Goal 1 – Academic Foundation
We will prepare students for future success with a solid academic foundation and high expectations. We will inspire them to pursue their path with rigorous, relevant, and future ready learning.
To do this, we will:
- Provide real world hands-on learning opportunities
- Teach and model critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance
- Create safe and welcoming classrooms that hold students accountable for their actions and celebrate successes
- Hold staff accountable for following academic expectations
- Engage stakeholders in decision-making, seek feedback, and maintain transparent communication
- Provide continuous staff professional learning opportunities
Measurement of progress:
On-Time Graduation Rate
Regular Attendance (fewer than 2 absences per month)
Goal 2 -Behavior supports
We will foster a positive, supportive, and safe learning environment resulting in a collaborative and respectful community of learners.
To do this, we will:
- Model, teach, and reinforce positive behavior and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills
- Promote flexible thinking, respectful dialogue, and civil discourse
- Establish and clearly communicate behavior expectations to students, staff, and families
- Provide systems of support and professional learning on student well-being, social emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices
- Educate students and families on behavior management and social/emotional wellness
- Ensure consistent implementation of expectations through shared language, standards, and policies
Measurement of progress:
- Trends in behavioral referrals and discipline
- Track behavior intervention and support implementation
- Students’ sense of belonging as measured by Social Emotional Learning screeners
Discipline Rate (students excluded in response to a behavior violation)
Goal 3 – Learning Partnerships
We will amplify student voices and create authentic learning partnerships alongside students, families, and the community so our schools become vibrant hubs in Washougal.
To do this, we will:
- Provide authentic opportunities for students, families, and community members to engage in school activities and decision-making
- Promote student voice, self-advocacy and leadership through classroom engagement and feedback opportunities
- Encourage two-way communication with students and families
- Partner with volunteer and community organizations to support student learning
- Develop diverse, relevant courses and experiences aligned with student interest
Measurement of progress:
- Surveys for student, staff, and community reflections
- Track and highlight the number of community facing events and percentage of participation in key events
- Participation in extracurricular activities (hi-cap, clubs, sports, etc)
- Dual credit participation – includes Running Start, AP, IB, College in the High School, CTE dual credit
Students Completed a Dual Credit Course
Participation in Athletics (WHS)
Profile of a Graduate
A Washougal graduate is prepared for their next step—college, skilled trades, military, or other meaningful pursuits. Through a variety of experiences from TK–12, they build essential skills, make lasting connections, and grow through real-world learning. They are collaborative, resilient, self-aware, and driven by a sense of purpose. As lifelong learners and problem solvers, they confidently pursue their goals and contribute to their communities.
| Goal/Task | Grades TK-1 | Grades 2-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Foundation
|
Kindergarten Readiness
Family support |
Reading & Solid Academic Foundation
Increasing student choice & independence |
Student choice
Project based learning Exploring interests Critical thinking & problem solving |
Real world problem solving
Perseverance Ownership & accountability for learning |
| Behavior Supports
|
Self regulation
Self management |
Cooperation
Positive relationships & understanding |
Social awareness
Responsible choices & risk mitigation |
Positive relationships
Critical thinking Community engagement |
| Learning Partnerships
|
Family engagement
Learner choice |
Student self-advocacy
Student voice in decision making |
Student leadership
Extracurricular opportunities |
Dual credit opportunities
Career exploration through industry partners Service clubs & athletics |
Our Shared Values
Learning – We are committed to deep, meaningful learning that is rigorous, relevant, and engaging. Through hands-on experiences, exploration, and reflection, students apply their learning in real-world contexts and develop the skills to thrive now and in the future.
Responsibility – We hold ourselves and each other accountable for our actions, learning, and contributions. We model ownership, follow through on commitments, and act with care for the greater good.
Well-Being – We nurture the mental, emotional, and physical health of all students and staff. We create safe, supportive environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and ready to learn.
Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and consistency. We model ethical behavior and uphold high expectations, even when no one is watching.
Independence – We empower students to become self-directed learners and confident decision-makers. By building agency and resilience, we prepare them to take initiative and lead their own learning journey.
Growth – We believe in the potential of every learner. Through effort, feedback, and reflection, we support continuous improvement and encourage perseverance in the face of challenges.
Connection – We foster strong relationships built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. We recognize that meaningful learning happens when students, staff, families, and the community are united in purpose.
Inclusion – We honor and embrace diversity, ensuring every individual feels a sense of belonging. We provide equitable access to opportunities and support each learner’s unique identity and strengths.
Strategic Planning Process
During the 2024-2025 school year, the school board and district leadership met with the Washougal community in a series of face-to-face and online opportunities. Through more than 20 feedback opportunities with students, families, staff, and community, the groups generated hundreds of themes centered around two big questions: What should every Washougal student know and be able to do, and what should the district start doing, stop doing, and keep doing.
Along the way, district leadership invited students, parents, staff and community members to join several board members and district leaders as part of the strategic planning steering committee. This group analyzed the raw data from each group, and identified core themes that were shared across each of the groups.
During four meetings, the committee reviewed examples of past strategic plans from our district and others, identified elements they wanted in our plan, and then crafted a new vision, mission and goals for the district. The committee brainstormed a list of tasks that would help the district achieve the new mission, and crucially, developed a list of metrics to keep track of progress along the way.
The school board reviewed a draft of the strategic plan, and adopted it in August 2025. Next steps include development of tasks for each year of the plan, gathering and sharing baseline data to track progress, and yearly updates to the plan that will be shared with the board and community.