Welcome to the 2020-21 School Year!
Our mission, in partnership with our diverse communities, is to educate and inspire students to reach their full potential.
Puyallup School District is grounded in tradition and excellence.
As the 8th largest school district in the state, we currently serve an estimated 22,500 students. Our District is comprised of 22 elementary schools, seven junior high schools, three comprehensive senior high schools, an alternative high school, and a digital parent partnership program. The District employs approximately 1,500 certificated, 1,300 classified staff, and over 600 substitute personnel.
The Pandemic has changed the world and, as a result, schools have changed as well. We are transitioning together and learning about COVID-19 and what we need to do to keep students and staff safe, cared for, and successful. The District remains steadfast in our focus on providing quality programs in academics and opportunities for children of all ages with safety and wellness as our top priority.
COVID-19 has imposed limitations on our physical contact at the very time we need engagement and collaboration most. Connecting with people in a virtual sense is the new norm. These limitations are temporary as we will gradually reopen our buildings and return to in-person learning as soon as we are able. Our current plan is to return youngest learners first, followed by secondary students over time. My September 2 message to families outlines our approach. We are focused on creating a robust, engaging and supportive learning environment with Continuous (Distance) Learning 2.0 and the Hybrid A/B Model when in-person learning can take place.
The School Board made it clear they sought a superintendent who would listen and engage with staff and stakeholders to move the district forward. I am honored to fill that role. My goal is to build on our successes and traditions and partner with the community for improved student learning, experiences, and outcomes. The Data Dashboard on the District website visually outlines the progress we are making toward those strategic goals.
The Puyallup School District, in collaboration with our community, has a collective commitment to be fair, truthful, reliable, and respectful. Together, we will deepen the relationships that support quality learning experiences for students through:
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• Challenge and rigor
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• Interest and choice
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• Safe and supported
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• Valued and capable
These beliefs and commitments are centered on creating quality opportunities for students that are rigorous, engaging, relevant and connected to our community. These opportunities will, in turn, set the stage and prepare students for college, career and life.
As we move through the 2020-21 school year, know that I am committed to thoughtful, transparent, and engaging leadership. We will make decisions on reopening schools that keep you informed, ensure student safety, and support student success.