A Message from Superintendent Dawn Tarzian
Dear Parents and Community Members,
Welcome to the 2011 – 2012 school year! As your new superintendent of schools, I am looking forward to introducing myself to the Washougal community as we prepare for our students return on August 30, 2011. My experience first with the application and interview process, and my time already in the district, reminds me of Washougal's commitment as a K-12 school community toward the success of all students.
Washougal School District's current instructional program clearly is one focused on meeting the needs of all children. This includes those who meet grade level learning targets, those who excel beyond state requirements, and those who need support or alternatives to master essential knowledge and skills. A caring and committed team of teachers, classified staff, administrators and school board members work closely with one another and with the parents of the community's children to meet the unique needs and interests of individual students. I am impressed with the support provided by the business community, social service agencies, and non-profit organizations that give of their time, talent, and resources to provide the best program possible for our students. I recognize the well-rounded program that includes opportunities for students to study the arts, physical fitness and nutrition, and to participate in after school sports and activities. There are pre-school learning opportunities as well as courses that provide high school students with both professional technical career trades as well as college credit for high school learning. The most important thing is the focus on providing experiences that bring student learning into the community where children can give back to their community while learning to apply classroom learning to real life problems.
Difficult financial decisions were made this spring because of reduced state resources and a decline in district enrollment. The belt-tightening measures taken by the school board and financial concessions made by all employee groups were deeply appreciated as the district works to maintain the best possible program for our students. Coming from a long career in educational leadership in Oregon, I am no stranger to prudent fiscal management. I have much to learn about Washougal as we head into a year that promises continued challenges and limited resources. I look forward to meeting each of you and working closely with the community to serve our students. Please drop by the central office to introduce yourself or let me know of a community event I might attend. I am honored to be the Washougal School District superintendent and I look forward to supporting the continued work to provide the best possible learning experiences for our community’s children.
Sincerely,
Dawn Tarzian
