Spanaway Elementary

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Dear Families,

As we wrap up another wonderful school year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for sharing your amazing children with us. This year has been filled with learning, laughter, growth, and countless magical moments that we will cherish for years to come. Your support, partnership, and trust have helped make this year truly special.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Rob Hurst for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to our school community. We wish him all the best as he begins his new role as Principal at Nelson Elementary. We know he will continue to make a positive impact on the students, staff, and families he serves.

Thank you again for being such an important part of our school family. We hope you enjoy a safe, relaxing, and memorable summer filled with fun, adventure, and time with loved ones.

Wishing all of our families a wonderful summer break!

With gratitude,
Spanaway Elementary

🎓 CLASS OF 2026... THIS IS YOUR MOMENT! 🎓

We can't wait to celebrate you Friday! Drop us a line that you're coming so we can make this just a little more personal!

💚 STRIVE. RISE. GRADUATE.

IMPORTANT DATES
June 8: Elem/MS/HS Grade Prep – Early Dismissal, Grades K-12
No school for SLHS due to early graduation ceremony
June 11: Last Day of School – Early Dismissal, Grades K-12
June is: Pride Month
Monthly Calendar Graphics 25-26

You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar
Paraeducator Hiring Event: August 5, 2026
We’re hosting a hiring event geared towards Special Education Paraeducators, including 1:1 Instructional Paras! Come join our team to support teachers and students in special education classrooms. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, working one-on-one or in small groups with students, and supervising student activities. These part-time roles are perfect for parents, grandparents and community members looking for work that aligns with school schedules. Enjoy working the same days students attend school, with the same breaks off, and make a difference in students’ lives. The next hiring event will be on August 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center (516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387).

South Sound Pow Wow: September 26, 2026
The annual South Sound Pow Wow will be one of the first big events held at the NEW Bethel High School this fall! Mark your calendars for music, food, dancing, and much more! The event is free and runs from 1 to 7 p.m.

Upcoming School Board Meetings
School Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Bethel School District's Educational Service Center (ESC), 516 176th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome! To join via Zoom, visit https://bethelsd.diligent.community/portal/
June 9: School Board Meeting
June 23: School Board Meeting
FAMILY REMINDERS
Free Summer Meals: June 22 - July 31, 2026
Free breakfasts and lunches will be available this summer at no charge to attending children 18 years of age and younger. Breakfast (8 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and lunch (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) will be provided Monday through Friday, June 22 through July 31, 2026 (no service on July 3rd) at the following open sites:
Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, 16720 Waller Rd E, Tacoma, 98446
Expedition Elementary, 18717 108th Avenue Court East, Puyallup, WA, 98374

SUN Bucks 2026
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program that provides a one-time $120 benefit per year to help families buy groceries for their school-aged children when meals aren't available at school during the summer months. Learn more at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks

Summer School at Pierce County Skills Center
Summer school at the Pierce County Skills Center is open to incoming 9th-12th grade students. Students are welcome to attend Session 1, Session 2 or both. You can find the application link at https://pcsc.bethelsd.org/summer-school

Community & Crisis Resources
When challenges feel overwhelming, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference. Our Community & Crisis Resources page has contact information for trusted crisis support services, including mental health counseling, su***de prevention, substance abuse resources, and specialized assistance for youth and families in Pierce County and beyond. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/community-crisis-resources

Elementary breakfast and lunch menu: June 2026
Our elementary school lunch menus can be found at bethelsd.org/meals

Free preschool opportunities
ECEAP is a free, high-quality early learning program that provides preschool curriculum, social development skills, nutritious meals and snacks, health screenings, and family support services for those who qualify. Complete an interest form today at https://www.bethelsd.org/programs-departments/specialservices/early-childhood-education or call 253-800-2317 for more information.

