News

January 16 is Temperance and Good Citizenship Day. It's important to educate #FutureVoters about the issues, processes, and impacts of voting in elections.

16 and 17-year olds can pre-register to vote and be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18. More information can be found here: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/voter-eligibility-resources/future-voter-program

Students who are 18 can register to vote ​at​ https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6572/Register-to-Vote

All SHSD schools and offices will be closed December 23 - January 3 for Winter Break. 

Classes will resume and offices will open on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Wednesday, November 27 - All SHSD schools will be on half-day schedules.
The District Office will be open 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 - All SHSD schools and offices will be closed.

All Steilacoom Historical School District schools and offices will be closed Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

We are pleased to announce that the Steilacoom Historical School District (SHSD) School Board has received a Board of Distinction award by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA). The SHSD Board also received this honor in 2021 and 2022.

The Boards of Distinction program is an evidence-based program that screens applicants based on rigorous criteria. To receive recognition, applicants must demonstrate how they fostered successful student outcomes in their district by providing compelling evidence, proving a positive impact on closing opportunity gaps for their students.

WSSDA leadership were particularly impressed with SHSD’s focus on literacy achievement and the revisions made to the School Improvement Plan process. Additionally, WSSDA felt the SHSD Board of Directors made excellent use of their Board Self-Assessment tool to support goal alignment.  

Board members will be honored for their achievement at WSSDA’s 2024 Annual Conference in November.

SHSD families, it's that time of year again! Time to complete the Impact Aid survey!

It is important the district receives one completed form for every student, including our Running Start and Skills Center students - whether or not their parents/guardians live or work on federal property - because each completed form generates revenue for the district.

Completing the survey is easy - Simply complete the form in the ParentSquare post you received from your child's school on November 1.

The Steilacoom Historical School District Board of Directors will hold a Special School Board Meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. to discuss approval of a sanitary sewer easement on the District's McNeil Street property.

The meeting will take place via Zoom.

For anyone wishing to provide testimony remotely, please email comments (limited to 3 minutes) to the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent at gmiller@steilacoom.k12.wa.us prior to 3:00 p.m. on November 5, 2024. 

Zoom login: https://steilacoom-k12-wa-us.zoom.us/j/86967470899 or call 253-215-8782 and enter Webinar ID: 869 6747 0899

National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable people who deeply enrich the quality and character of our nation.

During Military Family Appreciation Month, SHSD renews its commitment to the military students and families we are proud to serve. Our schools benefit from the contributions of military family members as teachers, support staff, volunteers, and valued community members.

November is a month we set aside time to honor the military family - a time to recognize their sacrifices and celebrate their successes. During Military Family Month, we thank military families for the tremendous contributions they make. Military life imposes unique demands on them, and they have exhibited exceptional sacrifice, resiliency and courage.

Reminder - All SHSD schools are on a half-day schedule this week, October 21-25,  for conferences.

Half-Day release times for each SHSD school are as follows:
Steilacoom High School - 11:05 am
Pioneer Middle School - 11:40 am
Anderson Island Elementary School - 11:30 am
Saltar's Point Elementary School - 12:10 pm
Cherrydale Primary School - 12:35 pm
Chloe Clark Elementary School - 12:35 pm

Have peace of mind that you know what to do in the next earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Join millions who are improving their level of earthquake safety through Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills: ShakeOut.org.

On October 16, wear and share orange to show you are united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. #UnityEveryDay #BEKIND

October 11 is a teacher professional development day. No school for students.

Congratulations to Steilacoom High School for being named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll! SHS is a silver member of the Honor Roll!

SHS offers 16 AP Courses and had 229 students who took at least one AP Exam during the 2023-24 school year. Of those students, 75.5% scored at least a 3 on their exam. Additionally, 15 students earned the designation of AP Scholar with Distinction for averaging a 3.5 or higher on five or more AP exams, and four students earned the AP Capstone Diploma for earning that score on six AP exams including both AP Seminar and AP Research.

