Tacoma schools are receiving national recognition and large donations. Here’s why

Our schools have seen a flood of good news lately. With the year coming to an end soon, I recently took some time to reflect and absorb it all, and the collective weight began to settle in.

In a recent cover story in Newsweek, our staff members were recognized for the way they bring social and emotional learning to students. That work connects directly to our Whole Child mission of ensuring every student is safe, healthy, challenged, engaged and supported. The article notes that communities across the country are looking to Tacoma as a model for how to use social and emotional learning to help their own teenagers. This work doesn’t happen overnight. It takes all of us working relentlessly to support every student, every day.

On top of that, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott just announced a one-time donation that will have long-term, systemic community impacts and reach every one of our students in a meaningful way. We plan to use the funding to expand out-of-school supports for our students, like Beyond the Bell programming and Jobs 253 opportunities. Beyond the Bell is a large-scale community collaboration offering after-school programming at all of our elementary and middle schools. Through it, students have access to activities that include the arts, sports, science and environmental exploration. Last school year, Beyond the Bell worked with 51 partners to offer a staggering 1,120 programs.

Through Jobs 253, TPS trains students, helps with job placement and provides expanded engagement with financial literacy. Our students are making connections in the community, learning how to interact in a professional setting and contributing in meaningful ways.

Those successes don’t happen in a vacuum. Deliberate decisions, hard work and true commitment build on each other day after day, year after year.

And I know why these successes are possible: It’s you — our families, our staff, our partners, our elected leaders and our community. So, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the impact you all have made on our kids.

Our school staff puts in the time every day to build academic and social-emotional skills in our students. When students feel a sense of belonging and have room to explore their passions, academic achievement rises. You’re there always — just solid. Thank you, team.

Our families are so committed to Tacoma Public Schools, and it’s paying off. You ask insightful questions. You tell us what you need, and you participate. And your kids — our students — are knocking it out of the park. They’re graduating at record rates from our schools. They’re taking opportunities to coach their younger peers. This school year, 1,181 juniors took the PSAT exam, and 1,040 took the SAT. More than 40% of eligible students have earned an industry-recognized credential. There are 2,903 students in grades 8 through 12 currently taking advanced placement courses. These kids are working hard to create their own success. Thank you, families and students.

Our community partners never stop thinking about what’s next. Their creativity and flexibility in providing programs that truly support students are unmatched. Rainier Scholars, Palmer Scholars, College Success Foundation and other programs are increasing college access for students of color. Beyond Bell providers are carrying the load, providing top-notch after-school programs for our kids. The City of Tacoma is providing funding and opportunities for students to participate in Jobs 253. MultiCare is bringing another on-site healthcare clinic to us. They, and so many others, wrap their arms around our students every single day. Thank you, partners.

Our school board is relentless in its support of students, working to provide guidance and structure for those programs, like Beyond the Bell and Jobs 253. Board members have worked doggedly to lay a foundation of inclusion by developing a clear, strong anti-racism policy and strengthening our relationship with the Puyallup Tribe, for example. That work allows our schools to keep moving and helping students. Thank you, board members.

It’s not every day that districts receive national recognition like the ones noted above. And these shifts in school culture I’ve described don’t happen quickly or easily. We’ve been at it together for a long time, making small changes each year. Your work — and the results — are recognized and remarkable.

Thank you for what you bring to our students every day. You’re making great things happen for them. I truly appreciate you.

Josh Garcia serves the students, staff, and community as the superintendent of the Tacoma Public Schools.