Lunch Buddy Program Gives Students Extra Support

The mentor program supports and empowers students by providing them with positive role models who can help them with decision-making, goal-setting, social awareness, and relationship skills. 

Solution Seeker Spotlight: Cortney Dotson, Olympic View Elementary

Cortney Dotson, special education resource teacher at Olympic View Elementary, is dedicated to developing cooperative strategies to help all students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes that listening well and building self-esteem in students are crucial to unlocking their full potential. Read more about Cortney >>

Solution Seeker Spotlight: Alexis Hirst, District Office

Alexis Hirst, office professional in Student Achievement at the District Office, is an NTPS alum who values the collaboration and support of her team as a key to solution seeking. Her role means continually developing and improving processes to support people and programs across the district. Read more about Alexis >>

New Purple Star Award recognizes support for military families

We are excited to celebrate the passage of House Bill 1346, which creates the Purple Star Award to recognize school districts that demonstrate educational and social-emotional supports to students of military service members. Read more >>

Special Board Meeting Highlights from May 16, 2023

Miss the May 16, 2023 special board meeting with the Lacey City Council? Highlights include an update on the proposed Young Child & Family Center and an update on the district's efforts to deliver equity instruction from the NTPS Equity and World Language Department. Read more >>

Board Meeting Highlights from May 2, 2023

Highlights from the May 2, 2023 NTPS School Board meeting include national DECA qualifiers, good news from Olympic View Elementary, elementary school boundary review update, and more. Read more >>

Solution Seeker Spotlight: Library Team, North Thurston High School

Larry Cabanatan, Steve Coker, Kim Kaiser, Jenny Kassil, and Jennifer Wolf make up the library team at North Thurston High School. They know that innovation sparks learning and eagerly jump into mastering each new tech tool that arrives on campus. Anticipating needs and providing compassionate service helps them empower students and staff to be skilled consumers and creators of information. Read more about the NTHS library team >>

Board Meeting Highlights from April 18, 2023

Missed the April 18th School Board Meeting? Highlights include several recognitions to staff and students, including some athletics state champs, leaders of our Unified Sports program, and more! Read the highlights >>

Solution Seeker Spotlight: Teresa Moran, FYR Center & Envision Career Academy

Teresa Moran, student navigator at the Family and Youth Resource Center and Envision Career Academy, believes in meeting needs without judgment. She helps students and families overcome challenges with creativity and care to empower them to focus on a brighter future. Read more about Teresa >>

Solution Seeker Spotlight: Lukas Kelly, Chinook Middle School

Lukas Kelly, paraeducator at Chinook Middle School, builds positive relationships with his students in the classroom and on the basketball court. He and his team constantly create new tools and opportunities to help their students grow and succeed.  Read more about Lukas >>

Community Conversation Highlights from March 21, 2023

Miss the Community Conversation about skilled trades? The Board and community members visited River Ridge High School classrooms to learn more about the many Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings at our schools. Read the highlights >>

Board Meeting Highlights from March 7, 2023

Miss the latest School Board Meeting? Check out the highlights from the March 7th Board Meeting where schools presented their spring School Improvement Plans overviewing their goals for this semester. Read the highlights >>

Solution Seeker Spotlight: Matthew Landers, Pleasant Glade Elementary

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 >>

Solution Seeker Spotlight: Katie Tingle, Ignite Family Academy

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 >>

Board Meeting Highlights from February 7, 2023

Miss the latest board meeting? Check out the highlights from the February 27, 2023 meeting including good news from Lydia Hawk, recognizing the Thurston County Food Bank, and an update on graduation rates. Read the highlights >>