The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

The Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board of Directors met for its monthly meeting on January 19.

In business matters, the board approved the continuation of the Mandarin Immersion program up to grade 5. Currently the program serves 60 students in grades K-3. The number of student participants along with additional funds provided by the state to lower class sizes at the elementary level were important considerations in supporting continuation of the program.

The board also approved the district’s application for a grant to build a covered play area.

“With no second gym or usable space for rainy day recess, in addition to having middle and high school PE classes share the gym, this is a must,” said Superintendent Nelson.

In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, Superintendent Nelson recognized board members and thanked them for serving this past year.

In other business, Nelson reported that the district had received a public records request from KOMO News 4 on its inventory of football helmets both used last year and expected to be retired for the 2016 season.

Nelson reported the district’s enrollment at 304 FTEs (full time equivalent students), which has held steady for the first half of the school year.

Kim Eaton (volleyball) and Jeff Eaton (football) were both named League Coach of the Year in their respective sports this past season. Nelson presented each with a plaque. Eaton, who was absent to attend her daughter’s basketball game, was selected to coach the 1B/2B Volleyball All-State game on March 12 at 2pm at Auburn Riverside High School. Taylor Eaton was selected to play in the All-State game.

Principal Karen Wirkkala reported on an online computer math program called Sum Dog where students compete with others their age across the state and nation. She shared that Naselle’s 4th graders finished 28th out of 10,462. The third grade received a certificate in November for being #1 out of 18 classes.

Rudi Rudolph, Youth Camp technology teacher, shared a short video about computer programming (coding) that students are learning at both the Youth Camp and at the Middle and High school.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is February 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Naselle-Grays River School Commons.