Silas High School—Principal’s Weekly Message—November 2, 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 November Equity Theme centers around: TAKING OWNERSHIP

…it’s the practice of recognizing our role—no matter how big or small—in the dynamics of a team, organization, or community. While our positions may differ in authority or visibility, each of us holds influence. Ownership isn’t about assigning blame; it’s about accepting responsibility for how our words, actions, and even silence affect those around us. True ownership requires humility—the willingness to reflect on our impact—and confidence—the courage to act when change is needed. Over time, this kind of accountability strengthens trust and fosters a deeper collective integrity.

How can you be part of a solution without being the origin of the problem?

Important Dates

• Sunday, November 2—Special Education Day
• Friday, November 3—School Psychologist Week
• Tuesday, November 4—Election Day—VOTE!
• Monday, November 10—No school for students and some staff
• Tuesday, November 11—Veteran’s Day Holiday—schools and District offices closed
• Friday, November 14—National Superintendent Day
• Wednesday, November 19—Education Support Specialist (ESP, or paraeducators) Appreciation Day
• Wednesday, November 19—Daffodil Princess Selection Night
• Friday, November 21—Sub Appreciation Day
• Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28—Thanksgiving Break
   

Yearbooks

Don't miss out—yearbooks are now on sale! Capture the memories of this school year by ordering yours today. Simply scan the QR code to purchase. Quantities are limited, so act fast to guarantee your copy. Celebrate friendships, achievements, and unforgettable moments—secure your yearbook now with just one quick scan!

We will be asking seniors for their senior portraits in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

Breakfast, lunch available to all TPS students at no cost

All Tacoma Public Schools students can enjoy breakfast and lunch at school at no cost. These meals are provided without an application or need to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Meals are available to all students, even if they bring food from home. They just need to be at school at the times meals are served.

Need extra support?
Visit our Community Resources for Students and Families page for information about local food banks and other support options.

Update your contact information to get weather-related alerts

We share scheduling school impacts related to weather via email, calls and texts. If your phone, address or email has changed recently, please contact our office to update it.

Remember to update your emergency contacts
It’s helpful to us to have emergency contacts available for each student. When you provide emergency contact information, consider adding trusted adults (neighbors, friends) who do not live in your household. To update your emergency contacts, use ParentVUE.

Mark your calendar for no-school days in November 

Please note the days off school in November.

• Monday, Nov. 10:
  • No school, and school district offices will remain open
• Tuesday, Nov. 11:
  • No school, and school district offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. With respect and gratitude, we thank our veterans for their service to our country.
     
• Wednesday to Friday, Nov. 26-28:
  • No school, and school district offices will be closed for Thanksgiving Break. (No school for IDEA, SAMI or SOTA students Nov. 24-28.)

Students must reset computer password in November
For online security, TPS requires students in grades 6-12 to reset their password on their school-issued laptop. Students will be prompted to reset after signing into their laptop and opening an Office 365 application. They should not change or reset passwords until they get the prompt.

• Students in grades 9-12: Reset password starting Nov. 4. 

RamTV News: https://youtu.be/DlAV1ExaeME

What inspired me this week?

I traveled last week and visited schools abroad. I was inspired by what we are doing well in the United States, in Tacoma School District, and at Silas. I was also inspired by what other countries are doing with math and artificial intelligence specifically. We all have much to learn in the very near future, and I am confident that our students will help us to take next steps.

I am also hopeful that my trip might provide opportunities for student and staff exchanges in the future.

GO RAMS.