Comet's Corner

Naselle/Grays River Valley School District’s Mission Statement says: “Our mission is to create a caring educational environment where relevant life-long learning is promoted, citizenship is honored, and each student is inspired to excel.”

In the district’s October, 2021, newsletter, emphasis was based on character and culture. While everyone in the school district received the newsletter, others in Wahkiakum County did not. It is being shared here in order to inform everyone (both east and west) that the district is aware of the need to emphasize all the aspects of teaching the importance of social behavior, and the full impact it can have on the family at home. Curriculum that includes the development of the students in all aspects of life can make an impact on the lives they live now and their future as an adult worker and family leader.

Designated as a "Blue Ribbon School,” the community can be proud of the progress the staff and administration at the Naselle/Grays River Valley School District has made in the development of curriculum for the growth of all students in the areas of character and culture. This school year, they are renewing an emphasis on kindness, inclusion, and character across all grade levels. They have purchased the “Purposeful People” curriculum for grades K-5. The program reinforces the following ten-character traits: courage, respect, perseverance, gratitude, honesty, kindness, empathy, responsibility, cooperation, and creativity.

This program will complement the weekly P.O.W.E.R. drawing which emphasizes Pride, Ownership, Work Ethic, Empathy and Respect. When a teacher sees a student helping other students, doing extra work, or showing sensitivity to others, they are recognized by their teacher and their name is put into a monthly drawing for a prize. They also continue to promote the T.H.I.N.K. concept so students ask themselves if something is True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? or Kind? before they say (or do) it.

In the middle school, they have implemented the Character Strong program which was first introduced to the middle and high school students five years ago. This program contains a wealth of socio-emotional learning and character development activities that promote kindness, inclusion, empathy, and service to others. This program is being delivered by Rona Johnson, Summer Johnson, Sylvia Hoagland, and Kelsi Nelson in our middle school enrichment classes. They also conduct a variety of bullying awareness and prevention activities with students and staff.

Sylvia Hoagland is teaching a leadership class for middle and high school students, which is using the Character Strong curriculum. The leadership students work on activities throughout the year to strengthen school climate and culture. This group will also partner with other student groups, such as the ASB and Honor Society to conduct school and community service. These students will mentor students in the lower grades.

Parents and community members are invited to attend the next school board meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. January’s meeting will be on January 18 at 6:30 p.m.