The Washington School Board heard a report on a new mentor program to help incoming freshmen acclimatize to high school, approved the retirement of a veteran principal, and filled five positions.
The board approved the retirement of Washington Junior High Principal Mark Arnold. Arnold, a Washington native, began his career as a science teacher and then moved into the principal’s office. The board also named Cody Chapman as Arnold’s successor as the WJHS principal.
In other personnel business, the board hired Michell Tarr as a high school math teacher, Lauren Haveman as a junior high science teacher, Chris Lavely as an elementary teacher, and Bailey Green for High Ability Summer Camp.
In old business, the board approved hiring Hagerman, Inc. as the design builder for the primary building renovation project, approved a cash reserve policy, and voted to declare outdated K-5 English language curriculum items as surplus. The surplus items will be offered for sale. If they cannot be sold, the items will be offered to local groups or churches helping teach English to the area’s immigrant population.
The board also heard a report from WHS principal Brian Holland on the Hatchet Gold program. Holland said WHS is excited to launch the new program to help incoming freshmen smoothly transition into high school. The program will pair freshmen with carefully selected senior and junior mentors based on shared interests and values. The mentors have been chosen for their strong academics, behavior, and leadership abilities. The mentors will guide the freshmen through their first year of high school. Holland said Hatchet Gold will begin with events on August 1 as a planning day for mentors and an August 4 orientation date for freshmen with mentors and WHS staff. Holland said the goal of Hatchet Gold is to build relationships, foster involvement, and prepare students to embrace the full high school experience from day one.
The board also recognized WJHS ELL teacher Alejandra Davila-Campbell, Kim Craney, who works in maintenance at Veale, and Amber Daniel, 3rd grade teacher at Washington Intermediate School, as the staff members of the month.
Washington Superintendent Kevin Frank reminded everyone that WHS Graduation is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 24.
