June/July 2026
Congratulations, 2026 Graduates!
BOND UPDATE: Local bonds
Bethel High School has called the same location home since 1951. Over the decades, the campus itself has shifted, expanded, and evolved alongside our community. This fall, it is finally time for our staff and students to move down the road to a brand-new Bethel High, built from the ground up to give our growing student body the modern learning spaces they need. But this massive project has been a long time in the making. Nineteen years, to be exact. For nearly two decades, the journey to build this school was met with enough twists, turns, and hurdles to fill a novel.
The search for a proper school site began all the way back in 2007. Finding land large enough for a modern high school that also met strict state growth boundaries proved to be an incredibly complex puzzle. When we finally found the right property, the state changed the rules, which put regulatory roadblocks in front of the project. Complaints filed with a state hearing board delayed the project for years, forcing district leaders to take the fight all the way to the Governor’s desk. A bill was finally signed into law in 2017 to let our district build on the property. But money was then needed to build the school our students deserved.
Local voters backed the idea when they approved the 2019 School Construction Bond. Thank you, voters!
But in 2021, the new Bethel High School project was delayed again. Updates to county stormwater regulations required our teams to spend a year and a half developing a highly complex underground water
model and purchasing additional land just to manage runoff. Throughout it all, our School Board and planning teams remained relentless, refusing to give up on the future of our students. We were finally able to break ground on the new Bethel High School in 2024.
Because of their stewardship, and the partnership of our community, the stunning new 300,000-square-foot Bethel High School will soon be added to the completed bond project list. The school will boast a dedicated welding classroom, a top-tier culinary space, a 500-seat theater, and – in keeping with the wishes of the Crate family, who some of the land was purchased from – a beautiful memorial plaza in honor of Casey Crate.
As we prepare for the official ribbon cutting ceremony on August 21, 2026, the historic Bethel High School building will serve another vital purpose. This fall, the old building will become a temporary home to the staff and students of Cedarcrest Middle School. This clever transition allows the Cedarcrest crew to stay together in a safe, functional learning space while their old school is demolished to make way for a brand-new facility, again, thanks to that 2019 bond. Thank you, voters!
We are incredibly proud of this milestone, and we cannot wait to welcome you to the ribbon cutting in August as we celebrate what happens when a community stands together for its kids.
Money from the 2019 bond has gone a long way in our community, building:
• Challenger High School Phase II Expansion
• Evergreen Elementary Modernization and Expansion
• Expedition Elementary
• Graham-Kapowsin High School Expansion
• Katherine G. Johnson Elementary
• New Naches Trail Elementary
• Security camera upgrades across the district
• Turf fields at Graham-Kapowsin and Spanaway Lake high schools
build local schools
Brian Lowney
As another school year comes to a close, I find myself thinking about the incredible journey our students take. We often focus on the finish line, and the immense pride we feel for our seniors as they cross the graduation stage. But that milestone is actually the result of the entire team, from preschool through graduation.
Our educators and support staff are doing remarkable work at every stage of these students’ academic careers. As they advance through school, our job is to keep pushing them to challenge themselves to learn and grow. Once they reach high school, even if college isn't their goal, the analytical skills required to pass a tough academic class are the identical skills needed to master a complex trade apprenticeship. We aren't just preparing kids to land a job. We want them to enter the workforce with room to grow and to THRIVE.
Your tax dollars invest in these students every single day. And thanks to our community’s support of our 2019 School Construction Bond, another milestone is quickly approaching. This fall, the new Bethel High School will open its doors. On August 21 we will be holding a dedication ceremony and you will be able to tour the building to see first hand what your support has built.
I hope you will join us.
Thank you for believing in our students and our staff.
. Brian Lowney, Ph.D. Superintendent
The Class of 2031 is currently in middle school, but the world waiting for them is already taking shape. By the time they graduate, 72% of jobs will require education beyond a high school diploma.
That’s according to a study by Georgetown University. Now, postsecondary education can mean a lot of things. It’s not just about attending a two- or four-year college or university anymore. It can be a vocational or trade school, apprenticeship, or military service.
School Board Director John Manning said there are many ways for high school graduates to make themselves marketable so that they can earn a living wage.
