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Joy of Learning

An open book with the words Joy of Learning coming out of it.

The NTPS theme for the 2024-25 school year is Joy of Learning!  

Each of our 24 schools offers high-quality learning environments where students grow academically and socially. We want students to master knowledge, explore their interests, find their voice, and contribute to the community. It is important to us that students discover the joy that comes from learning.  

Learning should be rigorous and challenging. It should also be joyful—that excitement when a student masters a math concept or explores a new art form. In addition to our strong core instruction, we offer many opportunities for students to explore interests from music to world languages to career and technical education classes. We also offer various clubs and activities to support students in developing their interests.    

Meaningful learning opportunities foster curiosity and a Joy of Learning while developing academic and social skills to meet high standards.  

On this page, you will find examples of students from around the district experiencing the Joy of Learning. Each day, our skilled educators creatively bring concepts to life and support students in their educational journey. We are grateful for strong community partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers who support joyful learning!  

Staff Spotlights

Introduction to Joy of Learning Theme

Superintendent Troy Oliver reflects on why we want students to discover the joy in learning and how our teachers nurture it!

Robotics at Ignite Family Academy

Students at Ignite Family Academy learn the basics of design with building bricks in their robotics class.

Portable Planetarium

An inflatable planetarium came to Komachin Middle School to give students an immersive experience of learning more about our planet and solar system.

Seal of Biliteracy

NTPS students can earn the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy through World Languages classes and testing their proficiency. Listen to North Thurston World Languages students talk about their experiences.

Chinook Middle School STEM Class

In STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) class, students engage in hands-on learning that combines collaboration and experimentation while building Rube Goldberg machines.

Gamification in the Classroom

One of our teacher development professional development sessions focused on teaching and learning through games. Listen to Instructional Specialist Alyssa Knudtson talk about her training on integrating gamification into the classroom and some teachers' impressions of the training.

Preschool

Learn more about our preschool program that focuses on kindergarten readiness. In our preschool classrooms, 3- and 4-year-old students with special needs and typically developing students play and learn side by side.

Walk 'n Roll at Envision Career Academy

In partnership with Intercity Transit, Envision students participated in Walk 'n Roll's bicycle program. Students learned the basics of riding, including bicycle maintenance and safety.

Dual Language Program

Students in our Dual Language Program learn in English and Spanish and build community by remaining in class together over the years.

Volume Zoo at Evergreen Forest

5th-grade students at Evergreen Forest help guide younger students through their Volume Zoo, with animal displays, volume calculations, and more. 

Student Newspaper at Seven Oaks

4th and 5th grade students write, design, and distribute the school's first student newspaper.

Lydia Hawk Bilingual Reading Buddies

At Lydia Hawk Elementary, older students read books in English and Spanish to younger students to help them find joy in reading.

Future-Ready Kindergarten

Students in our Future-Ready Kindergarten programs gain academic and social skills that help prepare them for kindergarten! Through art, science, social activities, and more, they gain a love for learning.