Family and Community News | May 14, 2023 | |
53-year teaching veteran Barbara Rasmussen shares her love for teaching and students | |
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Truman Middle School sixth-grade math teacher Barbara Rasmussen started her teaching career with Tacoma Public Schools in 1969 at Stanley Elementary School. Fifty-three years later, she's going strong.
“Teaching has always brought me joy,” Rasmussen said.
Watch her story as she addresses her journey and what keeps her going.
Thank you, Barbara, for your service and dedication to students. And thank you to all of our teachers. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
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Hot weather forecasted; stay cool around Tacoma with these tips and places to go | |
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Tacoma's temperatures are expected to hit the high 80s Sunday and Monday. Excessive heat can be dangerous to all people; older adults, people with health concerns and children are at a greater risk. Take a look at these local resources for ways to stay safe and cool.
Please note, students may bring sunscreen to school and apply it themselves.
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Reminder: No school May 26 & 29 | |
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May 26, was originally held as a possible snow-make-up day. We do not need that snow day. There is no school, Friday, May 26.
School and district offices are closed Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day.
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Students and community break ground for new Bryant Montessori | |
Meet the thoughtful Sandy Johnson, school nurse with a focus on long-term health | |
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From participating in a student grief support group to helping kids understand how to manage diabetes, school nurse Sandy Johnson is all about developing good long-term health.
Johnson, a nurse at both Birney and Fawcett elementary schools, firmly believes in the value of preventive work as a tool toward achieving sound health – especially with children.
“For me, that’s what school nursing is all about – a whole lot of planting seeds with our students and families. My hope is that down the road, this teaching improves health outcomes for them,” she said.
Read more about the ways Johnson ensures our students are healthy and supported.
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Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month in events across Pierce County | |
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As proclaimed by Gov. Inslee in May 2016, we celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month to recognize the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their history, culture and achievements.
Check out these celebrations across Pierce County that celebrate our diverse community.
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Celebrate "Blast from the Past" Spirit Day May 19 | |
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Let's have some fun recreating looks from the past with the next spirit day!
Friday, May 19, is Blast from the Past Spirit Day, and students and staff are encouraged to wear clothes inspired from the past. Spirit days help us build relationships with each other, making us #BetterTogether.
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Foss biology teachers help students see themselves in the curriculum | |
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“Science is not objective, even though we want it to be,” said Tashi Langton, a biology teacher at Foss High School.
This may sound a bit radical coming from a high school science teacher. But the reality is that science is a blend of the objective and subjective world – the things we study and the identity and lived experiences of those who study it.
Who has historically worked in the science field? This is one of the questions that Langton and Travor Kagochi, another Foss biology teacher, ask their students to research.
“If we look at who could be a scientist, historically, it was white males,” Kagochi said. “Our goal is to transform our curriculum and widen the scope of who can be a scientist. We focus on bringing in multiple perspectives to help our students see themselves in the content.”
Read the full story, focusing on the thoughtful work two of two Foss High School teachers helping their students see themselves in their science curriculum. We are so lucky they're part of our team. We appreciate you, Tashi Langton and Travor Kagochi!
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Enroll now for school in fall 2023 | |
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We're glad you're thinking about Tacoma Public Schools! In-person or online, we work in partnership with parents and community to provide education that is rigorous, individualized, and innovative. Grades preschool to 12 are now enrolling for fall 2023.
Preschool enrollment:
Families will start by completing a short application that will help determine your child’s eligibility and which program best fits their needs.
Learn more and begin the enrollment process.
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Check out summer programs through Metro Parks Tacoma | |
Thank you, crossing guards! | |
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Thank you, crossing guards and school safety patrols, out there rain or shine, wind, heat or sleet. Tacoma crossing guards and school safety patrols build community and help students get to school safely.
If you normally drive to school, park a few blocks away and thank your crossing guard on the walk to school through the end of the year.
When we park a few blocks away and walk the rest to school, we give our brains a boost for the school day and improve traffic safety and the air quality around school for everyone.
Families, please do not block intersections, crosswalks, or driveways when parking.
Looking to support or start a school safety patrol at your school? Find the kit here.
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