PENINSULA SCHOOL DISTRICT Compass

Morgan Yeisley Celeste Colvill Anna Pragnell Landree Tullis

Julia Klumker Joe Stephens Julian Baldwin Morgan Murphy

Meagan Chitta Cole Schauer Bergen Palmer Jack Grennan

Ashlyn Valdez Ross Tello Ethan Baker Kaleb Besst

Jonah Derrick Ian Nelson Ian Knapp Elizabeth Cude

Congratulations 2020 Graduates Capital Projects Updates Summer 2020 Celebrating Our Retirees 2019-2020: A Year to Forget, or a Year to Remember by Dr. Art Jarvis, Superintendent

Greetings to our I remind myself of this imprint as we plan for the return to community, our school this fall. Great effort is being invested to resume staff, and our school in-person. An entire second teaching/learning students. system is being created for families who choose not to return at this time. Our greatest challenge may be This school year responding to children and parents whose lives have been was certainly transformed by this pandemic. memorable, and for many, it was We expect that social-emotional learning will be essential a year of pain. I as we relearn how to do school with all of the safety look at it from a protocols required to keep students and staff safe. perspective of more than half a century Some suggest the pandemic may be with us for years, and in the school business, I suggest that the effect will be with us for a lifetime. As the and nothing in my memory Great Depression changed the world for my grandparents, compares to what we just so we move forward into a world in which school is forever experienced. Our staff struggled for different. I ask the community and parents to join in the last 40% of the year to find ways to connect with their partnership with our staff as they return to different work. students, but it was evident that we did not have the system It is too easy to get caught up in debates over required face to make up for the disconnects imposed upon our staff and coverings, and forget that our children lost something when students. Evidence of individual successes occasionally school closed on March 12, 2020. brightened our days. We videos of children lighting up with joy when they connected with their teacher. As cars I am hopeful our wonderful spirit will prevail as we design picked up lunches, we saw staff lining up just to wave at this next step for our schools. For a while, schools will students to let them know they were missed. limit outside visitors, but that does not prevent close relationships between staff and families. I ask you to assist Then there were the parents! Parents who stepped in to our staff this fall with all of the grace possible. We look be the bridge between teachers and children. Parents who back and treasure what we had, but we design for our new learned how to navigate Schoology and mastered internet world. time to provide schooling for multiple children; parents who worried about the lost social time and found creative ways My grandparents will always be the most favorite people to substitute for the world their children missed; and most who ever existed for me. No matter how the world of war of all, parents who lived the role of “primary teacher” and and economic depression influenced their lives, it created kept their children safe. Indeed, a memorable year for all of a special goodness in their hearts. May our children be us, but especially for our children. as blessed by our caring community as we live together through these very difficult and “memorable” years. To diverge for a moment, I watched the lives of my grandparents changed forever by the Great Depression and Thank you. World War II. Their lifestyle, habits, and economics were forged in the painful crucible they experienced. I cannot help but suspect we are seeing a similar imprint upon our school children and our families.

The Compass is produced by SCHOOL BOARD the Peninsula School District’s Communications Department President Director of Communications PENINSULA Deborah Krishnadasan • [email protected] Aimee Gordon

SCHOOL DISTRICT Communications Coordinator Brooke Finnigan Vice President Social Media & Web Content Specialist Compass David Olson • [email protected] Andrew Forhan Contract Writer SUPERINTENDENT Directors Shana Nash Lori Glover • [email protected] Student Editor Dr. Art Jarvis Maddy Hale Chuck West • [email protected] Photographer Natalie Wimberley • [email protected] Larry Steagall

2 Peninsula School District Compass Together We Prevail by Deborah Krishnadasan, Director and Board President On behalf of the Peninsula School District Board of friends. There were missed hugs, Directors, I would like to thank the entire community for high fives, and that last coming together to honor the Class of 2020 and providing opportunity to give an support to so many students and families during these encouraging look to a unprecedented times. graduating senior, an 8th grader heading This was a challenging end of the school year for everyone. to high school, or a The abrupt decision by the state to close schools was kindergartner finishing made even more difficult with the news that school their first year of buildings would remain closed for the rest of the school school. While it was year, and remote learning was thrust upon us all. As a challenging, we all parent navigating learning from home with three children, I made the best of the developed an even greater appreciation for our educators situation, especially our and support staff. seniors who lost so many well-earned rites of passage. The sudden closure also resulted in many missed moments. Students and teachers did not get to complete Our community willingly partnered to provide multiple the in-classroom learning that, until this time, we have celebrations for our graduates, including the first-ever taken for granted. Some students felt the loss of a safe graduate car parade at the Tacoma Narrows Airport and environment and some felt the loss of interactions with drive-through cap and gown pick up events at our high schools. The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation and Waterfront Alliance publicly displayed banners of our Students of Distinction, and the Key Peninsula News recognized each Key Peninsula senior in its publication. Also, virtual graduation ceremonies for GHHS, HBHS, and PHS were produced and can be viewed at psd401.net/graduation.

