Dear Eatonville Community,

Welcome to June 2021.

This is the end of a wonderful time in Eatonville School District during the hardest year we have ever experienced in recent history. I have learned many important things the last eight years as the Superintendent for our small, beautiful district on the outskirts of I-5 Corridor/ Tacoma tucked into the Mt Rainier National Park. We have approximately 2000 FTE with a strong sense of community, pride and support for education and innovation.

This spring season I’ve been thinking deeply about change and what we as a district need to be prepared for and to create in the future. This year in particular, we have changed many times the way we do “school”. And through it all we have kept our focus on what we can do to be in person for your children.

The month of June and the upcoming months make me reflect on family. We know what summer vacations are like; memories and traditions. One that our family has kept resonates with me as I think about how we must lead and provide for children in the future.

Our family has land in Northern Minnesota, up by the Boundary waters near Lake Superior. A place with no running water, outhouses and no electricity. The way my Norwegian family liked it...yikes! Our land borders a tea-stained colored river named the Brule River. It has always been a summer tradition for all children “of age” to take saunas on the river then to jump into a freezing cold river to swim to the other side. Never mind the weather or the conditions of the year, we must prove that we could swim each year. Those who were new received a birch bark certificate. This was an initiation into the Hong clan and proved you were worthy.

Now there are a few things to know: Even though there are large leeches on the sides, and low water; horseflies that bite small children’s heads really hard, and during extremely wet years swarms of mosquitoes: you must commit.

The other thing to know is that this is no ordinary river. No, the Brule River splits in 2... after the swimming hole, the river splits in two. The last goes down falls to Lake Superior; the right goes down into a hole called Devil’s Kettle: into the bowels of the earth, never to be seen again.

So as a child, this is a huge motivator! Dreams of being sucked into the hole makes for good swimmers for sure...As it is customary, all visiting family and friends gather at the river for the event every year...and clasp hands, navigate the current and make a human shield to protect the swimmers for them to be safe. We’ve never lost one yet!!

Determination, Strength, and Strong legs are all good qualities. This has been a year of really heavy currents, some really large leeches and immense swarms of mosquitoes...yet our staff and families have been there on the banks of the river together for all children that we serve in all roles that we have. We have done a great job in the face of the unknown and uncertain. It has not been perfect and has been fraught with frustration, but we have made it to June 2021. We held strong!

We all understand that this effort has required both strong legs and good lungs.

As part of Eatonville School District, I am honored to be part of one of the premier school districts in the state that is determined and trustworthy to weather all times and currents.

We know that our work in our schools has changed over time. Academics as our focus, we know that each of us in our respective roles keeps the student in mind for our decisions. We know that our schools also provide social emotional supports, mental health support, equity in educational programs and college and career preparation to name just a few. We also know it is an honor to provide nutrition and technology for our families. We understand that trust is built over time through relationships and collaboration. Our work is too difficult and complex to “go it alone”.

We all must cross that river and need as much support from all of our community and families to make it safely.

Together we have done an amazing job, even though we are tired, we see the end in sight for this Pandemic. It has been my privilege to have had the responsibility and honor to represent our Eatonville community, your families and children.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not thank those who I’ve had the honor to work with the School Board of Directors and the wonderful staff in Eatonville Schools.

I was raised to be tough, but I will miss you all so much as I leave this district and go to lead another amazing community. Thank you all for so many opportunities.

Let’s cross these rivers together and let’s look to the future with hope, fun and a renewed commitment to children. Let’s celebrate the summer!!

Have a great June!

Sincerely,

Krestin Bahr

Superintendent