SHS Principal Jake Tyrrell shared, “It’s really a testament to the dedication of our students, their families, and our incredible teaching staff. The rigor present in our AP classes prepares our best and brightest for all that their future colleges and careers will throw at them. I have confidence that this special class of Sentinels will meet these challenges with great aplomb.”

Everyone knows it: Our schools would fall apart if it weren’t for our amazing custodial and maintenance staff. They keep our schools running every single day (even when our elementary craft projects involve copious amounts of glitter), giving our students clean and tidy spaces to learn and grow. While we think they deserve to be celebrated every day, today - National Custodian Day - is the one day set aside just for them.

Please take time today to show your appreciation to our custodial and maintenance crew who keep our schools running smoothly!

October is National Principals Month! Help us honor, celebrate, and support our amazing principals this month, and #ThankAPrincipal. Our SHSD principals have a significant impact on the success and well-being of our students. Let's make sure they are recognized for their extraordinary efforts, and know how much we appreciate them!

In honor of Disability History and Awareness Month, join Steilacoom Historical School District in recognizing and celebrating the contributions and history of people with disabilities.

Disability History Month is observed annually in October to increase awareness, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities, and to bring a greater sense of pride to people with disabilities.

The Washington State Legislature established the observance as a civic holiday in 2008 to promote the appreciation and inclusion of people with disabilities.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month and was founded in the United States in 2006 by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. The campaign unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. #UnityEveryDay #BEKIND

SAVE THE DATE! This year, our district will be joining participants nationwide by recognizing Unity Day on October 16, 2024. On this day, our school community is encouraged to wear Orange to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. More than 20% of our SHSD students come from these diverse cultures.

The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.

"https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov is a collaborative web portal project between multiple agencies including the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian and National Archives, offers a trove of information related to the commemoration, including special exhibits and collections, audio, videos and images.

Additional Resources:
Pierce County Library
Regional Events 
Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Purple Up! Wear purple the third Tuesday of every month to celebrate and support our military-connected families.

Steilacoom Historical School District is proud to announce our acceptance as a recognized partner with the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a key initiative of the U.S. Department of Defense. MSEP is part of the Department of Defense’s broader Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program, which aims to reduce the unemployment rate among military spouses and close the wage gap with their civilian counterparts. Over 340,000 military spouses have obtained employment with MSEP employers since the program's inception in 2011.

As the first Washington state school district accepted as an MSEP partner, we join an exclusive group of over 850 employers and nonprofit organizations who have dedicated themselves to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouses in careers that can adapt to the mobile lifestyle required by military service. This partnership will enable us to access a talented and dedicated workforce, while also supporting the financial stability and career aspirations of military families. 

This important partnership reinforces our district's commitment to supporting our military families and the communities we serve! 

Don't forget - every Wednesday is an ACE Day, and all students are released 1 hour early!

In observance of Labor Day, all SHSD schools and offices will be closed Monday, September 2.

Welcome back to school, everyone! We've missed you, and are so excited to begin what we know is going to be an amazing school year. 

Our 6-12 grade students will begin their normal school schedules on Thursday, August 29.

Our 1-5 grade students will participate in a Success Conference either August 29 or 30 based on their time scheduled with their teacher.

Our kindergarten students will participate in a WaKIDS conference either August 29, August 30, or September 3 based on the time scheduled with their teacher.

New SHS students and families in grades 9-12, please join us for our New Student Orientation on August 28 at 6:00 p.m.

SHS has a new athletic registration system, Final Forms. If your student plans to participate in a sport this year, please look at our new athletic registration process for the 24-25 school year.

Please click here for:

• SHS summer hours
• How to get help from the District Office during the summer
• Important dates and events for the fall

The July 17, 2024, Regular Board Meeting of the Steilacoom Historical School District Board of Directors will take place via a Zoom format.  The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.  Community members wishing to provide testimony may send comments (limited to 3 minutes) in writing to the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent at gmiller@steilacoom.k12.wa.us prior to 3:00 p.m. on the meeting day.

