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Inside Schools
Inside Schools
Fall 2025 Issue
Message from the Superintendent
CPSD classrooms are filled with energy, curiosity and commitment as we launch the 2025–26 school year. Throughout the district, staff are helping students build the skills and character they need to become Future Ready.
Success begins with strong relationships and consistent attendance. Every greeting, every word of encouragement and every parent ensuring their child is in class each morning adds up. When students are present consistently, those daily interactions shape confidence, strengthen learning and open the door to outcomes that last well beyond the school year. That is how relationships turn into results, preparing our students for today’s learning and the future ahead.
In this issue of Inside Schools you will learn more about how business partners are giving students the opportunity to earn high school credits while learning in workplace environments through the Cooperative Worksite Learning Program. Businesses are helping to shape the next generation by sharing their expertise with students and serving as mentors.
Together, we are building momentum. Graduation rates continue to climb, and more schools are being recognized for their growth and achievement. These successes are a testament to the combined efforts of our students, families, staff and community partners.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. With your help, we are creating learning environments where every student feels seen, valued and equipped to thrive in school and in life.
Here is to a year of growth, connection and opportunity for every child, every day.
HP Student Named National Merit Scholar Semifinalist
Harrison Preparatory (HP) senior Gabriel Williams has been named a semifinalist for a National Merit Scholarship. Out of more than one million entrants across the country, only 16,000 students have been selected as semifinalists.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. Scholarships awarded through National Merit Scholarship programs are regarded as some of the highest academic honors attainable by U.S. high school students.
Gabriel was required to have a qualifying PSAT score to become a semifinalist. The next step in the process will be submitting his SAT score, as well as submitting an essay and letter of recommendation.
Though Gabriel’s favorite academic subject is math, he hopes that becoming a finalist for the merit scholarship will help him pursue his dream of attending a local university and becoming a choir teacher.
Gabriel’s top choices for college are the University of Puget Sound, Western Washington University and Central Washington University. He is eager to move forward in the National Merit Scholarship process, and his fellow Pumas are wishing him luck as he prepares to become a finalist.
“I knew I wanted to go to school for music education and become a choir teacher after I was able to conduct one of our songs last year. It felt so fulfilling, and I decided in that moment that it was the career that I wanted to pursue.”
Harrison Prep Student
Gabriel Williams
Superintendent Video Series
Join Superintendent Banner for his video series that brings our community into the classroom as he engages with students, staff and families on important topics to support student learning.
In this episode, Mr. Banner sits down for a conversation about Cooperative Worksite Learning—a unique opportunity that connects classroom learning with a real-world career. Hear firsthand how worksite learning is making a difference for students and why partnerships with local businesses are vital for creating tomorrow’s workforce.
2025 Elizabeth Wesley Award Winners
Fifteen CPSD high school students received the Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Award for their academic and leadership merit during the 2024-25 school year.
The Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Award Program was founded in 1996 to recognize and honor African American ninth-through-11th grade students and their achievements in Pierce County school districts.
Congratulations to Lucille Asadi and Alicia Nyonjo from Harrison Preparatory School and to Jalaina Washington, Desean Boyd, Braelyn Carey, Korey Fussell Jr., Kendall Griffin, Joshua Gyimah, Kaila Johnson, Brittaney Johnson, Madison Jones, Jonah Kimemia, Charlotte Krakani, Maggie Mars and Jaylah Thompson from Lakes High School.
Late Nite at the YMCA for Middle and High Schoolers
The Lakewood Family YMCA and CPSD have partnered to provide a FREE, fun and safe space for all students in grades 6-12 every Friday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Students can participate in an array of activities, clubs and programs like basketball, volleyball, swim and more.
Registration is NOW OPEN!
Students & families can learn more and register for Late Nite on the YMCA website.
EVERY Day Counts
Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success.
Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school. Students are chronically absent if they miss just two days of school each month.
Here are some ways you can help your student arrive to school on-time and prepared to learn each day:
Make School Attendance a Priority
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and backpacks the night before.
- Finish homework the night before and get a good night’s sleep.
- Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
- Keep your student healthy. Talk to your health care provider or the school if you are concerned about a contagious illness.
Help Your Student Stay Engaged
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Monitor your child’s academic progress and seek help from your child’s teacher(s) when necessary.
- Encourage your child to join meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.
- If your child is out of school, contact your child’s teacher(s) or ask your secondary student to contact their teacher(s) for resources and materials to make up for the missed classroom learning time.
Communicate with the School
- Review your contact information in Skyward Family Access.
- Know the school’s attendance policy.
- Monitor your child’s attendance and seek help from school staff if you need assistance.
We’ve Launched New Websites!
CPSD has launched new district and school websites. While we’ve worked hard to streamline the design and navigation, there might be missing content or links may be located in different places than before. Use the website feedback form if you have comments, concerns or need assistance. Website Feedback Form
Stay Connected to Your Child’s School. Download the Parent Square App!
ParentSquare is a messaging platform that improves district and school communication, allowing families to stay up-to-date and informed.
