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.

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

Apr 16, 2024 | By:

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

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

Apr 10, 2024 | By:

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

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Peninsula School District data shows post-pandemic spike in bullying

Mar 21, 2024 | By:

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

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Sheriff’s Department investigating allegations against Evergreen Elementary teacher

Mar 15, 2024 | By:

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

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Two Peninsula School District seniors earn prestigious scholarships

Mar 15, 2024 | By:

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

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

Mar 14, 2024 | By:

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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Two In Tow & On The Go | Summer Camp Guide

Mar 06, 2024 | By:

Here’s a roundup of local kid camps for summer fun in 2024. Know about one that isn’t on our list? Email information to [email protected]: AR Workshop Gig Harbor: Youth Art Camps Registration now open | Book online  AR Workshop Gig Harbor is a DIY crafting/painting/woodworking studio franchise offering classes for creating custom pieces and home

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Water quality testing triggers advisory to Kopachuck, Voyager families and staff

Mar 04, 2024 | By:

The Peninsula School District recently issued an advisory to parents and staff at Kopachuck Middle School and Voyager Elementary School following water testing conducted over the past year. Tests show levels of certain contaminants formed as a result of adding chlorine to the system. Those levels, on average, are above the level deemed acceptable by

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Growing chorus of voices decries racism, bullying in Peninsula schools

Feb 28, 2024 | By:

Over the past month, the Peninsula School Board has heard a stream of complaints about racism and bullying. The speakers and incidents they describe appear to be unrelated except for the theme: Discrimination against students who are different. On Jan. 30, a representative of Gig Harbor High School’s Black Student Union reported ongoing racial slurs

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International Relief Club at Peninsula High seeks to ease pain abroad

Feb 27, 2024 | By:

The new International Relief Club at Peninsula High aims to provide help for world problems that often don’t get much attention.

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