Message from Mary for September 11, 2020

In Schools –

Yay to the Front Office Staffs: I have been out to buildings quite a bit since school started and I have to say that the front office staff have been stellar!  They have established safety protocols and temperature screenings and seem to pull all of this off gracefully and still have time to make me feel welcome and set a tone of positive energy.  Thanks to all of you!  I value your leadership and am appreciative of your willingness to be flexible during this critical time.

In the Community –

Washougal School District in “The News” again – There is a lot going on in our district right now and the Post Record featured several nice articles last week.  I have included the links below if you did not get a chance to see these.  The articles highlight the work all of us are doing together to ensure that our district continues to rise, even during a global pandemic!

WSD Equity Work: https://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2020/sep/03/washougal-school-district-pushes-for-equity-in-classrooms/

WSD/WAE Settle Contract: https://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2020/sep/03/washougal-teachers-union-district-reach-deal/

WSD’s Program: https://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2020/aug/27/washougal-learning-academy-will-offer-fully-remote-learning-option/

In the District Office –

Washougal Rises for Equity:   I have asked Aaron Hansen to lead the work of helping all of us learn and grow in our ability to see WSD consistently provide equitable opportunities and outcomes for all of our students. This important and “gritty” equity work will require all of us to “lean into” the critical conversations needed to disrupt systems which perpetuate institutional biases and oppressive practices.   We must not tolerate any sort of discrimination, hate, or racism within our schools. Our students with disabilities want to know that we value them and have high aspirations for their futures…and we do! Our students who do not speak English as their first language want to know that we value their strengths and unique abilities…and we do!  Our LGBTQ students want to know that we support and respect them…and we do! Our students who live in poverty want to know that we see them as deserving of a bright future….and we do! Our Black students want to know that their lives matter to us…AND THEY DO!  Together, my friends, we will work to create schools where all of our students are Known, Nurtured, and Challenged to RISE!

Inspiration this week:  The inspiration of the week goes to our Culinary Services Team, led by Margaret Rice and Executive Chef Chris Youngren. Wow!  This team is transforming the dining experience in the Washougal School District from “school food” to “super-tasty cuisine”!! If you have not pre-ordered your meal yet, you better hurry up.  I heard they “sold out” yesterday!