal mandate, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses. Drivers do not need to wear masks if they're the only person on the bus.
What about physical distancing on the bus?
Spacing on buses will be dependent on how many students are present during a given ride. There will be no mandatory 3-foot or 6-foot distancing requirement.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recognize that many Oregonians are asking why there are differences between buses and school facilities with respect to distancing. There are important public health distinctions in these environments, and these distinctions require diverse solutions:
- Time spent: While students ride the bus for different amounts of time, generally, these trips are shorter than time spent inside school buildings, making bus rides safer.
- Frequent door opening/closing and open windows help fresh air circulate in the buses, which lowers the risk of infection.
Buses will utilize assigned assigned seats to help with possible contact tracing and minimize the likelihood of exposure or need for quarantine.
Will students need to quarantine if a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19 is reported on the bus?
The current exemption rule of 3 feet and mask-wearing does not apply to busing. If there's a positive or presumptive positive case on the bus, all students who are within 6 feet and unvaccinated will have to quarantine. If close contacts cannot be determined, the entire bus cohort may be required to quarantine for the safety of all students.
Students who are vaccinated and are not showing COVID-19 symptoms will not have to quarantine.
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Vendors/Contractors
Are vaccinations required for vendors or contractors connected to the West Linn-Wilsonville School District?
In alignment with the governor’s Temporary Administrative Order PH 39-2021, all employees of contractors, vendors and school-based programs who regularly come into contact with students will need to be vaccinated by Oct. 18 unless there is a documented medical or religious exemption.
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Ventilation
What is the district’s plan for ventilation in schools?
According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), proper ventilation for prevention of COVID-19 particles requires filters with a rating of MERV 13 or higher. All classrooms in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District have ventilation filters that exceed the MERV 13 rating, with the exception of some select classrooms in the district’s oldest schools. Those classrooms have been equipped with HEPA Filters, which are more efficient than MERV 16 filters.
To ensure adequate air flow and ventilation in classrooms, outside air intake has been adjusted to maximize the amount of outside air. Currently, systems are set at 50% outside air, which is adequate to achieve four air changes per hour, more than recommended by ASHRAE.
Ventilation is more difficult in large, open spaces such as gymnasiums. In those areas, the district has increased outside air intake as much as outside temperatures will allow. This is in alignment with ASHRAE and Ready Schools, Safe Learners recommendations.
Temporary ventilation systems are currently in place at certain school sites while capital bond construction projects wrap up this summer and early fall. Ventilation systems were upgraded at multiple school sites this summer through capital bond prjoects. Ventilation meets all ASHRAE, OHA, and CDC standards at all schools.
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Visitors
Starting March 26, 2022
Visitors are community members who are on school campuses or in school buildings for a specific one-time event or activity. Visitors are not approved to work directly with students, in classrooms, or in school settings.
After spring break, schools will begin increasing opportunities for visitors to come to school campuses for one-time events such as assemblies, classroom presentations, school tours, PTA/PTO sponsored or school-sponsored activities. Visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination.
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Volunteers
Effective March 26, 2022
Volunteers Must Be Approved Through HelpCounter
Volunteers are community members who are approved for a variety of roles or responsibilities while at their designated time in a school. Volunteers may work with students directly in certain settings.
Community members who are interested in volunteering in WLWV schools are required to register now through the district’s HelpCounter system. Individuals must pass a background check in order to be approved to volunteer in any West Linn-Wilsonville school.
Every prospective volunteer will need to complete this process, even if they have been approved through the HelpCounter system in the past. Due to the large number of volunteer applications we expect to receive, this process could take up to 2-3 weeks. Interested community members are encouraged to submit their application now to expedite the approval process.
Proof of Vaccination Required for WLWV Volunteers During 2021-22 School Year
As part of the volunteer application process, community members must submit proof of vaccination in order to volunteer in West Linn-Wilsonville schools during the 2021-22 school year. Prospective volunteers will upload their proof of vaccination as part of their HelpCounter application process. Vaccination information will be collected by the District’s Human Resources Department and will remain confidential. The district will revisit this requirement for the 2022-23 school year.
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WLWV K12 Online Academy
WLWV K12 Online Academy Based Within Each School
Unlike some online charter programs or schools that are separated from their school district, our model is uniquely integrated within each of our neighborhood schools. This advantage allows our students to still stay involved with their neighborhood friends, school activities, field trips, principal and office staff, school counselor, library, theatre program, athletic program, district art shows and a variety of events and resources while learning from home. Your child remains a student of their local school in the WLWV school district and we remain committed to their success.
Students in the Academy Assigned to Teacher-Librarians
We have increased our part-time teacher-librarians to full-time at each school next year in order to work directly with our Academy students. They will assist families with creating a learning plan (schedule), maintaining connection to school and activities, assigning final grades, administering state assessments, and assisting with any academic or technical concerns. Our Teacher-Librarians are all certified teachers, and have taught for years in the classroom alongside this role. They are adept with grade level curriculum, technology and digital learning platforms. Most importantly, they are excited and eager to strengthen and grow this new program into the future. The parent-guardian will still serve as their student’s main learning coach during the school day.Daily and Weekly Contact with Academy Students
At the K-8 level, students will have the option of participating in a daily Zoom check-in with their Teacher-Librarian and other Academy students from their school. This meeting will help center the day on the learning ahead and provide an opportunity for a social check-in and personalized attention. Additional weekly connections will be scheduled based on the students’ needs and preferences. At the High School level, community Zoom meetings will occur 2-3 times a week, with check-ins between the students and Teacher-Librarian based on the students’ needs and preferences.
WKOA Office Hours and Learning Hub Support
Each school’s Teacher-Librarian will be each family’s key contact person for any academic or program support needed. Regular office hours will be set up in addition to access by email and phone. Each school’s library will serve as a Learning Hub for Academy students to arrange times to drop in for possible academic or technical support, for family conferences or meetings with the Teacher-Librarian, or a place for a small group of Academy students to connect for part of the day, like a project or tutorial. We want our Academy students to feel welcomed, at home and comfortable at their neighborhood school even while learning at home.
WKOA Curriculum Model
As students will be learning independently at home but still enrolled as a WLWV student, it is important that they have access to grade-level, Oregon state standards with built-in assessment systems to monitor progress and assign completion of courses and credits. The District will continue using the Stride (formerly FuelEd) digital curriculum resource. While it provides the standards and curriculum structure, it does allow students and parents to be more selective about content and text choices.
With our uniquely integrated district model, Academy students can enhance their home learning by participating in school field trips, assemblies, guest lectures, ISEF science fairs, Field Day, clubs and competitions, and other on-campus events, as interested.
Access to Important and Expert Support Systems
Academy students will continue to receive support from our Special Education and English Language Development teachers for any specialized instruction needs. Academy students and parents can access their school counselor or district social worker for any social-emotional or family support needed. High school counselors will continue to work with Academy students on college and career preparations.
WKOA families will continue to use their neighborhood school’s ListServ to receive school and district news and updates, helping them stay connected to activities and events throughout the year.
WKOA Enrollment Remains Open
While there is no deadline to enroll in WKOA, letting your neighborhood school know of your plans as soon as possible will help us start planning for your student’s courses and success next year. We will be hosting WKOA informational sessions in June to meet your school’s Teacher-Librarian and learn more about the program. In the meantime, please contact your neighborhood school secretary or WKOA District Coordinator Julie Lane to enroll.