Education Archives - Gig Harbor Now | A hyperlocal nonprofit newspaper in Gig Harbor

Victim’s attorney says ‘red flags’ should have pointed toward teacher charged with molestation

Apr 23, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

Peninsula School District Superintendent Krestin Bahr on Friday sent a letter to families responding to prosecutors charging Evergreen Elementary School teacher Jordan Roy Henderson with first-degree child molestation. In it, she reaffirmed the district’s commitment to safety and offered a link to resources for children and families. “I am committed to being an advocate for

Court documents: Several students were victims of or witnessed teacher’s actions

Apr 19, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

Pierce County prosecutors on Friday charged an Evergreen Elementary School teacher who was arrested Thursday on suspicion of sexually abusing students with nine counts of first-degree child molestation. The Peninsula School District placed Jordan Roy Henderson, 34, on administrative leave on Feb. 26 and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after a student reported

Deputies arrest Evergreen Elementary teacher previously placed on administrative leave

Apr 18, 2024 | By: Vince Dice

Pierce County Sheriff Office deputies arrested an Evergreen Elementary School teacher on suspicion of first-degree child molestation on April 18, according to a statement from the Peninsula School District. The teacher is in custody at the Pierce County Jail, the school district said. The district previously placed the teacher on administrative leave after learning about

Peninsula School District making administrative, athletic staffing changes

Apr 18, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

Peninsula School District recently announced staffing changes that will affect its administration and athletic department. The district is also adding back some of the classified and custodial positions cut last spring amid a $12 million budget reduction, according to a letter sent to staff in March. According to the letter, two assistant superintendent positions will

Students get off a bus at Gig Harbor High School.

Peninsula schools seek parents’ input on update of reading and writing curriculum

Apr 16, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

Peninsula School District is updating its English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum across all grade levels, and encouraging parents to complete a survey by April 22. One of the district’s primary goals is to have all students meeting state standards in reading and writing by the end of third grade. The most recent data posted on

In the Margins | Crew School provides a reality sea trial for commercial fishing wanabees

Apr 10, 2024 | By: Chris Phillips

During decades as a desk-jockey, I moved words and numbers around on various glowing screens. I often longed for work beyond the confines of the cubicle. You know — honest, hard work that allows for physical achievements, hand-made results, and liberal use of Advil. After weekends of amateur landscaping, crude carpentry, or bloody-knuckled attempts at

A bus drops off students at Gig Harbor High School

Peninsula School District data shows post-pandemic spike in bullying

Mar 21, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

Peninsula School District saw a spike in behavior classified as “harassment, intimidation and bullying” following the pandemic, according to data shared Tuesday with the school board. The report comes amid ongoing complaints from the public in recent months of a culture where bullying and discriminatory harassment go unchecked in Peninsula schools. Top district officials have

Sheriff’s Department investigating allegations against Evergreen Elementary teacher

Mar 15, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is investigating allegations of misconduct toward students by a teacher at Evergreen Elementary. The Peninsula School District placed the teacher on administrative leave. Superintendent Krestin Bahr informed district parents and students of the investigation Friday morning, March 15. “I am writing to share a very concerning situation within our school

Two Peninsula School District seniors earn prestigious scholarships

Mar 15, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

Alec Krishnadasan had no idea what was going on March 4, when his parents and high school counselor walked into class, bearing balloons. Surprise! The University of Washington picked Krishnadasan as one of only 17 students in Washington state named as Presidential Scholars. Krishnadasan, who is Peninsula High School’s ASB president, will receive $10,000 annually

Facilities advisory board forming to address building issues in Peninsula School District

Mar 14, 2024 | By: Christina T Henry

Peninsula School District is putting together a Long-range Facilities Advisory Board to address issues related to school buildings and district support facilities, like its transportation and maintenance building. Among other topics, the group will discuss a possible future bond or capital levy. No measure is on the horizon, according to district officials. The district hasn’t

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