When students engage in hands-on learning, they experiment and explore. They use their creativity, learn through mistakes, and work as a team to solve problems. In short, they are solution seekers!  

We seek to offer hands-on learning opportunities for NTPS students every day in every discipline. Creative writing exercises, horticulture classes, science experiments, and games that promote critical thinking: hands-on learning is done in many ways. The common thread is sparking curiosity and excitement in students that contributes to the retention of new content.

A few examples this winter of fantastic hands-on experiences:  

• Students enrolled in district Future-Ready Kindergarten and preschool programs participated in the Tiny Tides program through Puget Sound Estuarium. They learned about the Salish Sea ecosystem by interacting with animals in a saltwater touch tank and participating in a sea star craft project.  
• 5th graders at Lacey Elementary donned goggles and aprons to conduct hands-on group experiments to determine the sugar content in a solution through the mobile Seattle Children’s Research Institute Science Adventure Lab.  
• Students in the Lydia Hawk Elementary dual language program dressed in their best Frida Kahlo costumes and invited their families to a dinner where they proudly shared their art and writing from a Kahlo biography unit. 

Our educators work hard to ensure students have engaging, multi-dimensional learning experiences. Ask your students about how they are learning through hands-on activities at school! It can be the start of an ongoing conversation about their interests and future. 

--Deb   

Join us this spring for our Ready, Set, Read - NTPS! bilingual preschool storytime program for 3-5 year-olds and their families. Storytimes will be held monthly on Wednesdays from 11:30 am–12:30 pm at the NTPS District Office. The first storytime is March 15, so register now to ensure your spot! >>

We are improving our grading practices for all middle and high schools by moving away from a 100-point scale and implementing a 4-point scale. Research shows this approach simplifies grades and makes assessing student performance more straightforward and equitable. Learn more about this initiative >>

For families who wish to learn more about Secondary Grading Practices, join us for a virtual meeting from 6:00–7:00 pm on March 15. The session will be recorded and posted online.

Is your performance-minded middle schooler interested in attending Aspire Performing Arts Academy for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade? Apply today! Students selected in the application lottery have the fantastic opportunity for a unique middle school experience performing in Aspire’s award-winning orchestra, band, or choir! Application deadline: March 17 at 4:00 pm. Applications and information >>

Conferences are a great way to discuss student progress and opportunities. All schools will be half-day. Please check your school website for specific release times.

It's time to begin the enrollment process for kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year! If your child turns 5 on or before August 31, 2023, they are eligible to start kindergarten this fall. Visit the kindergarten registration webpage for information on enrollment, school readiness, and successful transition tips! Complete your child’s enrollment by April 30 for a chance to win one of three Chromebooks donated by Comcast!

Need help registering your student? Come to an in-person registration event at the NTPS District Office (305 College St. NE). Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters will be available. Please sign-up to attend >>

• Saturday, March 25, from 9:00 am–12:00 pm
• Tuesday, March 28, from 5:00–7:00 pm

Conference week (March 27-31) can also be a great time to stop by your future kindergartener’s school to drop off your required documents and get your kindergarten welcome bag!

Help us create our 2023 Month of the Military Child Virtual Art Wall! This year’s theme is Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, Shaping the Future. All NTPS students are invited to participate, and all participants will receive a military child swag bag. Submit your artwork along with a Virtual Art Wall entry form by March 24. Learn more on our Month of the Military Child webpage >>

Your family may be eligible for up to $1,200 under a new annual tax credit. The Working Families Tax Credit application is open now. Learn more and apply >>

March 13–17 is Education Support Professionals Week – Thank you to all NTPS education support professionals! From paraeducators working in classrooms and schools, kitchen crews preparing and serving meals, the transportation team providing safe transportation, to facilities staff keeping our buildings safe and clean, the list goes on! Thank you for all the vital work you do for NTPS!

Next up in our school video series is Chinook Middle School!

Watch the Welcome to Chinook video to experience this community of caring students and staff where everyone’s strengths are recognized and valued. Chinook fosters curiosity and compassion, empowering students to make a difference at school and beyond.

This month, we are featuring two staff members dedicated to being Solution Seekers in their schools.  

• Katie Tingle, K-2 teacher at Ignite Family Academy, teaches her students perseverance to help them become lifelong solution seekers. She has had countless opportunities to problem-solve while growing our new school for at-home learners, and says flexibility and understanding are essential. Read more about Katie >>
• Matthew Landers, 5th-grade teacher at Pleasant Glade Elementary, teaches his students the importance of making a difference in their community, and they have risen to the challenge! His class has spearheaded efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle in their school cafeteria with impressive results. Read more about Matthew >>

Superintendent Deb Clemens recently joined leaders from surrounding school districts for a roundtable discussion hosted by Thurston Community Media. Deb highlighted our district’s participation in the federal Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Reading (MTSS-R) study, facility improvements around the district, and our efforts to support students’ mental health. Watch the February 3 Superintendents Roundtable:

The Technology Support Services team has installed new interactive flat panels in 240 classrooms across 11 schools. This upgrade replaced end-of-life projectors and was paid for with annual technology refresh funding last year. Our technology team is offering support to teachers on how to get the most out of the new interactive boards.

Director of Technology Derek Stewart explained the new flat panels are easier for students to see, have an intuitive digital whiteboard, and come with new built-in teaching tools for our classrooms. Pleasant Glade Elementary 2nd-grade teacher Heather Vanzant said, "Thanks for the new interactive flat panel. My students and I love it, and at least two have said they can see the screen better now. Thanks for all your support!"

Our School Board meetings are an excellent place to hear the latest news from around the district. Be sure to review our Board meeting highlights to learn about the March 7 meeting, which focused on school improvement plans!