Baker Middle School

In February of 1970, a group of African-American students at John S. Baker Junior High School (now Middle School) dressed in clothing representing their ethnic heritage to celebrate Black History Week. Many of the girls had large Afros while some chose to wear traditional head wraps. The school is still located near South 84th & Yakima Avenue, at 8320 South I Street.

In February 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, proposed the establishment of "Negro History Week" to honor the history and contributions of African Americans to American life. Negro History Week became Black History Week in the early 1970's. In 1976, the week-long observance was expanded to a month in honor of the nation's bicentennial.

Photograph courtesy Tacoma Public Library

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It’s National School Counseling Week, and we asked the team at Baker Middle School how they amplify student success.

Counselors Ashley Coulter and Shauna Jacobs acknowledged that partnership between the school and home is key, letting families know that they can help to amplify their student’s success by “staying connected, reaching out early, and celebrating progress.”

Principal Amy Latimer said the Baker team amplifies student success by “advocating for all students and supporting them in recognizing and overcoming barriers. They do this by creating safe and trusting relationships. They are compassionate and proactive in responding to crisis and build opportunities for belonging.”

Thank you, Baker counseling team, for the work you do every day!

The first day of school is around the corner, and we are so excited to see our students!

Schedule for the first day:
🍎 Grades 1-12: Wednesday, Sept. 3
🍏 Kindergarten & TTK: Monday, Sept. 8
🍎 Community Based Transition: Wednesday, Sept. 10 (Late start)
🍏 Preschool (except TTK): Thursday, Sept. 11

Starting Sept. 10, all schools start one hour later on Wednesdays except when noted otherwise. Check your school’s calendar and bell schedule for more details.

Wall calendars and poster calendars are now available for purchase in your school's MySchoolBucks store. Wall calendars are $2.50 and poster calendars are $0.50. https://bit.ly/TPS_calendar

Summer is the perfect time to get your physicals so you're ready to play sports in September!

Tacoma Public Schools students can get free physicals this summer provided by Madigan Army Hospital.
📆When: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
✅Who: All TPS middle and high school students
📍Where: Silas High School, 1202 N. Orchard St., Tacoma; check in at main office
❓What to expect: Services are first-come, first-served. You might have to wait in line inside and/or outside.
More details and forms: https://bit.ly/41ltePk