The presidential election is now behind us, and as a small community, we may find ourselves considering what this new chapter of leadership means for our country and our island.
Transitions in national leadership often bring a range of emotions as we imagine what the months and years ahead will hold. In our schools, this period of reflection and change is an important opportunity to reaffirm our shared values and to focus on what we can accomplish together, no matter the national landscape.
At Vashon Island School District (VISD), one of the core principles in our “Portrait of a Graduate” is the commitment to “take action” in creating a better community.
This value is not simply about making change but about engaging with integrity and empathy. These are qualities we strive to instill in our students, preparing them to approach both challenges and opportunities with purpose and respect. This election season has reminded us all of the importance of civic engagement, the power of voting, and how our voices can shape our world.
Our responsibility, as educators and as a community, is to guide our young people in learning to navigate a diverse and evolving society with both courage and understanding.
Amid the election noise, it could be easy to look back at the last few weeks and miss some of the wonderful moments that have taken place in all of our schools. I’m very proud of what we are accomplishing this year: Chautauqua Elementary School parents have reached out repeatedly with positive comments following their student conferences, expressing gratitude for the care, dedication, and encouragement our staff is providing to each child and family.
And on October 31, I watched with excitement as the community at McMurray Middle School lit up with Halloween spirit. The sheer number of middle school students participating, dressed up and having fun at the Parent Teacher Organization’s “Haunted Hallway,” was a reminder of how our school district is a place of joy and belonging. The Wonka-themed staff costumes were an absolute highlight.
I also would like to celebrate the incredible creativity on display from our LINKS students and staff, who went all out with carved pumpkins (donated by Thriftway) of every shape, color, and design. And finally, the Vashon High School girls soccer team played deep into the state playoffs with a team that seemingly never gave up. While the team ultimately didn’t move forward, our island community turned out to cheer on the Pirates and see an impressive last-minute tying goal to send the match into overtime.
The positive energy throughout VISD is undeniable. It’s everywhere I look, and it’s because of each of us: we are fostering connections, building trust, inspiring pride, and making a lasting difference every day. Together, we’re creating an island community where every student feels welcomed, known, and treasured. I couldn’t ask for a more powerful commitment from each of us during these transitions.
Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing a sense of responsibility, compassion, and resilience. In times of change, we have an even greater responsibility to model the qualities that make for healthy, democratic discourse. Our students watch how we approach disagreements, how we manage strong emotions, and how we support each other. Our example teaches them how to be engaged, thoughtful citizens who listen to others, build bridges across differences and participate actively in their communities.
For our schools, this work is constant and essential. Regardless of any political shift, I want to assure you we are steadfast in our promise to our students. Our schools are places of learning, but they are also places where students feel empowered to think critically, act with empathy, and dream boldly. Public education is a cornerstone of democracy, and as a community, we have a profound role to play in sustaining this foundation, especially during times of uncertainty.
I am grateful to each member of our district’s community, students, staff, families, and neighbors, who contribute to making our schools a place of hope, inspiration, and unwavering commitment to one another. This moment, with all its complexities, is an opportunity for us to come together and demonstrate to our students the resilience and unity that can come from working toward a shared purpose.
It’s these connections that sustain us, the bonds we build, the milestones we celebrate, and the small moments of joy and pride that define our school community.
Dr. Slade McSheehy is the superintendent of the Vashon Island School District.
