Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma, WA Videos

FAVORITE MOMENTS: “Without a doubt, the highlight of the year for me was moment we got the news that Tacoma voters came through yet again for our students. When those construction bond election results showed up at 8 p.m. on Feb. 13, my heart filled with gratitude for our community. Can tears be filled with gratitude, too? I think mine were. It’s really satisfying to work in a community that believes all kids deserve comfortable, safe, innovative school spaces.” – Nora As TPS team members work to prepare for the upcoming school year we’re taking time to look back and share moments and stories that brought us joy last school year.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: “Every year for Teacher Appreciation Week, I get the chance to feature amazing educators. And this year was no different. Foss High School teachers Travor Kagochi’s and Tashi Langton’s enthusiasm and joy for teaching and their friendship were truly inspiring. A 90-second edit showcasing their talents barely scratches the surface of their impact on students. Thank you to all our extraordinary teachers who everyday change the trajectory of students’ lives.” – Casey As TPS team members work to prepare for the upcoming school year, we’re taking time to look back and share moments and stories that brought us joy last school year.

Tacoma Online serves students from across Washington and we are enrolling K-12 for Fall 2024. We are flexible, accredited and engaging. Learn why so many students and families have found their fit with Tacoma Online. https://tol.tacomaschools.org/about/enroll

FAVORITE MOMENTS: “I’m partial to our live video posts featuring student performances during Music in our Schools Month. Being able to attend and live stream so many student performances this year was a privilege for me. For parents and family who can’t attend school performances in person for whatever reason, a live stream gives them an opportunity to experience their students’ big moment on the stage.” – Kevin As TPS team members work to prepare for the upcoming school year we’re taking time to look back and share moments and stories that brought us joy last school year.

What do kids like about Summer Late Nights? Take a look! There’s one month left for you to give it a try.    At Summer Late Nights, all TPS middle and high school students can hang out with friends, get free dinner and participate in open gym, art and music activities. It’s a free drop-in program; students can attend as often as they like.    WHEN: Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m. through Aug. 30    WHERE: Schools, community centers and other sites across Tacoma.   Find a list of sites and a link where parents/guardians are encouraged to register, link in bio.

FAVORITE MOMENTS: “I met Willie before I started working for Tacoma Public Schools. I knew the big personality but I had no idea all he had done across the school district. He’s a trailblazer and huge advocate for Tacoma Public Schools. His love for students and their mutual love for him is incredible. Check out the Willie Stewart Academy video if you need proof. It exemplifies that it really does take a village to support students. We are all better when we work together. We are lucky to have committed community members and volunteers as part of the Tacoma Team.” – Tanisha As TPS team members work to prepare for the upcoming school year we’re taking time to look back and share moments and stories that brought us joy last school year.

USCG Lands at Truman Middle School
FAVORITE MOMENTS: “A helicopter landing at a school any day is pretty amazing, but what made it even more special was that a group of Truman Middle School students made it happen. When the helicopter hovered and one of the Coast Guard members repelled to the ground, I thought some of the students were going to faint with excitement. The generosity of the Coast Guard team with our students was incredible, and I know our kids won’t forget that day.” – Kathryn As TPS team members work to prepare for the upcoming school year, we’re taking time to look back and share moments and stories that brought us joy last school year. U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest #Tacoma #uscg

Summer Late Nights
Hanging out with Baki Sem is one of the reasons kids love Summer Late Nights. Don’t get us wrong – the friends and free dinner and basketball are great too – but adults like Baki make sure kids feel welcome, cared for, and have a good time. If you haven’t come to a session yet, there’s still time to change that! At Summer Late Nights, all TPS middle and high school students can hang out with friends, get free dinner and participate in open gym, art and music activities. It’s a free drop-in program; students can attend as often as they like. WHEN: Monday-Friday, 5-10 p.m. through Aug. 30 WHERE: Schools, community centers and other sites across Tacoma. Find a list of sites and a link where parents/guardians are encouraged to register: https://bit.ly/43K9nIo

🎉🏆 Congratulations to Fawcett Elementary for receiving the 2024 Innovation in Youth and Education award from Sister Cities International! 🌍📚 This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding commitment to educational innovation and global understanding. Way to go, Fawcett Faclons! 🎉👏

Hello Summer! 🌞 It's the last day of school in Tacoma! 🎉 Congratulations to all our students for completing another year of learning and growth. We're so proud of everything you've accomplished. Have a safe and enjoyable summer break, and we'll see you next school year! #SchoolsOut #Summer #Tacoma #TPS #WeDidThat

Watch students from Manitou Park Elementary School find new ways to learn and find joy while they do it. Keeping students engaged in the classroom can be a challenge, and engagement is important for student learning. This school year, teachers at Manitou spent time learning how to use new technology tools like Nearpod to pair with their lessons. Listen to Carla Martinez, 2nd grade teacher, and Brita Meyer, 5th grade teacher, explain how tools like Nearpod brings the textbooks to life.

