Classes have started at Covington Elementary School, but students started the school year without their principal. Mike McCarthy may not be back for weeks, but he's got a pretty good reason for missing school -- he's currently helping fight Washington wildfires.
The students at Covington Elementary know him as Mr. McCarthy, but in the Washington National Guard he's Captain Mike McCarthy. When the state needed help fighting the wildfires, he answered the call.
“It’s really sad to see the destruction, and it’s a little scary," said interim principal Paul Luczak.
Luczak is kicking off the first week of school as Covington Elementary's interim principal, filling in for McCarthy.
“I try to make a daily announcement about how he’s doing or at least include some information about him so they know he’s coming back and everything," said Luczak.
McCarthy and his unit are helping fight the fires and protect property from potential looters.
Parents and staff members say students can learn from his service.
“It’s nice that he does stuff like that," a parent said.
“We’re pretty proud of him," said a staff member.
His absence is something the school district and staff members don't mind. They're happy one of their administrators is able to help.