While these events will never replace what students should have experienced, many graduates and families walked away feeling honored and personally celebrated.

As we look forward, the board recognizes there will be challenges with the educational experience in the fall and beyond because of COVID-19. With six months of slowed or stalled educational progress, we must move forward to safely provide our students the education they deserve. The board applauds the district’s commitment and efforts to safely get all students back into our classrooms and provide robust remote learning for those families who choose to remain home for now. We will ensure that the reopening plans are well thought out, carefully designed, well communicated to our staff and families and followed in our schools, to keep our students and staff as safe as possible.

Just like we did this spring for our graduates, I am confident our community will continue to support our schools moving forward. The primary thing we can all do is help control the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please wear face protection, wash your hands, and watch your distance.

Thank you all for being a part of keeping our schools strong through your continued support, teamwork, and patience. Let’s roll up our sleeves and do this together. Our children’s TOP: Student board rep. Ashley Phillips, Principal Brian Tovey, and school futures depend on it. board directors BOTTOM: Board director Lori Glover hands a graduation sign to a senior Compass Peninsula School District 3 Peninsula High School Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Angelina Adams Trent Akulschin Brock Allen Gracie Halinen Ryen Hall Chloe Hammel Joshua Rasmussen Katia-Lynn Reasons A Zainab Alrangonee Julia Anderson H Claralynn Hammel Lauren Hammon Isaiah Hardy R River Rector Grace Reed Jillian Reese Whitney Anderson CJ Applebee Dusty Archer Isabelle Hartgrove Christopher Hartjoy Angel Reeves Emma Reinmuth Vivienne Reum Mathew Hasting Christian Haugaard Kristin Riach Chase Richards Jayden Baker Ryan Baker Julian Baldwin Evan Hayden Tyeler Heald Zion Heather Alexander Ridenour Mason Riebe B Emily Barker Sarah Barker Matthew Barry Deondre Hembd Kaia Hemley Jaelee Henneman Celeste Rivas Joanna Roberts Johnathan Beal Hannah Bebich Isaac Hermsen Alejandro Hernandez Lillian Roberts Ayden Robertson Madeline Bebich Preston Bebich Elizabeth Hertzog Rubi High Joseph Hilley Daniela Rodriguez Kaden Rodriguez Madalyn Beck Owen Behrens Daly Bentley Chloe Hitchcock Joshua Hodson Alexis Holden Alexander Rogers Hailey Roncevich Loren Berberich Grace Bernadelli Kaleb Besst Logan Holt Elisabeth Hood Kenneth Hooper Tiffany Rose Michelle Ross Peyton Bice Triston Bigelow Hannah Blake Brandon Hoover Tyler Hurd Wiley Hutchins Caleb Blonski Roman Bockhorn Mason Hyde Yazmin Saber Kyra Sabol Nicole Sala Robert Boman Peter Bosselmann S Milagros Salazar-Gutierrez Carissa Anne-Marie Botterud Kamalani Boyd Evan Janson Grayson Janson Lena Janson Erica Schaefer Cole Schauer Sydney Schicker Caden Brinkman Cade Bruneau J Emily Jenkins Gabrielle Jensen Emily Joanis Nikole Schobert Lauren Severn Julia Bruno Victoria Bryan Colby Bryant Grace Johnson Mathew Johnson Christopher Sexton Jazzy Shapiro Jayden