Washougal School District receives grant to support inclusion efforts

WASHOUGAL — Washougal School District was given a $20,000 Pre-K Inclusion Champions grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. The mission of the grant is to prioritize inclusive practices in childhood learning and through the school system. “This is the perfect grant for us as our district focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion,” Penny Andrews, WSD special education director, said in a news release. “By creating supportive and inclusive classrooms and learning experiences for our preschool students, we are laying the groundwork for improving our inclusion practices into K-12 classrooms. Part of the grant money is designated for creating inclusive classrooms for our earliest learners by having activities designed for learners with specific needs.” Some funds are used for staff professional development, including a book study as well as a series of seminars called The Inclusionary Practices Project. “I can’t tell you how impressed I have been with the preschool classrooms during ‘regular times,’ but especially this year with the COVID challenges,” Mary Templeton, district superintendent, said in the release. “They have all created inviting, vibrant, exciting environments for our youngest learners.”