From The Superintendent's Desk

Spring's Promise: Renewed Growth and Community Spirit in Willamina

As the last vestiges of winter fade, our campus at Willamina is undergoing a beautiful transformation. The warming sun and longer days are coaxing vibrant colors from the tulips and urging the bushes to bud, signaling not just a change of seasons but also a season of new beginnings for our students and our town.

This period of awakening serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of being part of a strong, supportive community. Here in Willamina, our students are fortunate to have access to such a community, all within a short distance.

I was recently reminded of this profound sense of connection at a Willamina Town Council meeting. The Fourth of July committee shared how truly lucky we are to maintain cherished traditions, a testament to our town’s unique legacy. Willamina remains one of the few places where these long-standing traditions continue to thrive, largely due to the tireless efforts of a dedicated group of community members who refuse to let them fade.

However, it's also clear that there's a growing need for more community members to engage and help carry the torch for these vital traditions. The enjoyable events and vibrant spirit we all appreciate are the result of significant hard work, and the burden on our "legacy" volunteers is substantial.

This is precisely where our schools are focusing our efforts moving forward. Education, as we see it, extends far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. In an increasingly digital world, we are actively working to minimize distractions like cell phones and other electronics, creating space for students to develop essential life skills: interacting with decorum, making eye contact, and fostering genuine human connections.

Crucially, we are also actively seeking ways to cultivate a deeper commitment to community service among our students. We are incredibly proud of our FFA students, CTE classes, leadership students, National Honor Society members, and numerous teams and clubs who consistently step up to volunteer and engage when they can. They are already making a tangible difference.

Yet, we believe we can do even more! Just the other day, our entire middle school demonstrated this commitment beautifully. For 30 minutes, they collectively patrolled the campus, collecting litter that had accumulated over the winter months. In that short time, they accomplished a significant amount of work, showcasing the power of collective action.

This spring, as our landscape awakens, so too does our renewed commitment to fostering responsible, engaged citizens. We believe that by instilling a sense of service and community ownership in our students today, we are helping to ensure the vibrant legacy of Willamina continues to flourish for generations to come.

Thoughtfully,

Mike Gass, Superintendent