Bunch Shelby Burns Zachary Burnside Matthew Johnson Kellie Judt Isaiah Juvik Mariah Sheek Amaya Sheets Daniel Shurr Noah Bush Oliver Silberman Stirling Sites Sarah Slawson Ania Kalahiki Caleb Kamke Jack Kearney Daniel Smith Kel Sonnen Ashley Sorenson Joseph Camarata Kayla Cameron K Emma Keith Henry Keppler Griffen Keuter Lixandro Sosa Diaz Kadynce Soucie C Giuseppe Campagnoli Andrew Campbell Christian Kim Benjamin King Kyna King Logan Spear Katelyn Spotten Curtis Staples Donavon Carter Jonah Carter Nolan Casey Peter King Julia Klumker Vanessa Stedman Slater Stevens Sarah Catterall Carson Cayton Zoe Chambers Daniel Koris Zachery Kosoff Forrest Stoican Jonah Storozyk Reid Sturn Holly Cheney John Cizin Carina Coalman Gabriel Krishnadasan Samuel Kronquist Morgan Sullivan Rachel Svinth Ellie Colberg Anna Cole Ace Cole-Wilson Natalie Kuhnau Madeline Kuhuski Olivia Collins Skye Collins Anthony Coraggio Julia Taylor Isabella Tefft Ross Tello Noelle Crawford Andrew Creta Frances Lake Megan Lantz Melissa Lantz T Madison Terry-Schmidt Hannah Thomas Jason Critchfield Reid Cruzan L Tyler Lee Mark Lemon Juliet Lent Sophia Lent Reagan Trim Taylor Tryall Taylor-Brooke Cuaresma Elizabeth Cude Shawn Leonard Hannah Lerman Madelyn Lewis Nature Cuevas Dilyn Libbey Kaleb Lichau Anastin Lindsay Ethan Uffens Jessika Urdahl Cole Lookingbill Estevan Lopez Sadie Lucero U D Emma Davis Tien Davis Antoinette Day Bethany Lund Cameron Lutz Allison Valdez Ashlyn Valdez Joe Van Evan Dayton Bailie Delgado V Trenton Vanden Bos Hailey Vogel Maryah Delgado Crase Jonah Derrick Benjamin Marshall Colby Marshall Silas Dobson Malina Dominguez Elyse Donley M Ashleigh Martin Gehrig Matison Daniel Matz Michael Dooley Renee Doss Ian Downen Jonna Waage Sean Walloch Max Walsh Jaala Mauk-Loftus Skylar McAnally W Tyler Walters Lauren Watson Gianni Watts Alexis Draeger Stefano Duboc Gage Dudley Allyn McCarty Jessica McGoff Aisha Duran Amber Dutton Chloe Duttry Zachary Wedel Chance Wellman Emmalee McKenzie Kara McKinney Akaysha White Liv Wilkins Mikaela Williams Cole McVay Gwendolyn Mitchell Blake Muggli Nicholas Williams Chelsey Williamson E Blaise Eakin Marissa Easton Jordan Eby Lucas Murray Evan Muterspaugh Richard Winslow Austin Wittman Kaytlin Edwards Robert Elliott Celia Emens Chase Wittmers Dylan Wollenzin Jude Endsley Zoe Erkers Adrian Escobar Ian Nelson Matthew Nesbit Keeva Nesbitt William Wright Ellie Wrigley Maverick Esser Daisy Ewell N Alexander Newberg Tai Nguyen Samantha Nichols Cannon Norton Morgan Yeisley Madison Young Isaiah Fahey Audrey Farley Jessica Farris Y Quenton Young F Tyler Ferguson Emily Fisher Aiden Fjermedal Kyle O’Brien Kellen O’Neill Jack Olinger Lauren Floor Landon Forsell O Cole Olive Z Anton Zahorik Robert Zusy Jaylene Gales Sarah Gee Jesse Gerth Taylor Pasquale Jasper Paulson Hunter Payne G Lily Gibbons Rowan Gilje Lauren Gilman P Isabel Pelayo-Andrade Riley Perkerewicz Maya Giss Reagan Glasco Benjamin Goins Jacob Petersen Taylor Petersen Luke Golden Dalia Gomez Lopez Simon Peterson Alexander Petrik Miguel Gomez Lopez Summer Gower Hannah Pierce Amelio Pina William Pinnell Ashleigh Green Maeve Griffin Mekan Piriyev Nickolaus Platz Christopher Grigsby Tristin Grondahl Brandon Grover Brittney Guilliot Edgar Gunther

