Welcome Back
Welcome back to a new school year at Spanaway Elementary. I hope this message finds you all well and that you had an enjoyable summer. As we start the school year, We are filled with excitement and optimism for the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead for our students.
Our dedicated staff have been working hard to prepare for a successful school year, ensuring that our classrooms are ready for engaging and meaningful learning experiences. We are committed to providing a nurturing, supportive and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our amazing PTA is working hard to plan many fun and exciting family events! I encourage you to get involved and be active in our PTA and our school community as we know that collaboration between home and school is key to our student's success. PTA's first family event is the annual Black Top Bash. This welcome back event will be held on Thursday, August 22nd from 4:00-7:00.
Please join us at Spanaway's Open House on Thursday, September 5th from 5:00-6:30. This is a great opportunity to meet your student's teacher, tour the school, and learn more about Spanaway Elementary.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Together, let's make this school year a fantastic and memorable one for our students.
Your partners in learning,
Mr. Forsberg and Mr. Hurst
Meet Mr. Forsberg, Principal
I grew up in the Bethel School District, attending Naches Trail, Spanaway Junior High, and Spanaway Lake High School. I graduated from Central Washington University in 2011. I received my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2015 and my Administrative Certificate in 2019 from Citi University.
I’m married to my wife Jennifer and we have two beautiful children, Brooklynn and Evelynn.
I am entering my 14th year in education and 6th in administration and It is with great excitement that I join the Jaguar family as the Principal at Spanaway Elementary. I am deeply committed to our students' success and growth, and I am eager to collaborate with this vibrant community to ensure their continued achievements.
Meet Mr. Hurst, Assistant Principal
I have lived and worked as an educator in Tacoma since 2017. After being a Dean of Students in Tacoma for two years, I now have the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful SE community!
I met my wife during college in Pennsylvania where we both grew up. On the weekends, you can find us in the woods or by the beach with our Mini Aussie pup, Rava. You might also find me enduring the silent judgment of our two cats when I turn my electric guitar too loud.
Student Class Placement
Student class placements will be posted on ParentVue on August 19th. To locate your child's teacher, log in to your ParentVue account and select "Student info." Your student's teacher will be listed there. You can also find this information on your child's end of year report card if they attend Shining Mountain last year.
**Adjustments to student class placement may occur. Please check your student's class placement multiple times prior to school starting.**
School Supply List
The Bethel School District supplies many of the essential supplies for students to be ready to learn. The following items are the only supplies that need to be provided by families.
- Backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- School Supply Box
- Headphones/Earbuds w/microphone if possible
- 3-ring binder (4th/5th grade only)
Attention all Kindergarten Families
The first full day of school for Kindergarten is Wednesday, September 4th. We are excited for our newest Jaguars to join us at Spanaway Elementary! Prior to starting school, we ask that each of our kindergarten families join our kindergarten teachers for a 1 on 1 meeting. You will be receiving correspondence from your child's teacher to schedule your "Meet the Teacher" time during the days of August 28th, 29th, and September 3rd. Contact the front office if you have any questions. We look forward to having your child join our Jaguar team!
ParentVUE Update
A Message From the Health Room
This is a reminder that if your child has a life-threatening condition (allergies with an Epi pen, severe asthma, seizure disorders with rescue medication, or diabetes) we must have updated medication orders and the medications turned in to the school prior to the first day. If these have not been turned in your child will not be able to safely attend school. If your child needs to take any other medication at school, updated medication orders must also be turned in before your student can receive or carry the medication. For more information on when to drop off, please contact your school nurse.
