This past year I was fortunate enough to be part of Washougal High School’s new Community-School Partnership Program. Because of the disruptions of the pandemic, some students had fallen behind in their academic achievement. In response, ECCA and WHS staff created a program to pair community volunteers with students in need.
Prior to retirement, I worked in Wisconsin as both a school psychologist and community-based therapist. Thus, it seemed a natural fit to get involved with this program. For me, it was a Wednesday morning commitment where I mentored/tutored individual or small groups of students. In all, I ended up working with eight different students at various times during the year. Without exception, the kids were cooperative, polite, and seemed to appreciate that there were people in the community stepping up to help them. I so enjoyed interacting with them, and one day realized just how much I had missed working with youth. I know many of my fellow volunteers, most of whom didn’t have a background in education, felt the same way.
This kind of atmosphere happens when there is a consistent expectation from staff that students treat each other and their teachers with mutual kindness and respect.
Kudos to the staff at WHS who did such a good job of choosing students who were receptive to getting help. Teachers also did a great job of supporting us with pertinent background information as well as very specific guidance on how to help the students with their academic lessons. I have to point out, too, that the general atmosphere at WHS was very positive. I would arrive before school began, when students were just hanging out in the cafeteria area waiting for 1st period to begin. Despite the unstructured situation, I never saw any students in conflict or out of control. Just a youthful vibe of teens who seem to feel safe and supported at their school. I believe this kind of atmosphere happens when there is a consistent expectation from staff that students treat each other and their teachers with mutual kindness and respect. It is a credit to the staff that the school functions on such a high level.
The CPS program would be inconsequential if it were not actually helping students. There is good news here, too!
While all this sounds good, the CPS program would be inconsequential if it were not actually helping students. There is good news here too! Data collected by WHS administration and ECCA show that kids and staff felt positive about the program, but more importantly, it helped them improve their academic achievement. Because of this, there is a plan to expand the program in the coming school year. If you are reading this and enjoy working with teens, consider joining our group of volunteers. It will not only enrich your own life, but you will be a difference-maker in the lives of Washougal youth.
Jim Eisenman is a resident of Washougal.
TOP PHOTO: Jim Eisenman at WHS with a student.
East County Citizens' Alliance 