Amaya Sheets, Zoe Erkers, Daniela Rodriguez

4 Peninsula School District Compass Peter King TOP LEFT: Jessika Urdahl, Julia Bruno, Vanessa Stedman, Lauren Floor, Nicole Sala, Graduation Car Parades Amber Dutton BOTTOM LEFT: Lena Janson PHS and GHHS celebrated graduating seniors CENTER MIDDLE: Caden Brinkman with a socially distanced Graduate Car Parade CENTER BOTTOM: Madison Young, Shelby Burns at the Tacoma Narrows Airport on June 13, TOP RIGHT: Family and friends watch the parade RIGHT UPPER MIDDLE: Ross Tello 2020. To view a video of the parades, go to RIGHT LOWER MIDDLE: Taylor Petersen, Bethany Lund psd401.net/graduation. LOWER RIGHT: Lixandro Sosa Diaz, Ethan Uffens Compass Peninsula School District 5 Gig Harbor High School Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Kaelin Acken Alexia Aest Simoli Aghara Isabelle Hall Samantha Hall Logan Hannah Bergen Palmer Caroline Park Drew Parrish A Andrew Aguilar Daniel Ahn Shea Allen H Meg Hanson Ben Harper Garrett Harr P Abby Paul Cade Paulson Dylan Paup Cole Anderson Mark Angeles Caden Arnold Natalya Hartley Brodie Hasslinger Samuel Peacock Abby Pearce Zachary Ash Cole Ashcraft Hunter Austin Georgie Havens Spencer Hawk Helen Pennington Peres Verratti Bryson Haworth Natalie Haworth Athena Peterson Samantha Pilch Ivan Pla John Babin Ethan Baker Maggie Baker Antonio Hayward Savannah Heath Jackson Plymale Alexandra Porter B Paul Barrientos Emma Beck Katie Beitinger Logan Hecker Hugh Hillyer Braxton Porter Dylan Posod Kristen Bentley Jack Benvenuto Nathan Berry Jackson Himmelstein Samuel Himmer Ryan Potter Joe Powers Anna Pragnell Garrett Bird Daniel Blanc Wolfe Blash- Catherine Hinson Max Hinz Emma Holland Caden Pratz Emy Price Colby Bleistein Michael Bodge Caden Bonham Max Hollett Maxwell Holley Ashley Holum Stevie Bono Claire Bosslemann Jacob Bowen Eleanor Home Sydney Hoover Molly Horton Isabella Rankin Kimberly Riach Annie Boyle Isabelle Boyle Joseph Boyle William Howeiler Anabella Hugo R Jackson Rigglesford Sarah Riggs Jaret Brewer TJ Brooks Aidan Brown Elizabeth Hulbert Mckenzie Hulbrock Benicio Rivas Brenden Rivera Kylah Robinson Jerusalem Brown Justin Burr April Hull Carter Rogers Megan Rogers Jessie Jaber Monique Jaber Jessica James Christian Ronning Ashleigh Roppolo Chloe Callow Jacob Carey Talia Carlson J Julia James Zac Jarraf Boone Jarvis Jack Rosenbloom Kira Rosenlind C Alek Carman Jessie Carter Gabriella Casello Michael Jeffers Erin Jeffries Devin Johnson Grace Rosing Emma Roundy Samuel Royster Caroline Cave Mikel Cepeda Katherine Jones Nathaniel Jones Ryan Judd Skyler Ruff Grant Ruth Everett Ruuska Andre Charbonneau Caroline Cipolla Ashley Ryan Abigail Clark Casey Clement Ryan Colburn Gabe Kaija Sofia Kasteler Natalie Kauppila Kaylee Costello Jordan Costin K Kaiwo Kawaai Leena Komenski Nicholas Saili Kaylyn Sanford Connor Schaefer Jonathon Cox Piper Cribbins Anna Cridlebaugh Sage Kregenow Joanna Kwiat S Kody Schindele Maddy Schwab Megan Scoma Skylar Croissant Robert Crossland Hannah Seabolt Elsie Shaw Ella Shine Kellan Curran Aidan Curry-Knudson Abby Landry Hannah Laney Maxwell Lang River Shipley Cameron Showalter L Laura Larzelere Luke Lash Ben Lazar Jonathan Showalter Madeline Simmons Aidan D’Card Jacob Davis Whittannie Davis Mckenna Lence Austin Libaire Grant Lilly Zane Skansi Bailey Snodgrass Alexis Solis D Ian Deaton Sophie Declements Ellison Linnabary Benjamin Loether Ella Spakes Austin Spikes Gaelan Steele Macy Delahoussaye Matthew Delcampo Jonathan Lopez-Sandoval Peter Losh Joseph Stephens Travis Stewart Axel Stordahl Luke Deschenes Cade Dessert Katelynn Diaz Laine Lovgren Eleanor Lovrak Tyra Stout Alexander Stredicke Vanessa Swift Cole Dimatteo Edie Dingee Graysen Doane Autumn Lowinger Miguel Lucas Jake Dolven Mac Donohue Georgia Dorsey Cameron Luckow Chris Tackett Raelene Taitague Corey Douglass Rane Dragovich Hope Dupuy T Malena Tarbet Diego Toctaquiza Aidan Toney Morgan Madden Maleija Mamea Carli Mann Aly Toppen Emma Toy Emiko Toyama Ahmad Elarab Carson Eliasen Luke Ellestad M Danny Manukia Trinity Marden Caleb Trejo Landree Tullis Juliana Tweet E Abigail Emery Jack Emery Allyson Marlowe Rylie Marvin Tony Mateo Cristian Mateo-Joaquin Lorin Maughan Jairo Urbina-Caceres Madilynn Urvina Oliver Farquhar Jonathan Feng Luke Finnigan Faith Mcclendon Matthew Mcclure U Emily Usach F Jessica Flateland Bailey Floyd Hannah Mccrossin Branden Mcginnis Jaimeson Folden Sophia Folz Abby Fossett Kimberlee Mckenney Paige Mcmahon Lily Frey Dayle Frisk Emylee Vandestreek Carsten Vandoren Ronan Mcmakin Connor Mcmichael V Katie Varga Spencer Varga Austyn Vasquez Jack Mcpherson Chase Mcreynolds Edward Gabriel Alexandria Garay Tate Mcreynolds Breck Meagher Lauren Meis G Hannah Walker Duncan Wallace Garrett Ward Kaylee Garrison Gracie Gaylord Kayla Merrill Teghan Miller Audrey Milner W Katie Ward Luke Ward Reid Wasankari Gibbons Lexi Gilliam Nalani Milner Sam Mohit Kathryn Montalvo Nathan Watkins Violet Welch Adelaide Werner Viktoriya Gladkikh Grace Gladstone Maddy Moore Sam Morvant Hailey Westfall Chloe White Gabriella Wider Brian Godfrey Hannah Goodell Andre Gorski Jessica Muniz-Ochoa Leah Munoz Owen Wild Devin Williams Audrey Willson Jackson Grade Amias Grant Alyssa Gray Evan Murphy Emily Muske Cyrus Myers Kobe Greenawalt Jack Grennan Makenna Winn Isaac Cole Workman Shelby Grimsley Quin Grogan Jordan Gross Matthew Wormley Jeffrey Wright Eric Guillot Kayla Neeley Laura Nelson Tyler Nelson N Gillian Nesbitt Jaden Norris Nate Novotny Z Fernando Zacarias Trevor Zeitner O Reis Ohayon

