University Place School District

This week Curtis Junior and Senior High Schools have been bustling with activity during Cougar Days and Viking Days. These are important events in which forms are completed, school pictures are taken, Chromebooks are checked out, and draft schedules are picked up. Returning students provided tours for incoming classmates, answered questions, and helped create a welcoming atmosphere. The “back to school” feeling is in the air!

📣 Today is election day! Get out and vote!

👉 All 51 drop boxes are open until 8 p.m. tonight. Don't delay! Find a drop box near you at https://bit.ly/3SBYNQC

👉 If you plan on mailing your ballot, we recommend taking it straight to the post office to ensure it gets postmarked today. Ballots with a postmark after election day will not be counted.

👉 Voter services will be held at the Pierce County Annex (next door to the election center). You can get registered or get a replacement ballot. We will be open until 8 p.m. to help you out!

👉 VoteWA.gov has an easy-to-use online portal where you can track your ballot, read the voters' guide, print a replacement ballot, and find a drop box near you.

Questions? Give us a call at 253-798-8683. Thanks for being a Pierce County Voter!

The University Place School District Board of Directors will receive the annual report on Board Policy E-4 Physical Health and Fitness at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, July 10th at 6:30 pm. The public is invited to comment on the District’s physical health and fitness goals and progress after the report presentation.

The annual E-4 report is part of the Board Director’s formal linkage meeting schedule in which the community has the opportunity to provide feedback to the Board on specific topics.

School Board meetings take place in the boardroom at the Educational Service Center, 3717 Grandview Dr W. The boardroom is accessed through the lower level of the building. To learn more about upcoming Board Director meetings, visit

University Place School District University Place School District

The Educational Service Center (ESC) will operate on a modified summer schedule from Monday, July 8, 2024 - Friday, August 9, 2024. During that time the District office will be open from 8am - 4pm, Monday through Thursday, and closed on Fridays.

The ESC will return to its regular operating schedule on Monday, August 12, 2024.

All University Place School District buildings will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, and Friday, July 5, 2024. The Educational Service Center will reopen at 8 am on Monday, July 8th. As a reminder, fireworks are prohibited on UPSD property at all times.

All University Place School District buildings will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in recognition of Juneteenth. The Educational Service Center will reopen on Thursday, June 20th.

University Place School District is hiring! We have a number of positions open including school counselor, mechanic, paraeducator, school nurse, coaching opportunities, and others. To learn more about the job openings in our District and to complete your application please visit our website: https://upsdjobs.myschooldata.net/Home.aspx

UPSD is proud to announce that Erin Greer, 7th Grade Math and Science teacher at Narrows View Intermediate School, has been selected as the 2024 University Place School District Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Greer received multiple nominations from parents, students and colleagues.

Erin Greer is an accomplished instructor who is able to meet the diverse needs of her students and ensure their success. She works closely with her colleagues to provide students with an excellent curriculum and she is a content-area expert. Mrs. Greer is praised by parents for her love of students, supportive approach and high expectations. Her students describe Mrs. Greer as fun, kind, energetic, funny, caring, helpful and encouraging.

Mrs. Greer has been a successful educator in UPSD for the last four years since joining the district in 2020. She completed her student teaching assignment at Evergreen Primary, then worked at the International School in Doha. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado and completed her education degree at the University of Washington in 2008.

We would like to congratulate Mrs. Greer for this award and thank her for her incredible work with the students at Narrows View.

University Place School District will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.

University Place School District is pleased to announce a new program for early learners launching in the 2024-2025 school year. Transition Kindergarten is a free program for 4-year-olds (as of August 31, 2024) who live within the UPSD boundaries and do not currently have access to early learning experiences. Applications for the upcoming school year open on Monday, May 6th. To learn more about UPSD’s new Transition Kindergarten program, visit the district website.

