Silas High School—Principal’s Weekly Message—May 31, 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 June Equity Theme centers around: ADVOCACY

Advocacy begins by recognizing that sometimes the biggest barriers to equity are not external—they are internal. Silence, especially in moments that call for action, can reinforce harm. Neutrality may feel safe, but it often protects the status quo. To advocate is to step out of that safety and into discomfort. It means using our voice, our position, and our influence to amplify those who are unheard, unseen, or undervalued. Advocacy isn’t about speaking for others—it’s about standing beside them, listening deeply, and making space for their leadership.

What’s a specific time you advocated for someone else or something this year?

How do we make advocacy a shared responsibility rather than an individual one?

Important Dates

Monday, June 1-Wednesday, June 3—Senior final exams

Wednesday, June 3—LAST DAY OF CLASSES FOR SENIORS UNLESS THEY HAVE NOT MET GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS—seniors who have not completed all tasks need to work with counselors and teachers through the week

• Wednesday, June 3—Late start—staff professional development
• Wednesday, June 3—Choir concert—7:00—Silas auditorium
• Thursday, June 4—Senior grad rehearsal and parade—CHECK EMAILS FROM MS. BENNETT FOR THE COMMENCEMENT GUIDE WITH ALL SENIOR ACTIVITIES
• Thursday, June 4—Band and orchestra concert—6:30 pm—Silas auditorium
• Friday, June 5—Senior checkout—8:30-10:30 am in the auditorium—BRING COMPUTERS AND CHARGERS!
• Friday, June 5—Senior Ball or PROM—Tacoma Art Museum—8:00-11:00 PM
• Monday, June 8—Elementary Grad Walks—2:30 pm—any/all Tacoma elementary schools (see details below)
• Wednesday, June 10—GRADUATION—4:30—Tacoma Dome—again, CHECK COMMENCEMENT GUIDE FOR ALL DETAILS
• Friday, June 12—Silas Day (details to come)
• Wednesday, June 17—Last day of school—dismissal after 3^rd period—attendance not taken on this day 

Futures 253 program helps students start investing now

Check out a new program giving Tacoma Public Schools students a powerful opportunity to invest in their futures. Participating students contribute $150 of earned income into a Roth IRA established in their name. After meeting program requirements, students receive a $100 incentive grant from the Tacoma Education Dream Fund. In addition to opening an account, students complete an investing basics course and submit a reflection essay, gaining firsthand experience in saving, investing, and understanding financial risk.

Get more information here: Launch of Futures 253 Program helps students start investing now | Story Detail - Tacoma Public Schools

Student leadership opportunity: Student School Board rep application now open

Applications are now open for the 2026–27 Tacoma Public Schools Student School Board Representative program. This is an opportunity for current 10th and 11th grade students to serve as student leaders representing the voices, experiences and perspectives of students across the school district.

Get more information and apply here: Student School Board representative application open; apply by May 31 | Story Detail - Tacoma Public Schools

Last day of school schedule

Please note our schedule for the last week of school 

• Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16: FINAL EXAMS FOR GRADES 9-11—REGULAR BELL SCHEDULE
• Wednesday, June 17: Early release and last day of school
  • High school releases at 11:30 a.m.
  • Middle school releases at 10:55 a.m. (Wainwright Intermediate follows this schedule.)
  • CBT releases at 10:30 a.m.
  • Early release for elementary:
    • Elementary schools that have a regular dismissal time of 3:10 p.m. will dismiss at 11:55 a.m. (Bryant follows this schedule.)
    • Elementary schools that have a regular dismissal time of 3:30 p.m. will dismiss at 12:15 p.m.

Summer meals available at many Tacoma parks

The Summer Meal Program provides free lunch to anyone 18 and younger. In addition, games, crafts and other activities will be led by Parks Tacoma staff.

• When: Monday-Friday, June 22-Aug. 28, from 12:30 -1:30 p.m. (no programs on July 3)
• Where: These parks across Tacoma

Please note meals must be eaten on site. Games and activities will be run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. but are dependent on staffing and may not occur at all locations.

 Summer childcare options for Tacoma families

The Tacoma Childcare Collaborative provides a number of summer childcare options for those 5-18 years old. 

Get detailed information and learn how to enroll.

Summer reading is on!  

Readers of all ages are invited to join Summer Reading at Tacoma Public Library. Sign up online or in-person at any library starting on June 2. Students can track their reading and activities, then complete a reading log and pick up prizes by Aug. 15. 

Register now for Summer Late Nights

Once again, the community is coming together to offer a fun, safe place for kids to hang out in the summer. On June 22, Summer Late Nights opens for students starting 7th grade through 12th grade in the fall.  They can get dinner every weeknight and participate in open gym and field activities, art and music, and gaming from 5 to 10 p.m.

Summer Late Nights is a free drop-in program. Students can attend as often as they like. I encourage you to register on Compass. You can get more information on our website.

Spread the Word… Elementary Graduation Walks, June 8

As graduation approaches, please help remind seniors about the upcoming Elementary Graduation Walks taking place at our TPS elementary schools!

Date: Monday, June 8, 2026

Time: 2:30 p.m. for Grad Walks *Wainwright at 1:30 p.m. 

Please remind seniors to:

- Arrive just before the scheduled time (please be on time)!

- Meet in the main office of their elementary school 

- Wear their cap, gown, and stole and any school awards/medals you may have

- Place tassels on the RIGHT side

- Keep track of cords and tassels if they bring them

- Be ready to answer questions and encourage future graduates

Seniors, if your elementary school is not in Tacoma Public Schools, you may find a friend and attend with them. 

Thank you for helping us celebrate the Class of 2026 and create meaningful memories for our students and school communities!

Questions? Please contact Shannon Marshall at smarsha@tacoma.k12.wa.us. 

Buy a Yearbook here: 

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/prdembd?ref=ZZVAP1ALJ5AQRBG_ZZ5V5L3MZ41TC5Q

RamTV News: RamTv 5/27/26 - YouTube

Memorial Day Tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDAL2P52DTc

What Inspired Me This Week?

STATE TRACK!

Congratulations to Savannah, Ava, Kalayah, Carmya, Cannon, Chris, Oliver, Riley, Jamirie, Trey, Luke, and William. WE ARE SO PROUD OF EACH OF YOU!

GO RAMS.