Garrett Ward

6 Peninsula School District Compass Helen Pennington TOP LEFT: Emma Roundy and friends Community Partners Show TOP RIGHT: Chase McReynolds, Tate McReynolds, Cole DiMatteo, Luke Deschenes, Paige McMahon Support for the Class of 2020 UPPER MIDDLE: Board directors cheer on graduates LOWER MIDDLE: Caroline Cave We are grateful to the many individuals and BOTTOM LEFT: Eric Guillot, Zane Skansi, Max Hinz organizations in our community who partnered with us MIDDLE RIGHT: Ivan Pla and Superintendent Jarvis to provide unique graduation experiences this spring CENTER BOTTOM: Matt McClure BOTTOM RIGHT: Family members help decorate vehicles for the Class of 2020: Tacoma Narrows Airport, Federal Aviation Administration, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, Pierce County Councilmember Derek Young, Pierce County Sheriff, Gig Harbor Cruisers, KGHP-FM, Lighthouse Christian School, Gig Harbor Fire Department, Lauren Oliver Photography, and Christy Ash Photography. Thank you! Compass Peninsula School District 7 Henderson Bay High School Graduates Congratulations 2020 Grads! Katie Bauman Ian Knapp Kameron Polk Meagan Chitta Zane Lantz Jose Reyes This year Henderson Bay seniors drove by their school Celeste Colvill Ollis Letellier Ashley Riffey to pick up caps and gowns as part of their graduation Hayden Cook Katie Moore Sierra Sacks celebration. Staff greeted and offered well-wishes to each Jocelyn Harding Morgan Murphy Natalie Schultz student. Congratulations, seniors! We can’t wait to see Sarah Joanis Justin Palmer Gabe Stockinger what you do in your next chapter!

