October is National Principals Month, an opportunity to recognize school principals for their significant impact on the success and well-being of our nation’s students.  We honor our Washougal principals by highlighting specific projects or work going on in their school that they are proud of.

Gause Principal Tami Culp is in her fourth year in that role and said she is most proud of the resilience of Gause staff, students, and families have shown through the pandemic.

“I am so proud of how the Gause staff has worked together, and continues to work together, within the guidance and protocols for Covid this past year and a half to overcome barriers to serve our students and families,” she said. “Our students come each day ready to learn and have been so respectful in adhering to our current safety protocols. Our families as well have been so supportive in following the safety guidance for schools.  We know we asked a lot of our parents during remote learning, and they hung in there with us.”

Tami said she is amazed every day how the entire staff works to support each other.  “Our office staff and para team greet our students to welcome them into the building each day,” she explained. “The culinary staff amazes me how they work together to provide nutritious and delicious meals. The teaching and support staff work together to meet students’ academic and social emotional needs. The specialist staff have implemented safety protocols to ensure that students receive a comprehensive learning program including music, P.E., art, and library.”

“Our school nurse and custodial staff are truly heroes,” she said.  “The custodial staff works tirelessly to make sure the building is clean and disinfected so it is safe for students and staff each day.  The school nurse has worked diligently with students and families to communicate information regarding the protocols and guide families in the process during Covid.”

The Gause Family Re-Engagement Team has also done a tremendous job of reconnecting students and families back to school, especially last year during distance learning.

“I am truly grateful and blessed as the principal to serve the students, staff and families at Gause Elementary,” she said.