In This Issue:
- ICYMI: Superintendent's End-of-Year Message
- Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
- Thank You and Congratulations to Our PSD Retirees!
- Summer Resources for Families
- Board Approves Capital Levy for Nov. 8 Ballot
- School Meals Update for Fall 2022
- Empty Bowls for the Puyallup Food Bank
- School Board Highlights
ICYMI: Superintendent's End-of-Year Message
Dear PSD Families,
This school year started with a renewed focus on belonging and mindful relationships. As we recovered from the pandemic together, we sought creative ways to support students, staff, and each other. Now, the school year is coming to a close and I am simply overwhelmed with gratefulness when I look back on what we’ve been through, how we’ve done it, and where we continue to go. Saying that I appreciate the resiliency and perseverance that our families continually demonstrated would be an incredible understatement.
Your patience and understanding of the in-person learning challenges and COVID-related restrictions we were faced with has been immeasurable. The ways in which you have adapted and continued to offer support and kind words to our schools’ staff did not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership, collaboration, and care that you have so generously offered in the face of immense challenge and change.
Our students have also been amazing. Although we began our school year in a full-time in-person mode, engagement opportunities were irregular. Some were unable to experience things like field trips and sporting activities, but positive attitudes and a focus on ending the school year strong never wavered. I saw firsthand how much students appreciated their teachers and families. Graduation celebrations highlighted the meaningful experiences that slowly returned in 2022.
My wish for you and your families is to enjoy a summer of rejuvenation and connection. I am already eager to see the new heights our district will reach through the efforts, experiences, and accomplishments of this school year. Thank you for the positive role you played in that!
In service,
Dr. John Polm
Superintendent
Puyallup School District
Congratulations to the Class of 2022!
The 13-year journey from kindergarten to graduation is not an easy one, but these graduates have persevered through the individual and collective challenges they have faced with determination, focus, and grace. We commend and congratulate each of them and the countless hands who have supported and guided them along the way.
Click here to visit a graduation photo gallery commemorating the Class of 2022!
Summer Resources for Families
From summer activities and camps to free meals and rent assistance, resources exist for families who may need help over the summer months. The list of resources linked below is intended to connect students and families to community resources when school is not in session.
Capital Levy to be on November 8 Election Ballot
At their June 21 meeting, the Puyallup School District Board of Directors unanimously approved placement of a $125 million capital levy on the November 8, 2022 general election ballot for PSD voters to consider.
The levy would provide needed infrastructure improvements that address safety, security, and technology access throughout PSD schools and facilities. The levy of taxes over a six-year period would include:
- Upgraded security intrusion systems, cameras, alarms, and fire protection;
- Expanded student and staff access to technology through infrastructure and equipment enhancements, internet access, device life cycle replacements, and network cabling upgrades;
- Improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment, lighting, roofing, and flooring;
- Improved parking and traffic flow at schools to ensure safe and efficient access; and
- Enhanced outdoor learning spaces through playground, all-weather athletic tracks at junior high schools and field improvements.
A previous capital levy request was narrowly rejected by a majority of voters in the Feb. 8, 2022 special election. Since then, community feedback was gathered, and adjustments were made to the capital levy request voters will consider on November 8. The main difference between the previous and new capital levy request is that Proposition 1 will not include funds for constructing a central transportation facility or rebuilding the current maintenance facility. The funds that would have been used for those facilities have been reallocated in the new capital levy request to fund additional safety, security, and technology improvements districtwide.
A detailed informational pamphlet will be mailed to PSD residents in October. Register to vote at the Pierce County Elections website. Tax exemption information for senior citizens and people with disabilities can be found on the Pierce County Assessor’s website.
School Meals Update for Fall 2022
The current USDA waiver that has allowed school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students expires at the end of this school year. This means that for the 2022-2023 school year we will be transitioning back to regular meal prices at most schools*, with free or reduced-priced meals for families that qualify.
We realize that will be a shift for families and want to be sure you are aware now. Students with an approved free or reduced-priced meal application on file will continue to be covered under that application through October 20, 2022.
Free or reduced-priced meal applications for the 22-23 school year will be available in Mid-August.
* Firgrove, Spinning, Stewart, Sunrise, Walker, Waller Rd, and Wildwood qualify for free meals for all students under the Community Eligibility Provision for schools.
Puyallup School District
Email: communications@puyallup.k12.wa.us
Website: https://www.puyallup.k12.wa.us
Location: 302 2nd St SE, Puyallup, WA, USA
Phone: (253) 841-1301
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuyallupSchools
Twitter: @PuyallupSD