Zoom login for the meeting:  https://steilacoom-k12-wa-us.zoom.us/j/88252822778 or call 253-215-8782 and enter Webinar ID: 882 5282 2778

Pioneer Middle School Open House

Tuesday, August 27

6th Grade - 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

7th and 8th Grades - 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Pioneer Middle School Summer Office Hours

Pioneer Middle School's office will be open through June 20.  The office will be closed from June 21 - August 16, reopening on August 10. 

School supply lists, school year calendar, and other information for 2024-25 can be found on our school's website.

Student records are housed at the school, and all records requests received during the summer will be processed when the school reopens in August.  Special Education records requests can be sent to studentservices@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For enrollment, withdrawal, or waiver questions, please contact the District Office Enrollment Department at 253-983-2228 or enrollment@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For all other questions, please contact 253-983-2200 or info@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Have a wonderful summer! 

Parents/guardians of seniors, please join us on August 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the SHS auditorium for this informational meeting.

All SHS students - please join us for Sentinel Day on August 20 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Sentinel Day is a time for students to sign up for clubs, tour the school, catch up with friends, and make an appointment with their counselor if desired.

New this summer is Freshmen Orientation. All incoming freshmen should attend. It will be held on Tuesday, August 20 starting at 8:00 AM and wrapping up around 12 PM, right when Sentinel Day starts. Please register for this event.

Click here for Anderson Island Elementary School's 2024-25 School Supply List.

PIRATE DAY

9:00 - 11:30 a.m. - 7th grade students
12:30 - 2:30 p.m. - 8th grade students
6th grade students can drop in any time during either shift.

Pirate Day is your opportunity to pay ASB fees, and purchase school spirit wear and PE shorts/shirts

School tours are available for new students and parents can meet with food service, transportation, and the school nurse (teachers and counselors are not available this day)

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

Lori Wilson was recognized at this month's board meeting. Principal Alex Clauson shared, "Every year we have visitors come through our buildings - parents, admin, other districts and even students. The other day, a student asked me how old the building is. I did the math and said, "Wow. It's 25 years old this year." The student was quiet for a second and said, "it sure doesn't look that old." I hear this all of the time and it is because of the quality of work our head custodian does. Lori Wilson is amazing. I've never seen her be idle in her job and is always looking for ways to improve our building. She stocks our window boxes each spring, scrapes debris out of the cement cracks (which she loves doing), checks the field to see if it's too muddy and keeps the classrooms and building clean throughout the day. I walked in to my office the other day and the video camera was on my screen. I could see Lori was sweeping wood chips off of the sidewalk. This is the dedication to our building and students that makes her such an amazing individual. Lori's work does not go unrecognized. Every time I hear how great this building looks I immediately give her the credit. Thank you, Lori, for all you do for our kids!"

Click here for Pioneer's school supply list for the 2024-25 school year.

Click here for Saltar's Point's school supply list for the 2024-25 school year.

Click here for Cherrydale's school supply list for the 2024-25 school year.

Click here for Chloe Clark's school supply list for the 2024-25 school year.

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this month's school board meeting, Cherrydale Primary School Office Coordinator Laura Johnson was recognized with a special message from outgoing Cherrydale Principal Ryan Douglas. Mr. Douglas shared, "As a first-year principal, Laura Johnson was my rock. That support has continued over the last eight years, and my debt of gratitude toward her cannot be overstated. She is a consummate professional—kind, caring, detail-oriented, and compassionate. You will not find a harder worker. Laura always wanted to be a teacher, but life got in the way and she never earned her credentials. Instead, as I’ve told her before, she skipped teaching and went right to assistant principal. Thank you, Laura. Professional and personally, I’ll forever be grateful."

Cherrydale Primary School's office will be open 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. through June 17.  The office will be closed from June 18 - August 20, reopening on August 21 with regular hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

School supply lists, school year calendar, and other information for 2024-25 can be found on our school's website.

Student records are housed at the school, and all records requests received during the summer will be processed when the school reopens in August.  Special Education records requests can be sent to studentservices@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For enrollment, withdrawal, or waiver questions, please contact the District Office Enrollment Department at 253-983-2228 or enrollment@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For all other questions, please contact 253-983-2200 or info@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Have a wonderful summer! 

