News and Events

As temperatures rise and summer adventures near, water safety becomes more important than ever. In a state filled with lakes, rivers, and coastlines—and in a community where water recreation is part of daily life—it’s essential that every child knows how to stay safe around water. That’s why we’re so grateful to the Tukwila Pool for delivering engaging and life-saving instruction to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade scholars at Thorndyke Elementary!

During their time with trained instructors, scholars learned critical skills that could one day save a life—including how to recognize an emergency, how to safely respond with the “throw, don’t go” method, proper use of life jackets, when and how to call 911, and even an introduction to CPR. These lessons provide lifelong skills that help children act quickly and safely in potentially dangerous situations.

What made this experience even more meaningful was the team of instructors leading the sessions: current Foster High School scholars and a Foster graduate! Their service is a powerful example of how our Tukwila scholars continue to make lasting contributions to our schools and community long after they leave the classroom. By sharing their time, leadership, and knowledge, these Foster leaders are helping the next generation grow up informed, empowered, and safe.

Thank you to the Tukwila Pool, our student instructors, and everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. Now, our Thorndyke students are more confident and prepared to enjoy the water this summer—safely and responsibly.

#TukwilaSchools #WaterSafetyMatters #SummerReady #FosterPride #ThorndykeElementary #HereLearningHappens #CommunityLeadership

We are proud to announce that Thorndyke Elementary School has been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for its outstanding efforts in closing opportunity gaps and supporting scholar growth and academic achievement during the 2023–24 school year. 🎉

This annual program honors schools that are making exceptional progress in key areas of student success, including academic growth, scholar well-being, and equitable outcomes for all learners. This year, only 16% of schools in Washington received this distinction—a testament to the meaningful and focused work happening at Thorndyke.

A Spotlight on Growth and Equity

Thorndyke Elementary was specifically recognized for demonstrating notable growth for students in one or more racial or ethnic groups, highlighting the school’s intentional efforts to ensure every scholar has access to the supports and opportunities they need to thrive. This recognition reflects the commitment of Thorndyke’s educators, staff, scholars, and families to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all scholars can grow and succeed.

Celebrating the Thorndyke Community

This honor represents more than just data—it reflects the relationships, high expectations, and community partnerships that help scholars reach their full potential. Whether it’s through culturally responsive teaching, targeted academic supports, or family engagement strategies, Thorndyke continues to model what it means to center equity in education.

We are grateful for the leadership, dedication, and collaborative spirit that drives this work forward—and we celebrate this achievement with the entire Thorndyke community!

Congratulations, Thorndyke Elementary! 💙💚

#TukwilaSchools #EquityInEducation #StudentGrowth #OpportunityForAll #ThorndykeElementary #HereLearningHappens #WashingtonSchoolRecognitionProgram

We are thrilled to share that Tukwila School District is the only district in King County to receive full Green Schools recognition for every single one of our schools! 🌎💚

This historic achievement celebrates our district-wide commitment to recycling, composting, and waste reduction—and it wouldn’t have been possible without the passionate teamwork of our custodians, principals, teachers, cafeteria staff, and students across all five schools.

Thanks to a strong partnership with the City of Tukwila, our schools made incredible strides in sustainability throughout the 2024–2025 school year.

What We’ve Accomplished Together:

• Launched recycling and composting programs in every school cafeteria and kitchen

• Installed photo-based signage to support proper sorting at all waste stations

• Held 29 student training sessions, reaching more than 2,700 students, led by the City of Tukwila

• Secured a $14,000 King County RE+ grant to support green infrastructure

• Switched to reusable trays and utensils in elementary cafeterias

• Piloted birch compostable utensils at Foster High School, eliminating over 233,000 plastic utensils annually

• Formed Green Teams at every school, uniting staff and students in this effort

• Diverted 523 cubic yards of waste per year from the landfill—the equivalent of filling 5½ school buses!

This year, Cascade View Elementary, Thorndyke Elementary, Showalter Middle School, Tukwila Elementary, and Foster High School all received their official King County Green Schools banners, marking a proud and unified step forward for the district.

We were also honored by the Washington State Recycling Association this May for our district-wide environmental leadership.

Thank You, Team Tukwila!

This recognition reflects what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared goal: protecting our planet. A special thank you to Foster High School educator Joe Camacho for sparking this vision, and to Director Cardenas for your steadfast leadership.

We’ll be officially recognized at the May 27 Tukwila School Board meeting, and our banners will be displayed with pride across all schools.

Together, we are building a cleaner, greener future—one student, one tray, one school at a time.

💚♻️🌱

#GoGreenTukwila #TSDProud #SustainableSchools #KingCountyGreenSchools #OnlyDistrictFullyRecognized #WasteLessLiveMore #TukwilaTogether

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has introduced the SUN Bucks Summer EBT Program to support families with school-age children. Each eligible child will receive a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits on a dedicated SUN Bucks card. This initiative aims to ensure that students have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer months.

How to Access SUN Bucks:

• Eligibility and Enrollment: Families already enrolled in benefits like SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR will automatically enroll their school-age children in SUN Bucks if the program is available in their area. Additionally, children attending schools that offer the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program may also be automatically enrolled if they meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price meals.
• Application Process: If not automatically enrolled, families can apply directly for SUN Bucks by meeting the necessary income limits and other requirements.
• Benefit Distribution: SUN Bucks will be issued from mid-June through the end of August 2024. Once qualified, families will receive an approval notice and a SUN Bucks EBT card within seven to 10 business days via U.S. Mail.
• Expiration: Benefits expire 122 days from issuance, so it's important to use SUN Bucks before they are removed.

For detailed information and additional questions about S-EBT benefits, families can visit the DSHS SUN Bucks webpage at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunbucks or call the S-EBT Contact Center at (833) 543-3230 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday–Friday (except observed holidays). Schools are encouraged to share this information with families through communication channels such as social media, emails, and other outreach methods. By spreading the word, we can ensure that families and communities who qualify for the free lunch program are well-informed and can benefit from this vital support.

Together, let's ensure that our students have a healthy and nutritious summer!

Earlier this month, Thorndyke Elementary School buzzed with excitement as the community gathered for the grand opening of their new playground. The vibrant structure, made possible by a voter-approved bond, replaced a decaying play area that was no longer safe for the Eagles, as the students are fondly known.

Laughter and joy filled the air as students explored the colorful slides and swings. The highlight of the day was a special student who, with a beaming smile, cut the ribbon, officially inaugurating the playground. It was a symbolic moment, marking a commitment to the safety and well-being of the Eagles.

The event showcased the power of community unity, with parents, teachers, and community members celebrating together. The new playground wasn't just a recreational space; it was a testament to the resilience of a community dedicated to providing the best for its students.

In the weeks following, the sounds of laughter echo daily as children enjoyed their new play area. Thorndyke Elementary's playground standa as a symbol of transformation, a beacon of joy, and a testament to the positive impact that can result from collective community efforts.