Tacoma Parks Foundation

Last week, you may have received a letter from the Tacoma Parks Foundation asking for your support of the Beyond the Bell (BTB) Program. THANK YOU to all who responded with pledges and donations!

Our community—local municipalities, businesses, youth-oriented nonprofits, health and social service providers, and cultural arts institutions—have united with Tacoma Public Schools to ensure every child has access, exposure, and opportunity for social and emotional learning during non-school hours. Beyond the Bell offers students positive, engaging experiences while also fostering attendance and other growth-focused behaviors.

Tacoma Public Schools families have shared that affordable, quality childcare is their most critical concern. The innovative Beyond the Bell Program directly addresses that need by:

• Making after-school opportunities accessible at all 36 elementary school sites

• Building on student familiarity with their home school

• Eliminating the need for additional transportation for working parents

• Removing barriers through a flexible fee structure

Program Highlights

• Hours: Monday–Friday, from the after-school bell until 6:00 p.m.

• Transportation: Free transportation home is provided.

• Sessions: Four sessions per year, with students able to register for up to three unique programs per session.

This structure gives working parents a safe, enriching, affordable alternative to costly childcare.

Your Support Makes a Difference!

We need your help to reach our ambitious goal! We are working to raise $50,000 and need an additional $40,000 to get there.

The Beyond the Bell Program makes after-school opportunities affordable for families by offering a flexible fee structure:

$96, $48, or $0 per child/program—a maximum of just $6/day.

However, the program's actual cost is $320 per child/program, or $20/day.

ACTION - Sustain this critical investment in our elementary school kids/families!

1. Make a one-time gift – every contribution helps nurture kids.
2. Become a monthly sustainer – provide ongoing support for the 2,642 students who have participated in the first two Beyond the Bell sessions this school year.

To contribute, please click here or mail a check to the address listed below. 

Thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of Tacoma’s kids and families! We are grateful for your support.

The mission of the Tacoma Parks Foundation is to cultivate a community invested in providing parks and recreation access for all.

www.tacomaparksfoundation.org