Local

Six updates about the Peninsula School District, including its new drone team

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles highlight changes and developments within the Peninsula School District.

The high school football season previews for the Peninsula Seahawks and Gig Harbor Tides highlight coaching changes and their strategies for the teams. Meanwhile, the district launched a new student-led drone performance team after investing $750,000 in the program. This initiative aims for sustainability through paid performances and prepares students for careers in the industry. Additionally, the district plans to install a new turf field with lighting at Gig Harbor High School.

Gig Harbor lineman Peyton Howard (66) and his Tide teammates run through drills during preseason football practice at Gig Harbor High School in Gig Harbor, Washington, on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. By Tony Overman

NO. 1: NEW TURF FOOTBALL FIELD WITH LIGHTS COMING TO PIERCE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The district will also assess the dirt infield at both of its high school baseball fields. | Published June 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

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NO. 2: IS A BIBLE STUDIES PROGRAM THAT PULLS KIDS FROM SCHOOL COMING TO PIERCE COUNTY?

A Bible education nonprofit that plans to offer off-site programs to Peninsula School District students has sparked concern among parents who believe it contributes to an unhealthy learning environment and gives the impression that the district supports a specific religion. | Published August 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

Peninsula defensive lineman Royal Charles runs through plays during preseason football practice at Peninsula High School in Purdy, Washington, on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. By Tony Overman

NO. 3: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW: PENINSULA SEAHAWKS

The high school football season begins in early September and The News Tribune has been all over the South Sound, visiting local programs at practices before games begin. | Published August 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tyler Wicke

Gig Harbor quarterback Sawyer Hayes throws during a football practice at Gig Harbor High School on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW: GIG HARBOR TIDES

The high school football season begins in early September and The News Tribune has been all over the South Sound, visiting local programs at practices before games begin. | Published August 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tyler Wicke

Audience members watch a mountain range appear in the sky as students operate a drone light show from below at Gig Harbor High School’s upper turf fields Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Wash. By Julia Park

NO. 5: PIERCE CO. SCHOOL DISTRICT SPENT $750K ON DRONE PROGRAM. THE FIRST SHOW WAS A HIT

The stars appeared as the field lights went out. | Published September 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

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NO. 6: STUDENTS KEPT INDOORS AFTER COUGAR SPOTTED NEAR PIERCE COUNTY SCHOOLS TUESDAY

A cougar was spotted in the area of Kopachuck Middle School and Voyager Elementary, putting the schools on a modified lockdown, the Peninsula School District told parents in a ParentSquare alert Tuesday afternoon. | Published September 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.