Blix students discover safety measures to school playground equipment
Join Ane Fung Chen Pen, a 5th grader at Blix Elementary, as she explores her playground and shows how we ensure it's safe for everyone! Watch as the GMAC team performs tests using specialized equipment that measures impact on the playground surface. This process helps determine whether the playground is safe for kids. #TacomaPublicSchools #BuildingForAchievement #SafePlaygrounds #BlixBlazers

Henry Foss High School 2024 Graduation
Thank you for joining us for our Foss High School Class of 2024 graduation ceremony live from the Tacoma Dome! Our Foss graduates are getting ready to cross the stage! The livestream begins at 4pm. Let’s celebrate these extraordinary Falcons! Find event, livestream, and photo information on our website: https://www.tacomaschools.org/about/newsroom/graduation #TPSgrad

Silas High School 2024 Graduation
Thank you for joining us for our Silas High School Class of 2024 graduation ceremony live from the Tacoma Dome! Our Silas graduates are getting ready to walk across the stage! The livestream begins at 1pm. Let’s celebrate these extraordinary Rams! Find event, livestream, and photo information on our website: https://www.tacomaschools.org/about/newsroom/graduation #TPSgrad #RamCountry

Like Willie Stewart says, good schools and good communities go hand in hand. Speaking about the school named to honor his education legacy in Tacoma, Stewart notes how students there are nurtured in what really is a life-changing program. For the last decade, Willie Stewart Academy has offered a second chance for students who are at risk of not graduating or who dropped out of high school at some point. In its new space at the corner of 9th and Broadway in downtown Tacoma, the school helps students regain their educational footing and walk out the door with either a diploma or GED - and a plan for their future. Congratulations to all of the students courageous enough to make their way to Willie Stewart Academy and graduate on June 11. We are so proud of you!

Last year, we shared this video focusing on what some of our transgender and nonbinary high school students had to say about the importance of having their identities respected by adults and peers. They talked about what they want us all to know about allyship - what it means when they have it, what it looks and feels like, and how to get there. It's been a year, and some things have not changed. Our students are still brave enough to advocate for themselves. And we still see them and support them. What can you do to support LGBTQIA+ youth? -Give space, time and gratitude -Know that it's OK to ask people’s pronouns -Correct yourself and others -Create a safe space

Making plans for prom can be exciting and overwhelming. We asked students to share in their own words what prom safety tips are important to them, hear how Stadium students Rubi and Vallerie can help by sharing a few planning tips to get you to/from prom safely. Prom Safety Tip: Transportation; Decide in advance how you’ll get to and from prom. Whether it’s a limo, a carpool, or a parent driving, make sure the driver is responsible and sober. Share your transportation plans with your parents or guardians. https://bit.ly/tacomaprom Credit: Stadium HS Ms. Parkhurst’s Broadcasting class, Rubi and Vallerie #TPS #promsafety #designateddriver #StadiumTigers

Prom planning can be stressful. What to wear? What time to meet? Who’s driving? But did you stop to think of a safety plan with your friends and parents/guardians? We asked students to share in their own words what prom safety tips are important to them. Watch as Stadium students prepare to stay safe by making these Top 5 to Stay Alive safety choices on prom night. Prom Safety Tip: Plan Ahead; Confirm all the details with your date and friends, including transportation and after-party plans. Charge your phone and keep it with you for emergencies. Let your parents know your plans and check in with them throughout the night. https://bit.ly/tacomaprom Credit: Stadium High School in Tacoma WA Ms. Parkhurst’s Broadcasting class, Jesse, Jordan, Jasmine, Lucy, Emma, Abby, and Lilly. #TPS #promsafety #Top5toStayAlive #StadiumTigers