PSD Foundations For Our Future

Your voice matters. We are collecting valuable feedback on behalf of the Bond Advisory Committee to better understand our school buildings' condition and needs. Your input will help the committee prioritize improvements, address critical needs, and ensure our schools provide safe, supportive, and inspiring environments for future generations. Question: How do you see Puyallup School District buildings evolving to meet the future needs of our students, educators, and community? What infrastructure improvements or new facilities should we prioritize to align with changing educational standards and community growth? Share your thoughts --> https://bit.ly/4ezEc83 We encourage diverse opinions and perspectives, and your feedback is invaluable to the Bond Advisory Committee as they develop recommendations for our schools. The responses collected through this survey will be shared directly with committee members as part of the official survey results. While you're welcome to share your thoughts in the comments, the Bond Advisory Committee will only review the survey responses.

At Sparks Stadium, the latest improvements brighten the stands—literally and figuratively. Welders have been working hard to install new ADA-compliant handrails that will soon be painted to complete the project. While these updates may go unnoticed by some, regular visitors will appreciate the significant enhancements to safety and accessibility. The Puyallup School District’s Capital Projects team has been dedicated to making the stadium a more inclusive and welcoming venue for all. Here is what we have accomplished so far: > Concrete Repairs and Cleaning: The visitor stands were lightly cleaned in preparation for concrete repairs and painting. Concrete repairs were completed only in the home side stands. > Aisle Widening: Aisles in the Visitor stands were widened in the visitor stands to improve traffic flow and accessibility. > ADA Handrail Installation: New ADA-compliant handrails have been installed. Depending on the event schedule and weather, painting will occur in the next few weeks. This important project, funded by a grant secured by the Capital Projects team, ensures that Sparks Stadium is accessible to all visitors. These upgrades demonstrate our commitment to creating an inclusive and enjoyable environment for everyone, regardless of mobility challenges. As we prepare for upcoming events, we are excited to see these improvements' positive impact on our community. For more information on Capital Project grants and their role in district development, visit https://bit.ly/3TDF839. #FoundationsForOurFuture #PuyallupSD

Your voice matters. We are collecting valuable feedback on behalf of the Bond Advisory Committee better to understand our school buildings' condition and needs. Your input will help the committee prioritize improvements, address critical needs, and ensure our schools provide safe, supportive, and inspiring environments for future generations. Question: In your opinion, what schools or areas of our schools require immediate attention to enhance student and staff experience? (Consider spaces such as classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and outdoor facilities that could be upgraded to support educational programs better.) Share your response at --> https://bit.ly/4ezEc83 We encourage diverse opinions and perspectives, and your feedback is invaluable to the Bond Advisory Committee as they develop recommendations for our schools. The responses collected through this survey will be shared directly with committee members. While you're welcome to share your thoughts in the comments, the Bond Advisory Committee will only review the survey responses. #FoundationsForOurFuture #PuyallupSD #StrongerTogether

The Bond Advisory Committee (BAC) began its important work last Thursday with its first meeting at the Karshner Museum. This dedicated group, which includes community members, students, school principals, and industry experts, is tasked with providing comprehensive recommendations on a bond scope and financing plan to the superintendent and school board. Their recommendations will play a key role in determining the timing and specifics of a potential bond issue election, tentatively scheduled for February 11, 2025. A bond advisory School Board Study Session is scheduled for November 15, with the School Board taking final action on the recommendation on November 18, 2024. A final recommendation will focus on defining project scopes for various schools, exploring state match funding opportunities, integrating life cycle maintenance considerations, and engaging with the community to ensure all voices are heard. During their initial meeting, the BAC reviewed several bond scenarios to maintain a consistent tax rate. They discussed critical topics such as the feasibility of new construction projects, the impact on the district’s tax rate, and potential state match funding based on building eligibility. The committee's decisions will weigh community needs against fiscal realities, aiming to balance long-term benefits for students with fiscal responsibility. Community involvement is vital, so we encourage you to stay updated and share your feedback through public forums and surveys. To read the full story, visit our website at https://bit.ly/3zjbVUo and share your thoughts in our short survey.

Students, staff, and families at Meeker Elementary gathered on Thursday for a back-to-school barbecue, celebrating the start of the 2024-2025 school year. The event also featured the highly anticipated unveiling of the school’s new, inclusive playground and track—a significant enhancement designed to improve outdoor education for all students. The new playground includes a freshly lined asphalt track and an accessible play surface that invites every student to explore and enjoy the space. These improvements go beyond physical upgrades; they reflect a commitment to creating an engaging and enriching environment that meets the diverse needs of all students. “We are incredibly grateful to our community, PTA, and voters for making this playground a reality,” said David Couch, Principal of Meeker Elementary. “It’s heartwarming to see all our kids accessing the new field turf and enjoying the inclusive play areas. Thank you again for everything you’ve done to support our school and our kids.” This project highlights the power of collaboration. Through the combined efforts of parents, the district, and the community, Meeker’s outdoor learning spaces have been significantly enhanced. This includes $80,000 worth of PTA-funded playground equipment and modernized infrastructure made possible by voter-approved capital levy funds. Designed with safety and inclusivity in mind, these upgrades ensure that every student, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in and benefit from outdoor learning activities. The new playground and track create a welcoming environment where all children can thrive. Stephanie Vuleta, a Meeker PTA member, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We want to thank our Meeker community and the Puyallup School District for making this playground possible for our students. It’s been many years in the making, and we couldn’t have done it without everyone coming together.” #FoundationsForOurFuture #MeekerPTA #ThankYouVoters 

