From The Superintendent's Desk

Spring Momentum and Student Success

As the year continues to fly by and the days begin to grow longer, the first semester is officially in the books. We are proud of the academic progress our students have made and the growth we continue to see in and out of the classroom. While there is still work to be done as we strive to help every student become a top performer in their areas of passion, the momentum is strong.

This week, Principal Hurl will be recognizing our high school students who earned all A’s during the first semester with a special celebratory lunch at the Casino. We are committed to demonstrating to students that hard work and strong performance are recognized and rewarded. That message is also reflected in the success our students are experiencing as they hear back from colleges and post-secondary programs. Our graduates continue to be sought after—not only for their academic preparation, but for the quality of character they bring as members of our community.

Looking ahead to spring, we are excited to increase opportunities for students to engage with the community through service and partnerships with local organizations such as Kiwanis. We emphasize that being part of a community means giving back and supporting the people and organizations that help shape who we become.

State testing is right around the corner. These assessments are tied to our school’s state ratings and help WSD better understand how our students compare across the state. For parents, this information is also a valuable tool in understanding where your student is performing as you work together to provide the best opportunities for success after graduation.

Signs of spring are already appearing around campus. Our plant science classes are preparing the greenhouse for annual plantings, which will be available for sale later this year. Graduation season is approaching for our seniors, and spring activities will be starting soon. It’s an exciting time of year, full of growth, reflection, and anticipation for what’s ahead.

Enjoying the Sun!

Mike Gass, Superintendent 

Willamina School District