Family and Community News | Oct. 30, 2022 | |
Community celebrates new Downing and Skyline elementary schools | |
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Hip hip hooray! Students, staff, neighbors and community members celebrated the grand openings of the newly constructed Downing and Skyline elementary schools last week. People explored the buildings with scavenger hunts and watched student-led videos to get to know the new schools.
The two schools are among the eight school replacements or historic renovations funded by the $535 million school construction bond voters passed in 2020.
Thank you, voters!
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Students would be supported by Metro Parks Tacoma levy proposal | |
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There are nearly 45,000 children in Tacoma, and Metro Parks Tacoma offers all of them free access to community centers as well as events such as the Teen Late Night gatherings. In addition, all elementary and middle school students at Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) can choose enriching after-school programs through the Beyond the Bell and Club Beyond programs, a partnership of Metro Parks and TPS.
On Nov. 8, voters will be asked to consider Proposition 1, which would help keep those programs affordable and welcoming to all youth, regardless of means.
To learn more about Prop. 1, please visit www.metroparkstacoma.org/vote.
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Narrative Changers: Growing the leadership abilities of middle schoolers
Tacoma students and their families are invited to attend the Narrative Changers powerful youth leadership development symposium Nov. 2. The event is aimed at helping middle school students realize their leadership potential, but it's open to students of all ages and their family.
Next session:
- Dialogue with Current and Future Leaders of Tacoma
- Wednesday. Nov. 2, 5-7 p.m.
- People’s Community Center, 1602 M.L.K. Jr. Way, Tacoma
Featured speakers include Dr. Andre Stout, Korey Strozier, Antonio McLemore, Christian Page, Dr. John Gaines, and Brandon Ervin.
Dinner will be served. Please register for the event here.
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Social-emotional learning lessons open for families to view | |
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Social-emotional learning is an important, ongoing process that helps people develop self-awareness, self-management, and interpersonal skills vital for long-term success.
Tacoma Public Schools has long used an SEL curriculum with its youngest learners, and the district recently adopted one for middle and high school students as well.
This valuable curriculum helps students manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
Parents and guardians may now view the new CharacterStrong SEL curriculum for middle and high school students. Once you log in, you will have access to curriculum for 30 days.
Middle and high school students will work on SEL lessons with their advisory teachers. Elementary students receive SEL lessons (using a different curriculum) from their primary classroom teacher.
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Deadline extended for high school students to apply for Tacoma Student Government Day | |
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All Tacoma Public Schools’ high school students can apply to participate in Tacoma Student Government Day.
Selected students will meet with Tacoma’s mayor, City Council members and executive leadership to gain firsthand knowledge of how the City of Tacoma works to serve the community.
Applications are due by Nov. 1. Student Government Day is Nov. 8.
Get more information and apply Student Government Day - City of Tacoma, or by calling 253-257-5610.
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Donations to Roosevelt Elementary class bring extra learning opportunities | |
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Students in Melissa Pick's kindergarten class at Roosevelt Elementary School have multiple fun ways to engage in learning, thanks to donations from Subaru of Puyallup. The dealership donated almost $500 worth of educational learning games, coloring books and slime kits.
"These donations help my students have extra opportunities to learn through books, hands-on manipulatives, learning games, and puzzles," Pick said. "It's thrilling and exciting to watch my students love coming to school because of all the wonderful options we have to learn through!"
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Join Tacoma Urban League at fall outreach and advocacy events | |
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Tacoma Urban League’s Family Engagement Program will bring a focus on outreach and advocacy as it relates to the Black community. Children are welcome, and a free dinner will be served at all events.
Listening session
Nov. 4, 6-7 p.m. at Lister Elementary
BPA Friendsgiving
Nov. 19, 5:30-7:30p.m. at Evergreen State College
Workshop | How to talk to your child about race and racism
Dec. 9, 6-7:30 p.m., Eastside Community Center
For more information, email [email protected].
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Changes to your child's health needs? Let us know | |
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Keeping your school up to date on your child’s health history is essential for our school nurses to provide care.
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.
This information only needs to be updated if it has changed.
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Families invited to participate in community input session, earn gift card | |
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Parents, middle school and high school students are invited to attend the first annual Washington State Education Symposium. During this one-hour webinar, information about public education in Washington State, student engagement and the Open Doors program will be shared.
Webinar sessions:
- 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1
- 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3
- 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5
Sessions will be moderated by Will Hausa. All registered attendees will receive a $75 Visa gift card for their participation and completion of an online survey. An email is required for registration and to receive the Visa gift card.
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Parents right to know for 2022-23 school year | |
Parents and legal guardians have rights under the Every Student Succeeds Act to gather information about the qualifications of their child’s instructors at school, to request information in the language of their choice, and file a complaint against their school district or the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. | |
Schools to implement fee schedule for lost or damaged items | |
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This school year, Tacoma Public Schools implemented a schedule of fines and fees when students lose or need replacements for specific items.
The fee schedule includes items such as music instruments, athletic uniforms and equipment, and assigned laptops and power cords.
Families will be notified by email of a fine or fee through the district's online payment system, MySchoolBucks. To be notified, families must create an account through the TPS Compass/Family App.
Contact your school with any questions or concerns about making payments online or getting an online account set up.
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