Anderson Island Elementary School's office will be open through June 17.  The office will be closed from June 18 - August 20, reopening on August 21. 

School supply lists, school year calendar, and other information for 2024-25 can be found on our school's website.

Student records are housed at the school, and all records requests received during the summer will be processed when the school reopens in August.  Special Education records requests can be sent to studentservices@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For enrollment, withdrawal, or waiver questions, please contact the District Office Enrollment Department at 253-983-2228 or enrollment@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For all other questions, please contact 253-983-2200 or info@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Have a wonderful summer! 

Saltar's Point Elementary School's office will be open through June 17.  The office will be closed from June 18 - August 20, reopening on August 21. 

School supply lists, school year calendar, and other information for 2024-25 can be found on our school's website.

Student records are housed at the school, and all records requests received during the summer will be processed when the school reopens in August.  Special Education records requests can be sent to studentservices@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For enrollment, withdrawal, or waiver questions, please contact the District Office Enrollment Department at 253-983-2228 or enrollment@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For all other questions, please contact 253-983-2200 or info@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Have a wonderful summer! 

Chloe Clark Elementary School's office will be open through June 17.  The office will be closed from June 18 - August 20, reopening on August 21. 

School supply lists, school year calendar, and other information for 2024-25 can be found on our school's website.

Student records are housed at the school, and all records requests received during the summer will be processed when the school reopens in August.  Special Education records requests can be sent to studentservices@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For enrollment, withdrawal, or waiver questions, please contact the District Office Enrollment Department at 253-983-2228 or enrollment@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

For all other questions, please contact 253-983-2200 or info@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Have a wonderful summer! 

For information on summer meal resources, including Summer EBT, USDA Resources, and No Kid Hungry Resources please check our Food Services page.

Summer EBT

USDA Resources   

• Families can call USDA National Hunger Hotline           
  Monday - Friday                                                                                   
  1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) English                                   
  1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) Spanish 

• Summer Meals Locator - English or Spanish

No Kid Hungry Resources  

• Children, under the age of 18, who live in a rural community may be able to access grab and go or home delivered meals.
• Families may text "Food" or "Comida" to 304-304 to find free summer meals nearby.
• No Kid Hungry also provides a Meal Site Locator on their website.

Business View Publishing has named Steilacoom Historical School District to its Best of '24 Top School District's list. Check out this brochure and full magazine feature about SHSD.

All SHSD schools will be on half-day schedules the last day of school - June 13.

Half-Day release times for each SHSD school are as follows:
Steilacoom High School - 11:05 am
Pioneer Middle School - 11:40 am
Anderson Island Elementary School - 11:30 am
Saltar's Point Elementary School - 12:10 pm
Cherrydale Primary School - 12:35 pm
Chloe Clark Elementary School - 12:35 pm

Steilacoom High School Class of 2024 graduation ceremony:

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
6:00 p.m.
St. Martin's University Marcus Pavilion

Doors open for guests at 5:00 p.m.

All SHSD students in grades 1-5 will participate in Success Conferences on either Thursday, August 29 or Friday, August 30.

• Students will not attend school on these days except for a Success Conference scheduled with their teacher on either Thursday, August 29 or Friday, August 30.

• Parents/guardians will have time to talk about their child's strengths, and what works best when they struggle.

• Students will become familiar with their classroom environment, as well as their school as they participate in fun activities.

• Teachers and staff will answer any questions students and parents/guardians have.

• Staff will be available to assist families with free & reduced lunch forms, ParentSquare, transportation, and more!

• Students will not attend school on these days except for a Success Conference scheduled with their teacher on either Thursday, August 29 or Friday, August 30.

• Parents/guardians will have time to talk about their child's strengths, and what works best when they struggle.

• Students will become familiar with their classroom environment, as well as their school as they participate in fun activities.

• Teachers and staff will answer any questions students and parents/guardians have.

• Staff will be available to assist families with free & reduced lunch forms, ParentSquare, transportation, and more!

• Students will not attend school on these days except for a Success Conference scheduled with their teacher on either Thursday, August 29 or Friday, August 30.

