Dear Peninsula School District Families and Staff,
As the weather cools and the days get shorter, November is a good time to gather, read, and give thanks. Here's a look at what's been happening across PSD this fall.
Lower GHHS Field Ribbon Cutting
We celebrated a major milestone with the ribbon cutting for the Lower Gig Harbor High School field. Open to all PSD student-athletes, the field features an artificial turf surface, field lighting, track resurfacing, and a new scoreboard. Thanks to community support, this project was funded through investment proceeds from the 2019 bond. Seeing students use the new space was a true highlight of the fall.
National Young Readers Week is November 9 to 13
National Young Readers Week is a great reminder of how much reading shapes our children's growth and confidence. Reading builds vocabulary, curiosity, and empathy, and it creates moments of connection between children and the adults who read with them. I encourage you to set aside time to read together, whether it's a favorite picture book, a chapter book, or a story your child picks out for you.
I have my own reading tradition each fall. I read Autumn Across America by Edwin Way Teale, a 1956 nature classic that follows his journey across the continent from the autumn equinox to the winter solstice. It's part of his four-book series on the seasons, and it captures autumn in every phase. I reread it every year, and it reminds me to slow down and notice the world around me. What will you be reading this fall?
We Honor Our Veterans for Their Service
On Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, we pause to thank the veterans in our schools and community. Your service reflects the courage and character we hope to instill in every student.
As a Purple Star school district, PSD remains committed to supporting our military-connected students and families. To all who have served, thank you. Our appreciation extends well beyond a single day.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
This month, we honor the cultural legacy and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. More than 100 PSD students have Native American heritage, representing tribes from across the country. Peninsula School District sits on the traditional lands of the Puyallup Tribe, and we work with the Tribe to ensure our curriculum and supports reflect their history, culture, and life today. Our Native American Education Program also provides cultural learning opportunities for Native youth and families, including the upcoming Native American Family Night on November 13.
Student Voices and Future Pathways
Our students are helping shape what comes next, both for PSD and for themselves. In October, student leaders from Gig Harbor, Peninsula, and Henderson Bay High Schools met for our first Superintendent Student Advisory Symposium of the year. They shared their thoughts on respect and screen time, and their ideas will help guide our work. We also hosted our annual College and Career Fair, where more than 300 students and families met with over 70 vendors representing colleges, trades, apprenticeships, and the military. Events like these show our students the many paths open to them.
I'm grateful for the students who lead, the staff who care, and the families who show up. Whether it's a game under the lights, a concert, or a family night, I hope to see you at an event soon. Belonging boosts learning, and we're better when we're together. Thank you for being part of the PSD family, and happy Thanksgiving.
Young Authors Conference Inspires 70+ Student Writers
Our Young Authors Conference brought together more than 70 middle school students from across the district. They chose from over a dozen interactive writing workshops led by local authors, storytellers, and community partners. Thanks to generous donors, students got to take home a free book!
GHHS Wins Fish Goal 2026
Fish Goal was a hard-fought match, with Gig Harbor earning a 1–0 varsity win over Peninsula at Roy Anderson Field, and a 7-0 GHHS win for junior varsity. Thanks to the fans for bringing the energy, and congratulations to both teams for their effort and sportsmanship!
Scarecrow Festival Brings Community Together
We had fun connecting with our community at the PenMet Parks annual Scarecrow Festival! Thank you to all the families who stopped by our booths and got on our bus. What a fantastic event!
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee Resource Fair is Nov. 30
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) Family Resource Fair is on November 30 from 5-7 p.m. at Gig Harbor High School. Meet other families, connect with community partners, and gather valuable information and support. Childcare is provided.
The Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. If you have questions or complaints regarding alleged discrimination, please call the Peninsula School District Educational Service Center at (253) 530-1000 or visit our office located at 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332, and ask for one of the following coordinators: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, compliance@psd401.net; Title IX Compliance Coordinator, titleix@psd401.net; 504 Compliance Coordinator, 504@psd401.net; ADA Compliance Coordinator, ada@psd401.net.