Congratulations to Peninsula Internet Academy 2020 Graduates

The Peninsula Internet Academy (PIA) works collaboratively with our district’s high schools to provide online alternatives to traditional education for 9th-12th graders. 2020 graduates* are: TOP LEFT: Hayden Cook Emily Veles Jazmin Shapiro TOP CENTER: HBHS staff and family greet seniors Amber Bursch Hailey Roncevich TOP RIGHT: Katie Moore BOTTOM LEFT: Families cheer as their seniors drive by Devon Grimsley Leandra Evridge MIDDLE RIGHT: Natalie Schultz BOTTOM RIGHT: Family and staff support seniors *No pictures available

8 Peninsula School District Compass CTP and ET&T Graduates Congratulations to the Class of 2020! ET&T Graduates The Community Transition Program (CTP) and the Employment CTP Graduates Kaleb Besst Jonah Derrick Training & Transition Program (ET&T) support young adults David Begin Isabelle Hartgrove as they transition to life after high school while achieving the Tommy Hoffman-Perron Ian Nelson Bryce Johnson greatest degree of independence and quality of life. The programs Nikko Saili Shawn Lowinger focus on work skills, personal management, and Cole Schauer Kurt Smith community access. Austin Spikes Reigna Stout Travis Stewart Vanessa Swift

TOP LEFT: Tommy Hoffman-Perron TOP MIDDLE: Shawn Lowinger TOP RIGHT: Jonah Derrick CENTER LEFT: Bryce Johnson with staff Julie Elison UPPER MIDDLE: Cole Schauer LOWER MIDDLE: CTP students CENTER RIGHT: Kurt Smith and David Begin BOTTOM LEFT: Isabelle Hartgrove BOTTOM RIGHT: Reigna Stout

Compass Peninsula School District 9 2020 Students of Distinction Seven students receive highest honor of ‘Panelist Choice’

Thirty-three Peninsula School District students participated in the 18th Annual Students of Distinction (SOD) Program this spring. Panels of community judges virtually interviewed the students and then Grace Bernadelli, Science and Technology Everett Ruuska, Community Service decided on a ‘Panelist Choice’ for Achievement Panelist Choice Panelist Choice each of the seven categories.

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation’s Board of Directors and the SOD event committee created a video presentation, with the help of sponsors, that honored the students and their achievements. Watch the video on the Students of Distinction Facebook page at facebook.com/ studentsofdistinction.

Students of Distinction has honored over 560 PSD graduating seniors since 2003. Each February, outstanding high school seniors are nominated by teachers, peers, parents, or community members for this prestigious community award. Ryan Baker, Music, Arts, and Drama Maeve Griffin, Athletic Achievement Panelist Choice Panelist Choice Congratulations, students!

Maggie Baker, Academic Achievement Jairo Urbina-Caceres, Overcoming Adversity Jonna Waage, Career and Technical Excellence Panelist Choice Panelist Choice Panelist Choice

10 Peninsula School District Compass Moving Forward Together Planning to safely reopen schools on September 8 Peninsula School District staff have been hard at work include social since early May developing plans and health and safety distancing, doing protocols for the potential reopening of schools this health screenings fall. We thank the many students, staff and families who upon entry, wearing offered input during the planning process by completing face coverings, surveys and sharing personal feedback and experiences. following a strict and This information resulted in the development of our frequent cleaning preliminary plan to welcome all students back either in- and disinfecting person or remotely five days a week in September. This schedule, staggering plan is aligned with guidance provided by the Office of start times, and Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and Pierce reinforcing good County health officials. hygiene practices for Michelle Blake, Minter Creek everyone. Additional Elementary School We are keenly aware that with the evolving nature of protocols and the COVID-19 pandemic, we may be required to make information will be adjustments prior to the start of, and during, the school provided to families closer to September on how safety year. No matter the model for learning, our priority remains protocols will work in each school. the health and safety of our students and staff. We will keep you updated regarding the finalization of the Our schools will utilize a range of strategies that will help details related to our reopening plan at reduce health risks to students, staff, and families. These psd401.net/movingforward.

2020 Stay Strong PSD Virtual Art Exhibition Young artists share what it means to stay strong Peninsula School District invited all students to show what it means to Stay Strong PSD by providing an authentic way to share their learning, skills, and creativity through the 2020 Stay Strong PSD Virtual Art Exhibition.

Students could choose any medium for their artistic expression, including: video; music; poetry; painting; drawing; sculpture; gardening; short story; 3-D creation; photography; ; and food and baking.

Entries judged as outstanding have been featured on our social media platforms. The students’ artistic submissions are posted on the PSD website at psd401.net/staystrongart.

Outstanding Entries

Elementary School: Middle School: High School: Azalee C. Brooklyn F. Connor S. Laila H. Alina T. Logan M. Andrew P. Simon H. Shelby B. Emi H.S. Mira S. Derek N.