• Parents/guardians will have time to talk about their child's strengths, and what works best when they struggle.

• Students will become familiar with their classroom environment, as well as their school as they participate in fun activities.

• Teachers and staff will answer any questions students and parents/guardians have.

• Staff will be available to assist families with free & reduced lunch forms, ParentSquare, transportation, and more!

• Students will not attend school on these days except for a Success Conference scheduled with their teacher on either Thursday, August 29, or Friday, August 30.
   
• Parents/guardians will have time to talk about their child's strengths, and what works best when they struggle.

• Students will become familiar with their classroom environment, as well as their school as they participate in fun activities.

• Teachers and staff will answer any questions students and parents/guardians have.

• Staff will be available to assist families with free & reduced lunch forms, ParentSquare, transportation, and more!

• Students will not attend school on these days except for a Success Conference scheduled with their teacher on either Thursday, August 29 or Friday, August 30.

• Parents/guardians will have time to talk about their child's strengths, and what works best when they struggle.

• Students will become familiar with their classroom environment, as well as their school as they participate in fun activities.

• Teachers and staff will answer any questions students and parents/guardians have.

• Staff will be available to assist families with free & reduced lunch forms, ParentSquare, transportation, and more!

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this month's school board meeting, Steilacoom High School teacher Janelle Mock was recognized for living SHS's staff ideals of Fostering Resilience and Reciprocating Grace. Janelle elevates student voice and you'll see her student's work highlighted all over the school. Just this year she has had a student visit Washington DC in recognition of art created under her tutelage, as well as spearheading an idea to recognize our native students through their stories and cultural art pieces. In her classroom, students of all abilities are engaged and smiling. With Janelle, our students express themselves and explore elements of their young adult lives that they are often unable to reveal in other classrooms. Janelle is engaged with our community and supports student activities across our entire district. Principal Jake Tyrrell shared, "I'm so glad to have her kindness and leadership on our campus!"

All SHSD schools & offices will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

All SHSD schools are closed on Friday, March 24, due to an unused snow make-up day. The District Office will remain open with normal business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Steilacoom Historical School District is proud to be featured in the April 2024 edition of Business View magazine. The district was chosen to be included in the magazine’s Leading School Districts Segment for Washington. The feature focuses on the district’s prioritization of the holistic development of its students, as well as its approach to innovation, commitment to staff, response to demographic shifts, and vision for the future.

The article can be viewed on pages 267-276 of the magazine’s online edition at https://businessviewmagazine.com/civil-municipal/apr-2024/267/

Celebrated annually in May, ANHPI month is a time to honor and recognize the cultural heritage, contributions, and achievements of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. Here in Washington, we have people from 42 different nations across Asia and the Pacific Islands that now call our state home. 

U.S. News and World Report recently named Steilacoom High School to their “Best High Schools 2024” list. The school also received this honor in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.  Steilacoom High School is ranked 33^rd out of 753 public high schools in the state of Washington.  High schools around the nation were ranked on the following indicators of school quality:  college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, and graduation rate.

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this week's school board meeting, Cathy Feutz, Sodexo employee at Anderson Island Elementary, was recognized. Cathy is one of the many reasons AIE is a great place to learn and grow! Not only does she come out to AIE every day to serve meals, she also volunteers her time for them and other students in the district. Most recently she helped in the "Future Chefs" competition at the high school. Cathy stays after school and helps with our Craft Club, where she works with the students doing needle point. She is absolutely a bright light here on AI. She loves the students, and it is obvious that she is willing to go above and beyond for any of them and their families.

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this week's school board meeting, Duc Vo was recognized as an exceptional member of the maintenance team who displayed outstanding dedication and hard work. He’s committed to finishing each tasks he is faced with to completion, leaving no detail unaccounted for. Duc exemplifies what it means to be a truly exceptional employee - always going above and beyond, never shying away from a challenge, and continuously seeking to expand his knowledge and skills. His positive attitude and upbeat personality makes him a joy to work with, and his unwavering commitment to excellence motivates and inspires those around him. Thank you, Mr. Vo, for all that you do and for making our team better each and every day!

