School board readies for new academic year

The Wahkiakum School District Board of Directors met for the first time this school year on September 17. Board members discussed the possibility of replacing the roof and gutters on the bus shop.

Superintendent Bob Garrett told the board that Transportation Supervisor Calvin Grasseth didn’t have a formal presentation for the board at this time but he believes the rough estimate will be around $25,000.

Garrett said that amount is actually lower than what they discussed the repairs. If the work is done, it will come out of the Capital Projects Fund on the condition the board finds it a good use of dollars.

Julius A. Wendt Elementary/John C. Thomas Middle School Principal Theresa Libby told the board that the new school year has gotten off to a great start. The curriculum and back to school night was a big success with a great turnout.

“The support of parents is outstanding and students are getting comfortable with new routines and responsibilities,” she said.

Libby said they have added a new twist to the Good Citizen Ribbons the staff hands out. The ribbons have been named “Pay it Forward” ribbons after the movie of the same name.

Recipients of the ribbons can pass the ribbon on to someone else in the school (adult or student) that is caught being a good citizen. That person then gets to sign the “caught being good” book and pick a prize. Their name will get added to the ribbon then they can pass it on.

Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) results will be added to the school’s website on October 1. Teachers will then begin working on student learning plans for those who did not pass an area of the test. Plans will be shared with parents during conference week.

Libby reported that there are 58 students involved in fall sports this year. Football games are generally played on Thursdays at 6 p.m., volleyball is on Monday and Wednesday nights at 5:45 p.m. The Cross-Country team runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, depending on the week.

Wahkiakum High School Principal Loren Davis told the board he was pleased as 52 percent of the student body are involved in fall sports. He said involvement in school activities is a key factor in student success and staying away from “not so positive” influences.

Homecoming week, Davis said, begins September 29. The game and dance will be October 3.

The GEAR UP program for student success has many activities planned for fall. Davis said this year they would like to provide more trips that fit into specific interests. He said an interest survey is being developed to get a better understanding of student needs so the trips may be a positive experience.

In other business, Garrett told the board this year there are 438 full time equivalent (FTE) students. He said that number is down from last year’s average. Last year’s graduating class was larger than this year’s incoming kindergarten class of 33 students.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for October 22 at 7 p.m.