Message from the Superintendent

Our schools are vibrant hubs of discovery and hands-on learning. In this issue of Inside Schools, we feature the innovative spirit and scientific exploration happening across CPSD schools.

This spirit of scientific exploration extends to our CTE and College and Career Readiness programs. By bridging the gap between K-12 education and the professional world, we provide students with immersive experiences ranging from elementary STEAM challenges to high school intensive programs in fields like nursing and mechatronics. Through community partnerships and events, students and families gain knowledge and tools to navigate postsecondary pathways and earn professional certifications before graduation. 

The creativity of our students was on full display this spring during the Future Chefs culinary competition. It is inspiring to see our elementary students apply math, writing and practical skills to their culinary creations with enthusiasm. 
Valuable community input has led to the development of many of these programs. We are currently developing our 2026-27 budget that prioritizes student learning and quality learning opportunities while balancing state funding reductions and the uncertainty of federal funding. Your input is critical. By sharing your priorities, you are helping us create a balanced, student-centered budget.

Together, we are creating promising futures

The Arlington Project May 20

The front lawn of Clover Park High School will soon be transformed into a powerful visual tribute that honors fallen U.S. service members ahead of Memorial Day.

The Arlington Project replicates Arlington National Cemetery and features thousands of white markers carefully placed by students across the campus lawn, each representing a service member who gave their life in military conflicts since Sept. 11, 2001.
 

Community members, veterans and military families are invited to join us for the 2026 Arlington Project Ceremony on Wednesday, May 20. We are pleased to announce that distinguished trumpet virtuoso Morris Northcutt will play a special performance of “Taps” as part of the ceremony.

After the ceremony and through Memorial Day, walk along the rows, read the names and reflect on their sacrifice for our country. 

CPSD Receives Purple Star Award

CPSD has been named a Purple Star District for 2026 and 2027 for its strong commitment to military-connected students and families through the implementation of military-friendly policies and practices.   We are one of 11 school districts statewide to receive the two-year Purple Star Award this year by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA). CPSD has received this honor since it was established by the Washington State Legislature in 2023.

More than a third of CPSD students are military-connected. Military life can mean frequent moves, new schools and social situations, parent deployments and other challenges. CPSD staff work closely with families to make every transition smoother.

“This award recognizes the remarkable devotion of our CPSD team. We are honored to serve those who serve.”

Your Priorities Inform Student-Focused Budget

Due to external financial pressures from state funding cuts and chronic underfunding, increased costs and the volatility of federal funding, CPSD is beginning a multi-year process to reduce overall spending and maintain our financial and operational stability.

These recommended budget adjustments of approximately $12.6 million, coupled with revenue projections, are expected to bring the district near the school board’s target of a 6% ending fund balance to begin the 2026-27 school year.

These adjustments will be made through attrition, reducing department and building expenditures, staff reductions and shifting class sizes at the secondary level to a model moving closer to a prototypical class size.

CPSD has a strong history of responsible fiscal stewardship, and these adjustments will protect our core work while managing these state and federal financial pressures. Budget information and a link to gather additional input on the budget is available on the district website or by contacting business services, 253-583-5010.

Cultivating Young Scientists

CPSD focuses its science education on positioning students to think, reason and behave like young scientists. 

From kindergarten through graduation, CPSD provides students with a continuous pathway of exploration that empowers them to gather evidence, solve complex problems and better understand the world around them. 

The journey begins in elementary school, with an immersive science curriculum that introduces students to the wonders of the natural world. The foundational framework of reading, interactive videos and hands-on labs bring concepts to life. With access to live science materials for classroom observation and study, students have hands-on opportunities to engage with the natural world and develop a deeper curiosity about their surroundings. 

Beyond the classroom, CPSD prioritizes immersive field trips that connect students to their local environment and introduce them to future career paths. All fourth graders participate in a science engineering trip to the Clover Park Technical College mechatronics lab, while fifth graders engage in life science studies during a visit to Lakewold Gardens. These experiences ensure that early curiosity is met with real-world application. 

The focus shifts toward scientific phenomena in middle school through the OpenSciEd curriculum. This approach encourages students to lead with questions, using scientific discussions and student-led labs to find answers. To complement this, Project Lead the Way adds a layer of engineering and design practices, introducing students to the skills prevalent in modern STEAM careers. The middle school experience also emphasizes environmental stewardship as all seventh graders take life science field trips to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge or  Tacoma Nature Center.  

The connection to the local ecosystem is further supported by the Salmon in the Classroom grant, where students at nine CPSD schools raise salmon before releasing them into Chambers Creek. 

By the time students reach high school, the “young scientist” mindset is applied to specialized fields. In addition to traditional biology, chemistry and physics, students can challenge themselves with Advanced Placement (AP) science courses. 

The district’s CTE programs offer diverse pathways that bridge the gap between interest and industry. Students can explore fields such as natural resources and ecology, forensic technology, anatomy and physiology, and Core Plus aerospace engineering and manufacturing. 

Students can further explore interests in science through the annual STEAM Fair. This event provides a platform for students to demonstrate problem-solving skills through science and engineering projects. It serves as a community celebration where guests can engage in a variety of interactive activities presented by community partners while learning more about various STEAM-related careers.    

CPSD’s commitment to providing varied science opportunities ensures that students are making meaningful connections between classroom lessons and the world around them. 

At every grade level, our students are developing the evidence-based reasoning and curiosity skills to navigate and shape the future of our district, our community and our environment. 

“Field trips like this are important because you get to learn about wildlife and how to protect it, and it’s different than learning in the classroom because here you can see it.” 

Devenady Fleeks 
Lakeview Hope Academy
Fifth Grade Student

Kiwanis Helps Shape Bright Futures 

The frequent laughter of children enjoying the playground equipment at Kiwanis Park tells a larger story of the impact of powerful partnerships that support our community’s youth throughout CPSD and the greater Lakewood community.  
Grounded in its motto, “Serving the Children of the World,” Lakewood Kiwanis Club’s important work is woven into the fabric of CPSD. Kiwanis focuses time, effort and resources to uplift students and support local organizations that help students succeed.   

Each year, Kiwanis recognizes CPSD students for achievement, honoring K-8 learners for academic excellence and high school students for accomplishments across academics, athletics and the arts. They award four $4,000 scholarships to students from Clover Park and Lakes high schools, Gravelly Lake K-12 Academy and Harrison Preparatory School. They also proudly escort CPSD princesses at the Daffodil Festival princess awards program.   

Students find leadership opportunities through Kiwanis-supported Key Clubs at the high school level. These student-led service organizations empower young people to give back to their community, volunteering with Kiwanians at concession stands and other events. Money raised through these efforts are reinvested into scholarships and projects sponsored by organizations that directly support students. This creates a cycle of service that begins and ends with students.  

Kiwanis has also created spaces that benefit CPSD students and families. They led a major fundraising effort to replace the playground equipment at Kiwanis Park, a project that continues to serve as a visible reminder of what community partnerships can accomplish together. 

The Lakewood Community Garden is another public space supported by Kiwanis and provides opportunities for hands-on learning and community connection. Kiwanis also helps partner organization Caring for Kids with their student-centered activities, such as the Ready to Learn Fair, community supply donation events and more.  

Kiwanis’ commitment continues to shape a stronger, more connected community for the future.