The Steilacoom Historical School District was one of the leaders to advocate for the 2023 legislation to establish the Purple Star Award Program in our state.  The Purple Star Award Program was created to recognize school districts that have incorporated military-friendly practices and demonstrate a commitment to military-connected students and families.

To receive the award, school districts must successfully address the educational, social, and emotional barriers that students may experience when their parents/guardians are deployed or when relocating and transferring to a different school. School districts must also demonstrate a commitment to military-connected families and students by providing students with the tools and supports needed for success in their education and in their futures.

Steilacoom Historical School District (SHSD) is one of 12 school districts across Washington to earn the Purple Star Award in 2024. The district will retain the designation for two years.

“We are honored to be partnering with OSPI to recognize the dedication and hard work of the districts awarded the 2024 Purple Star Award,” said Joel Aune, Executive Director of WASA. “These districts exemplify a commitment to supporting the unique educational needs of military-connected students in Washington state. By fostering environments that address the unique social, emotional, and academic challenges these students face, the Purple Star Districts are ensuring their students are poised for a successful school experience. We commend these districts for their effort and focus on these students and their families.”

SHSD is proud to support our military-connected families throughout the year, with a special focus during the month of April. The Steilacoom Historical School District Board of Directors recently passed Resolution 919-03-20-24 declaring April the Month of the Military Child. The district, in conjunction with community partners, has planned an exciting month of celebrations designed to bring all our military and civilian families together for fun-filled activities and resource sharing. The district’s most anticipated April event is SteillyCon, held on April 24, from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Pioneer Middle School. SHSD welcomes the community to dress up as their favorite hero or character and join us for a night of games, resources, STEAM activities, local superheroes and first responders, dinner, and more!

Reminder - All SHSD schools are on a half-day schedule Wednesday, March 27 through Friday, March 29, for conferences.

Half-Day release times for each SHSD school are as follows:
Steilacoom High School - 11:05 am
Pioneer Middle School - 11:40 am
Anderson Island Elementary School - 11:30 am
Saltar's Point Elementary School - 12:10 pm
Cherrydale Primary School - 12:35 pm
Chloe Clark Elementary School - 12:35 pm

All SHSD schools and offices will be closed April 1 - 5 for Spring Break. 

Classes will resume and offices will open on Monday, April 8.

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this week's school board meeting Kristin Tinsley, Steilacoom High School's Attendance Secretary, was recognized. SHS staff shared Ms. Tinsley is a ray of sunlight and brings joy to the school every day. She is helpful and kind to both students and staff, and the students adore her. She is excellent at her job and is a positive role model for students.

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this week's school board meeting Dakota Schrimsher, an English teacher at Steilacoom High School, was recognized. Ms. Schrimsher was recognized as a solid, reliable, and excellent leader who makes herself available to collaborate and help her teammates. Ms. Schrimsher is a teacher students look up to and return to, even when they are no longer in her classes.

All SHSD schools are closed on Friday, March 22, due to an unused snow make-up day. The District Office will remain open with normal business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SHSD is proud to celebrate March as Women's History Month - commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this week's school board meeting Sabine Sickles, the District’s Network and Server technician, was recognized. Sabine goes above and beyond to ensure students and staff have a positive experience using technology. Beyond routine troubleshooting, Sabine employs creative and resourceful problem-solving techniques to address complex issues. She diligently works behind the scenes to ensure our network is safe and accessible. In addition to her role in the daily operations of the district's IT infrastructure, Sabine is in the schools working directly with students and staff members addressing any tech needs. We extend our deepest gratitude for her exceptional service to our schools!

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our staff, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on individual staff members who go above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this week's school board meeting, Trina McJunkins was recognized as an exceptional special education teacher and athletic coach at Pioneer Middle School. Trina has been a tremendous leader and her work on behalf of students and families has been exemplary and deserving of special recognition. When faced with a challenge, Trina has provided her passion, compassion, creativity, and collaboration to help better meet student needs. She is so effective in her role because she possesses high levels of empathy and understanding, and creates a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and understood. The staff and students of Pioneer Middle School are thankful for Trina!

