Puyallup School District

10/26/2026

This week's Puyallup Praise shines a spotlight on two individuals who play an invaluable role for our district staff.

Leisha Turner (left) and Barb Schmitten (right) serve as Puyallup School District's Human Resources Staffing Managers. Nominated by Shani Watkins, PSD Director of Career and Technical Education, they are recognized for their dedication to accurate staffing information and the kindness they show when supporting colleagues.

Shani shares: “I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to both Barb and Leisha for the many extra hours they work to ensure we have accurate staffing information. They are always willing to answer questions and offer assistance, approaching every interaction with kindness and a helpful attitude.”

Thank you, Leisha and Barb, for the care and expertise you bring to serving our district. Come back next Sunday evening and see who receives our next round of Puyallup Praise.

10/24/2026

October 19-23 is National School Bus Safety Week, and this year's theme, "Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes," celebrates the incredible people who help students travel safely to and from school each day.

From the friendly faces greeting students each morning to the transportation teams working behind the scenes to keep buses running safely, these everyday heroes play an essential role in supporting our students, families, and schools.

School bus safety is also a community effort.
Families can help reinforce safe riding habits by reviewing our Bus Behavior Rules information with their children. Together, we can help make every bus ride a safe and positive experience!

To our Puyallup School District bus drivers and transportation team: THANK YOU! Your care, commitment, and dedication help our students arrive to school ready to learn and then return home safely each day.

10/22/2026

Episode 2 of "Out and About with Dr. Alfano" is here!

In this episode, our superintendent visits the Food Services Central Kitchen, prepares three popular menu items with the Food Services team, and then travels to Dessie F. Evans Elementary to help serve school lunch to students.

We thank Food Services and the Dessie F. Evans staff for helping our superintendent get "Out and About."

New episodes of “Out and About with Dr. Alfano” will be released on select Wednesday evenings during the school year.

10/21/2026

Election Day is November 3, just two weeks away!
Links and Information Below

Make sure you are ready to vote in the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Be Voter-Ready: Log in to VoteWa.gov and double-check your vote registration status, address, and contact information.

Youth ages 16 and 17 can pre-register to vote through Washington State’s 'Future Voter' program. While 'Future Voters' generally cannot vote until they turn 18, those who are 17 during a primary or presidential primary election can vote if they will turn 18 by the general election.

For all upcoming special, primary, and general elections, visit VoteWa.gov and make sure you are registered to vote.

Earlier this year, the United States Postal Service implemented procedures which mean election ballots are now postmarked when processed through post office facilities and not when deposited in any mailbox. Residents are encouraged to use drop boxes for the return of their mail-in ballots to ensure they are counted on time.

To find a drop box near you, visit:
https://www.piercecountywa.gov/334/Ballot-Drop-Boxes

Let your voice be heard on Election Day - November 3, 2026.

(Graphics courtesy of Pierce County Auditor's Office)

10/19/2026

We are back with our SECOND Puyallup Praise recognition of the day!

For this moment of Praise, we are celebrating Jack Widmann, Operations Manager, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts help keep things running efficiently across Puyallup School District.

Nominated by Amber Baker, a substitute in Operations and Maintenance, Jack is recognized for his willingness to go above and beyond for his colleagues and his commitment to making sure the department operates efficiently.

Amber writes, "Jack is always willing to go the extra mile for everyone he works with. Things flow smoothly in Operations because he makes so many things happen behind the scenes so that the only thing people notice is a department that runs well! I have appreciated being part of this team for the last two years and working with such a genuinely good person."

Thank you, Jack, for your dedication, leadership, and all the work you do behind the scenes to support our schools, staff, and students!

10/18/2026

Puyallup Praise returns with TWO recognitions today!

First, we're celebrating Lindsey Mothershead, Office Professional at Woodland Elementary, who is recognized for making work fun, keeping things running smoothly, and putting students and families at the heart of everything she does.

Nominated by Woodland Office Manager Carolyn Shaw, Lindsey is described as someone who brings positivity and exceptional customer service to her school community.

Carolyn shares, "Lindsey is a bright light and a shining example of customer service. She is always a breath of fresh air and great energy for everyone who she is in contact with. Woodland is lucky to have her!"

Thank you, Lindsey, for everything you do for the Woodland community!

Be sure to join us at 6 p.m. tonight as we celebrate another outstanding staff member in our Puyallup Praise recognition series!

10/17/2026

Students from across Puyallup School District put their math skills and physical fitness to the test during the annual Marge Salmon Math Relay at Sparks Stadium!

This longstanding district tradition brings elementary students together for a fun-filled event that combines math fact fluency with physical challenges. From running and jumping rope to solving multiplication and division problems, students work together, encourage their teammates, and demonstrate their skills both on and off the field.

The event is named in honor of Marge Salmon, a beloved longtime Puyallup School District educator whose dedication to teaching and learning continues to inspire generations of students.

A special thank you to the student volunteers and staff who help make this annual tradition possible!

10/17/2026

Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts Presents:
ZAP! A Day of Electric Discovery
Free for all families | Saturday, October 17, 2026 from Noon - 5 p.m.

309 - 4th Street NE
Puyallup, WA 98372

Calling all young inventors and future engineers! Join Karshner Museum for a hands-on afternoon of electrifying fun, where kids discover how the world gets its power and get to make some of their own.

Representatives from Puget Sound Energy will be on-site teaching kids about renewable energy sources. There will be a wind turbine station where you can watch moving air spring to life, lighting up a bulb and revealing the magic of wind power in action.

Ready to get creative? A circuit-building station lets kids experiment with batteries, generators, light bulbs, buzzers, and wires to design their own working circuits. Plus, attendees can look for surprising circuit-making tools, sourced from everyday objects!

This free, family-friendly event, presented in partnership with the Friends of the Karshner Museum, is perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Come explore, experiment, and energize your imagination — no science background required, just a love of discovery!

10/13/2026

The big event is almost here!

Picture Your Future is an informative and engaging event designed to help students and families navigate the next steps after high school.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Puyallup High School
105 - 7th St SW
Puyallup, WA 98371

Whether you are considering military service, entering the workforce, exploring trades and apprenticeships, or aiming for highly selective colleges, this event is for you. Join us to explore various pathways, financial aid opportunities, and strategies for maintaining mental wellness.

Click below for more information!

Explore careers, college, trades & more at Picture Your Future. Free workshops with dinner and expert panels for Puyallup School District families.

10/12/2026

Today, October 12, the Puyallup School District joins communities across the region in recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, honoring the histories, cultures, traditions, and enduring contributions of Native peoples.

Puyallup School District shares its name with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, known as spuyaləpabš/puyaləpabš ("people from the bend at the bottom of the river") in their ancestral language, Lushootseed. The Puyallup Tribe is a sovereign nation whose people have lived on and stewarded these lands since time immemorial.

Our connection to Indigenous communities is also reflected in our Puyallup School District Native American Education Program, established in 1973. Today, the program serves approximately 950 students across all 34 schools, representing 65 Native American tribes, bands, and groups. Through academic support and cultural learning opportunities, the program helps students connect their education with their cultural identities.

As we recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day, we celebrate the contributions of Indigenous peoples and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Native students, families, and communities.

Learn more about our Native American Education Program and resources: https://www.puyallupsd.org/academic-programs/native-american