Jemtegaard Middle School

We have had two kids go through JMS and the school was fairly consistent and made welcomed improvements in the 5 years between my kids attendance. Communication was good from administration and they were always open to listening to concerns. The environment is very supportive at having family involvement. The parent Boosters group is amazing at finding ways to enhance in and out of classroom activities. They are a fun and strong group to be a part of in any way you are able.The areas where I hope to see continuing improvements is; providing more for faster and deeper learners and organized activities/competitive teams that are outside traditional sports for those students more interested in sports of the mind.

My three children all attended Jemtegaard Middle School and we had a great experience. They thrived with the teachers who helped challenge them and kept them engaged in learning. They enjoyed the sports, after school activities and the knowledge bowl team. There were so many opportunities for families to be involved and connected as well. I loved the chance to be part of the parents booster group and Principals Advisory Committee which helped me always know what was going on and how I could help. Each of my kids had different teachers that they really connected with who showed genuine care and concern for them. Mr. Cooke and Mrs. McCormick are great, they lead the school with love and concern for all students. Jemtegaard also has incredible counselors. I am watching my kids succeed now in high school and college and am so grateful that Jemtegaard helped them be so well prepared!

We couldn't be more grateful for Jemtegaard Middle School. After moving to the area before my son's 6th grade year began, we were a little nervous for him to make all new friends. The sense of community, that we quickly discovered is clearly spearheaded by the principal Mr. David Cooke. On Back to School night, he was warm and welcoming and went out of his way to show us where the buses drop off students. Now that we are in my son's 8th grade year, he not only has made a great group of friends, but we have also been comforted knowing that the communication via ParentSquare from the principal and teachers have been so helpful. Both our principal and teachers have been quick to communicate information, there is a feeling of transparency through the open communication. Parents are invited to participate in their middle schoolers education through annual Bring Your Parent to School Days and Career Days. Also, parents are able to be involved by volunteering to help out with quarterly student stores funded for by our very thoughtful Boosters group. Our son has an IEP for a reading disability and he has received such good care while being a part of the JMS population. Teachers have helped accommodate and given us great tips to help our son here at home. We have seen huge growth in our son's academics. Our youngest son will be attending JMS in the fall of 2024 and we couldn't be more excited for him to be a part of such a strong community!

Just a few tidbits…JMS staff are genuinely concerned and invested in the kids education.The 3 day Outdoor field trip the kids have is such an amazing opportunity for them to learn about the gorge and parents are encouraged to chaperone. It’s so nice parents are encouraged to get involved with the school in all areas. The music program for all grades is amazing. The veterans assembly put on by the students is a wonderful event.Its nice that the WHS and JMS support each other with events so the kids get more familiar with the high school before going. I’m very happy both my kids go there.

I have one student at Jemtegaard Middle School, currently in 7th grade. Overall, I have been very pleased with JMS, especially the level of communication from teachers, the wonderful front office staff, and a very engaging and involved principal, Mr. Cooke. Middle school is so different than elementary school, which was naturally a bit of an adjustment at first. Now at the halfway point of my son's middle school years, I have certainly noticed an increased level of responsibility, accountability, and communication about school responsibilities on his part. He has shown growth, both educational and social, during his time at JMS and has thrived in his classes and through extra curricular activities, like sports.Principal Mr. Cooke or Dean Ms. Darling stand in front of the school each morning to greet students and parents, attend all after school games, concerts, and activities, and Mr. Cooke participates in every Parent Booster meeting throughout the year. They provide valuable input, have a great sense of humor, and I believe that the students respect them. JMS, like every middle school, has its challenges and a few known blind spots, but I believe that they really truly care about their students, staff and families, and work tirelessly to show up for the students and provide a quality, caring education. Our little community of Washougal is tight-knit, safe, and so very special. It's central position between the city and the Gorge make it an ideal place to raise a family and foster an active lifestyle, and being a part of the Husky family (and soon the Panther family) has been a very positive experience. My son has been the greatest beneficiary of the caring teachers and wonderful friends and families we've met along the way.