All SHSD schools and offices will be closed Monday, February 19, in observance of Presidents' Day.

SHSD is proud to celebrate February as Black History Month. It is a special tribute – a time of acknowledgement, of reflection, and of inspiration. It is a time for celebrating the achievements of African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.

Kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-25 school year is open!

If your child will be 5 by August 31, 2024, now is the time to enroll them in kindergarten. Your early enrollment helps us plan for the school year and ensures you receive communications from us throughout the spring and summer.

Enrollment can be easily completed online. Check out our website for more info: www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/enrollment

If you have additional questions, our Enrollment Department is always available to help! You can reach them at enrollment@steilacoom.k12.wa.us

SHS High School and Beyond Night
February 7, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Steilacoom High School

For all parents and all students attending SHS in the fall of 2024.

Learn more about:

• Dual enrollment - including our *new* college in the high school option, AP, Running Start, and PCSC
• Clubs
• Athletics
• College
• Tech School
• Armed Forces

SHSD loves to acknowledge the exceptional work of our school teams, whose dedication creates caring and safe environments for our students. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on an individual staff member who goes above and beyond in their care for our students, families, and staff.

At this week's school board meeting, Tina Ridge, a third grade teacher at Cherrydale Primary School, was recognized for her experience, leadership, and care. Ms. Ridge has done an exemplary job teaching her 3rd grade students, and she is also an invaluable leader and mentor. She is an integral part of the Cherrydale team and the district!

Steilacoom Historical School District is thrilled to share that, after agreeing to serve in the role of interim principal, Mr. Jake Tyrrell has been appointed as Steilacoom High School Principal. The Board of Directors approved this personnel change at their January 17 regular board meeting.

This well-deserved appointment is a testament to Mr. Tyrrell’s leadership skills, clear vision, and dedication to the school community. 

The district looks forward to the continued success of Steilacoom High School under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Tyrrell.

Purple Up! Wear purple the third Tuesday of every month to celebrate military-connected families.

December 5
Pioneer Middle School Winter Band Concert
6:30 p.m. 
Pioneer Middle School

December 12
Steilacoom High School Winter Choir Concert
7:00 p.m.
Steilacoom High School Main Gym

December 14
Steilacoom High School Winter Band Concert
7:00 p.m.
Steilacoom High School Main Gym

December 18
Saltar's Point Winter Concert
6:30 p.m.
Steilacoom High School

December 19
Pioneer Middle School Winter Choir Concert
6:30 p.m.
Pioneer Middle School

Thank you, SHSD community, for supporting our students! Your support of the Capital Projects Levy ensures we can continue to provide the best education for every student!

If you would like additional information about the district's 2023 Capital Projects Levy proposal, please join us for one of two virtual informational meetings hosted by the district on October 17 and November 1.  Both meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. and Zoom login information can be found on the district's website at https://steilacoomk12waus.finalsite.com/who-we-are/departments/financial-services/shsd-2023-levy-information/levy-informational-meetings

Helpful information about the levy proposal, including an FAQ section, is also available on our website at https://steilacoomk12waus.finalsite.com/who-we-are/departments/financial-services/shsd-2023-levy-information.

Don't forget - all students are released 1 hour early on ACE Wednesdays!

The Steilacoom Historical School District Capital Projects Levy Proposition would support the renovation, expansion and improvement of school facilities, and provide funding for safety and technology improvements to meet the current and future needs of District students. The anticipated property tax rate connected to the new levy will be less than the current general obligation bond rate that is expiring. 

You can find more information including FAQs on our 2023 Capital Projects Levy page.

U.S. News and World Report recently named Steilacoom High School to their “Best High Schools 2023” list. The school also received this honor in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.  Steilacoom High School is ranked 37^th out of 754 public high schools in the state of Washington.  High schools around the nation were ranked on the following indicators of school quality:  college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, and graduation rate.

The district's 2023-24 Summer Information Packet includes all the information you will need for a successful start to the 2023-24 school year!

