In July, 5 years ago we moved to Washougal as I had accepted a position as an associate principal at WHS. It was important to me to live in the community that I was called to serve, to embrace the beauty of this area, and learn and grow with my families. I grew up in Denver and later lived in Minnesota and my only experiences were in city living. It came with adjustments...the quiet nights, wildlife, and learning about Motocross! The changes were exciting and so many were unexpected such as everyday grocery shopping. I certainly was not familiar with walking into the store and seeing so many people that I knew and who greeted me with such kindness and welcome.
In my 5 years here, I have learned that this community knows how to rally. When we have “weather events” such as 2 weeks out of school because of snow, I watched as people plowed driveways and brought food to our community members who couldn’t get out. When we were faced with the Eagle Creek fire, I had teachers asking me if they could help us evacuate if we needed to and was witness to people preparing to get animals out. Last spring, I watched hundreds of people line the streets for our graduating seniors whose year abruptly ended because of a pandemic. I witnessed your grace, understanding, and patience as we navigated education like never before. I watched Camas and Washougal come together to show unity and support for our Black students and families during a time of civil unrest. Now, this week, as fires threatened our homes, our community rallied to get livestock and families to safety. Just in these 5 years, we have been through a lot, and we have come together. Being a strong and supportive community does not mean that we all think alike, look alike, or even have the same belief systems. It means that when we are faced with challenges, we identify it, address it and step up/in to help. Even when those challenges bring conflict, are uncomfortable, and require our bravest and most vulnerable selves.
To my Panther family, I am asking that we come together yet again. To come together for our Black students and families. When we, our school, say Black lives matter, our intent is not to cause divisiveness. It is to say we are committed to anti-racist educational teaching & learning, to have a safe space for all to have a voice, to allow a safe space for civil discourse. It does not devalue anyone over another; it recognizes that we need to show unity to our Black sisters and brothers during a time that is emotionally fragile. Our work is not to push a political viewpoint, we are trying to lift up a part of the community that has faced and is facing racism both in person and in the educational system.
I can tell you firsthand that our students of color and other marginalized groups of students including our LGBTQ students, students with special needs, students experiencing economic hardship have faced racism, hate, and targeted hurt within our building. Our Black students have shared that they don’t feel heard, valued or understood. A part of talking about the phrase “black lives matter” is keeping what our students need to hear from us at the center of our work. We start by recognizing racism, calling it by name and doing the work to stop it. We, this school, this community have the heart and the will to do this hard, heavy, and necessary work because we are a community that takes care of each other.
I know that many of you have seen several of our teachers and staff who have posters that say Black lives matter and that has brought a series of emotions. From question and concern to support and peace. Let’s talk about it, let’s lean into the conversations, be uncomfortable and brave in our conversations. Let’s stand up and RISE together to be the community that we are all proud of and love. That’s the Washougal Way, better and stronger together.
I am here to listen; please call or set up a time to Zoom
Sheree Clark
360-954-3103
