Puyallup School District

09/26/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 PSD Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Award Recipients!

The Puyallup School District celebrates 42 students recently recognized as this year's Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Award recipients.

The award program began in the 1995-96 school year and provides incentive awards of $350 each to African-American students recognized for academic excellence, community involvement, and good citizenship. The program is named in honor of Elizabeth Wesley, a civic leader active in the founding of the Tacoma Urban League.

Students receiving this honor were recently recognized at a ceremony held at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, WA.

Click the story link provided to see this year's recipients!

The award program honors African-American students for academic excellence, community involvement, and good citizenship through annual incentive recognition.

09/21/2026

“She is so patient with those of us who do not know the intricacies of benefits or retirement, whether we are assisting staff or have questions about our own needs.”

Each week, Puyallup School District staff recognize their peers through our Puyallup Praise program. Staff submit nominations highlighting colleagues who go above and beyond to support students, families, and fellow team members.

This week, for the first Puyallup Praise of the 2026-27 school year, we celebrate Xuong Huynh, PSD Benefits and Retirement Manager. Xuong was nominated by Leisha Turner, Human Resources Staffing Manager, who shared:

“Human Resources directs many inquiries to Xuong regarding benefits and retirement. Xuong responds without delay in a kind and helpful manner.

“Additionally, as we move into open enrollment, I want to remind our colleagues how hard Xuong and her team work to get us set up each year with the correct plans and information.”

We celebrate Xuong Huynh and the care, patience, and support she provides to staff across Puyallup School District. Be sure to check back next Sunday to see who receives our next round of Puyallup Praise.

09/19/2026

September 17 is recognized as Constitution and Citizenship Day, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and providing an opportunity for students to learn more about the Constitution, citizenship, and civic life.

Yesterday, across Puyallup School District, students marked the day through activities designed to deepen their understanding of the Constitution. At Puyallup High School, students created pocket Constitutions and participated in a Constitution scavenger hunt. Edgemont Junior High students explored the question, “What is a right?” while students at Ballou Junior High learned about the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and civic engagement with a community partner.

These are just a few examples of how PSD students are building civic knowledge, asking thoughtful questions, and learning more about what it means to participate in a constitutional democracy.

09/18/2026

National Arts in Education Week is September 13-19 and Puyallup School District’s Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts programs (https://www.puyallupsd.org/academic-programs/arts-program/music-theatre-visual-arts) provide students with opportunities to explore music, theatre, visual arts, and other forms of creative expression from elementary through high school.

Make sure to follow The ARTS in Puyallup on Facebook to see highlights, videos, and images from many of the arts events happening across the district every week.

National Arts in Education Week gives us an opportunity to recognize the arts learning taking place throughout our schools and the educators who help students discover, develop, and share their creativity.

Whether students are learning to play an instrument, stepping onto the stage, creating a work of visual art, or developing the skills that bring a production to life behind the scenes, arts education encourages creativity, collaboration, confidence, and self-expression.

We celebrate our student artists, performers, musicians, and educators throughout Puyallup School District!

Learn more about National Arts in Education week, by visiting the Americans for the Arts website (https://www.americansforthearts.org/events/national-arts-in-education-week).

09/16/2026

As a reminder, today is PSD Fair Day!

Each year, Puyallup School District partners with the Washington State Fair to celebrate Fair Day. All schools will have a 3.25 Hour Early Release today, giving students and families an opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, rides, and, of course, the fair food that make the Washington State Fair such a memorable experience.

Our mobile learning lab, MILLIE, will be on site, along with district representatives and community partners. Come say hello, enjoy the Fair, and have a wonderful Fair Day!

09/12/2026

Downtown Puyallup came alive this morning for the 26th Annual Rodeo Parade & Cattle Drive, celebrating one of our community’s favorite traditions as Puyallup Rodeo weekend continues through Sunday at the Washington State Fair.

Among the horses, cattle, marching bands and community groups making their way through downtown were students and staff from Kalles Junior High!

Take a look at some of the sights from this morning’s parade.

09/11/2026

Today marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks. On Patriot Day, we pause to remember the lives lost that day and honor the first responders and countless others whose courage and service emerged in the days that followed.

09/11/2026

The Class of 2039 has arrived!

On Tuesday, we welcomed our newest students for their first day of kindergarten! From finding their classrooms and meeting their teachers to making new friends and learning new routines, it was a big day full of firsts.

Here are a few moments from the first day at Sunrise Elementary. ️

Welcome to school, kindergartners! We’re so glad you’re here!

09/09/2026

First days of school are fun - for kids and grown-ups.

For his first first day of school as Puyallup School District superintendent, Dr. Kevin Alfano did something a little bit different. He boarded a school bus with someone pretty special: his great-nephew Kameron, a fifth-grader at Woodland Elementary.

Dr. Alfano spent the morning experiencing the first day right alongside Kameron and his classmates — from arriving at school and settling into the classroom to a walk down to music class.

All in all, this was a special morning for our superintendent. But maybe an even better one for a great-uncle.

Take a look!

09/05/2026

This Labor Day, we recognize and appreciate the hard work and contributions of workers throughout our community. In observance of the holiday, all Puyallup School District offices will be closed on Monday, September 7.

We hope our students, families, staff, and community members enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday weekend. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, September 8, including our kindergarten students as they begin their first day of school!