Silas High School—Principal’s Weekly Message—February 1, 2026—

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 February Equity Theme centers around: Truth

Truth is shaped by our lived experiences, values, and cultural perspectives-it forms the lens through which we interpret the world. No two people carry the same lens, and none are fixed or flawless. As we grow, so does our understanding. In diverse communities, acknowledging that each person sees the world differently is essential. Instead of clinging to a single definition of truth, we are invited to approach one another with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn. Our truths evolve when we listen deeply and allow new perspectives to stretch our understanding.

Truth with a capital “T” might be considered a “universal truth” by some. However, what feels universally true for one person may not resonate the same way for another. That doesn’t mean either is wrong. It means truth can be complex, contextual, and personal. A strong team doesn’t require identical beliefs; it requires respect, open dialogue, and the shared commitment to grow together, even when our truths differ.

• How has your perspective shifted through listening to someone else’s truth?
• How can we honor different life experiences without needing to agree with them?

Important Dates

• Monday, February 2—Second Semester and School Counselor Appreciation Week begin
• Wednesday, February 4—Late start—Staff Professional Development
• Tuesday, February 10—Election Day—PLEASE VOTE!
• Wednesday, February 11—Late start—School-specific PLC/ESP PLC
• Thursday, February 12—SCDM—3:00 pm—Room 222
• Friday, February 13—Built-in snow make-up day--NO SCHOOL
• Monday, February 16—Presidents Day—NO SCHOOL and schools closed
• Tuesday, February 17—WAIVER DAY—NO SCHOOL for students—staff report to work sites
• Wednesday, February 18—Late start—Individual planning time
• Wednesday, February 25—Late start—District PLC
• Friday, February 27—Silas Musical—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—7 pm—Auditorium
• Saturday, February 28—Silas Musical—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—7 pm--Auditorium
• Monday, March 2—Spring Sports begin
• Monday and Tuesday, March 2 and 3—SAT Testing in the Auditorium
• Wednesday, March 4—Late start—Staff Professional Development
• Thursday, March 5-- Silas Musical—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—7 pm—Auditorium
• Friday, March 6-- Silas Musical—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—7 pm—Auditorium
• Saturday, March 7-- Silas Musical—Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—2 pm and 7 pm—Auditorium
• Wednesday, March 11—Late start-- School-specific PLC/ESP PLC
• Thursday, March 12-- SCDM—3:00 pm—Room 222
• Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13--Conferences

Please vote in Feb. 10 Special Election

Voters in the Tacoma Public Schools boundary have received ballots with two replacement levy measures that impact every school. Please vote by the Feb. 10 deadline. Every vote counts!

Proposition 1 funds 17% of daily operations, including about 500 staff members, along with arts, music and athletics. It also funds school safety improvements and maintenance to plumbing, heating and ventilation systems for clean air and safe water.

Proposition 2 provides access to technology for students and staff in all neighborhood schools.

Both are 4-year replacement measures. The existing levies are due to expire this year.

Get more information about the levies at TacomaSchools.org/Vote.

If you’re not yet registered to vote, you still have time! Find out more about how to register.

Feb. 3 Maritime|253 enrollment information event

The community is invited to learn more about the new Maritime|253 Skills Center at an in-person enrollment information event:

• Tuesday, Feb. 3
• 6–7:30 p.m.
• Foss Waterway Seaport (705 Dock St., Tacoma)

This event is an opportunity for students, families and community members to meet Maritime|253 staff, connect with industry and education partners, and learn about program offerings and career opportunities within the maritime industry.

Potential schedule adjustments for some students 

As we prepare for the start of second semester, we want to let you know that some students may see adjustments to their schedules. These changes may include a different assigned Science, Math or English Language Arts teacher.

Updated student schedules will be available in StudentVUE and ParentVUE beginning Sunday, Feb. 1, and changes will take effect Monday, Feb. 2. There may be a small number of changes this first week of the semester.

These adjustments are the result of enrollment shifts across Tacoma Public Schools middle and high schools, including an increase in students enrolled in online courses. In some cases, class enrollments are below the staffing levels funded by the state. We are not moving teachers between schools; but, some teachers will teach one course online while continuing to teach the rest of their classes in person.

We appreciate your flexibility and partnership as we work to best support students. Please reach out if you have questions. 

Senior Communications

Please find linked below updates for this month.  We are trying a flyer format to better organize and present upcoming dates and deadlines.  Please email Ms. Bennett (abennet@tacoma.k12.wa.us) if you have any questions!

Student Protests

News of a protest tomorrow (Monday) has been circulating on social media. Students have the right to protest. Historically, for the few protests we have had in the past, students have kept their composure, protested peacefully, and returned to class or gone home after. (About 100 of our 1100 students participated in the last protest a few years ago.) Our administrative and security teams are prepared to supervise the protest. There is no discipline for student protests, though they are unexcused absences unless a parent excuses the absence at silasattendance@tacoma.k12.wa.us.

At home, please speak with your student(s) about the cause(s) and what they mean to them and to your family and community.

Blue Book Information for SAT

(see attached)

RamTV News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqJixGoEBe8

What inspired me this week?

For the music lovers:

https://www.pugetsound.edu/stories/grace-youn-13-lead-pierce-lecture-and-community-master-classes

Whole Child Champions

Ms. Mo in attendance, Mr. Ashby, teacher, and Mr. Leach, teacher, were recognized this week for being Whole Child Champions! This means they help students IN and OUTSIDE the classroom, helping them to show up as their best selves for learning.

Ms. Pong, our Registrar and Data Specialist, was also recognized! We will share her picture with her award next week. She was so busy, we couldn’t get her photo this week.

GO RAMS.