Thank you, teachers & nurses!

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, 2025

We went straight to the source to hear what students appreciate about their teachers, and they didn’t disappoint. From elementary to high school, Tacoma’s teachers bring a sense of belonging, safety, joy and collaboration to their classrooms. Students feel the commitment and the care – and it shows.

It's Teacher Appreciation Week. We see and value what you do and the impact it makes on every student, every day. Thank you, teachers!

Seiji Franklin, Stadium High School

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Alyssa Urish, First Creek Middle School

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Spencer Monahan, Arlington Elementary

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Jasmine Blackwell, Gray Middle School

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Breanne Willard, Silas High School

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Past Recognitions

National Principals Month, October 2024

October is National Principals Month, and we asked five new school principals to talk about their first year on the job – what surprised them, what they’re learning and what spurred them to leave the familiarity of the classroom.

While they have different backgrounds and experiences, they hold many similar core hopes and beliefs. They want children to succeed. They saw the impact they could make in just one classroom and wanted to expand their reach. They also wondered if, in leaving their classrooms, they would lose the ability to make deep connections with students and families.

What they’ve found is worthy, hard work where they can still have the meaningful relationships that matter so much to them. They serve as role models, leaders, and thought partners to those in their school community.

Thank you, principals! We value what you do and the impact it makes on every student, every day.

Susan Chandler, Crescent Heights Elementary

Anna Kang, Larchmont Elementary

Andrea Pham, Foss High School

Nick Parks, Truman Middle School

Talia LoFranco, Franklin Elementary

National School Psychology Week, November 11-15, 2024

November 11-15 is National School Psychology Week, and we sat down with school psychologist Tracy Pennington, to talk about the things that bring her joy in her role and the many ways her and her colleagues support students and staff.

Tracy is part of a dedicated team who provide academic, behavioral and mental health support to students across TPS. They work to encourage positive behavior, support learning diversity, enhance academic achievement, strengthen the relationships between families and schools, and much more. They also collaborate with teachers and specialists to help make our schools safe and supportive learning environments.

Thank you, school psychologists! We value what you do and recognize the huge impact you make on TPS students, staff and families every day.

Tracy Pennington, School Psychologist

Whole Child Champions, January 2025

January is Whole Child Month. We are so happy to take this time to celebrate educators helping every student feel safe, healthy, engaged, challenged and supported. That’s our Whole Child mission.

Champions provide extraordinary social, emotional, and academic support in ways that benefit students, staff, families and the community. They create a positive school culture that we can all feel, and they make an incredible impact in the lives of students. Congratulations, Champions!

Meet Our Whole Child Champions

We are highlighting a handful of the hundreds of staff members nominated by students, caregivers and colleagues.

Micah Arneberg

CAB Café
Creates predictable and safe environment

National School Counseling Week, February 3-7, 2025

In recognition of National School Counseling Week, we are celebrating the outstanding counseling teams across TPS. Every day, we see the dedication, compassion and support our school counselors pour into our students. Whether they are offering a listening ear, guiding students through academic and personal challenges, or helping them plan for the future, our counselors play a vital role in ensuring every student feels supported and empowered. We are so fortunate to have these folks on our team, and we’re thrilled to recognize them this week.

Thank you, school counselors! We appreciate all that you do and recognize the tremendous impact you have on TPS students, staff, and families every day.

Lauren Macdonald and Manny Cubillas

Reed Elementary School

Erin Tyrrell

Whittier Elementary School

National School Social Workers Week, March 2-8, 2025

In observation of National School Social Workers Week, we celebrate the amazing school social workers throughout Tacoma Public Schools.  Every day, we see the advocacy, commitment and passion with which our school social workers serve our students and families. Whether they are mentoring students emotionally or socially, or encouraging self-determination, they are persistently building meaningful connections with students and families. We are so thankful to have these folks on our team.

Thank you, school social workers!  We are grateful for all that you do, and we appreciate the immense impact you have in supporting TPS students, staff and families every day.

Katie Bouchard and Christiane Paget with building admin saying "We appreciate you"

Katie Bouchard & Christiane Paget

McKinney-Vento Team

Social worker Mertiss Chapel with building admin saying "We appreciate you"

Mertriss Chapel

Willie Stewart Academy

Education Support Professionals Week, March 10-14, 2025

It’s Education Support Professionals Week - a time to appreciate the people supporting our students and learn how they do it with heart every day.

Who are ESPs? They are our dedicated classified team members. You see them every day, taking care of business in a school’s front office, cooking breakfast and lunch, working one-on-one with students to improve their academic skills. The list goes on! Most of all, they make sure students feel safe, engaged, supported, healthy and challenged.

This group of people in particular has been at it for years, serving students for 20 years or more.

Thank you for your many years of dedication to our students!