PASS program helps Woodland High School student graduate early

WOODLAND – A Woodland High School student will be able to graduate a semester early after participating in the school’s Positive Academic Support System, known as PASS. Tristan Shindell was struggling when he started at Woodland in 2017. Failing courses, he was paired with Cyndy Grayson, a member of PASS who works with a group of staff mentors to help students. “Factors going on in students’ personal lives outside of school can have a bigger impact on their academic success than anything happening in the classroom,” Grayson said. For Shindell’s senior year, he moved back to Woodland to help his grandfather and earn a diploma with his friends at Woodland High School. “I went from not thinking I would be able to graduate during my freshman year to graduating a semester early thanks to PASS,” Shindell said. The PASS team also maintains a food pantry where students can grab a quick meal or snack throughout the school day. School counselors provide mental health services and the district’s Family Community Resource Center helps students with other needs.