University Place School District University Place School District

Nominations for the 2024 University Place School District Teacher of the Year are now open! The nomination form can be found on the District website or at any of the District buildings. Nominations can be submitted by staff, students, parents, and community members. Form submissions are due by 3 pm on April 19th. Please visit our website for more information.

University Place School District University Place School District

The University Place School District Board of Directors will receive the annual report on Board Policy E-3 Contributing Citizens at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 6:30 pm. The public is invited to comment on the District’s student citizenship goals and progress after the report presentation.

The annual E-3 report is part of the Board Director’s formal linkage meeting schedule in which the community has the opportunity to provide feedback to the Board on specific topics.

School Board meetings take place in the boardroom at the Educational Service Center, 3717 Grandview Dr W. The boardroom is accessed through the lower level of the building. To learn more about upcoming Board Director meetings, visit www.upsd83.org.

New student registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open! Registration is completed through an online portal and is open to all new in-district students grades Kindergarten - 12th grade. The online portal is best accessed through a computer, not a mobile device or tablet. If you do not have access to a computer or would like to set up an in-person appointment, call 253-566-5600 for assistance.
https://www.upsd83.org/5960_3

All University Place School District buildings will be closed in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15th. Several events and activities are happening in our region. We hope you will participate and take time over the next week to remember Dr. King.
https://www.knkx.org/events/2024-01-08/martin-luther-king-jr-day-2024-regional-events

The University Place School District Board of Directors will receive the annual report on Board Policy E-2 Academic Competence at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, January 10th at 6:30 pm. The public is invited to comment on the District’s academic goals and progress after the report presentation.

The annual E-2 report is part of the Board Director’s formal linkage meeting schedule in which the community has the opportunity to provide feedback to the Board on specific topics.

School Board meetings take place in the boardroom at the Educational Service Center, 3717 Grandview Dr W. The boardroom is accessed through the lower level. To learn more about upcoming Board Director meetings, visit www.upsd83.org.

University Place School District University Place School District

The University Place School District has partnered with Morningside to find employment for students in the Transition program since 2015 and welcomed our Pre-ETS services within the first year. The Transition program team is innovative, communicative, and student-centered. They focus on the abilities, skills, and strengths of each student, encouraging them to explore what interests them.

Last October, a student from the University Place School District participated in a Pre-ETS paid internship that allowed them to explore their interest in working in an office environment. During the internship, they were able to follow a complex set of directions, practice self-advocacy, and get a sense of what working in an office might be like for a short period of time.

This is only one of the many amazing students we’ve had the opportunity to serve in partnership with the University Place School District. It’s been a joy and pleasure to watch this transition program grow over the years and we look forward to the potential opportunity to support these students to find permanent employment as they transition out of the program and start entering the workforce.

University Place School District wishes you a happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for our families, staff, and community. All schools will be closed for the holiday until Monday, November 27, 2023. If you need assistance, the district office will be open on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, from 7:30am - 4pm. Have a safe Thanksgiving break!

Students and staff in University Place School District proudly honored our veterans this week at school-wide assemblies, music programs, ROTC drill procedures, and other annual events. UPSD is thankful for the service of military veterans on staff and within our community. Thank you, Veterans!

All buildings in UPSD will be closed on Friday, November 10th in recognition of Veterans Day. School will resume on Monday, November 13, 2023.

📣 Happy election day! Get out and ✨ VOTE ✨

All 49 drop boxes are open and ready to receive your ballot! They will be locked promptly at 8 p.m. tonight, so don't delay! Find a drop box near you at https://bit.ly/35kDl9w

If you plan on mailing your ballot, we recommend taking it straight to the post office to ensure it gets postmarked today. Ballots with a postmark after election day will not be counted.

Still need to register for this election? Stop by the Pierce County Election Center in Tacoma.

Don't forget to share your sticker selfie with us after you drop off your ballot! Thank you for being a Pierce County Voter!

Congratulations University Place School District Board of Directors! The Washington State School Directors' Association has announced UPSD as a winner of the 2023 Board of Distinction program.

