Krestin Bahr, PSD Superintendent | (253) 530-1002 | superintendent@psd401.net

As we embrace the vibrant energy of spring, I am delighted to share inspiring highlights from across the Peninsula School District. Our students continue to excel in many diverse areas, from culinary competitions to military leadership programs, while our dedicated staff create meaningful learning environments that nurture growth and success for all students.

Elementary students from across the district created delicious recipes at the Sodexo Future Chefs Competition, an opportunity to showcase their culinary talents. The other judges and I enjoyed sampling a wide variety of tantalizing dishes from the 13 finalists. Congratulations to the grand prize winner, Jana E. from Swift Water Elementary who made yummy Shawarma. Other top winners were Drew P. from Artondale Elementary, Lily R. from Vaughn Elementary, Thomas B. from Pioneer Elementary, Nora S. from Harbor Heights Elementary and Paige M. from Discovery Elementary. Bon appétit!

At Discovery Elementary, active duty military members joined their students for a wonderful celebration lunch during the Month of the Military Child. Our school district is proud to be one of only 14 Purple Star districts in our state, which is a title that recognizes military-friendly school districts that show a commitment to support and provide resources for military families. 

Students and staff celebrated Purple Up Day across our schools by dressing in purple, symbolizing support and appreciation for peers who are part of military families. I was also honored to join local service members and students for a special military family carnival celebration at Swift Water Elementary.

The Peninsula TideHawks NJROTC have earned the prestigious national designation of Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors for the second consecutive year. Our cadets' hard work and discipline in every event and initiative have elevated the TideHawks to one of the top units in the country. From academic competitions and military drill to physical fitness, marksmanship, and community service, each and every one of our cadets consistently give their best and represent our unit, school, and community with integrity and pride.

Across the district, schools recognized Earth Day on April 22. At Evergreen Elementary, which was named a Green Ribbon School in 2024, transitional kindergarten students joined volunteers to pull scotchbroom from around their school. At Artondale Elementary, another Green Ribbon School, Earth Day marked a Plastic Free Lunch Day. School lunch was served on reusable trays with metal silverware, and students were encouraged to bring packed lunches in reusable containers. I am proud to see our schools embracing environmental education and sustainability practices that will benefit our community for generations to come.

The week of May 5 to 9 is Teacher Appreciation Week, so let’s take this opportunity to honor the incredible educators who inspire, guide, and nurture our students every day. Teachers have a profound impact on our children’s lives and futures. Please join me in extending my sincere gratitude to each and every one of our educators in the Peninsula School District.

Be on the lookout for PSD's "Send a Thank You" web page to send a personalized e-card to your student's teacher. More information will be shared soon on our social media channels.

For the first time ever, our district qualifies for federal Impact Aid, which is awarded to school districts who have a certain number of military-connected students. Thanks to all the families who completed the Impact Aid survey, PSD has met the threshold to receive federal funding from this grant, to provide resources to help students succeed. Beginning in the fall, funds may be used toward the purchase of textbooks, materials, transportation, personnel and other education related expenditures. PSD will also have the opportunity to apply for additional U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity grants through this program.

As we look ahead, I remain incredibly grateful for our students, staff and community. The achievements and celebrations highlighted in this message represent just a fraction of the extraordinary work happening daily in our schools. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students' journeys.

Sincerely, 

Families and students now have another way to report harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) at psd401.net/hib. This easy-to-access new web page defines what HIB is, what to do if you see it and outlines the district’s process for responding. Families may also still use psd401.net/report to report HIB concerns or reach out to their school administration directly.

Our elementary schools are excited to welcome the Class of 2038! Parents of incoming kindergartners, register at psd401.net/enrollment. To enroll your child for kindergarten for this fall, they must be 5 years old by August 31, 2025. Our schools offer fun spring and summer transition events, so register early to be sure you don’t miss out.

Our most recent annual report, which highlights our achievements, stories, and areas of improvement, is now available online for our community.

The Peninsula School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. If you have questions or complaints regarding alleged discrimination, please call the Peninsula School District Educational Service Center at (253) 530-1000 or visit our office located at 14015 62nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332, and ask for one of the following coordinators: Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, compliance@psd401.net; Title IX Compliance Coordinator, titleix@psd401.net; 504 Compliance Coordinator, 504@psd401.net; ADA Compliance Coordinator, ada@psd401.net.