Washington State observes school board member appreciation in the month of January for the dedication to our students and their success.
At the Quillayute Valley School District’s regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 24, the Forks High School Culinary Arts 2 class showed their appreciation for the board with their cooking skills. These students are under the supervision of Forks High School Culinary Arts teacher, Shelley Castellano. Each board member received a homemade salad, garlic bread, ravioli, and a variety of gourmet cookies. School board members had the opportunity to talk to students about their experiences in Mrs. Castellano’s classroom and learn about her program prior to the meeting.
Students from the Forks Middle School STEM Rovers Club, under the supervision of Forks Middle School Kim Kearns and Marni Whitehead, also prepared a video for the board and the students’ main message was very clear; they are very thankful that our schools are open. “Thank you for keeping our schools open, allowing us to see our friends, providing extra-curricular activities, hiring great teachers, providing us with fun learning, keeping us safe, and feeding us breakfast and lunch,” were among the many personal messages. “You MATTER.”
Additionally, kindergarten students provided handwritten signed thank you cards and a package of s’more goodies (marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate bars) for each board member, while Cathy Johnson, Forks Elementary School librarian, talked about her gratitude for their leadership and presented a home-baked muffin by Warren Johnson. Earlier at the January 10th board meeting, the Forks PTO representatives provided a Puddle-Jumper t-shirt as a token of appreciation.
The Quillayute Valley School District Board of Directors welcomes their most recent addition to the board, Shannon Dahlgren who is the representative in District 1. Shannon replaced former board member VJ Giles, who no longer lives within the district. Kevin Hinchen, District 2 Representative, and Ron Hurn, District 4 Representative, were both re-elected for a new term beginning in January. Bill Rohde, District 3 Representative, and Mike Reaves, District 5 Representative, continue to serve on the board.
“Forks is very fortunate to have board members who are truly serving in their roles to provide the best opportunity for every student,” Diana Reaume, Superintendent, stated. “Their positions are volunteer elected positions, and they continue to make decisions in the best interest of our students.”
Board meetings are scheduled the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Forks High School library (unless as advertised in a special location for spotlight on success). The meetings are also broadcast via Youtube. Learn more by visiting the QVSD website at https://www.qvschools.org/.
Celebrating School Board Appreciation: Front Row, Superintendent Diana Reaume, Leslie Hernandez-Beltran, Ayanna Quinneke-Johns, Nicole Winger, Litzy Recinos-Balencia, Lisa Reyes. Back Row – Kevin Hinchen, School Board Representative District 2, Shannon Dahlgren School Board Representative District 1, Mike Reaves School Representative District 5, Bridgett Jacobson, and Instructor Shelley Castellano. Submitted photos
