Monthly District Newsletter

Message from the Superintendent

Happy December to our Families & Students - 

As the holiday season approaches, I want to extend warm wishes to you and your loved ones. Your unwavering support and dedication to our community have been instrumental in making this year a success, and I am grateful for the strength we find in unity.

I would like to inform you that our district office will be open until December 21st and will resume regular operations on January 2nd. We encourage you to explore the many events and community resources listed below, take advantage of this time to relax with family, and recharge for the new year ahead.

As we celebrate the holidays, let's prioritize safety and well-being. Find joy in the simple pleasures, create lasting memories with loved ones, and embrace the spirit of the season. Thank you for your continued partnership, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunities and achievements that await us in the coming year.

Warm regards,

Dr. Concie Pedroza
Interim Superintendent

Celebrating Student Achievements

This Giving Tuesday, Thorndyke Elementary witnessed a heartwarming collaboration that brought smiles and warmth to its students. Operation Warm and Nordstrom joined forces to provide brand new coats to each student, including those from the large refugee community, fostering a sense of comfort and inclusion during the holiday season. This collaboration exemplified the positive impact that corporate social responsibility can have on the lives of students, creating a meaningful and joyous experience for the Thorndyke Elementary community.

 Upcoming Events 

Innovations in Education

Unlock the potential of game-based learning this winter break, turning moments at home into educational escapades for the whole family. Gamefied learning involves integrating game elements into educational activities to enhance engagement and make learning more enjoyable. Whether through interactive board games, educational video games, or specially designed apps, gamefied learning provides a dynamic approach to acquiring knowledge.

The benefits are abundant. Gamefied learning stimulates creativity, encourages critical thinking, and promotes teamwork. As players navigate challenges, solve problems, and collaborate, they acquire valuable skills in a context that feels like play. These experiences not only make learning more enjoyable but also foster a positive attitude towards education.

Implementing gamefied learning at home is a breeze. Choose games that align with your family's interests and the subjects you'd like to explore. Many educational apps and online platforms offer a variety of subjects, ensuring there's something for everyone. Establish a designated game time during the break, creating a routine that combines fun and learning. Embrace the opportunity to play together, offering support and encouragement, and watch as gamefied learning transforms your winter break into an enriching and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
 

Resources:

• Link: Scratch
  • Description: Scratch is a creative coding platform where kids can design their own interactive stories, games, and animations.
• Link: Prodigy
  • Description: Prodigy combines math practice with an interactive fantasy-style game, making it an engaging way for kids to improve their math skills.
• Link: Duolingo
  • Description: Duolingo gamifies language learning, offering a fun and interactive way for both kids and adults to pick up a new language.

Opportunities

Come Join Our Team! Drive a bus or van for Tukwila School District. Office with a view. Delightful customers. Summer, weekends and Holidays off. Paid CDL Training.  Part-time job with Full-time benefits. $29.52-$31.60. Call Gina Stevens 206-901-8053 or stevensr@tukwila.wednet.edu. Permanent and Substitute positions open now

Staff Spotlight

We are excited to announce that Jorge Torres, lead school counselor at Foster High School, Tukwila, has been named a finalist for the 2024 School Counselor of the Year awards program by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). With over two decades of experience and a personal journey that mirrors the challenges many students face, Jorge's dedication to student advocacy is truly inspiring. His impactful initiatives, such as organizing a legal clinic to address fears of family separation, highlight his commitment to supporting students and families. Join us in celebrating Jorge Torres, a beacon of support at Foster High School, making a lasting impact on the lives of our students.

Learn More At: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q-pZrCiD3A0VjtxSo3_5M7jMxrtfdiDe/view?usp=sharing

Family Engagement

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in volunteering at your student’s school?

The District recognizes the valuable contribution made to the total school program through the volunteer assistance of parents and other citizens; we appreciate your enthusiasm.

The safety of our students is our top priority. Those wishing to visit/volunteer (including chaperoning a field trip, eating in our cafeteria with your child, etc.), must apply and submit to a background check. The Tukwila School District has an all online volunteer clearance process. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

Please allow up to three (3) weeks for processing applications.

Start the application process here: https://tukwilavolunteers.myschooldata.net/

Community Connections

Stillwater Volunteering

Who is Still Water
In 2016, Still Waters Services for Families in Transition established the Tukwila Weekend Snack Pack Program to address food insecurities and promote educational equity in Tukwila Schools. This initiative ensures that all students have access to essential nutrition for focus, learning, and overall well-being, especially during periods when school meals are unavailable. The program delivers shelf-stable, kid-friendly meals to qualifying families in Tukwila, offering vital support in overcoming food insecurities.
 

Volunteer Tasks:

• We prepare around 200 bags with meals, snacks, and water every week.
• Unload a van carrying meals, snacks, and water.
• Deliver to our Elementary schools: Cascade Elementary, Thorndyke Elementary, and Tukwila Elementary.

Join us every Wednesday at 9:30 am at Showalter Middle School. If this time doesn't work for you, we also welcome groups of students, student clubs, parents, or your school PTA on a different day. For additional details, contact Abigail Tabason, Executive Director/Parent of Tukwila Elementary, at stillwatersfamilyservices@gmail.com or (206) 650-7530.

District Reminders

Contact Information:

For any questions or additional information, please contact the district office at TSD Communications.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our educational community. We look forward to another month of growth, achievement, and collaboration.