News and Events
For years, Tukwila School District has partnered with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing new winter coats to children in need. This work reflects our shared mission to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Led by Quality Engagement Specialist Julie Herdt, in partnership with elementary school social workers and community liaisons, the districtwide effort expanded this year to reach every elementary school scholar in Tukwila.
The winter coat events began at Tukwila Elementary, followed by Thorndyke Elementary, then Cascade View, and included Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), ensuring that all elementary scholars received a brand-new winter coat this season. Thanks to sponsors like FedEx, which supported Tukwila Elementary, and Nordstrom, which sponsored Thorndyke Elementary, this collective effort brought warmth and dignity to scholars across the district.
The work continued with support for middle and high school scholars. On December 18, Cascade View distributed coats and shoes to every scholar, with additional items sent to Showalter Middle School and Foster High School, demonstrating the power of care, coordination, and community collaboration.
Alongside these efforts, Early Learning Family Support Specialist Dawn Sharp worked tirelessly to support ECEAP families facing food insecurity and limited access to resources. Through grants from the Exchange Club of Highline and the Tukwila Children’s Foundation, Dawn helped provide winter coats, food, and gift cards to families—ensuring that our youngest learners and their families had the support they needed this winter.
This season has shown the impact of partnership, dedication, and compassion. Every coat, every pair of shoes, and every meal card represents more than a resource—it represents belonging, dignity, and a message that our scholars and families matter. We are deeply grateful to our staff, partners, donors, and community members who make this work possible, wrapping Tukwila’s youngest learners in care.
In October, we had the privilege of hosting a vibrant and deeply meaningful Somali Family Night, a gathering that brought scholars, families, and staff together to strengthen partnerships and share valuable information to support scholar success. The evening was organized by our longtime Somali Community Liaison, Safia Mohamed, and Maryan Abdow, McKinney-Vento Specialist, whose leadership and commitment to our families made this event truly exceptional.
We were honored to welcome Somali principal of Tukwila Elementary School, Hani Nur, who spoke powerfully about the importance of strong attendance and being actively engaged in children’s learning. Her message underscored a shared belief across our schools: when families, educators, and scholars work together, everyone thrives.
The event also featured several staff and community partners who provided key resources and guidance:
- School Leaders from Tukwila Elementary, Showalter Middle School, and Foster High School
- Foster High School counselors shared insights on staying on track for graduation and the supports available to ensure every scholar reaches that milestone.
- Security staff discussed scholar safety, reinforcing our collective responsibility to create safe and welcoming learning environments.
- Foster High School Behavioral Health Specialist provided information about mental health supports, highlighting the district’s commitment to whole-child well-being.
- A TRIO specialist from Highline College introduced families to the Tukwila Promise Program and postsecondary opportunities through Highline College, opening doors to future pathways and possibilities.
Alongside rich conversation and shared learning, families enjoyed a delicious meal and time to connect with one another—building relationships that strengthen our entire district community.
The event was a resounding success, leaving families informed, engaged, and empowered. We look forward to continuing this work and creating more opportunities for connection across our diverse and vibrant district.
Each November, American Education Week gives us the chance to step back and celebrate the people, partnerships, and shared values that make public education the heart of our community. In Tukwila School District, we know that our schools are more than buildings—they are hubs of connection, opportunity, and belonging for children and families from all over the world.
This year, we invited our community to reflect on two simple but powerful questions:
Why do you believe in public education?
What does public education mean to you and your family?
Their words were heartfelt, honest, and deeply rooted in the values that guide our work every day.
“They don’t deny any child an education.” – TSD Family Member
Translated from Spanish
“For me, public schools are a huge asset to our children because they don't deny any child an education, and they provide a lot of support when a child is struggling to learn something. They give priority to children who truly want to learn and put in the effort. For me, they are the best. Thank you so much for the opportunities you give my children.”
This reflection reminds us that access is at the core of public education—every child is welcomed, supported, and given the chance to grow.
“One of the strongest ways to uplift and maintain the kind of community we want.” – TSD Staff Member
“I believe in public education because I think it is one of the clearest and strongest ways to create, uplift, and maintain the kind of community and society we want today.”