“I'm a trade school kind of person,” he said. “It is okay to get out of high school and go to work for Boeing or Toray Composites or any other place that you can find a job where you're happy.”
Over 90% of our students graduate on time. But we don't have strong numbers when it comes to meaningful post-graduation learning. In 2025 we saw only 45% of our graduates enroll in a two- or four-year college. That’s lower than the state average.
That means 55% of those graduates are doing something else, including employment right out of high school. This is where the district wants to focus, to make sure that “something else” is an intentional choice, not a default.
But even if a graduate doesn't see
The Class of 2031
college in their future, that doesn't mean we don't need to push them to try hard classes while they’re in high school.
“Every piece of data out there right now shows that the skills it takes to be successful taking an academic course load are the same skills they're going to need in an apprenticeship, to advance and become a journeyman,”
Superintendent Brian Lowney said.
Along with the academic rigor, part of the responsibility is with our staff developing relationships with students to help guide them through their formative years. The importance of that was echoed by one of our graduating seniors, Autumn Humbert. “Most of our students, they don't feel that sense of accomplishment because they don't have the relationship with either the ‘higher-ups,’ or the teachers, or have that sense of knowledge that they can push forward, or that they can do greater things. So that
accountability on the higher-ups of people thinking of what to do next starts with that relationship,” she said.
Board Director Roseanna Camacho said staff are a key piece of the puzzle. “Whenever I see interviews of adults being asked, ‘What got you to where you are today? What was that spark?’ You always hear it go back to a teacher,” she said. “Someone in third grade, kindergarten, high school, that just really understood them, really connected with them on a different level that maybe no other adult person in their life had.”
For the Class of 2031, and all the classes that come before them, our commitment is clear: to ensure that when our students cross the graduation stage, that day is truly a beginning, not an ending.
Say the word, do the motion
Dena Mariano has spent 27 years teaching in our schools, but she is still finding new ways to grow.
This year, in her first grade classroom at Shining Mountain Elementary, she had seven multilingual students. These are students who are learning English, on top of learning the curriculum. It sounds like a heavy lift for a six-yearold. Enter Brianna Kangas, the school’s multilingual education teacher.
"Being multilingual is such a superpower,” Kangas said. "There's different neural pathways that are strengthened and created when you are acquiring and learning another language, and so it just makes your brain super, super strong.”
To help the multilingual students unlock those superpowers, Kangas and Mariano are using Total Physical Response (TPR) to turn new
vocabulary words into actions. A familiar phrase that echoes throughout the classroom describes it well, "Say the word and do the motion!"
TPR is not American Sign Language. Kangas and Mariano co-plan their lessons and determine which vocabulary words will get the TPR treatment. Putting an invisible crown on your head is used for the word “British.” For the word “country” students pretend to plant a flag in the ground.
This allows first graders, some of whom are still learning English, to define and understand concepts as broad as American Independence, and to get hands on with events like the Boston Tea Party.
When students learn the word "government," there is a gesture. When they say "independence," there
is a movement.
“Recently, I got a new student who is a newcomer to the United States and on day one he was able to participate in our lesson through the use of those hand gestures,” said Mariano.
And the strategy works whether you’re a native English speaker or not.
“When you pair a motion with a vocabulary word, when you're saying something at the same time your body's doing something, there's something that happens in your brain that's going to help you remember and connect that word," Kangas said.
In other words, every student is benefiting. And the impact continues as those vocabulary words become essays. As students lean over their papers, their free hands often form the gestures they learned earlier that morning. They are rehearsing their sentences before committing the words to paper.
“You'll see them doing the hand motions as they write, to help them recall that vocabulary,” said Mariano. "They can really just focus in on the mechanics of writing.”
Kangas co-teachers with Mariano for one period a day. Their partnership is helping students to build the academic language they need to thrive.
And in this classroom, students are learning with their voices, their hands, and their hearts.
We are excited to announce that nine of our schools have been recognized as part of the 2026 Washington School Recognition Program!
With nine schools honored, the Bethel School District leads all of Pierce County in state recognition this year, standing as one of the top-recognized districts in the entire state for student growth. That means ensuring every student group, regardless of background, is on an upward trajectory.
