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.

David Cooke, Jemtegaard Middle School principal and 2020 Washington State Middle School Principal of the Year, is most proud of his staff and how they responded to necessary changes in education through the pandemic.

“My teachers have had to put on so many hats, including teacher, counselor for students and parents, tech support, while mastering new skills to meet the needs of their student,” he said. “The last year has been the most challenging of their teaching careers.”

He added that the JMS support staff jumped in wherever they are needed and have been the glue of the building. “They have stayed positive throughout, focusing on supporting their students and solving problems,” he said. “It has been an honor to serve with them.”