Silas High School—Principal’s Weekly Message—October 5, 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 October Equity Theme centers around: VULNERABILITY

Vulnerability is essential to authentic growth—both individually and collectively. It invites us to show up honestly, to say what’s true even when it feels uncertain or raw. Vulnerability doesn’t always look dramatic; it might be quietly saying, “I don’t know,” or sharing a perspective that hasn’t yet been tested. These moments require courage and trust. Just as importantly, they require compassion from those who witness them. We must recognize the courage it takes to be real in unique spaces and be prepared and willing to match learning and sharing courage with empathy.

Consider: What’s an example of how vulnerability helped you grow?

Important Dates

• Wednesday, October 8—Silas Club Fair at both lunches
• Monday, October 13—Waiver Day—training for staff—no classes for students (also Columbus 
• Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
• Thursday, October 16—Conferences—Any student with a C grade or lower should expect to hear from staff. Of course, families can also reach out to staff to schedule a conference for any reason. Students are released at lunch at 11:15. Lunch available until 11:45.
• Friday, October 17—Conferences—students released at lunch
• Friday, October 17—Picture retakes—students must bring the packets they ordered (if they did, in fact, order)
• Wednesday, October 22—Choir Concert—details TBD
• Monday and Tuesday, October 27 and 28—SAT and PSAT for seniors and juniors—arrive at the auditorium at 7:45 am. Bring water and a snack. Most will test all morning.
• 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
   

Blue Books

Students taking the PSAT and SAT please read the Blue Book instructions here before test day:

Arrive at 7:45 am on Monday, October 27^th.

Online tutoring available for TPS students 

TPS students in grades 3-12 can access free tutoring through our Pathway Partnership with Tacoma Public Library. Tutoring services are available every day from 11a.m. to midnight. on the Tacoma Library website. 

Students can get live homework help, skills building and writing workshops.

Students and staff can register for all Tacoma Public Library resources using their student/employee ID. Get more information here: Online Tutoring Support - Tacoma Public Schools

How to check grades in ParentVUE

You can help your child succeed in school by keeping up with their progress. Use the Grade Book tile in ParentVUE to track your child’s grades, assignments and posted test scores. Check the ParentVUE webpage for directions on how to find your child’s current grades: ParentVUE Help - Tacoma Public Schools

Do you know about the 10-school-day rule for grades and assignments?

• Students have 10 school days from the original due date to turn in an assignment and receive full credit.
• Students have 10 school days from receiving a grade on an assignment or assessment to request a revision, retake or correction.
   

Oct. 13 kicks of school conference week

Our schedule for conference week is:
No school for students on Monday.

Thursday the 16^th beginning at 11:30 am. Some staff members will meet as late as 7 pm.

Friday the 17^th beginning at 11:30 am. Most staff will finish in-person conferences by 3 pm.

Please make sure to set an appointment with teachers or counselors. Remember, most of our teachers have over 150 students. They will meet in person, on Teams, or via telephone or email. Obviously, an in-person conference is most impactful. However, I know it is not possible for everyone. Most staff are also willing and able to meet at other times. Just reach out. Expect to get an invite from a teacher if your Ram has a grade lower than C in their class.

For the full Tacoma Public Schools conference week schedule, take a look at our website—

Silas High School—or the district site—Tacoma Public Schools - Tacoma Public Schools.

 

Students take Healthy Youth Survey in October

This fall, students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 across the state will take the Healthy Youth Survey. Our students will take the survey between Oct. 6-24. 

The survey is used to measure health risk behaviors. Results help track health behaviors over time and are used to identify important areas of need.

This survey is anonymous and voluntary. It takes about 45 minutes. Students can skip questions or stop taking the survey at any time. If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, please contact Assistant Principal Alli Bennett at abennet@tacoma.k12.wa.us or 253-571-6129 to excuse them.  

Get more information about the Healthy Youth Survey on our school website.

So What?

Rams, please be mindful of fragrances and sprays. Whatever you put on in the morning is enough. Please DO NOT spray colognes, perfumes, and other body sprays at school. Many are allergic. There are hygiene supplies in the nurse’s office if you need some.

Also, Nurse Nation wants to remind students to EAT. Rams, quit with the energy drinks and eat REAL FOOD. We have three opportunities for meals each day. Breakfast is before school. Breakfast break is between first and second period. And lunch is served every day. All meals are free to ALL students at TWO OF THE THREE meal opportunities each day. Don’t like the offerings? Mix it up with one of the salads or something you have not tried before. And reminder, WE ARE A CLOSED CAMPUS. Also, NO DELIVERIES ARE ALLOWED FOR STUDENTS. IF you do not like what is served at school, please bring food from home.

RamTV News: RamTv 10/1/2025

What inspired me this week?

GO RAMS.