Family and Community News | Oct. 2, 2022

We are innovative together: Ellie's story

Tacoma Online (TOL) keeps students and educators together, even when they are miles apart. TOL’s flexible schedule lets Ellie do her schoolwork anytime, anywhere, allowing her to focus on her passion for dance and support her family.

Throughout the 2022-23 school year, we’re telling the stories of TPS students growing and thriving with the help of the people around them. Check out our printed #BetterTogether calendar and watch for a new video story each month. 

TPS students can get COVID-19 tests for at-home use

All Tacoma Public School students will have the opportunity at school to receive a free box containing two iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests the week of Oct. 3. These tests are intended to support the health and safety of our community by providing results at home, as soon as symptoms are detected.

Any student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate at home for at least five full days, regardless of vaccination status. They can return to school or work on day 6 if:

• They have no symptoms, or symptoms are improving, AND
• They’ve had no fever in the past 24 hours without fever-reducing medication

COVID-19 test clinics open Monday-Friday

TPS students, staff and their immediate family members can take a free rapid antigen test at a walk-in clinic at a TPS site.

Prepare your student for the SAT and PSAT exams

Tacoma Public Schools students have the opportunity to take college entrance exams free of charge. The district hosts in-school exams and pays exam fees to ensure all students have equitable access.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, seniors may complete the SAT exam, while juniors may complete the PSAT/NMSQT exam. Schools will send detailed information directly to students and parents regarding timing and room locations.

All juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate, even if they are unsure of their path after high school. There is no cost to families. Students are pre-registered, and SAT scores can be used to meet a student’s graduation pathway requirement.

2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens Oct. 1

New and returning students who plan to attend college between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as possible.

More than $112 million in grants, loans, and work-study funding is provided each year to help students pay for higher education. Many state governments, postsecondary institutions, and private organizations also use FAFSA information to determine their financial aid. To access these funds, students must complete the FAFSA form (see FAFSA process infographic).

To assist students and families in the process, the U.S. Department of Education offers tips @FAFSA, including “7 Things You Need Before Filling Out the FAFSA Form,” “8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA Form,” and “15 Myths We’re Busting About the FAFSA Process.”

Students and parents may complete the FAFSA form online at FAFSA.gov.

Changes to your student’s health needs? Let us know

Keeping your school up to date to on your student’s health history is essential for our nurses to provide care. This information only needs to be updated if it has changed.

Complete a Health History form if your child has had changes to medications or a new medical diagnosis. The health history form is available in multiple languages, and your answers are automatically routed to your school nurse.

Tacoma Urban League hosts family engagement workshop Oct. 14

Families are invited to register for an in-person workshop to learn tips to take stress out of the school year.

• Workshop theme: Making the most of this school year
• When: Friday, Oct. 14, 6-7 p.m.
• Where: Tacoma Urban League, 2550 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma
• RSVP: Sheree@thetacomaurbanleague.org or call 243-383-2007

Dinner will be served. 

Free tutoring now available to TPS students

Students in grades 3-12 can now access free tutoring seven days a week.

Four primary services are available: live tutoring, paper review, math question drop-off, and SAT/ACT preparation.

Students can access tutors through chat or a voice call in less than a minute without an appointment. All sessions are recorded so students can review their information on their own or refer back to it during future tutoring sessions.

Students access the service through the Schoology system; families can watch a demonstration of the service here. 

TPS families eligible for discounted internet service

Every Tacoma Public Schools family is automatically eligible for a program that helps connect people to affordable internet service. 

The benefit provides:

• Up to $30/month discount for internet service
• Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider

TPS families are eligible for this benefit because we operate under the federal Community Eligibility Provision of student meals. 

How to enroll

Step 1: Contact Patricia Neas in Nutrition Services at 253-571-3378 to receive your program qualification letter.

Step 2: Go to affordableconnectivity.gov to submit an application. Then, contact your preferred provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.

Learn more at fcc.gov.acp or by calling 877-384-2575.

Mark your calendar for schedule shifts in October

Mark your calendars for some upcoming shifts to the schedule in October due to Data Day and school conferences.

Friday, Oct. 7: Data Day; no school for students.

Wednesday, Oct. 12: School conferences; schedules vary by grade level:

• Grades 9-12: One hour late start
• Grades 6-8: Two hour late start
• Grades PreK-5: Early release at 12:15; no late start
• P.M. preschool, all peer inclusion preschool: No school

Thursday and Friday, Oct. 13-14: School conferences; schedules vary by grade level:

• Grades 9-12: Early release at 10:50 a.m.
• Grades 6-8: Early release at 11:30 a.m.
• Grades K-5: Early release at 12:15 p.m.
• Head Start and full day ECEAP: Early release at 12 p.m.
• P.M. half day ECEAP, all peer inclusion preschool: No school
• A.M. half day ECEAP: Regular schedule

(Bryant Montessori and Wainwright Intermediate follow elementary early release schedules.)

Tacoma Public Schools | tacomaschools.org | 253-571-1000 | info@tacoma.k12.wa.us

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