Dear Peninsula School District Families and Staff,
As we move into May, our students continue to excel in many areas, from culinary showcases to national recognitions to academic competitions, while our staff create environments that nurture student growth and success.
Honoring Teachers the Week of May 4 to 8
As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4 to 8, we want to take time to recognize our amazing educators. Teachers are the heart of our classrooms, dedicating themselves not only to teaching but to mentoring and encouraging our students every single day. These devoted professionals are the true foundation of public education.
When I think about the impact of a great educator, I reflect on my own favorite teacher, Mrs. Kitchen, when I was in 5th grade in Benbrook, Texas. For a military child like me, her classroom was inviting, and I had the opportunity to make friends and learn life lessons. Teachers like Mrs. Kitchen have a profound and lasting impact on children. Please join me in extending your gratitude to each and every one of our teachers, and send a thank you at psd401.net/teacherappreciation.
Strategic Plan Update and Upcoming Focus Group
First, thank you to the parents, staff, and community members who participated in our Strategic Plan survey, which received more than 500 responses. Coupled with insights gathered during in-person sessions with stakeholders, including parent groups, community groups, and an excellent April meeting where the Superintendent's Student Advisory panel provided valuable feedback, this robust data has given us a clear picture of our shared priorities.
District leadership and the school board are now using these insights to draft the revised strategic framework. Please join high school students and district staff to review our first draft of the Strategic Plan on Thursday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Peninsula High School. Community members are also welcome to attend. Please RSVP here by May 6. This will be a great chance to look at the draft framework, reflect on where the district is now, and discuss goals for the next four years.
Tidehawk NJROTC Named Most Outstanding Unit
We are incredibly proud to share that our TideHawk Company NJROTC has been named the NJROTC Area 23 Most Outstanding Unit, the highest honor awarded across the region! Adding to this amazing achievement, the TideHawks also earned the designation as a Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors for the third consecutive year, placing our program among the top NJROTC units in the entire nation.
This well-deserved recognition reflects so much more than competitive success, and highlights our students' dedication to building a culture of excellence, accountability, and strong character. This honor also reinforces our district's deep commitment to supporting our military-connected students, which was recently highlighted by earning the Purple Star Award for two consecutive years. We are so proud of the TideHawk Company for delivering an absolutely exceptional year across academics, athletics, leadership, and STEM competitions.
Junior Culinary Star Event Winners
The annual Junior Culinary Star event theme was “Your Favorite Salad,” and 48 students entered their recipe ideas. Lunden J. from Purdy Elementary was the winner with her own recipe, Fun Egg Salad. Lunden created the recipe using quail eggs, and the judges were wowed by her creativity.
The top ten students from across PSD were Kaylee G. from Vaughn with Taco Salad, Amelia B. from Voyager with Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Arya B. from Discovery with Cabbage and Pomegranate Salad, Ella A. from Minter Creek with Greek Salad, Olive B. from Evergreen with Fruit Salad, Aliyah M. from Artondale with Greek Goodness, Mckenna C. from Harbor Heights with Cucumber Salad, Lev S. from Pioneer with Spring Roll Salad, and Tobias E. from Swift Water with Miso Maple Crunch. Congratulations to all our star chefs!
Celebrating Our District’s Environmental Efforts
As our schools took time to honor Earth Day, we continue working on the district’s ongoing environmental initiatives. At Gig Harbor High School and Peninsula High School, we launched a lunchtime composting program last year, which will be expanding to all middle schools and elementary schools by this fall. From our numerous Green Ribbon and Green Leader Schools to outdoor Transition to Kindergarten, we are continually embracing environmental education and sustainability practices that will benefit our community for generations.
Mark your calendars for graduations: Henderson Bay High School is June 18, and Peninsula High School and Gig Harbor High School are June 20. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.
Students experienced hands-on activities, including Lego robotics, flight simulators, drone challenges, cardboard construction, a life size R2D2, baby goats, a tractor, and so much more. Thank you to community partners and volunteers for helping make the event incredible!
Drone Performance Team Celebrated New Fields
The Peninsula School District Performance Drone Team lit up the sky with a drone show, in honor of the new Gig Harbor Sports Fields at the YMCA. It was an amazing evening celebrating together!
TideHawks Named Brain Brawl Champions
Congratulations to our Tidehawk Brain Brawl Team for earning the title of Area 23 Champions. Cadets Ryan A., Enrico S., Hunter L., John M. and Charlie R. earned the opportunity to compete on May 2 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, for a national championship. This is a significant achievement and a testament to the caliber of students within our program.
Reminder: Kindergarten Registration is Open
Registration is now open for the Peninsula School District Class of 2039! To enroll your child for kindergarten this fall, they must turn 5 by August 31, 2026. Register at psd401.net/kindergarten, and sign up early to take advantage of our fun spring and summer transition events. You won't want to miss them!
Early Learning Interest Form Now Open
Did you know that PSD offers a range of early childhood programs to meet the needs of our youngest learners? We offer part-day and full-day options from Monday through Thursday, and full-day programs from Monday to Friday.
Our district’s mission is to provide high-quality early childhood education to foster growth and development in our youngest students. Starting this fall, the levy funded Transition to Kindergarten program is expanding, so spots will be available at every elementary school.
Each program has specific enrollment requirements. To make enrollment easier for all families, parents can submit an “interest survey” to connect with the program that best fits their child’s needs. All programs are tuition-free for in-district residents. Click here to fill out the 2026-27 Interest Survey.
Join us for the Youth Mental Health Town Hall
Join Peninsula School District, local leaders, health professionals, and community partners for an important conversation about support for local youth and families. The Youth Mental Health Town Hall is a special event for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members who care about the mental well-being of our kids.
During the town hall, a panel of local experts will share a discussion on crisis response, prevention, and early support for youth struggling with their mental health. Guests will learn about available resources and will have a chance to engage in the conversation.
The Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. If you have questions or complaints regarding alleged discrimination, please call the Peninsula School District Educational Service Center at (253) 530-1000 or visit our office located at 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332, and ask for one of the following coordinators: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, compliance@psd401.net; Title IX Compliance Coordinator, titleix@psd401.net; 504 Compliance Coordinator, 504@psd401.net; ADA Compliance Coordinator, ada@psd401.net.
