Full Newsletter
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
From elementary to high school, in every subject and space in our schools, Tacoma’s teachers bring a sense of belonging, safety, joy and collaboration to their classrooms. Students feel the commitment and the care – and it shows.
It's Teacher Appreciation Week. We see and value what you do and the impact it makes on every student, every day. Thank you, teachers!
Meet some of our teachers:
https://www.tacomaschools.org/about/newsroom/appreciation
Superintendent Garcia's statement on
April 30 event at Foss High School
Yesterday, there was a traumatic event at Foss High School involving students and staff. The school went into a lockdown immediately due to an altercation with students that escalated, resulting in injuries to five students and one staff member. This is an ongoing investigation led by the Tacoma Police Department. We will continue to work closely with them, and we appreciate their dedication to our schools and community.
I want to express deep gratitude to the Foss staff who intervened and de-escalated the situation. I’m also grateful to all the Foss staff, staff from across Tacoma Public Schools and our students, who followed emergency protocols to maintain safety and order. We practice and prepare for situations that no one should have to experience, but we do it knowing that it saves lives.
Thank you to our first responders for their quick action and professionalism. When 911 is called, our team works directly with first responders to keep everyone safe and communicate with families and staff as soon as possible.
I ask that our students, staff and community check in with each other. Tacoma is a big small town, and connections run deep. Someone you know is likely impacted by this event, and it takes compassion and courage from you to ask how they’re doing. Let’s be good to each other. For those who are directly impacted, please take care of yourself. Use the resources available, and don’t hesitate to ask for support.
Summer Late Nights fun starts in June for middle and high schoolers
Once again, middle school and high school students will have a fun, free place to get dinner and hang out with friends every weeknight over the summer.
Starting June 22, Summer Late Nights opens across Tacoma, with schools, community centers and opening their doors to keep teens safe and engaged. Tacoma Public Schools middle and high schoolers can get dinner every night and participate in open gym and field activities, art and music, and gaming.
Who: Incoming 7th – 11th graders
When: Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m., June 22 – Aug. 28
Where: Students can drop in at the site that's most convenient to them:
Al Davies Boys & Girls Club
Baker Middle School
Giaudrone Middle School
Henry T. Schatz Boys & Girls Club/Topping Regional HOPE Center
Hunt Middle School
Mason Middle School
Meeker Middle School
Milgard Boys & Girls Club at Eastside Community Center
Stewart Middle School
Truman Middle School
Summer Late Nights is a free drop-in program; students can attend as often as they like. Families are encouraged to register their child online on the Compass/Family App.
More details to come.
Once again, middle school and high school students will have a fun, free place to get dinner and hang out with friends every weeknight over the summer.
Starting June 22, Summer Late Nights opens across Tacoma, with schools, community centers and opening their doors to keep teens safe and engaged. Tacoma Public Schools middle and high schoolers can get dinner every night and participate in open gym and field activities, art and music, and gaming.
Who: Incoming 7th – 11th graders
When: Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m., June 22 – Aug. 28
Where: Students can drop in at the site that's most convenient to them:
Al Davies Boys & Girls Club
Baker Middle School
Giaudrone Middle School
Henry T. Schatz Boys & Girls Club/Topping Regional HOPE Center
Hunt Middle School
Mason Middle School
Meeker Middle School
Milgard Boys & Girls Club at Eastside Community Center
Stewart Middle School
Truman Middle School
Summer Late Nights is a free drop-in program; students can attend as often as they like. Families are encouraged to register their child online on the Compass/Family App.
More details to come.
Make May a time to connect with family
This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we honor the relationships that shape a child’s world first—the bonds between parents, children and siblings. These connections are where trust is built, emotions are understood and resilience grows.
A caring conversation, shared laughter or simply being present reminds children they are safe and loved. This month, we invite families to slow down and lean in. Take a look at these conversation prompts for meaningful family talks. No phones. No distractions. Just connection. Because these moments are not small; they are powerful and they matter.
Get ready to graduate and celebrate!
Graduation is right around the corner, Class of 2026 students and families! In a little over a month, thousands of TPS graduates will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and take steps toward the next chapter of their lives. We are so excited to celebrate this achievement alongside families, friends and community.
See the graduation schedule below and check out the TPS graduation website to get information on ceremony details for each school.
Graduation schedule:
Indian Education Graduation Celebration: Tuesday, May 19, 4 - 7 p.m. at Foss High School
Willie Stewart Academy: Monday, June 8, 4 p.m. at Mount Tahoma High School
Oakland: Monday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. at Mount Tahoma High School
Tacoma Dome ceremonies:
Foss: Thursday, June 11, 2 p.m.
IDEA: Thursday, June 11, 11:30 a.m.
Lincoln: Wednesday, June 10, 7:30 p.m.
Mount Tahoma: Thursday, June 11, 7:30 p.m.
SAMI: Wednesday, June 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Silas: Wednesday, June 10 at 4:30 p.m.
SOTA: Wednesday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Stadium: Thursday, June 11 at 4:30 p.m.
Tacoma Online: Thursday, June 11 at 9 a.m.
There's still time to enroll in Maritime|253
The brand new Maritime|253 Skills Center will open its doors this fall and welcome its first class of students. Enrollment is open and there are seats still available.
Maritime|253 is not a high school. Rather, students remain enrolled at their high school and spend half their day at the skills center. Enrollment is open to students across the South Sound. Courses are advanced, and it is recommended that students be in their junior or senior year to enroll.
Work on the building is approximately 90 percent complete, with crews transitioning toward finishing work this spring. Inside, classrooms, labs and hands‑on learning spaces are taking their final form, while exterior features further define the look and function of the facility. Maritime|253 move‑in activities will start over the summer as the space is prepared to welcome students and families for the start of the school year.