Paper copies of all information included in the packet are available at the District Office located at 511 Chambers Street in Steilacoom.

A reminder from our Food Services team:

Applications for Free and Reduced Lunch are available now in Skyward Family Access.

Once approved, your eligibility entitles your student to one free/reduced breakfast and lunch each day. Any items over the first meal will be charged at the a la carte rate.

We encourage all eligible families to apply in the Food Services tab in Skyward, as an approval can provide additional benefits such as waived extracurricular ASB activity fees and AP testing fees.

The August 16, 2023 regular meeting of the Steilacoom Historical School District Board of Directors is canceled due to the lack of a quorum.  The Board of Directors intends to hold a special meeting in August to conduct business and take public comment. Notice of the special meeting will be provided in accordance with state law, including posting the notice on the district website.

Click here for Pioneer's School Supply Lists for the 2023-24 school year.

Click here for Saltar's Point's school supply list for the 2023-24 school year.

Click here for Cherrydale's school supply list for the 2023-24 school year.

Steilacoom High School's New Student Orientation is on August 23, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

This orientation is for new students and families in grades 9-12.

Sentinel Day is August 22, 2023, with the following schedule:

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Seniors
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Juniors
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Sophomores
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Freshmen

Sentinel Day is a time for SHS students to have their yearbook photo taken and sign up for clubs.

Please see flyer for picture information and ordering.

Click here for Anderson Island Elementary School's 2023-24 School Supply List.

Click here for Chloe Clark's school supply list for the 2023-24 school year.

Steilacoom High School's office will be open through June 23.  The office will be closed from June 26 - August 7, reopening on August 8.

The SHS Counseling Office will reopen on August 18.

Student records are housed at the school, and all records requests received during the summer will be processed when the school reopens in August.  Special Education records requests can be sent to studentservices@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.
​​

Sentinel Day will be August 22, with the following schedule:
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Seniors
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Juniors
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Sophomores
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. - Freshmen
Sentinel Day is a time for students to have their school photo taken, and to sign up for clubs.

New Student Orientation (for new students and families in grades 9-12) will be August 23 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. 

During the summer, you can pay any fines and obtain diplomas and transcripts at the District Office at 511 Chambers Street, Steilacoom, WA.
For enrollment questions, please contact our Enrollment Department at 253-983-2228 or  enrollment@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.
For any other questions, please contact the District Office at 253-983-2200 or info@steilacoom.k12.wa.us.

Have a wonderful summer! 

Find a Summer Meal Site Near You!

The annual Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides children in lower-income areas with nutritious meals during the summer. Good nutrition is essential for effective learning every day, all year long. Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition.

Summer meal programs help children aged 18 and under get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow during the summer. This federally-funded program is sponsored by many organizations throughout our state, including schools, nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribes, and more.

To find a Summer Meals site near you, please use a Summer Meals Locator. https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
The National Hunger Hotline can be reached at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273), for Spanish, from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
Or text School Meals to 914-342-7744

For more information, please contact the Child Nutrition Services department within the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360–725–6200 or email summermeals@k12.wa.us.

SHSD is in the process of developing our 2023-24 school year budget. We want to be transparent with our staff, families, and community. We want all stakeholders to be informed of our budget decisions, and the reasons behind those decisions. Please visit our 2023-24 Budget page on our website often to keep informed of the process, and please never hesitate to reach out to us at info@steilacoom.k12.wa.us if you have any questions.

Day of Champions is a non-competitive track and field meet. This is an opportunity for our student athletes with disabilities to compete in various events, and to be recognized for their efforts.

At this event, EVERYONE IS A CHAMPION!

STEILACOOM HIGH SCHOOL
May 25, 2023

Half-Day release times for each SHSD school are as follows:

You can choose to have your books shipped to your home or delivered to me with our class order.

With a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 Book (use code: READS).

Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/LP8QL

Please share the Class Page link to extended family and friends. All orders also earn FREE Books for our school library and Winter & Summer Reading packs.

Thank you for your support!

Class Code: LP8QL

April 13, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.