Annual ParentVUE Student-Family Update
When you log in to ParentVUE, you'll be prompted to complete the 2026-27 Student/Family Update. This yearly update is crucial for planning bus routes and other details for next school year. Click here to learn more: https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/parentvue-student-family-update

NEW ParentVUE App
The new ParentVUE app is now available for download. This is a new version of the app you use to submit student absences, communicate with teachers, and check grades. Your login credentials will remain the same. The current ParentVUE app will stop working on August 1, 2026, so it's important to download the new version before then to avoid any interruptions. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/enrollmenttransferstranscripts/parentvue

Graduation Livestreams
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You’ll be able to watch all of our ceremonies at https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/graduation-livestreams

Need a space for your next meeting or sports event?
Our schools and campuses are valuable community resources, and we are proud to make them available for public use when not in session. Whether you're planning a community meeting, youth sports event, cultural activity, or special gathering, we invite you to explore our wide range of available spaces at https://www.bethelsd.org/programs-departments/maintenance
DISTRICT NEWS
Episode 178: Lessons from the Class of 2026
On this week's podcast, we explore what makes our schools special through the eyes of our graduating seniors! We’ll hear how Spanaway Lake High School thrives on diversity, offering a vibrant ethnic club scene where every student finds a place to belong. We’ll also talk with a multi-talented Student School Board Representative who thrived in Challenger High School’s close-knit, encouraging environment. Plus we’ve got useless trivia about summer barbecues and even a lawsuit involving a former president. New episodes drop on Wednesdays. Check us out wherever you listen to podcasts and be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend! bethelsd.org/podcast

Worth the Wait: The NEW Bethel High
Bethel High School has called the same location home since 1951. Over the decades, the campus itself has shifted, expanded, and evolved alongside our community. This fall, it is finally time for our staff and students to move down the road to a brand-new Bethel High, built from the ground up to give our growing student body the modern learning spaces they need. But this massive project has been a long time in the making. Nineteen years, to be exact. For nearly two decades, the journey to build this school was met with enough twists, turns, and hurdles to fill a novel.
https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/bond-project-updates-june-2026

Senior Features
Meet some outstanding members of the Class of 2026!
On the court and in the community
From roller derby to neuroscience
Representation and results
Meaningful conversations and connections

Black Student Union community cookout
Bethel High School's Black Student Union recently hosted their third annual community cookout. The event was developed, organized, and hosted by students with the support of their advisor and Equity Specialist, Christney Kpodo. The cookout focused on bringing together the school community to build relationships, celebrate diversity, and create a sense of belonging. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-champions-community-cookouts-and-more

Triple jump state champ
Huge, huge congratulations to Spanaway Lake High School student-athlete Kayla Williams for taking home her second State Championship title in the triple jump! Well done, Kayla! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-champions-community-cookouts-and-more

Bethel Unified brings home state trophies
What an incredible weekend for Bethel High School's Unified Track and Field team at the state tournament! These amazing athletes qualified to compete in four different events, including the 100m dash, the Sprint Medley Relay, the 4x100, and Shot Put. A huge congratulations to seniors Shayne Masoe and Elijah Muliufi, who capped off their senior year in the best way possible by taking home first place overall in the Unified Shot Put. We are so proud of the entire team for representing our district so well at state! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-champions-community-cookouts-and-more

Big steps for little readers
High-level vocabulary and chatter about ancient empires filled our elementary classrooms this school year. It was the perfect soundtrack for a year of immense growth around reading for elementary students. In fact, our kindergarten early literacy scores were among the highest ever recorded in our district! Read more at
https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/big-steps-for-little-readers

Middle school awaits
Cougar Mountain Middle School students had a great time hosting Roy Elementary’s 5th grade classes last week. The Roy students were able to eat lunch, see what passing time looks like, meet the 6th grade teachers, and see the elective class options. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-champions-community-cookouts-and-more

Wrestler signs with college
Congratulations to Spanaway Lake High School student-athlete Jayden Vo for signing his letter-of-intent to wrestle for Evergreen State College next year! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-champions-community-cookouts-and-more

Decision Day
Spanaway Lake High School hosted its Decision Day celebration to honor the graduating seniors who are moving on to four-year colleges, community colleges, trade schools, and the Armed Forces. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-champions-community-cookouts-and-more

Books are Fun
Students at North Star Elementary recently wrapped up their Books Are Fun Book Blast! Librarian Sandra Rothman spearheaded the event and a total of 1,626 books were handed out to students to take home. Here’s to a great summer of reading! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/state-champions-community-cookouts-and-more
COMMUNITY NEWS
Summer of Stories at Pierce County Library
From June 1 to Aug. 31, Pierce County Library System is celebrating the art of storytelling through books, events and exciting activities for the whole family. Learn more at https://mypcls.org/learn-explore/books-movies-more/summer-reading/

Summer Reading - Pierce County Library System Let us help foster your love of reading with the Summer Reading program from your Pierce County Library from June 1-Aug. 31.

