WSD seeks name suggestions for new school

The Washougal School District is asking the community to help name its newest elementary school.

Construction of the school, located next to Jemtegaard Middle School, will begin next summer.

“It is an exciting opportunity to be a part of naming a new school,” said Patricia Boles, assistant superintendent. “Just think, a name you suggest could become a lasting legacy for our district and community.”

The School Facilities Naming Recommendation Committee, under the leadership of Boles, is charged with conducting the search for names and then narrowing down the list to three to five recommendations for the board to make the final decision.

The committee is comprised of Rhea Bohlin, Rene Carroll, David Cooke, Joyce Lindsay, Blaine Peterson and Rick Thomas.

An electronic name nomination survey can be found online at www.washougal.k12.wa.us. A paper survey is available at the WSD office, 4855 Evergreen Way, for individuals who do not have internet access.

All recommendations must include a short description of why the submitted name should be considered.

As per School Board policy, acceptable names must be after a person who has attained national or local prominence in the fields of education, arts and science, politics, and military achievement and statesmanship, or have been be a past President or Washington State national senator or representative.

Schools can also be named after the geographic characteristics of the area in which the facility is located.

“The committee will also take into consideration whether the name is known and significant to the district’s community and that it does not conflict with the names of other schools in the district or surrounding districts,” Boles said.

The use of names of the living should be avoided, unless the circumstances warrant an exception.

Nominations can be submitted through Jan. 20, 2016. The committee will make its recommendation at the Tuesday, April 12 School Board meeting.

Jemtegaard Middle School will keep its name.