2020-2021 School Year Finishes Strong

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 17, 2021

Vashon Island School District’s goal for spring 2021 was to Finish Strong, and we are very proud to say we certainly did!

Two of the most joyful days of the school year are the first day of school and graduation. The first day sets the tone for the year and lets students know the promises we as educators are making to them. Graduation is the fulfillment of these promises.

This year, we watched as more than 125 graduates from Vashon High School and the LINK program crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Many of these graduates are headed off to the workforce, trade schools, and college. All are prepared to open up their future like a 10-year-old opens presents on their birthday.

This week also marks the start of our summer break. Once again, we would like to thank staff, parents, students, and the entire Vashon community for a successful school year under challenging circumstances. The 2020-2021 school year was full of memorable achievements and events that could not have happened without your support.

In addition to the start of summer, June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The month of June is an opportunity to look back at the tough times the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has lived through. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the triumphs of incredible individuals who have valiantly fought, and continue to fight, for full equality.

Pride Month is just one of many moments to declare, “All are welcome in Vashon schools.” We are committed to creating affirming and safe learning and work environments for students, families, and staff. We want every student to thrive when they walk through our doors and into our classrooms. Together, let’s help create spaces that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. We are stronger and better together.

Lastly, we are looking forward to our Start Strong 2021-2022 school year!

On August 30th, all Vashon students will walk through our doors for five days a week of in-person learning. New promises will mark the beginning of our PreK and kindergartners’ educational journey.

We will also continue the tradition of seeing our promises fulfilled and graduates crossing the stage. Our leadership teams and principals will be meeting over the summer and teachers and staff will be attending sessions to hone their craft. When the 2021-2022 school year begins, Vashon Island School District will be ready to hit the ground running for in-person learning and to continue to provide our students exceptional and unique educational opportunities.

We are proud that even in what has proven to be the most tumultuous of times, facing a worldwide pandemic and a divisive landscape fraught with racial injustice, VISD remains guided by the principles of equity, access, and innovation. It’s really all about doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of our students.

— Dr. Slade McSheehy is Superintendent of Vashon Island School District.