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Paw Print: Family Newsletter Paw Print: Family Newsletter

Yearbooks have arrived!!! They will be in teacher boxes by Monday June 1st and will go out at the teacher's discretion.

We have less than a dozen yearbooks available for cash in the office starting June 8th. There will be no change available, first come/first serve with no holds.

You CAN order your yearbook online at https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1017253871064072 make sure you're ordering for the 2025-2026 school year!

IMPORTANT DATES
May 22: No School (unused snow make-up day)
May 25: Memorial Day – No School
June 1: Late Arrival Day
June 8: Elem/MS/HS Grade Prep – Early Dismissal, Grades K-12
No school for SLHS due to early graduation ceremony
June 11: Last Day of School – Early Dismissal, Grades K-12
May is: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Monthly Calendar Graphics 25-26

You can find the full district calendar at https://www.bethelsd.org/about-our-district/district-calendar
Paraeducator Hiring Event: August 5, 2026
We’re hosting a hiring event geared towards Special Education Paraeducators, including 1:1 Instructional Paras! Come join our team to support teachers and students in special education classrooms. Responsibilities include assisting with classroom activities, working one-on-one or in small groups with students, and supervising student activities. These part-time roles are perfect for parents, grandparents and community members looking for work that aligns with school schedules. Enjoy working the same days students attend school, with the same breaks off, and make a difference in students’ lives. The next hiring event will be on August 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Educational Service Center (516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387).

Upcoming School Board Meetings
School Board meetings begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Bethel School District's Educational Service Center (ESC), 516 176th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387 unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome! To join via Zoom, visit https://bethelsd.diligent.community/portal/
May 26: School Board Meeting
June 9: School Board Meeting
June 23: School Board Meeting
FAMILY REMINDERS
Annual ParentVUE Student-Family Update
When you log in to ParentVUE, you'll be prompted to complete the 2026-27 Student/Family Update. This yearly update is crucial for planning bus routes and other details for next school year. Click here to learn more: https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/parentvue-student-family-update

NEW ParentVUE App is here!
We're excited to announce that the new ParentVUE app is available for download! This is a new version of the app you use to submit student absences, communicate with teachers, and check grades. Your login credentials will remain the same. The current ParentVUE app will stop working on August 1, 2026, so it's important to download the new version before then to avoid any interruptions. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/enrollmenttransferstranscripts/parentvue

Graduation Livestreams
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You’ll be able to watch all of our ceremonies at https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/graduation-livestreams
DISTRICT NEWS
Episode 176: State-of-the-art welding and athletic excellence
On this week's podcast, we explore how Bethel is preparing students for life after graduation, including a new state-of-the-art welding class! We also highlight the success of our Unified Sports teams and the positive impact athletics has on a student's GPA. As always, we'll include a bit of wit and trivia at no additional charge, exploring the surprising midwest origins of a global icon and the Guinness World Record secrets that Seattle holds. New episodes drop on Wednesdays. Check us out wherever you listen to podcasts and be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share with a friend! bethelsd.org/podcast

Say the word and do the motion!
First grade is a whirlwind of new skills! In this class, co-taught by Dena Mariano and Brianna Kangas, they are using a secret weapon for our multilingual students: Movement! By pairing every new word with a motion, Dena and Brianna create an environment where newcomers​ to English can participate in complex history and writing lessons on their very first day. ​It's a strategy that is helping all students excel! Watch these young learners turn vocabulary into action! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/say-the-word-do-the-motion

Lowney on Location: Bethel Middle School
With the end of school just a calendar page away, Superintendent Brian Lowney goes on location to chat with one of our spectacular student-athletes about her time at Bethel Middle, and what the future holds for her at the new Bethel High this fall. https://youtu.be/a5p-aw2v-4U

