Family and Community News | Sept. 25, 2022

Student healthcare clinic opens at Mount Tahoma High School

Through a partnership with MultiCare we are bringing healthcare to students. Last week MultiCare opened its second school-based clinic at Mount Tahoma High School and the office is already bustling with patients. Located on the west side of Mount Tahoma, the clinic is open to all Tacoma Public Schools students and provides preventative care, physical exams, treatment for illness and injury along with mental health support. The clinic is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., students can make an appointment or simply walk in.

In 2019 MultiCare opened the city’s first school-based clinic at Oakland High School. The Oakland clinic continues to serve students Fridays. Having healthcare services onsite for students helps ensure students have the care they need – when they need it.

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.)

Flu shots, other vaccines, available to TPS students

Students ages 3-18 can get free flu vaccines and adolescent vaccines at a series of upcoming clinics hosted by Tacoma Public Schools and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

Schedule of vaccination clinics:

• Wednesday, Sept. 28: Sheridan Elementary, 3-6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 4: Boze Elementary, 3-6 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 10: Edison Elementary, 3-6 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 24: McCarver Elementary, 3-6 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 7: Browns Point Elementary, 3-6 p.m.

First responders train in former Bryant Montessori building

Before the old Bryant Montessori building is demolished, it provided one last important use for the community.

Last week, the Tacoma Fire Department used the site to train firefighters in building searches, rescue techniques and mock fire call responses.



Bryant is one of eight schools to be renovated or replaced as part of a 2020 voter-approved bond measure. Demolition of the existing Bryant building is expected this fall, with construction of the new school slated from 2023 to 2024. Bryant staff and students are using the former Skyline Elementary campus for the next two school years, during construction of their new school.

In addition to the eight building replacements, schools across the district will see improvements such as security upgrades, athletic facilities upgrades, new playgrounds, roof replacements, and heating and ventilation improvements.   

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

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