Dear Woodmont families, scholars, and community,

My name is Shawn Kocher and I am proud to serve the Woodmont community as the Interim Principal beginning the 2020-2021 school year. I am eager to continue the work in STEM using a Project-based Learning approach to provide exemplary learning opportunities for scholars to meet high expectations.

Our goal is for scholars to develop critical thinking, agency, and collaboration as they work to become productive citizens with 21st century skills. I devoted twelve years of my career as an elementary classroom teacher and most recently was the Assistant Principal at Mirror Lake Elementary, with three years prior as an Assistant Principal in an neighboring district. I lead through love, integrity and truth while working to ensure every scholar feels connected to school. I value both scholar and family voice to ascertain an equitable school experience with high achieving outcomes.

In alignment with the FWPS aspirational goals, strategic plan and a strong partnership, we will continue to make Woodmont a place where scholars meet their goals, learn and grow! Woodmont showed great growth in scholar engagement during remote learning and I am confident this will continue next year.

Here are some considerations for summer:
a. Summer Learning: This year, FWPS is providing essential summer learning for all scholars. Engaging in learning throughout the summer months will support your scholar in being prepared for when we return to school. We ask that you set aside 90 minutes a day if your child is in grade K-5 and 110 minutes a day for grade 6-12. A daily schedule and free online resources have been posted to the FWPS website at  https://www.fwps.org/summerlearning.  We will also be mailing home learning packets to all scholars who were in K-11th grade last year.  Packets should be arriving in your mailbox the week of July 6.  We are also really excited to share a new experience geared toward our youngest of learners.  Tune into FW Channel 21 Monday-Friday from July 6-August 7 each day between 9-5  to see amazing 20-minute reading and math lessons. There will even be math lessons taught in Spanish each hour.  These lessons will give the opportunity for your child to learn and grow throughout the month and will be posted to our FWPS youtube channel as well.

b. Fall Re-Opening: Using guidance from the State and the DOH, we are planning for a safe return that prioritizes learning. What we know is that we will begin the year with a hybrid model (some face to face instruction and some remote instruction). At this time, FWPS is exploring several hybrid models that provides a combination of face to face instruction and remote learning. We have received input from parents and guardians, scholar and staff. The early results reveal the Pre-K-12 two day face-to-face and 3 day remote model is the most desired option.  Please stay tuned for more information to come in the coming weeks.

c. Health and Safety and Re-Opening: Health and safety are a priority. As we prepare for our Fall Re-opening, we are using the guidance from the Department of Health and OSPI.  Our district is hard at work developing health and safety protocols with social distancing guidelines, arranging schedules that minimize contact, considering bus transportation and engaging in deep cleaning protocols to minimize the spread of germs.  As part of ensuring a safe learning environment, students will be required to wear face masks.  Please take the time this summer to both reinforce and practice the wearing of face masks. We will continue to place health and safety as a priority as we look toward the Fall.

I look forward to working alongside you and our community along with our Assistant Principal, Mr. Barry Fisk.

In Partnership,

Mrs. Shawn Kocher, Interim Principal