Today students at Meridian Creek Middle School were joined by members of the Wilsonville High School Black Student Union for the annual Ruby Bridges Walk To School Day. 64 years ago to the day, a 6-year-old Ruby Bridges integrated her school in Louisiana while being surrounded by federal marshals. Today our students followed in her footsteps by walking to school and finding inspiration to stand up for what is right and make a change in the community for the better.

Earlier this week our community joined together for the annual Dia de los Muertos Festival at Wilsonville High School. The event was open to everyone in the community to remember those loved ones who have passed on and celebrating their lives. There was traditional Mexican mariachi, sugar skulls, student made art, local food trucks, face painting, and the ofrenda front and center for all to take part. We want to thank the whole community for making this such an amazing event yet again.

Proposed Measure 3-604, also referred to as the Local Option Levy, will be on the November 7 Ballot. If passed, this measure would preserve 90 teaching staff across the district, sustain class sizes, and supplement state funding. If passed, the measure would authorize renewal of the current tax of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Learn more by watching this informational video, and don't forget to vote on November 7.

The students of Inza R. Wood Middle School kicked off the new year with the annual door decorating contest. Each advisory classroom picked a mascot and used it to create amazing door art throughout the school. Then judges came around to pick the best of the best. Many of these doors will stay up all year to brighten up the hallways and highlight the quality of traits inside the classroom.

It was an extra special first day of school for our Athey Creek Middle School students as they not only started a new year but did so in a new building. See the start of something special as the doors of the school are open for a long future of continuous learning.

We are getting ready for the new school year to begin. On Thursday we hosted our annual district-wide kickoff event. Teachers and staff from all 16 schools and across the district gathered at Meridian Creek Middle School. Filmmakers Olivier and Hilda Bernier spoke on their documentary “Forget Me Not” about the fight to have their son with down syndrome included in the regular classroom setting at school and why it’s important for all students to belong. Thank you to everyone who came out this year. We’re excited for the 2023-24 year to begin!

Earlier this week the Family Empowerment Center hosted its 3rd annual Back to School Resource Event. Hundreds of students and families came out to take part. Nearly 200 backpacks were handed out and over 200 school supply kits were taken. The was also school support for families before classes begin, and it wasn’t just the school district. 17 local community partners joined us from both West Linn and Wilsonville. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and community partner who made this year’s event such a huge success.

The 3rd annual WLWV Family Empowerment Center’s Back to School Resource Event is happening on Wednesday August 16th. There will be school supplies, technology support, and fun for the whole family. Plus check out booths from community partners like SMART, West Linn & Wilsonville Libraries, Clackamas Community College and many more. It’s free to attend! Stop by from 5:00-6:30 on August 16th at the Family Empowerment Center located next to Boeckman Creek Primary.

Tour the brand-new Performing Arts Center at Wilsonville High School. Check out the massive stage, impressive lighting, and behind the scenes working spaces that will help our students get a jump start on their dreams of turning the passion of theater into a career.

The district-wide Summer Learning Program is in full swing at Boones Ferry Primary School. Kids from across the district are getting the extra opportunity to improve their literacy skills with a science-based program that includes some help from CREST. See all the great work our students, teachers, and staff are doing so far this summer!