Impact Aid Supports Students
Our schools support every learner, including the children of those who serve our country and live on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). CPSD operates six elementary schools on JBLM. Because federal land does not contribute to local property taxes, CPSD receives less local levy funding than other districts of a similar size. That’s where Impact Aid makes a difference!
What is Impact Aid?
Impact Aid funds are appropriated annually by Congress. The U.S. Department of Education disburses the funding directly to school districts. It replaces lost tax revenue from residential taxes, business or industry property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes and local taxes, licenses and fees. School district leaders use Impact Aid funds for instructional materials, staff, transportation, technology, facility needs, etc.
Impact Aid allows CPSD to offer a variety of learning opportunities and helps students graduate Future Ready. The federal funding we receive helps not only our schools, but it also strengthens our entire community.
Early Learning
- Early Childhood Education program for ages 3-5
K-12
- Highly Capable Program, K-12
- Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses
- Gravelly Lake K-12 Academy for virtual and alternative learning environments
Elementary
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (Idlewild Elementary)
- Standards-based curriculum and special programs for all learners
- Dual Language Spanish & World Language Immersion programs
Secondary
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual credits for Career & College Readiness classes
- International Baccalaureate Middle Years and Diploma Programme (Harrison Preparatory School)
- Running Start (attend college while still in high school at no cost)
- Expanded middle school Spanish and upper-level high school world language courses
- CTE courses: sports medicine, nursing assistant programs and education pathways
- Air Force and Army Junior ROTC
- SAT and ACT preparation
35% of CPSD’s 12,500 students are military-connected
2025-26 Calendar
August 2025
First Day of School (Grades 1-12)........................ 27
Kindergarten Parent Conferences................. 27-29
September 2025
Labor Day (no school).......................................... 1
Kindergarten First Day of School.......................... 2
October 2025
No School Day.................................................... 13
1st Quarter Ends................................................ 31
November 2025
Veterans Day (no school)................................... 11
Parent/Teacher Conferences (early release)....... 19-21
1st Trimester Ends............................................. 21
Thanksgiving Break (early release)...................... 26
Thanksgiving Break (no school)...................... 27-28
December 2025
Winter Break (no school)............................... 22-31
January 2026
Winter Break (no school)................................... 1-2
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school)................ 19
2nd Quarter/1st Semester Ends.......................... 23
No School Day (snow makeup day if needed)...... 26
February 2026
Presidents Day Weekend (no school)............. 13-16
March 2026
2nd Trimester Ends.............................................. 6
Parent/Teacher Conferences (early release)... 11-13
3rd Quarter Ends............................................... 27
Spring Break (no school)................................ 30-31
April 2026
Spring Break (no school).................................... 1-3
May 2026
No School Day (snow makeup day if needed)...... 22
Memorial Day (no school).................................. 25
June 2026
Last Day of School (early release)....................... 10
4th Quarter/2nd Semester/3rd Trimester Ends... 10
View the full 2025-26 calendar on our district website.
City of Lakewood Winter Events
Dec. 6: Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Kick off your holidays in Lakewood at the Holiday Parade of Lights and annual Tree Lighting at Lakewood City Hall starting at 4:30 p.m. Join the community parade to showcase your business or group, line the parade route and visit Santa. Want to be part of the fun? Parade applications are online at CityofLakewood.Us/HolidayParade.
Dec. 13: Jingle Bell 1-Mile Kid’s Dash and 5K Run/Walk
This 5k walk/run and 1-mile kids fun run is great for families. Wear your best holiday-themed costume, bring your dog (on a leash), grab the stroller and head to Fort Steilacoom Park for holiday cheer. Find event registration details: CityofLakewood.Us/Calendar
Golden Clover Card
Free Admission for Seniors! Enjoy CPSD games, plays, concerts and activities for FREE!
Individuals ages 62 and older can receive a Golden Clover card to attend high school activities, such as plays, concerts and athletic events, at no charge.
Golden Clover applications
are available at:
Student Services Center
10903 Gravelly Lake Drive SW
253-583-5040
Key Dates
Election Day
Nov. 4
Veterans Day
No School – Nov. 11
Parent Teacher Conferences
Early Release – Nov. 19-21
Thanksgiving Break
Early Release – Nov. 26
No School – Nov. 27-28
Winter Break
Dec. 22 – Jan. 2
Summer Projects
-
Lake Louise Portable Relocation
- A portable was moved to Lake Louise Elementary School to address growing enrollment. The installation included updated electrical service, new fiber internet infrastructure, landscaping, a portable ramp, concrete sidewalk, fencing and new paint.
-
Tillicum Head Start Student Restroom Remodel
- The restroom remodel relocated toilets and added partitions and a hand wash station to better serve young students.
-
Clover Park High School (CPHS) Roof Replacement
- The CPHS full roof replacement improves energy efficiency, enhances building protection and supports long-term facility performance.
