WASHOUGAL — When the Nakia Creek Fire caused school closures in Washougal on Oct. 17, Washougal School District stepped up to support families impacted by the fire. Most district families lived in zones where evacuation notices went into effect. The Washougal School District culinary team acted quickly to offer free meals for impacted families at Gause Elementary. Families gathered at the school for meals and family activities to support one another during this challenging time.
“We opened up Gause Elementary on Monday to support our families with meals, activities for the kids, and support for one another. We also had community members volunteer and donate supplies and coffee for anyone who needs support,” Washougal School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton said.
“We made a breakfast of fresh biscuits and gravy with sausage and hash browns for impacted families. We also offered a chicken and rice in the afternoon for lunch and also baked ziti, which is our vegetarian option,” said chef Johnatthan Curiel, who leads the Washougal School District culinary team. Culinary services at Washougal School District offers chef-inspired, scratch-made meals at Washougal schools every day.
Washougal School District worked closely with Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency to promptly notify families of changes to transportation and school operations as the situation developed. By Oct. 18, fire evacuation maps were narrowed based on updates from fire crews and schools reopened to operate on a normal schedule. “We’ve been reaching out to one another, district families and our staff, to make sure that everyone is OK and providing support to our community,” said Brooke Henley, principal at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary.
“It’s when the community comes together, that’s what makes Washougal School District and the Washougal community special,” Templeton said.