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? Assembling the new playground equipment at Meeker Elementary was like tackling a life-sized puzzle project, where every piece had to fit exactly right. Our Capital Projects team eagerly embraced the challenge, meticulously piecing together the equipment to ensure the result was safe and exciting for students. Fresh asphalt now lines the brand-new track, which has an accessible, inclusive play surface ready for students to explore. These enhancements are transforming Meeker’s playground into a vibrant space that caters to the diverse needs of our students, making outdoor education more accessible, engaging, and enriching for all. This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when parents, the district, and the community work together, united in their commitment to enhancing our children’s outdoor learning experiences. Alongside the PTA-funded playground equipment, voter-approved capital levy funds are being used to modernize the aging infrastructure at Meeker. Our Capital Projects team is working hard to install stormwater drains, update the track, restripe the hard courts, and add accessible synthetic turf playground surfacing. These upgrades are thoughtfully designed to create a safe and welcoming environment for every student, including those with disabilities, ensuring that all children can fully participate in and benefit from outdoor learning activities. #FoundationsForOurFuture #ThankYouVoters

You’re looking good, Maplewood! We are excited to share that the roof at Maplewood is nearly complete! Our team is adding the finishing touches and touching up trim paint, ensuring that every detail meets the highest standards. These final steps will guarantee the roof's long-term performance and durability. Maplewood's new roof shingles are made from upcycled rubber and plastic polymers—sourced from recycled tires and plastic bags. This not only strengthens the shingles but also promotes environmental sustainability by diverting waste from landfills. The advanced technology derived from automobile tires ensures these shingles offer superior all-weather performance, enhancing their resilience and longevity. A well-maintained roof is crucial for protecting our property. It prevents moisture damage, preserves architectural features, reduces costly repairs, and ensures structural integrity and safety—creating a healthy and secure learning environment for our students and staff. Thanks to your support and the taxpayer investment through the 2024 Capital Levy, we are making significant repairs to Maplewood's roof and cupolas. This investment will help maintain the safety and beauty of our building for many years to come. #FoundationsForOurFuture #ThankYouVoters

We’re feeling pumped at the Puyallup High School Aquatic Center—literally! This week, we achieved a significant milestone in our upgrade journey with the installation of new swimming pool pumps and motors. Late last month, we removed the old sand filters, pumps, and motors and installed concrete bases for the new equipment. On June 17th, our dedicated Capital Projects team began a major refurbishment aimed at enhancing the efficiency, safety, and longevity of our pool facilities. The upgrades include high-efficiency pumps, motors, and drives, which represent a significant improvement over the old machinery. These new systems will ensure cleaner, safer swimming conditions while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, new sand filters will be installed to maintain the highest water quality standards. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the voters for their support, making these crucial upgrades possible. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve our facilities for our students! Learn more on our website at HTTP://www.puyallupsd.org/capital

Ridgecrest Elementary's entryway is getting a mini makeover. Your child's safety is our top priority, and we are excited to share some positive updates regarding our ongoing efforts to enhance security on campus. Secure entry vestibules serve as single-entry points during school hours and create a safer environment for everyone. The Capital Projects budget will also fund the construction of secure entry vestibules at Fruitland, Waller Road, and Wildwood this year. By the end of the 2024-2025 school year, all elementary and junior high schools within the Puyallup School District will operate with these secure single-entry point vestibules. Secure vestibules at our schools function as friendly checkpoints, similar to the check-in process at medical facilities. > Guests enter a welcoming lobby through the first set of unlocked doors. > The second set remains locked until the guest checks in with the office and provides quick proof of identification, such as a driver's license. > Once confirmed, the second set of doors opens, allowing access to the building. We aim to make this process seamless and reassuring for everyone involved. These secure vestibules are an additional security measure and contribute to a more comfortable learning environment for your child. Looking ahead, our team plans to extend this security measure to all schools in the district. Plans for Puyallup, Rogers, and Walker High Schools are in the works, pending additional grant funding or community support through the passage of a Capital Bond. We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. #FoundationsForOurFuture #ThankYouVoters #PuyallupSD

Happy National Intern Day! On this special day, we want to shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of our two outstanding Capital Projects interns, Ripken Renner and Daniel Grilley. Ripken Renner, a proud Puyallup High School alum and an incoming sophomore at the Colorado School of Mines, a premier engineering university, has brought a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our projects. This is Ripken’s third summer interning with Capital Projects. His commitment to learning and growing within the field is truly inspiring. Daniel Grilley, an incoming Emerald Ridge High School senior, has shown exceptional promise and drive. This is Daniel’s second summer interning with Capital Projects. His fresh perspective and eagerness to dive into the world of Capital Projects have been invaluable. Internships in the K-12 trades industry provide a unique and invaluable experience. They offer exposure to soft office skills and a comprehensive understanding of how various trades work together to support K -12 education. Public school construction projects are an excellent environment for learning and growth, highlighting the intricate coordination and collaboration required to build and maintain educational facilities. We are immensely proud of Ripken and Daniel and grateful for their contributions. Let us celebrate their efforts and the vital role internships play in shaping the future of the trades industry. Here is to a bright future for our interns and all those dedicated to learning and excellence in their fields! #NationalInternDay #FutureLeaders #TradesIndustry #PuyallupSD #FoundationsForOurFuture