Education

Gig Harbor Now staff are proud to provide coverage of Peninsula School District, Tacoma Community College, private schools and home schools, emphasizing the value and experiences of learning here and beyond.

Siblings Madison (left) and Mason Lukenbach walk into the new Artondale Elementary School on Nov. 22, 2021, the first day the building was open for classes.

Local student support group reaps large surprise donation

Feb 03, 2022 | By: Ed Friedrich

Communities in Schools Peninsula received $800,000 from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

A child getting. vaccine in his shoulder

Parents now have until Wednesday to weigh in on state’s school vaccine survey

Jan 31, 2022 | By: Christina T Henry

“I really encourage families to fill this out because this will be a public record and information that will go directly to the Board of Health.” — Peninsula schools Superintendent Krestin Bahr

Sawyer Jensen and Haley Kallenberger work on an assignment in Ms. Lily Page’s class at the newly constructed Artondale Elementary School building, on Nov. 22, 2021, the first day of classes in the new building.

Peninsula teachers survey: 51% have considered leaving this year

Jan 31, 2022 | By: Christina T Henry

Teachers’ union is seeking a grant to support teacher retention and staff well-being.

At mid-year mark, Peninsula schools’ new Navy cadet corps program is flourishing

Jan 26, 2022 | By: Christina T Henry

“I want our kids to leave this program and be able to survive and thrive in any environment, in any location.” Darrell Hood, Lt. Cmdr., USN (Ret), Director of Naval Science, NJROTC/NNDCC, Peninsula School District

Good For You: Gig Harbor grad stars in PLU opera; Students make the grades

Jan 24, 2022 | By: Gig Harbor Now Staff

Keast playing starring role in ‘Julius Caesar’ Arthur Keast, a 2018 Peninsula School District Student of Distinction in Music, will be performing the title role in Handel’s opera, “Julius Caesar,” on Jan. 27 and 29 at Pacific Lutheran University. Keast, the son of Paul and Rumi Keast of Gig Harbor, is a senior majoring in

Students get off a bus at Gig Harbor High School.

Peninsula schools plan to keep classrooms open if at all possible

Jan 14, 2022 | By: Christina T Henry

Superintendent pledges to keep classrooms open as district monitors staff absences due to COVID.

Old Artondale school comes down one giant bite at a time

Jan 03, 2022 | By: Christina T Henry

“I’m sad that the place where I made my memories is gone, but I’m excited that there’s a new place for other people to make those memories.” — Shannon Gillespie, former Artondale Elementary School student

Peninsula schools set to open Monday on schedule despite snow, COVID surge

Dec 31, 2021 | By: Christina T Henry

District transportation officials will evaluate road conditions over the weekend.

Peninsula students not flocking back to school as expected

Dec 18, 2021 | By: Christina T Henry

An enrollment shortfall could take a toll on Peninsula School District’s budget, but coronavirus recovery funds will help.

Sophia Sandquist gives a high five to Ollie the Otter on the first day of classes at the newly constructed Artondale Elementary School building, on Nov. 22,

Artondale is fourth new elementary building to open since January

Nov 23, 2021 | By: Christina T Henry

Upbeat music sounded from a speaker outside the new Artondale Elementary School on Monday. A steady stream of cars pulled up in front of the recently completed, two-story building. Staff opened the passenger doors for kids who emerged like rock stars. “Welcome to the first day at your new school!” they were greeted. Some of