Our educators know firsthand that schools shape not only scholars, but the future of our neighborhoods and our shared civic life.
“Public education benefits scholars, families, and communities.” – TSD Family Member
“Public Education provides variety of benefits for scholars, families and communities as well. These include early learning programs and financial aid systems for higher education.”
From preschool to graduation and beyond, public education creates pathways for learners and families—opening doors that lead to opportunity.
“Schools are the backbone of communities.” – TSD Staff Member
“Public schools are the backbones of communities. They connect people to resources, people, and systems of support. Schools are not just for learning, they are the sole reason we survive and thrive. Coming from a Title 1 background, I am honored to now teach in a similar community like the one I grew up in. Community care is self-care.”
These words capture what makes Tukwila so special: schools are places where community happens, where care is mutual, and where scholars see themselves reflected in the educators who serve them.
A Shared Commitment
Public education is a promise—one upheld daily by dedicated staff, involved families, caring neighbors, and resilient scholars. During American Education Week, we celebrate:
- Our educators, who nurture every learner
- Our support professionals, who keep schools running
- Our families, who partner with us
- Our scholars, who inspire us
- And our community, who believes in the mission of public education
Thank you to everyone who shared their reflections with us. Your words reaffirm why we do what we do and why public education remains a cornerstone of equity, opportunity, and community in Tukwila.
Together, we continue moving forward—lifting one another, learning together, and creating schools where every child can thrive.
Last Month, Showalter Middle School had the incredible opportunity to host a special event focused on mental health and wellness, thanks to a partnership between Everfi and the Seattle Seahawks.
Organized by Health Teacher Sandra Goins, the event gave a select group of 8th-grade scholars the chance to participate in hands-on activities designed to promote mindfulness and emotional well-being. Scholars learned practical breathing exercises and stress management techniques led by Breathwork Facilitator Hailey Williams. They also heard inspiring words from former Seahawks player Ray Roberts, who spoke about the importance of taking care of both mind and body.
Adding to the excitement, Seahawks cheerleaders Jaedin and Macy joined the event to encourage scholars and share positive messages about teamwork, confidence, and self-care. Representatives Stephanie James (Everfi) and Emily Nabors (Seahawks) were also in attendance, highlighting the shared commitment to supporting youth mental health in our community.
A special thank-you goes to Sara Arevalo-Rivas, Showalter’s Attendance Secretary, for capturing and editing wonderful photos and videos from the event.
We are grateful to Ms. Goins, our partners at Everfi, and the Seattle Seahawks for making this experience possible and helping our scholars build tools for lifelong well-being.
As National Principals Month comes to a close, we take a moment to celebrate and honor the heart of our schools — our principals. Every day, they lead with purpose, compassion, and unwavering belief in the brilliance of our scholars and staff. Their leadership goes far beyond managing a building; they create spaces where every scholar feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
This month, we asked our principals to share the quotes that inspire and guide them in their work. Their choices reflect the deep humanity, courage, and hope they bring to their roles:
Dr. Tenesha Fremstad, Cascade View Elementary
“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” — Kid President
Dr. Fremstad embodies this message daily, ensuring every scholar and staff member feels valued and capable of greatness.
Michael Croyle, Thorndyke Elementary
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Principal Croyle leads with empathy and kindness, cultivating a school culture rooted in care and connection.
Hani Nur, Tukwila Elementary
“To soar toward what's possible, you must leave behind what's comfortable.” — Cicely Tyson
Principal Nur inspires courage and growth — reminding scholars and staff alike that real learning begins when we step beyond what we already know.
Sue Rieger, Showalter Middle School
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Principal Rieger leads with compassion and conviction, shaping a school environment where relationships come first.
LaTanya Parker, Foster High School
“These are all our children. We will either profit by, or pay for, whatever they become.” — James Baldwin
Principal Parker’s leadership reflects her fierce advocacy for every scholar’s success and her deep belief in the power of collective responsibility.
Together, our principals represent the very best of Tukwila — visionary leaders who see potential in every child, nurture hope in every classroom, and build bridges across our diverse community.
To our principals: thank you for your passion, your resilience, and your relentless dedication to the scholars and families of Tukwila School District. You are the anchors of our mission and the champions of our future.
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