News and Events

At Tukwila School District, we are committed to fostering inclusive and empowering spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. This commitment was on full display during Showalter Middle School’s 2025 Week of Solidarity, an annual program designed to spark meaningful conversations, elevate student voices, and strengthen our shared commitment to equity and justice.

A Powerful Start: Assembly Highlights

The Week of Solidarity began with a dynamic assembly on Tuesday, January 21, where student and community leaders came together to share powerful messages of resilience and unity.

• Harper Castillo, a Showalter scholar, spoke about what solidarity means within our school community and how students can support one another.
• The Black Student Union from Foster High School delivered an inspiring message on advocacy and student leadership.
• Alice Fong, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Ethical Leadership, shared insights on ethical leadership and the role young people play in creating positive change.
• The Foster High School Choir gave a moving performance, reinforcing the theme of unity through music.

Extending the Conversation Beyond the Assembly

Following the assembly, Showalter educators facilitated classroom discussions across content areas to deepen students’ engagement with the themes of solidarity, history, and healing. One particularly impactful activity invited students to create one-pagers on what heals them, encouraging personal reflection on resilience and well-being. These reflections, along with curated slides and resources, provided ongoing opportunities for students to connect their learning to their lived experiences.

Commitment to Inclusion and Equity

The success of the Week of Solidarity was made possible through the dedication of Showalter’s educators, student leaders, and community partners. From careful planning of the assembly logistics to ensuring that discussions were meaningful and inclusive, every aspect of the week was designed with intention.

As we reflect on this powerful week, we reaffirm our commitment to creating schools where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to make a difference. Showalter’s Week of Solidarity was not just an event—it was a reminder of the ongoing work required to build a more just and inclusive community.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this week a success! Let’s continue to stand in solidarity, today and always.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has introduced the SUN Bucks Summer EBT Program to support families with school-age children. Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits on a dedicated SUN Bucks card. This initiative aims to ensure that students have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer months.

How to Access SUN Bucks:

• Eligibility and Enrollment: Families already enrolled in benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR will automatically enroll their school-age children in SUN Bucks if the program is available in their area. Additionally, children attending schools that offer the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may also be automatically enrolled if they meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals.
• Application Process: If not automatically enrolled, families can apply directly for SUN Bucks by meeting the necessary income limits and other requirements.
• Benefit Distribution: SUN Bucks will be issued from mid-June through the end of August 2024. Once qualified, families will receive an approval notice and a SUN Bucks EBT card within seven to 10 business days via U.S. Mail.
• Expiration: Benefits expire 122 days from issuance, so it's important to use SUN Bucks before they are removed.

For detailed information and additional questions about S-EBT benefits, families can visit the DSHS SUN Bucks webpage at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks or call the S-EBT Contact Center at (833) 543-3230 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday–Friday (except observed holidays). Schools are encouraged to share this information with families through communication channels such as social media, emails, and other outreach methods. By spreading the word, we can ensure that families and communities who qualify for the free lunch program are well-informed and can benefit from this vital support.

Together, let's ensure that our students have a healthy and nutritious summer!

We are delighted to share the resounding success of our recent Parent Education Series event, where families had the opportunity to explore the intricacies of navigating the Skyward Technology platform with expert guidance. This event was a testament to our commitment to supporting families in their educational journey and empowering them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

The Parent Education Series event was designed to provide families with comprehensive insights into the Skyward Technology platform, a vital tool for staying connected and engaged with their child's academic progress. From accessing grades and assignments to communicating with teachers, Skyward plays a crucial role in facilitating parent-school collaboration and enhancing student success.

At the heart of this event were our dedicated Community Liaisons, whose tireless efforts ensured a fantastic turnout and provided invaluable assistance to numerous families. Their passion for serving our community and commitment to fostering strong parent-school partnerships were evident throughout the event.

Through informative presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive Q&A sessions, families gained a deeper understanding of the Skyward platform's features and functionalities. They learned how to navigate the system with ease, leverage its resources effectively, and make the most of its capabilities to support their child's academic journey.

The event also served as a platform for families to connect with one another, share experiences, and build a supportive network within our school community. By coming together to learn and collaborate, families reaffirmed their commitment to their child's education and demonstrated the power of collective engagement.

As we reflect on the success of the Parent Education Series event, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Community Liaisons for their unwavering dedication and exemplary service. Their leadership and guidance were instrumental in making this event a meaningful and impactful experience for all involved.

Moving forward, we remain committed to providing ongoing support and resources to empower families in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of education technology. Together, we will continue to strengthen our partnership between home and school, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

In a stirring tribute to Black History Month, students from Showalter Middle School and Rainier Beach High School embarked on a poignant journey through the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM), accompanied by Seattle Seahawks player, Matt Gotel. This meaningful field trip not only celebrated the rich tapestry of African American heritage but also provided a profound opportunity for reflection, education, and cultural exchange.

The museum's exhibits offered a window into the diverse experiences and contributions of African Americans throughout history. In the words of the museum:

"In 'Freedom of Expression,' the Northwest African American Museum features a variety of rotating talented artists. This exhibit showcases the strength and range of visual artistic expression produced by artists of African descent residing in the Pacific Northwest."

"In 'Positive Frequencies,' artists delve deeper into the profound impact of music on our lives. Through these intricate mixed media pieces, they aim to capture the essence of different musical genres, representing the diverse array of emotions and experiences they evoke."

"Making a Way: The Jacob Lawrence and the Northwest Black Experience" offers a compelling journey through pivotal moments in Black history, as reflected in the classic work of Jacob Lawrence.

Accompanied by Matt Gotel, students engaged in meaningful dialogue and reflection, drawing inspiration from his personal journey and experiences.

As the field trip coincided with the start of Black History Month, it served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing quest for justice, equality, and inclusion. Through education, dialogue, and shared experiences, students were empowered to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.

As we continue to honor Black History Month beyond the month of February, let us reaffirm our commitment to celebrating the richness and diversity of African American culture. May this catalyze meaningful conversations, transformative learning experiences, and a renewed dedication to building a more equitable and inclusive society.

In the spirit of fostering unity and celebrating diversity, Showalter Middle School commenced the new year with a powerful event - the Week of Solidarity in January. This impactful celebration not only ignited inspiring visions for a just world but also seamlessly transitioned into a heartfelt observance of Black History Month.

Showalter Middle School recognizes the invaluable contributions of our students, who serve as architects of positive change. Their diverse perspectives weave a rich tapestry that defines the essence of our community. The Week of Solidarity stood as a poignant reminder of our steadfast commitment to nurturing inclusivity and acknowledging the strength inherent in our differences.

As we delve into Black History Month, we take a moment to pay homage to the past, acknowledging the remarkable contributions of Black leaders who paved the way for positive change. Our students, with their distinct visions and voices, embody the spirit of future leaders poised to shape a world marked by equality, understanding, and unity.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of solidarity at Showalter Middle School. As we honor Black History Month, let's collectively champion a future where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and positive change becomes our shared legacy.