Hatchet Happenings
January 2025
Washington Community Schools proudly participated in the International Night hosted at the Washington Carnegie Library, an event organized as part of Indiana University's Sustaining Hoosiers Community partnership with Daviess County. This initiative highlights the vibrant cultural diversity within the community and fosters connections through shared learning experiences.
During the event, WCS staff actively engaged with attendees, offering insights into the district's innovative Dual Language Immersion program and its support for English Language Learners. They shared program details, answered questions, and provided resources to those interested in the opportunities available for fostering bilingualism and supporting multilingual learners.
The evening served as a platform for meaningful conversations, strengthening community ties and showcasing WCS's commitment to empowering students through inclusive and forward-thinking educational practices.
Fifteen years ago, Valerie Clarke, a teacher at Washington High School, first learned about the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship from a colleague, Elizabeth Schaffer, who had won the award herself. “Elizabeth always encouraged me to consider applying,” Valerie recalled. “She told me she’d even help with the process whenever I felt ready.”
Although the idea intrigued her, Valerie didn’t apply right away. “At the time, I just kept it in the back of my mind,” she admitted. But over the past few years, she began to feel a pull toward taking on a new challenge.
The Vision: Exploring Perceptions Through a Rocky Mountain Adventure
Valerie’s project centers on exploring how people perceive shared experiences differently. To delve into this idea, Valerie plans to read four books from different genres set in or about the Rocky Mountains. Then, she and her family will travel to Rocky Mountain National Park, a place she’s dreamed of visiting since childhood.
“I can’t wait to finally see the Rocky Mountains,” she said. “I’ve wanted to go there since I was in elementary school. I love to hike and the Rocky Mountains have some awesome trails. I am excited for the rigor of climbing the trails but also the relaxing sights and sounds of the waterfalls and the thrill of being able to spot wildlife on our way.”
During the trip, each family member will journal and take photos to capture their individual impressions of the journey. Afterward, Valerie will compile these reflections into a photo journal. “The goal is to study each person’s perceptions from the same experiences,” she explained.
Read more to learn how Valerie plans to bring what she has learned back to the classroom...
Congratulations to these hardworking and dedicated students who earned Honor Roll for the first semester!
Who: All 3rd Grade Students and Their Families
Students who attend must be accompanied by an adult.
What: A fun family event to support reading! Families will play BINGO to win books. A tasty snack will be provided!
Where: Washington Intermediate School Cafeteria
When: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Registration Begins at 5:45
pm.
Why: Title 1 provides opportunities for families to be involved in their children's education. This night is an experience for families to be engaged in reading and have fun.
January 29 - Scheduled 2 Hour Delay
February 7-9 - Twice Upon a Time
February 13 - Dual Language Immersion Parent Information Night
February 13 - Pal-entines Day Dance, WJHS
February 14 - No School, Possible Make Up Day
February 17 - No School, President's Day
February 20-28 - Kindergarten Preregistration
February 26 - Scheduled Two-Hour Delay
March 11 - Future Chefs
March 24-28 - No School, Spring Break