A special thank you to our panel of judges: Maureen Reilly Jessica Rogg Marla Morgan Alyse Yeaman TOP LEFT: Laila H. TOP RIGHT: Shelby B. BOTTOM: Simon H. Compass Peninsula School District 11 Summer 2020 Capital Projects Updates

Four elementary schools are under construction! Thank you to our community for supporting our schools Artondale Elementary Artondale Elementary construction kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 10, and the contractor is Lincoln Construction. Early activities at the site include installation of temporary fencing around the construction area, delivery of contractor’s trailers, removal of play equipment from the upper field, and stripping of the topsoil from the upper field to prepare for construction. When school starts in the fall, most of the contractor’s work will be separate on their side of the fencing, and school activities in the existing building will occur as planned. The new Artondale will open in the fall of 2021.

Pioneer Elementary Pioneer Elementary broke ground in January, and the contractor is Forma Construction. Recently, the ground floor slab and first interior walls of the addition have been installed. The interior walls at the existing building are nearly complete and ready for painting. Work to replace a portion of the roof of the existing building will be starting soon. Site work at the south end of the site, including staff parking and bus loading zones, is well underway. Curbs and sidewalks are nearing completion, and new asphalt will be installed in July. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Evergreen Elementary Construction on the new Evergreen Elementary kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 5, and the contractor is Absher Construction. The work this summer will begin with clearing and rough grading of the new school site, underground work at the existing site, construction of the additional water tank, and installation of the new grass playfield so that it is ready for use when the school opens in the fall of 2021.

Elementary School #9 Elementary School #9 construction kicked off in March, and the contractor is Neeley Construction. The site has been cleared of trees and soil has been moved to prepare for construction of the new building and other site improvements. Building foundations for the gym, commons and entry have started to take shape, and underground plumbing is underway. Site electrical work has begun, and storm and sanitary sewer work is beginning. The sidewalk in front of the site will remain closed throughout the project for safety reasons. This summer, we can expect to see foundation work continue and the vertical rise of the steel-framed building. 12 Peninsula School District Compass Q&A with David Brooks Elementary School #9’s planning principal shares his excitement about the new school What are you excited about for Elementary When will the new school School #9? be named? It’s so exciting to see the school site transforming. For This fall, our school our Gig Harbor North families, the school location will community will be able to offer a central hub for learning within walking distance for participate in helping to most of our students. Recent local growth has pushed our choose a name for our elementary schools over capacity. We are so grateful to our new school. After the PSD community for passing last year’s capital bond that naming process, we will made this local community school a reality for students in involve our students and our district. the community in selecting our school mascot and David Brooks, Planning Principal What is your vision for Elementary School #9? organizing the opening for the fall of 2021. With this new community school, we have an opportunity to create something amazing for all learners: a learner-centered environment that fosters growth, positive When will boundaries be drawn so students know relationships, community service, and a culture of learning who will attend the school? for all. Our challenge is to inspire each student’s passion We’ll have a clearer picture of the district’s elementary for learning, helping them grow, take ownership of their student numbers this September with our fall student learning and contribute as citizens making a difference in count. The opening of Elementary School #9, along our school, community, region, state, country, and world. with the new Artondale Elementary and new Evergreen Elementary, will add capacity and help reduce numbers across our elementary schools for the 2021-22 school year. All these factors will guide our boundary plans next school year and help reduce overcrowding at all our elementary schools.

Can you share a little bit about your background and family? Gig Harbor is the place my wife and I call home. We are both district educators and our two 20-something kids are beneficiaries of a Peninsula School District education. Prior to the role of planning principal, I served the CREW at Discovery Elementary.

I enjoy being active in the great outdoors: running, swimming, biking, paddle boarding, hiking, snowboarding or just working in the yard. With a background and avocation in Earth Sciences, you might find me studying wave action from a boogie board and hunting agates at the beach or heading off to an Ordovician outcrop hunting trilobites and brachiopods!

Compass Peninsula School District 13 Capital Projects Update: Kopachuck and Key Peninsula Middle Schools Our two oldest middle schools will be upgraded PSD is moving ahead with updates of Kopachuck and Key Peninsula middle schools. Overcrowding at the middle school level is our district’s next most pressing need now that four elementary schools are under construction.

Through cost-saving steps made by PSD, we will have sufficient funds to take on the two middle school projects without asking voters for additional funds. Additional state funding was made available for Elementary School #9 because of the district’s kindergarten enrollment increases, and the district will be saving money on the four elementary school projects because of the design and construction schedule.

