Silas High School—Principal’s Weekly Message—April 26, 2026—Welcome Back, Rams!

Silas Core Beliefs

Every student can learn and grow at high levels.

Every student brings valuable prior knowledge to school.

Every student shall have a trusted adult at school with whom they connect.

Every student shall have access to guaranteed and viable curriculum.

Every student shall leave Silas High School prepared for post-secondary options.

The April Equity Theme centers around: Discomfort

Lean in to discomfort for growth.

Important Dates

• Tuesday, April 28—School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• Wednesday, April 29—Late start—CCDEI training
• May—SEE TESTING NFORMATION BELOW UNDER SPRING TESTING.
• Friday, May 1—PLANT SALE—3:00-5:00 pm in the greenhouse 
• Friday, May 1—High School and Beyond Plans Due for seniors
• Friday, May 1—Nutrition Services Appreciation Day and School Principal Day
• Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3—PLANT SALE—10:00-2:00 pm in the greenhouse ADDED
• Monday-Friday, May 4-8—Teacher Appreciation Week and AP exams begin
• Tuesday, May 5—Testing Coordinator Day
• Wednesday, May 6—School Nurse Day
• Wednesday, May 6—Late start—Building PD
• Friday, May 8—PLANT SALE—3:00-5:00 pm in the greenhouse ADDED
• Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10—PLANT SALE—10:00-2:00 pm in the greenhouse ADDED
• Tuesday, May 12—Senior Honor Cord Ceremony—6:00-8:00 pm in the auditorium
• Wednesday, May 13—Late start—building specific PLC
• Monday, May 18—SLP Appreciation Day
• Tuesday-Thursday, May 19-21—WCAS Testing
• Wednesday, May 20—Late start—individual classroom time
• Thursday, May 21—PDLT after school in room 222
• Friday-Monday, May 22-26—Memorial Day Weekend—Friday is a snow make up day, if needed.

High School Credit Retrieval Summer School

Dates: June 22 – July 14, 2026

Days: Monday – Thursday

Times: Vary by school

Format: Online only through Edgenuity

Registration: Students will register through their counselor

9th Grade Jump Start

Date: August 25, 2026 
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Meals: Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - Lunch 12:15 p.m.

Transportation: Will be provided from the school’s middle school feeder locations. Route times will be posted in July 2026.

TPS Night at the Rainiers is May 27

TPS and the Rainiers are once again teaming up for a night at the ballpark, Wednesday, May 27. Thanks to a partnership with Tacoma Parks Foundation, a portion of each ticket sold will support access to Beyond the Bell and Club B programs. Get tickets: Tacoma Public Schools Night

Learn about advanced programs offered in our schools

TPS families and students are invited to attend an event to learn more about the advanced programs and pathways offered in Tacoma Public Schools, including International Baccalaureate, highly capable and AVID as a support for college and career readiness. All families are invited to join the event: 

• When: Wednesday, May 6, from 4:15-5:45 p.m.
• Where: Giaudrone Middle School, 4902 S. Alaska St., Tacoma

Register here: Advanced Programs Community Information Night

Spring Testing

What:

• Smarter Balanced Assessments for English and Math
• Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science
• AP African American
• AP Psychology

Why:

• SBA is a pathway for graduation that a lot of students pass and use to meet the requirement
• WCAS is a state mandated test for 11^th graders
• AP test is for an opportunity for college credit

When: 

• SBA is Monday, May 4^th - Friday, May 8^th periods 1-3 and 5-6 every day.  We will be on regular bell schedule.
• WCAS is May 19^th – May 21^st through science classes.
• AP tests are May 7^th and May 12^th

Where: 

• SBA is in the auditorium
• WCAS in science classes and career center
• AP tests in the library

Who:

• SBA is for 10^th graders
• WCAS is for 11^th graders
• AP tests are for those in those classes

SBA Testing Specifics

Smarter Balanced Assessment for English and Math for Sophomores is Monday, May 4^th - Friday, May 8^th periods 1-3 and 5-6. 

Students with last names A-G test Monday, with extra time Wednesday

Students with last names H-N test Tuesday, with extra time Wednesday

Students with last names O-Z test Thursday, with extra time Friday (others not done Wednesday can also come Friday).

If your student has a schedule conflict on their assigned day, come another day that week to get it done.

We will be on regular bell schedule.

This is a pathway for graduation.  If for some reason you want to opt your student out of the SBA, contact your student's counselor.

RamTV News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxGfL4_hXpw

What inspired me this week?

I grabbed a meal from the Met Market deli/hot bar this week, and this is what I saw when I picked it up.

It says, "To Ms. Ray from Wilson c/o 2018" with a heart and a smiley face. Awww, shucks...

I’m going to miss these connections with students and alum. <3

GO RAMS.