What We Love About Our New Schools - Tacoma Public Schools (2024)

“In the old Birney, the deaf and hard-hearing students could connect their hearing aids in a few classrooms.Now, in our new school, students can connect their hearing aids via Bluetooth in every classroom and throughout the entire school. Also, the design of the new school lends to acoustic fabrications that absorb sound. The classroom ceilings have built-in boards that draw in the sound and help to reduce the echo in the classroom.” -SARAH SMITH, DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING K-1 TEACHER

“The new building is wonderful in comparison to the old building. The old Boze was an open concept building that didn’t work, so partition walls were added. But there were no doors, which made my teaching space a shared wall with three other classrooms. Now, I really love that I have my own space with a door I can close. I also really appreciate that we now have a separate lunch area and gymnasium in the new building. The new Boze also has tons of windows. It allows for more light to come into the classrooms, which makes it feel much more welcoming.” -MELINDA HUNDLEY, 5TH GRADE TEACHER

“We are excited to have a new building! The old building was not created for a community with students from the ages of 4-14. It was old and drafty in the winter, and very warm in the summer. The building was not created for a world in which technology is a primary way of student learning.”
LAURA ROSSI, TEACHER AND INSTRUCTIONAL COACH

“Dropping off my daughter at the Boys & Girls Club before she starts school at Downing has been such a relief, knowing she’s in one place and she’s safe. She is greeted by staff at Downing and the Boys & Girls Club every morning, and she’s always happy when she sees them. I’m a single-mom and a widow, and there’s no better feeling than to know your daughter is somewhere safe and cared as she is at Downing and the Boys & Girls Club Gonyea Branch.” -LESLIE MINTARAGA, PARENT

“Although our staff has done a tremendous job of making McKinley - our temporary building - feel like home for two years, we are very excited to move into our new building next year! In our new building design, we see an engaging playground, separate bus and car lanes, spacious and visible hallways, community spaces and top-notch safety features are much needed, and we can’t wait to make it our new home.”- EMILY HATHAWAY, PRINCIPAL

“Hunt creates an inspired place to learn. From the native plants and rain gardens in front to the covered outdoor area in the back, with large open common spaces, bright classrooms, culinary kitchen, broadcasting studio and exceptional athletic facilities, Hunt Middle School was designed with intention and care. It has everything to engage a diverse array of students and their myriad interests.” - ALANA JARDIS HENTGES, PAREN

“Currently we teach the kindergarten students in a separate building from the main school. When we have to go to the main school building, which is several times a day, the students have to bundle up and walk in all types of weather to the main building. We’re looking forward to a new school with better ventilation, more space for artwork and a chance for the kindergarten students to be a part of a school with the primary students.” - JOANNA CONLON, HEIDI MOSEID, PATRICIA FIRCH, TEACHERS

“Although I’m a senior and will be graduating this year, my hope is that the new Oakland will have better quality insulation, an inviting outdoor space, a gymnasium and better ventilation. It’s hard to focus when you can hear stomping from the classroom above you. I’m really excited for the new school and would love to come back to see the big reveal when it’s finished.”- AVAMAE KOHL-BURNS, STUDENT

“One aspect that I love about the new Skyline is the feeling of connection. We were so spread out in the old school, so I felt detached from staff and programs in other wings. I love the windows into the classrooms so we get to see amazing teachers in action every day. The office and support programs are centrally located, so it’s easier to collaborate. The colors are calming and cheerful - the greens of the beautiful courtyard, the wood accents in the hallways and entrances and the shades of blue throughout. I feel so fortunate to get to teach here! -LARA HENRICKSEN, TEACHER

“Coming from a school that was just rebuilt this last year, I am thrilled for the upcoming construction at Whittier because I have seen the positive impact that a new building can have on staff and students. When a building is as old as Whittier, there are things that are run down. I am hopeful that an updated building will mean that all classes are in the same building and there will be updated technology. This will strengthen our school community and provide the opportunity to infuse different forms of engagement within the classroom.” - BREAHNNA JUDGE, TEACHER