PSD is currently gathering information and doing preliminary exploratory work at both KPMS and KMS, in order to start defining the scope of these two projects. We anticipate that building systems will be updated (roof, HVAC, water, electrical, etc.) and that middle school capacity issues will be addressed. We will work with TCF Architecture on these projects, and the modernized middle schools are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2022.

Ahoy! PSD Adds Navy Cadet Program Available to high school students throughout district

Peninsula High School has been approved by the Secretary of the Navy to provide the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) program. The program will be available to all high school students ages 14 and older throughout the district. Planning has begun, with the goal of starting the program in 2021.

The NNDCC program structure provides the same curriculum, training, and competition opportunities for students as the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) program. All NJROTC programs currently have waitlists, so Peninsula School District applied to host an NNDCC site in an effort to provide this important pathway option for students.

Peninsula was awarded a unit by the Navy after a rigorous evaluation process. School Board Director Natalie Wimberley has been a key member of the team that has worked to bring the NNDCC program to our district.

“I am absolutely thrilled to begin a Cadet Corps program here and am thankful for the team of staff and volunteers who worked together to this end over the past several years,” Wimberley said. “This inclusive program engages students of all abilities, defying racial, cultural, and socio-economic barriers. Our students will learn invaluable leadership skills, build confidence, and develop deep and meaningful friendships, while participating in activities A cadet receives instruction from his superior; NNDCC instructors are certified by the Naval that prioritize physical health, self-discipline, patriotism, and civic Science Training Command engagement.” 14 Peninsula School District Compass We Are PSD: Recognizing Our Retirees Congratulations to our retiring employees and thank you for your dedication in serving students, families, staff, and the community

TOP LEFT: Debbie Bennett, Office Assistant, ESC/HR Not Pictured: TOP CENTER LEFT: Karoline Colombini, Teacher, Artondale Victoria Betterbed, Teacher, GHHS TOP CENTER: Tom Ripley, Custodian, PHS William Blodgett, Bus Driver, Transportation TOP CENTER RIGHT: Doug Lyle, Teacher, Goodman Deborah Brueckner, Teacher, Purdy TOP RIGHT: Peter Jansen, Teacher, GHHS Leyla Estes, Bookkeeper, GHHS MIDDLE RIGHT: Donna Minshull, Counseling Secretary, PHS Cheryl Floyd, Office Manager, Artondale MIDDLE CENTER: Carla Swainston, Paraeducator, KPMS MIDDLE LEFT: Kathy Lyle, Teacher, Harbor Heights Beverly Hopper, SLP, Student Services BOTTOM LEFT: Debbie Rodgers, Payroll Supervisor, ESC/Payroll Kevin Johnson, Teacher, Harbor Ridge BOTTOM CENTER: Kathy Lyle, Teacher, Harbor Heights, and Patricia Johnson, Attendance Specialist, PHS Diane Pearson, Teacher, Harbor Heights Cheryl Mackay, Teacher, Artondale BOTTOM RIGHT: Doug Smith, Teacher, Vaughn Note: Retiree list as of July 13, 2020. Compass Peninsula School District 15 Peninsula School District 14015 62nd Ave NW Non-profit Org. Gig Harbor, WA 98332 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Learner Centered Tacoma, WA Future Focused www.psd401.net Permit No. 1501 253-530-1000 #WeArePSD ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER @psd401 facebook.com/psd401 @psd401

TOP LEFT: Gracie Jones, Goodman MS 8th grade graduate MIDDLE RIGHT: Evergreen Elementary students have fun with crazy hats TOP MIDDLE: Bus workers’ lunch route crew before their shift BOTTOM LEFT: Vaughn Elementary student plants flowers in egg cartons TOP RIGHT: Discovery Elementary teacher Cindy Greetham mails BOTTOM CENTER: Minter Creek Elementary students move up to postcards to her students middle school MIDDLE LEFT: Asst. Supt. Dan Gregory and Jocelyn Gregory at Roy BOTTOM RIGHT: PHS students Robert Boman (left) and Connor Boman Anderson Field for the ‘Lights on for Seniors’ event (right); Connor earned his varsity letter in community service MIDDLE CENTER: Harbor Heights Elementary students miss things in quarantine

The Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the District’s Title IX and Compliance Officer, Dan Gregory, at (253) 530-1009, email [email protected], or the Section 504 and ADA Coordinator, John Yellowlees, at (253) 530-1081, email [email protected]. Mailing address: 14015 62nd Ave. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332.