TOL Weekly Newsletter
High School Students and Families
December 14, 2025
Upcoming Dates
- 12/22 - 1/2 - No School - Winter Break
- 1/29/26 - 11:59PM - Last day to submit schoolwork for Fall Semester
- 2/2/26 - First day of Spring Semester
All High School News
Administration building renovations, temporary locations starting in January
The historic Central Administration Building (CAB) is getting some much-needed improvements starting in January 2026.
During the CAB renovation, several Tacoma Public Schools departments will relocate to temporary sites. Beginning Jan. 5, departments will be available and open to the public at the former McKinley Elementary and the Professional Development Center (PDC).
School Board meetings will be held at the PDC for the near future.
- Former McKinley Elementary: 3702 E. McKinley Ave., Tacoma
- PDC: 6501 N. 23rd St., Tacoma
If you need assistance contacting a TPS department, please call 253-571-1000.
Paid Jobs 253 opportunities available for students
Tacoma Public Schools’ Jobs 253 has partnered with local organizations to offer paid internship opportunities. Learn more details and apply: https://bit.ly/Jobs253apply
Wellness Gathering - January 30th
Start second semester strong by spending part of your semester break learning about strategies to promote healthy habits and academic endurance. Join us at TCC on January 30th for a Wellness Gathering supported by College Spark Washington, Tacoma Community College, and Tacoma Public Schools. Please register ASAP to reserve your spot and a lunch. Registration is open to the first 150 students. Use the QR code on the Flyer below.
Oakland Secondary
Graduation Info for Oakland Seniors
We had a visit from our Josten's rep who shared the info on how to order your cap and gown package for graduation on Monday, June 8th at 6:30PM at Mt. Tahoma High School.
All students walking in the ceremony will need a cap and gown from Jostens, though you can also purchase additional materials like announcements, rings, gear and more. All that is required is the cap, gown, tassle, and stole package.
You can purchase the cap and gown required package directly here. The current price is $62 + shipping until January 31. The price does increase after this date.
If you have questions about this, please see Ms. Galston.
Tacoma Online
Graduation Info for Tacoma Online Seniors
We had a virtual Senior Night with our Josten's rep who shared the info on how to order your cap and gown package for graduation on Thursday, June 11th at 9:00AM at the Tacoma Dome.
All students walking in the ceremony will need a cap and gown from Jostens, though you can also purchase additional materials like announcements, rings, gear and more. All that is required is the cap, gown, tassle, and stole package.
You can purchase the cap and gown required package directly here. The current price is $62 + shipping until January 31. The price does increase after this date.
Tacoma Online Spirit Week - December 15th–19th!
Tacoma Online ASB here to remind you that Spirit Week is coming up this week! We invite all students and staff to join in and show their school spirit December 15th–19th. Meet us on Teams every day at 12:15 PM (ASB Spirit Week Assembly | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams) to show off your Spirit Week look and join in the spirit before we all head off for Winter Break! What class is going to win Color Wars this semester? Only you can help decide.
The themes for Spirit week are…
Monday: Dress Like Your Favorite Decade!
Tuesday: Music Day!
Wednesday: Dress Like an Animal and/or Bring Your Pet to online meetings Day!
Thursday: Character Day!
Friday: Color Wars!!!
TOL Student Job Opportunity
Walking School Bus Route Leader (Stafford Elementary)
Participation is limited to ages 16+.
Experience Overview:
Support elementary students in getting to and from school safely by serving as a Walking School Bus Route Leader for Stafford Elementary. In this role, you’ll be partnered with a trained and background school employee to guide students along a designated walking route, ensuring supervision, safety, and a positive, caring environment. This opportunity is perfect for students who enjoy working with younger kids, want to build leadership skills, and are committed to supporting their school community.
Responsibilities:
- Arrive on time for assigned shift to sign in, pick up supplies, and meet students.
- Safely escort students along the Walking School Bus route, rain or shine, while providing positive supervision.
- Ensure each student is dropped off or picked up by an approved family member or trusted adult at designated route stops.
- Return to school to drop off supplies and sign out after completing the route.
- Follow all safety procedures and remain attentive to student needs throughout the walk.
- Promptly report any concerns, unsafe behaviors, or unexpected issues.
Schedule:
Jobs 253 Session 2 (1 Dec – 30 Jan)
Morning Route (Before School) for TOL and Flex Students:
- Monday–Friday, 7:45–8:45 AM
- Eligibility: Morning shifts are open to Tacoma FLEX students and Tacoma Online (TOL) students only.
Physical/ADA Requirements:
- Ability to walk approximately one mile in varying weather conditions.
- Comfortable standing, walking, and carrying light supplies.
Skills Gained:
- Leadership and supervision of younger students
- Communication and relationship-building
- Time management, reliability, and responsibility
- Safety awareness and real-time problem-solving
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is responsible, reliable, and dedicated to student safety. They communicate clearly, show up on time, and maintain a positive, attentive presence while leading younger students. Candidates who enjoy supporting their community and can confidently follow safety guidelines will thrive in this role.
Students can apply for this experience and gain more information HERE.
Welcome New Students to Tacoma Online
Click the button below to learn more about:
- How to login to Edgenuity
- Keys to success at TOL
- How TOL's ALE laws are different than in-person schools
- How to monitor your student's progress
- Understanding weekly progress reports in your email
- The Edgneuity dashboard and course maps your student sees
TOL Gear Sale
Hats off to the TOL ASB students and advisors for putting together another TOL gear sale with a new vendor. This sale includes youth sizes for many products. Unlike other sales, this doesn't have an end date but you'll want to order soon and sport your gear at events throughout this school year.
Other Newsletters
TPS Nondiscrimination Statement
Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator:
Tiffany Davis-Brantley
253-571-1252, civilrights@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Section 504 Coordinator: Laura Tuman
253-571-1086, 504Coordinator@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Tacoma Public Schools Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1357 Tacoma, WA 98401-1357