How athletics fuel higher GPAs
Did you know that student-athletes in our schools maintain GPAs nearly half a point higher than students who don’t participate in activities? These students are also seeing higher attendance and graduation rates as well. And every athletic opportunity our students have is made possible by our community. The Educational Programs & Operations Levy is the backbone of our athletics program. It ensures our students have the tools to succeed both on the field and in life. Thank you, voters! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/how-athletics-fuel-higher-gpas

Heart and Soul
Well, if this doesn’t warm your heart, we don’t know what will! Melissa McCoy, who is one of our amazing school nurses, surprised her son, a Bethel High senior named Tyler, at his school talent show. Melissa coaxed Tyler up to the stage to perform a beautiful duet of Heart and Soul. In addition to being a fantastic pianist, Tyler is also Bethel’s varsity wrestling team captain. Great job, both of you! https://www.facebook.com/reel/1253419833258373

2026/27 Elementary Battle of the Books list
The Elementary Battle of the Books titles for 2026/27 have just been announced! Whether you want to compete next year, or are simply looking for your next great read, this link is for you! https://www.bethelsd.org/programs-departments/library-elementary/elementary-battle-of-the-books

Frontier Middle School Choir sings National Anthem at Mariners
What an amazing honor! The Frontier Middle School Show Choir was picked to perform the National Anthem at a Seattle Mariners game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79hjoN0gYwU

Expedition thanks its community
The leadership students at Expedition Elementary recently took a stroll through the neighborhood to share some appreciation with the community. They spent their afternoon hand-delivering flowers and thank you cards to the houses surrounding the school. Whether they got to chat with a neighbor at the door or leave a surprise on a porch, the students loved getting the chance to say thank you for being a part of the district. Great job! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/students-thank-the-community-national-board-teachers-and-more

Liberty Middle Choir performs at Rainiers
The Liberty Middle School choirs sang the National Anthem at a Tacoma Rainiers game! Way to represent! https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/students-thank-the-community-national-board-teachers-and-more

Pierce County Youth Climate Festival and Art Competition
Congratulations to Bethel High School students Aubree, Adriana, and José for being named finalists at Sunday's Pierce County Youth Climate Festival and Art Competition at UW Tacoma! We love seeing our students use their creativity to engage with important community issues. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/students-thank-the-community-national-board-teachers-and-more

Board Meeting Recap: May 12, 2026
At last week’s School Board meeting, the Board received an update on our athletics program, along with the annual Asset Preservation Program report, a key requirement for maintaining eligibility in the State Construction Assistance Program. The Board reviewed and approved the curriculum for Welding 1 & 2 and Introduction to Agriculture for students in grades 9-12. Additionally, the Board reviewed two policies for first reading and further study. You can see the full agenda and watch the meeting here: https://bethelsd.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=574

National Board Teachers
Congratulations to two of our amazing educators who recently earned their National Board Certification, the highest professional credential an educator can earn! Jacklyn Brendible, an agricultural science teacher at Bethel High School, and Clarisa Dearinger, a school counselor at Kapowsin Elementary, achieved the designation after completing a rigorous, voluntary assessment process that takes up to three years to complete. Both honorees demonstrate a deep commitment to continuous improvement and student success across our district. https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/news-article/~board/headlines/post/students-thank-the-community-national-board-teachers-and-more

A different path to a diploma
The Bethel Acceleration Academy recently graduated 66 students! The BAA is a hybrid learning pathway, pairing online classes with in-person academic coaching. “These fine young people have persevered through health issues, family challenges, homelessness, poverty and other situations that could have ended any hope they had of graduating from high school,” said BAA Director Kevin Torres. You can read more at:
https://edtechchronicle.com/washington-students-found-a-different-path-to-a-high-school-diploma/
COMMUNITY NEWS
Sustainability events with the Puyallup Tribe: May 28
The Puyallup Tribe has some events coming up as part of their Sustainability Program. You can learn more and register here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c779dc31476e8a38db24fde5f7d97

Smartsheet Forms

Grad Walk Times

A LONG TIME AGO IN A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY....

★ BRYAN FORSBERG ★

WAS BORN

IN A TIME OF GREAT ADVENTURE,
HIS STORY BEGAN...

AND THE LEGEND CONTINUES..

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