If you walk into any of these nine schools, you'll see what success looks like in action. A teacher at Frontier Middle finding a new way to explain a concept to a student learning English. A senior at Bethel Acceleration Academy – perhaps the first in their family to head toward a diploma – realizing that their income level doesn’t dictate their future.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal praised the achievement. “I want to thank every student, every family, and every educator that has leaned into the work of advancing student achievement,” he said.
The program recognizes school achievement in specific categories:
CLOSING GAPS: These schools made significant advancements for student groups in areas identified for improvement.
Frontier Middle School
Increased English language proficiency progress to more than 9.4% after being identified for targeted supports.
9 Bethel schools earn state recognition
Liberty Middle School
Increased English language proficiency progress to more than 9.4% after being identified for targeted supports.
GROWTH: These schools have student groups among the highest performers (top 10% statewide) on key measures.
Bethel Acceleration Academy
Top 10% for Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, English Language Learner, and Low-income student growth in Graduation Rates and Dual Credit Completion.
Elk Plain School of Choice
Top 10% for Asian student growth in ELA Proficiency and Attendance.
Frederickson Elementary
Top 10% for Asian student growth in ELA, Math, and Attendance.
Graham Elementary
Top 10% for Black student growth in Math Proficiency and Attendance.
Katherine G. Johnson Elementary
Top 10% for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and English Language Learner growth in ELA/Math Proficiency and Growth Percentiles.
Nelson Elementary
Top 10% for Hispanic/Latino and English Language Learner growth in ELA/Math Proficiency and Growth Percentiles.
Spanaway Elementary
Top 10% for English Language Learner growth in ELA and Math Student Growth Percentiles.
This is a huge win for our teachers who stay late, the parents who push at home, and the students who decide that "good enough" isn't enough. Our schools are getting better because they refuse to leave anyone behind.
You can find a complete list of all the 2026 recognized schools at https:// sbe.wa.gov/2026-recognized-schools
New welding class sparks student futures
While the doors won't officially open until this fall, the dedicated welding classroom at the new Bethel High School is already being seen as a massive leap forward for our students.
This cutting-edge program is a direct result of our community’s investment. While other schools don’t have these facilities yet due to high costs, the 2019 School Construction Bond made this shop possible. Thank you, voters!
“I have to give a big shout-out to our construction team,” said Jeff Johnson, Director of Career and College Readiness. “They found a way to help us really outfit the shop with industryquality equipment.”
The shop isn't just a room at the new school. It’s a pathway to a highpaying career. Johnson said that the equipment arriving now is better than what many pros used during their own
“What's going to happen at Bethel High School with any student that comes through this program starting next year is just state-of-the-art.”
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Roseanna Camacho, Bethel School Board Director
training. “Some of the workers were in there saying that this shop is nicer than the ones that they learned in at their community colleges or technical schools.”
To accompany the professional-grade equipment, the School Board recently approved a comprehensive welding curriculum that covers all the real-life skills students will need to kick start their careers as soon as they cross the graduation stage.
“What’s going to happen at Bethel High School with any student that comes through this program starting next year is just state-ofthe-art,” said Board Director Roseanna Camacho.
Along with their high school diplomas, these students will also earn the certifications needed to land a high-demand job right out of high school. That means they’ll be able to see a clear path, from practice to paycheck.
Student voices are shaping our schools
“Speak a lot! Do not be afraid to express your opinion.”
That’s the advice Lyllian, a recent graduate of Bethel High School, offered to those following in her footsteps. It is empowered advice, and likely not something she would have shared three years ago. Her confidence blossomed through a unique opportunity in our district called the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council.
“I felt like SSLC pushed me past my comfort zone of talking to other individuals,” Lyllian said. “It helped me step into the realm of what's happening at my school and what's happening at other schools.”
After finishing her third year with the council, Lyllian finds it powerful to advocate for change that can impact students districtwide.
“You are representing this entire district,” she said. “You are representing all of the high schools, all the elementary schools and middle
schools.”
The SSLC recently put their representative power into action during their annual roundtable dinner with the School Board. This wasn’t a dry presentation from a podium. Instead, Board members visited individual tables to listen, learn, and engage in in-depth conversations about the student experience.