-
Lakes High School (LHS) Ballfield Irrigation Project
- The irrigation system at the LHS baseball, softball and practice fields was replaced to improve conditions and reliability. The practice field is open while the others will reopen for spring sports season.
-
Tyee Park Parking Lot Extension & Site Improvements
- The parking lot gained 17 new spaces, fencing, pedestrian gates and a vehicle gate to improve access and circulation.
-
Tillicum Playground Site Improvements
- The playground was upgraded with new asphalt, basketball hoops, a funnel ball structure and safer play surfaces.
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Districtwide Camera Project Phase III
- New security cameras were installed at Oakbrook, Tillicum and Tyee Park elementary schools, Auxiliary Services Center (ASC) and the Student Services Center.
-
Harry E. Lang Stadium Improvements
- Upgrades included concrete repairs, caulking, selective bleacher replacement, new walkway coatings and fresh paint throughout the stadium.
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Elementary Playground Site Improvements - Dower, Oakbrook, Tyee Park
- Playground safety and accessibility were enhanced with new fencing and surfacing to protect existing equipment and rubber tile areas.
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Parking Lot Repairs
- The ASC parking lot received grinding, overlays, crack sealing, slurry seal and restriping to extend pavement life and improve use.
A Recipe for GROWTH Clover Park School District’s Worksite Learning Program
“Order up!” shouts Lakes High School senior Gilbert Gomez as he slides a hot plate of food onto the serving line at Burs Restaurant in Lakewood. The breakfast rush is in full swing, and Gilbert works shoulder to shoulder with seasoned staff to keep plates moving and customers smiling.
For Gilbert, this isn’t just a job. It’s an opportunity made possible through CPSD’s Cooperative Worksite Learning (WSL) program, which connects classroom learning with real-world career experiences. By combining Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework with supervised employment, students like Gilbert earn credits toward graduation while developing confidence, skills and career direction.
What is Worksite Learning?
The WSL program at CPSD high schools bridges the gap between school and career. High school juniors and seniors who have completed or are currently enrolled in CTE courses can apply to participate. Students earn up to two high school credits (over two years) by logging 180 work hours each semester while demonstrating professionalism, accountability and growth.
The benefits are evident. Students gain job experience, strengthen workplace skills such as teamwork and problem-solving, and explore career pathways they might not otherwise consider. At the same time, businesses gain motivated employees who bring new perspectives and energy to their teams.
From Classroom to Kitchen
Through his placement at Burs, Gilbert has taken meaningful steps toward his future.
He has learned far more than culinary techniques. “I’ve learned how to cook, but also how to work as a team in the kitchen and as a leader in times where I had to lead during a lunch rush,” he said.
The program has helped him grow in every area of his life. “This program helped me grow as a person by building my core skills like communication, accountability and problem-solving,” he said. “Academically, it gave me CTE credits to further help me graduate.”
The experience has also given him direction for the future. “It changed how I look at careers today and how hard it is to get into them,” he said. “I got my foot in the door with this program, and it helped me find a job that matches my skills and interests.”
When asked what advice he would give other students considering WSL, Gilbert did not hesitate. “You’re making a very good choice, because there’s no losing when you join this program,” he said.
Gilbert also sees the program as an investment in the whole community. “It helps students get a better idea for what they want to become in the future, it helps the school’s graduation rates become higher, and it builds connections between schools & local businesses.”
Burs Restaurant manager, Josh Gans, agrees. “Gilbert has been an incredible addition to our team,” he said. “His respect for others helps create a positive atmosphere, and his ability to anticipate when someone needs help shows real initiative and leadership potential.”
Partners in Student Success
Gilbert’s success has also made a lasting impression on others at his workplace who praise his work ethic, adaptability and willingness to step up whenever needed.
“The WSL program provides accountability and structure that benefits everyone. For us, it means having a reliable, motivated employee who strengthens our team,” said Gans. “Mentoring students like Gilbert not only supports our business but also gives us the fulfillment of shaping the next generation.”
By sharing their expertise and mentorship, businesses like Burs play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of workers.
A Shared Investment
Across Lakewood, local partners like Patriots Landing and the Lakewood Family YMCA have also celebrated the program’s success. “Participating in the WSL program will be a game-changer for our business,” said Patti Slaughter of Patriots Landing. “The students bring fresh energy and ideas, and it’s rewarding to see them grow.”
These partnerships demonstrate the mutual benefits of connecting education with career opportunities.
Building on Success
This year, students are participating in placements across industries such as hospitality, retail, childcare and culinary arts. Each placement enables students to discover their passions, build confidence and prepare for the next step in their journey.
The district seeks to expand opportunities even further in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction and technology. The success of the program depends on strong business and community partnerships.
“My role in the kitchen is to cook in a timely and perfect manner, clean like a freak and give customers a memory whenever they leave the restaurant.”
Lakes High School Senior
Gilbert Gomez
Interested in Partnering?
Businesses interested in becoming a Worksite Learning partner can contact the Director of CTE and College & Career Readiness:
Demetricia Hodges
dhodges@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
253-583-5195