PSD Connectivity July 10, 2020
A Message from Superintendent Dr. John Polm
We are pleased to announce Dr. John Polm officially became the Superintendent of the Puyallup School District on July 1. Prior to coming to Puyallup, Dr. Polm was the Superintendent of the Port Townsend School District. Please view his important message regarding planning for school this fall.
Karshner Elementary Damaged by Fire

Firefighters extinguished a 2-alarm fire at Karshner Elementary July 5 with no reported injuries. Puyallup Police reported the cause of the fire was the result of fireworks being thrown into trash cans on school grounds.

The school sustained extensive damage to classrooms, hallways, and common areas. School grounds, including playground areas, are closed to the public for an extended period of time for restoration work. Structural damage alone has been estimated at 5-7 million dollars in repair costs. It is anticipated that repairs will continue at least through the end of the calendar year.

Karshner staff and students will begin school on September 3 at the vacant, original Firgrove Elementary site located at 13812 Meridian E Puyallup WA 98373.

The Karshner Summer Meal Program has moved to Stewart Elementary.

We thank Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, neighboring fire crews, and law enforcement for their responsive service.
We've Reached a Pivotal Point in our Planning

It’s no surprise that school will look different in the fall. Maximizing in-person instruction for all students, while meeting social distancing requirements  involves deep analysis into a  variety  of scenarios that support a  variety  of student and family needs.     
 
Family feedback  is an important element as we make decisions and move forward. Over 6,400 parents responded to our  Reopening Schools Family survey  noting top concerns as health and safety factors. We are required to make plans that meet state guidelines for returning to school that include social distancing, face coverings, symptom checks, and cleaning protocols. Classrooms and common areas will be sanitized regularly, and appropriate amounts of cleaning supplies will be available at all schools.   
 

School Board Approves Moving Forward With Two Plans for the Fall

Dr. Vincent Pecchia, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Instructional Leadership, presented models for the School Board to consider for the operational and instructional opening of schools in the fall. To help with the planning, the District assembled an Instructional Taskforce to evaluate instructional models and a Health and Safety Taskforce to evaluate operational aspects of reopening safely in the fall. 

District Budget Deficit Projected

Faced with a projected $27.6 million deficit over the next three years, the Puyallup School Board is considering placing a two-year Supplemental Educational Programs and Operations Levy on the November 3, 2020 General Election ballot.

Resources: Mental Health and Wellness

Parents, family members, and other trusted adults play an important role in helping children make sense of challenging circumstances. Resources are available when talking with children during these times that will help build a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Our Mental Health and Wellness webpage provides links to resources supporting conversations from race and racism to COVID-19.
New Student Registration

Do you have an incoming kindergartner or new child to enroll in the Puyallup School District? Online registration is now open. The 4-step process will determine eligibility based off home address, list documents required for enrollment, and allow for online submission of application.

Forms can be completed, uploaded, and submitted electronically with your child’s Online Enrollment Application, or provided when you meet with school staff.

Puyallup School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

• Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Char Krause, krauseca@puyallup.k12.wa.us, (253) 435-6295
• 504/ADA Coordinator: Char Krause, krauseca@puyallup.k12.wa.us, (253) 435-6295
• Title IX Coordinator Staff: Amie Brandmire, brandmah@puyallup.k12.wa.us (253) 841-8666
 • Title IX Coordinator Students: Char Krause, krauseca@puyallup.k12.wa.us, (253) 435-6295

All individuals may be reached at this address:
Puyallup School District 302 2nd Street SE Puyallup, WA 98372