Family and Community News | May 7, 2023

We are committed together: Watch Kendy's story

As a child in Tacoma Public Schools, Kendy Valadez felt the power of good teachers. In the Teach 253 program at Lincoln High School, Lisa Egenes helped her envision a future where she could have that power.

Now Valadez is back in Tacoma as a first-year teacher, committed to serving the kids of her community.

We deeply appreciate Valadez and the work she does to support students of TPS.

Watch her story, and look for more this week about the good work of so many TPS teachers. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Celebrate "Blast from the Past" Spirit Day May 19

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.

Seattle Kraken donates to all TPS elementary schools

Thanks to the Seattle Kraken for donating $36,000 of floorball equipment to our elementary schools. 

The full kit includes sticks, bibs, pucks and nets. 

Good luck in the playoffs, Kraken! Our sticks are crossed for you.

Watch the King5 story.

Give your feedback on new social studies curriculum for grades 6-8

Tacoma Public Schools is preparing to adopt a new social studies curriculum for students in grades 6-8.

First, we need your help.

Feedback is essential in this process. We've created in-person and online opportunities for families, community members and staff to review materials and provide feedback by May 25.

Find opportunities for in-person feedback and upcoming virtual sessions.

Let's talk about summer camps, activities with Metro Parks Tacoma

Metro Parks Tacoma invites families to learn about summer programs, camps, activities and services available this summer.

What: Learn about upcoming summer activities

When: Tuesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.

How: Virtual event – register here

Metro Parks Tacoma oversees parks and recreation services around the city and is committed to creating healthy opportunities to play, learn and grow.

This event is hosted in partnership with the TPS Community Partnership Office. 

Visit the Metro Parks Tacoma website for more information on summer programs.

Grant gives more students access to mental health supports at school

Like kids everywhere, some Tacoma students struggle with mental health. In recent years, Tacoma Public Schools has provided mental health supports partially paid for with pandemic funding.  

That funding is going away soon, but the needs are still there.  

Fortunately, TPS recently received a significant five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support the mental health needs of students. The grant will provide funding for local school-based mental health providers.  



“The foundation of the grant is to increase the level of support we give our kids,” said TPS Director of Whole Child Laura Allen. “While the federal money we received to work through the pandemic will no longer be available, the needs of students persist. We will be ready to help.” 

Read more about how we're supporting students' mental health.

Bryant Montessori to break ground on new school at May 10 event

Bryant Montessori students will break ground on their new building Wednesday, May 10, marking the beginning of a new era.

The public is invited to gather at 717 S. Grant Ave., starting at 8 a.m. The short ceremony is from 8:30-9 a.m. outside – rain or shine. People can also watch the event virtually on Facebook. To watch, go to the TPS Facebook page and click "Bryant Montessori Groundbreaking event."

Plans for the new site

The new Bryant will be designed for about 560 students. It will continue to serve as a Montessori school serving students K-8. The project will include on-site and off-site improvements, parking, new playgrounds and playfields.

Bryant is one of eight school replacements or historic renovations funded by the $535 million school construction bond voters passed in 2020. The new building is expected to open in September 2024.

Students can earn high school, college credits at same time

When Foss junior Jazmine Nickle signed up for a culinary arts class two years ago, her goal was to obtain a credit she needed for high school graduation. But sometime during that first class, she got hooked.  

“I love it. If I have free time, you can probably find me in the culinary class,” Nickle said. “I’m interested in owning my own bakery someday.” 

Thanks to dual Career and Technical Education (CTE) college credits, Nickle has a head start on her goals. In addition to the high school credits, she has also earned several CTE college credits for culinary arts. 

Starting this school year, all CTE courses at the high school level are aligned with dual credit requirements for the State of Washington.

Read more about how dual credit courses help TPS students.

Athletics registration for 2023-24 school year now open

Middle and high school athletics registration for the 2023-2024 season is open through the online registration system, FinalForms.

Parents and guardians of current 5th grade students will receive an invitation email from FinalForms at the email address we have on file. Students will receive an email at their student email (StudentID@TPS10.org). To register, confirm your account by following the link in the email and then set up a username and password. Only parent/guardians may select sports for their student.

Questions? Email studentlife@tacoma.k12.wa.us or call 253-571-1123.

Register and get more information here.

School immunizations available at May 9 clinic at Baker Middle School

Tacoma Public Schools students can get free school immunizations at an upcoming clinic from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, at Baker Middle School.

Immunizations are by appointment only. No walk-ups will be accepted. Registration is limited.

Parents/guardians must accompany their student during vaccination and must complete screening and consent forms prior to appointment. If registration becomes full, families can schedule an appointment at a different time.

Register here.

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

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