From the Principal’s Desk – February 2026
Dear Tambark Creek Families,
I hope everyone is doing well as we move into the second semester of the school year. Our students are off to a strong start and are currently completing their i-Ready Winter Diagnostic assessments. These assessments provide us with valuable information about student growth and help guide our instructional focus moving forward.
At the same time, our instructional coaches are busy kicking off Round 2 of Extended Day Learning. If your child receives an invitation to participate, it is important that they attend regularly. This targeted support plays a key role in helping students meet grade-level standards and continue making academic progress.
Throughout the year, our TCE community comes together to support fundraising efforts that help create meaningful opportunities for students across our district. One of those opportunities this year is the Everett Public Schools Foundation’s Big Give Showdown, an event that brings schools together to support programs that enrich learning and inspire innovation for students throughout Everett Public Schools.
For this event, each participating school selected its own raffle basket theme. TCE’s basket will celebrate the season ahead with “Ready, Set, Summer!” — a cheerful summer tote filled with practical and fun items families can enjoy once school is out.
Families who would like to be part of this effort are invited to contribute one item from our Amazon wish list. The list was created to make participation simple and to ensure all donations fit the theme and work well together.
To participate:
Purchase one item from the Amazon wish list
Drop the item off at the main office once it arrives
Please include your family name with the donation so we can keep track of contributions
All donated items will be combined into a single basket that represents the generosity of our TCE community and will be featured at the district event later this spring.
This year’s Big Give Showdown event will take place at Jackson High School on March 31 from 6:00–8:00 PM. More information about the event will be shared with families in the near future.
Team sponsors in the EPS Foundation Big Give Showdown are investing directly in the success of more than 20,000 students in Everett Public Schools by supporting the EPS Foundation. Since 1985, the Foundation has delivered $8.4 million in programs that enrich learning, inspire innovation, and create opportunities for every student. This year alone, $600,000 is budgeted to make an even bigger impact.
The donation deadline is February 24.
Thank you for continuing to support our school and for the many ways you help strengthen our community throughout the year.
Family Travel During the School Year
We understand that family travel sometimes requires students to be away from school for extended periods. While we appreciate the value of family experiences, it’s important to recognize that students may miss critical instructional time during their absence. We strongly encourage families to plan travel during scheduled school breaks whenever possible.
To help support your child’s learning while traveling, we are happy to share the following suggestions:
Reading
Encourage your child to read daily. This can include books, articles, or educational websites. Talking with your child about what they read helps build comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Math
Incorporate math into everyday activities such as cooking (measuring ingredients), budgeting for the trip, or playing math-based games. You may also refer to the grade-level Common Core Standards on the OSPI website to see what skills are being taught.
Writing
Have your child keep a travel journal or write stories about their experiences. This supports writing fluency, creativity, and self-expression.
Science & Social Studies
Watching age-appropriate educational videos or documentaries, visiting historical sites, or exploring natural landmarks can spark meaningful learning and discussion.
Daily Routine
Maintaining a simple daily routine that includes time for academic activities along with free time can help your child transition back to school more smoothly.
Please Note
Teachers are not required to provide materials, lessons, or classroom work for students who miss school due to travel during the 180-day academic year. While we strive to support families, our teachers must focus on in-class instruction and planning for students who are present.
If you would like to stay aligned with classroom learning, we recommend reviewing the Common Core Standards for your child’s grade level on the OSPI website, which outlines the skills and concepts taught throughout the year.
Thank you for your understanding and continued partnership in your child’s education.
PTSA Updates & Call for Volunteers
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our PTSA Board for all the work they do to support our school community. At the same time, we are experiencing challenges in securing parent volunteers for after-school and evening events. While families often request enrichment opportunities and community events, these experiences are only possible with volunteer support. Without volunteers, we will not be able to continue offering these events.
Looking ahead, the PTSA will also be seeking a new PTSA President for the 2026–27 school year. This role may be shared between two individuals as co-presidents.
We strongly encourage families to attend the upcoming PTSA Membership Meeting:
Thursday, February 5th at 7:00 PM
Your involvement makes a difference, and we truly appreciate your support of our school community.
Warmly,
Mrs. O'Connor-Weaver
