Silas High School—Principal’s Weekly Message—March 30, 2025—

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

Discomfort can be good if we accept that it may be a sign for us to reflect on our own beliefs or actions. Growth does not happen without discomfort. It’s ok to pause, gauge personal safety, and then move forward. What do I mean by gauging personal safety? Discomfort when running alone on trails is one thing—one type. (Getting in some fresh air and fitness is good, but maybe doing it with a partner, a big dog, or bear spray is better.) Discomfort speaking up can be another can be another type of safety. Is it in class with a skilled facilitator? Is it among dear friends with similar values? Is it a space where you feel your beliefs will be attacked? We’re definitely navigating this in our current political climate, regardless of what you think or who you support.

How can we safely use our discomfort for growth?

Important Dates

• Wednesday, April 2—Mini-late start—Building PD
• Wednesday, April 2—Choral Collaborative Concert—6:30 in the auditorium
• Saturday, April 5—Daffodil Parade
• Monday-Friday, April 7-11—SPRING BREAK!

5 school days until spring break!

Applications open for Summer Credential Programs

TPS has partnered with industry experts to provide free summer programs in which students can learn career skills, obtain certifications, earn a completion stipend and credit toward graduation. Programs can even lead directly to employment opportunities.  

Applications are open now for these opportunities. I encourage you and your child to talk about them and apply. Learn more and apply: bit.ly/SummerCred

Repeat from last week--Use these tips to create boundaries around screen time 

Setting screen-time boundaries at home can improve mental health for all of us. Start by establishing screen-free zones and times during meals and bedtime. Encourage outdoor activities, reading, or family games to promote balanced habits and improve social interaction.

You can also create screen-free zones like the dining room or bedrooms; promote activities like reading or playing outside; and talk about the impact of excessive screen time. Additionally, you can use parental controls to monitor and manage device usage, ensuring age-appropriate content.

Find more strategies here: Ways to Connect to Your Child - Tacoma Public Schools.

Phone Scams

I receive A LOT of junk text messages and phone calls. Lately, it’s the toll text messages. I know they are a scam because my GoodToGo toll payments are on automatic and just fine according to the website. Have you been getting those scams too? Just so you know, any communication from the school district will ALWAYS come from a 253-571-1000 number. Calls/texts from Silas will always come from the same OR a number beginning 253-571-6---. Unfortunately, about five times a year someone attempts to impersonate my email. If the FROM line says Bernadette Ray, but the email address is not “School Messenger” or bray@tacoma.k12.wa.us, that’s not me! I also hope you have a sense of my voice/how I write at this point.

Ali’s Prom Project flyer for FREE, NEW prom dresses!

Link: free prom dress flyer.png 

RamTV News: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA4yhRYB8sM

What inspired me this week?

I forgot to mention band and orchestra last week. On March 18, Mr. Herb led all bands and orchestras in the Festivals Concert. While Jazz is often my favorite band, (because I have always loved the genre,) my two favorite pieces this concert were Serenade for Strings and The Star of Dreams. Each group sounded wonderful. If you have not seen our band, choir, orchestra, or drama groups here at Silas, you are missing out. There will be one more choir concert and one more band and orchestra concert as well this year. Please watch here for information.

GO RAMS.