Announcing the 2023 Boards of Distinction - WSSDA The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) is proud to announce the distinguished winners of the 2023 WSSDA Boards of Distinction program. This prestigious recognition celebrates school boards across the state that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to student ...

All University Place School District schools will be closed for students on Friday, October 13, 2023. UPSD educators will be reporting to work on this day and using the time for professional development and collaboration to better serve our students.

Last week was "Empathy Week" at Curtis Junior High School in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month. One of the activities was an Empathy Assembly, presented by the student leadership class. This year's theme was "It Starts with Me" with a focus on the Cougar Code: Safety, Respect, Responsibility, Cooperation, and Excellence.

On Tuesday, October 3rd, University Place School District hosted a small ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the official reopening of Billet Field at Curtis Junior High School. The UPSD Board of Directors, staff, and community members gathered before the Viking Girls Soccer C Team game for the event. Speakers addressed the crowd providing a history of the field, the impact on the Curtis Junior High School students and UPSD athletics, and thanking the community for their support.

Billett Field was named in 1962 in memory of Morrell Billett, a parent and local businessman. Mr. Billett provided seed and fertilizer to plant the first Curtis High School athletic field, prompting the Board of Directors to name the field in his honor shortly after his passing. Morrell Billett’s legacy as an involved parent, supportive community member, and generous business owner lives on today in the amazing support that local citizens continue to provide for schools in University Place. This project was made possible by the generous support of University Place citizens of the District’s Capital Projects Levy. Thank you, University Place!

Join us to celebrate the official reopening of Billet Field at Curtis Junior High School on October 3rd. Installation of synthetic field turf is complete and the track has been resurfaced thanks to the generous support of UP citizens of the district’s Capital Projects Levy.

Walk the track and admire the new field from 3:30 to 3:45 PM while our soccer players warm up. Watch the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:45 PM. Stay to cheer on our Viking soccer athletes at 4 PM.

We hope to see you there!

All University Place School District schools will be closed September 1 - September 4, 2023, for Labor Day weekend. The school district office will be open on Friday, September 1st from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm if you need assistance. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, September 5th.

Members of the Board of Directors and UPSD Administrators kicked off the 2023-2024 school year with the annual “First Day of School Bus Waving” tradition. Bus drivers are cheered on as they leave the bus barn to begin picking up students for school. We hope everyone has a great first day of school!

Pictured (left to right): Torey Heidelberg, Director of Transportation & Safety; Ethelda Burke, School Board Director; Mary Lu Dickinson, School Board Director; Marisa Peloquin, School Board Director; Jeff Loupas, Deputy Superintendent; and Alphonso Melton, Executive Director of Business Services.

This morning new University Place School District staff attended New Staff Orientation. They were welcomed by administrators and provided important information before the 2023-2024 school year begins. Please join us in welcoming this year's new staff!

University Place Neighbors, Families Unlimited Network's Back to School Supply Fair is this Thursday and Saturday. UPPC has been a founding partner with F.U.N. in strengthening our community with food, financial resources, and this week...school supplies. We are grateful to announce UPPC is a Gold Sponsor for our upcoming "Act in Autumn" event. We are grateful for the supplies UPPC has provided for students in Pierce County, and for the stability they have built within our organization since 1969. Learn about "Act in Autumn" >>> https://www.familiesunlimitednetwork.org/
Learn about UPPC and the Back to School Fair>>> https://uppc.org/events?sapurl=Lys5OTFmL2xiL2V2LytmNTV4aDl5P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZSZyZWNlbnRSb3V0ZT1hcHAud2ViLWFwcC5saWJyYXJ5LmNhbGVuZGFyJnJlY2VudFJvdXRlU2x1Zz0lMkJ3aGN5MnNq

Today kicked off the first round of Curtis Junior High School’s Cougar Days and Curtis High School’s Viking Days. Students picked up their class schedules, toured the schools, had their official school pictures taken, and connected with friends. It was great to see so many staff, students, and families on campus!