Wrightsman counsels middle and high school

Published 12:07 pm Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Like many of the teachers at Orcas Island High/Middle School, Nancy Wrightsman constantly changes her job “hats.” Arriving on Orcas Island in 1995, she already had many years of teaching experience behind her. She taught as a substitute for one year and then accepted the job of school counselor. Wrightsman remains in that position, but also teaches classes both in the middle and high school.

Establishing relationships with the students is both rewarding and essential and Wrightsman finds the small district size to be advantageous in that it gives the administration, faculty and staff the opportunity to really know the students.

Each year her introduction to the new middle school students begins by teaching a Life Skills class in the 7th and 8th grades, where the students design a general five-year plan for studies and goals. This includes practical skills such as working with a budget in order to see what kind of lifestyle they might aspire to and what choices it might take to achieve that lifestyle.

Then, in 10th grade, she revisits this five-year plan with them through a career section in Health class. The high school continues to offer academic planning, as well as career and college fairs with over 35 vocational schools, two- and four-year colleges represented, and specific workshops geared to graduation and post-high school plans.

As high school progresses, Wrightsman spends time with individual students, ensuring their credits are in order and that they are progressing towards their graduation goals. Besides having enough credits, the student must pass all sections of the 10th grade WASL test, as well as complete a senior paper, project and presentation.

Staff members are hired to support the students through their entire school journey but it becomes uniquely important during the senior year paper, project and presentation preparations when each student has an individual advisor to help guide them. Wrightsman is impressed with the interactions that are established during this process. She says, “Most kids here have someone with whom they can connect. If something comes into their life – a problem or a celebration – they have a teacher or staff member here with whom they feel it can be shared.” In addition, Wrightsman credits Principal Barbara Kline’s scheduling abilities and her “student centered focus” as crucial components in meeting individual student needs.

Like many of the Orcas Middle/High School faculty, Wrightsman also serves in different academic roles that fit her credential qualifications. Last summer, she helped with the OASIS High School program and administered the WASL test for those still needing to pass certain sections. She teaches the Advanced Placement English course as well as an after school studies class during the school year.

Nancy Wrightsman “feels blessed to have this job.” She has been on Orcas for 13 years and is representative of a staff who has been able to watch island students plan their tentative goals in middle school, move through high school, go out into the world and then periodically come back and let everyone know how things turned out for them.