And the students did not shy away from heavy topics. They led discussions on staff diversity and the need for more multicultural programs and interpreters. They also brought practical solutions to the table, requesting updates to the advisory curriculum to include "real-life skills" like financial literacy. While algebra has its place, they want to graduate knowing how to handle loans, credit, taxes, and mortgages, while also mastering professional skills like resume building and interviewing.
Board President Marcus Young thanked the students for bringing both concerns and solutions to the
table. “I felt like I heard the voice of those individuals that you all serve in your schools,” he said. “You did it with conviction, you did it with clarity, and you actually caused me and the Superintendent to have to reassess our thoughts.”
School Board Vice President Teresa Cosio said the candor was a breath of fresh air for the Board. “Continue these conversations, but bring them to the board more often,” she told the students. “We need feedback throughout the year on how well we're doing and how our staff is doing on supporting you.”
As for Lyllian, her journey of selfexpression is just beginning. With her diploma fresh in hand, she plans to attend The Evergreen State College in Olympia this fall to major in performing arts and fine arts, with a goal of minoring in creative writing. While she’s there, the change she championed here will continue to support students across our district for years to come.
Language diversity helps our students shine
When people think of multilingual learners, they often imagine students who recently arrived from another country and are learning English for the first time. In our district, the picture is much broader. Nearly half of our multilingual learners were born in the United States and arrived at school already speaking more than one language at home.
That means students often come with valuable language skills and cultural knowledge already in place. Bethel’s Multilingual Education (MLE) program builds on those strengths while helping students grow academically and socially.
Across the district, our students speak more than 76 languages, reflecting the diversity that makes the community strong. The district’s MLE program supports students as they continue developing English while maintaining pride in the languages and cultures they bring with them. One major focus of the program is helping students master academic English by helping build the vocabulary and communication skills needed for success in every subject area.
But it's not just about academics. There are also long-
term cognitive benefits connected to multilingualism. Students who regularly think, read, and communicate in more than one language are constantly strengthening important brain pathways connected to memory, problem solving, and adaptability.
“One thing that they have found with our multilingual learners is that when they're having to think in more than one language, their brains are constantly making those new neural pathways. And so what happens is multilingual students just have these really strong pathways for learning,” said Carla Louck, Secondary MLE TOSA.
Those benefits extend well beyond the classroom. In today’s world, being able to communicate in more than one
language is an advantage in careers, higher education, travel, and everyday life.
“Multilingualism in general is just such a strong skill to have, to be able to think and talk in more than one language has a lot of great benefits. I love that our school district has a Dual Language program so that we are really thinking about how that can impact student learning,” Louck said.
The community had a chance to celebrate that work at our annual Family Fun Night in May. This special evening brought together students, families, and staff for a vibrant celebration of culture, language, and community featuring food, interactive booths, and student performances.
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SUPERINTENDENT&SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTORS
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Bethel Schools
516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387
Phone: 253.800.2000
Email: communications@bethelsd.org Website: bethelsd.org
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Bethel School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, disability, neurodivergence, the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, age, and honorably discharged veteran or military status and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Compliance / Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Debbie Carlman, dcarlman@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2019; Title IX Coordinator, Mel Boyd, mboyd@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2029; and 504 Coordinator, Melissa Munson-Merritt, mmunsonmer@bethelsd. org, 253.800.2301. All individuals may be reached at this address: 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: bethelsd.org.
El Distrito Escolar de Bethel no discrimina en sus programas ni actividades por motivos de sexo, raza, etnia, color, religión, credo, nacionalidad, orientación sexual, expresión o identidad de género, falta de hogar, estatus migratorio o de ciudadanía, discapacidad, neurodiversidad, uso de perro guía entrenado o animal de servicio, edad, condición de veterano o militar con baja honorable. Asimismo, ofrece igualdad de acceso a los Boy Scouts y a otros grupos juveniles especificados. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para atender consultas y quejas de supuesta discriminación: Cumplimiento de los Derechos Civiles/ Coordinadora Escolar de Inclusión de Género, Debbie Carlman, dcarlman@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2019; Coordinador del Título IX, Mel Boyd, mboyd@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2029; y Coordinadora 504, Melissa Munson-Merritt, mmunsonmer@bethelsd.org, 253.800.2301. Todas las personas pueden ser localizadas en esta dirección 516 176th Street East, Spanaway, WA 98387. Las consultas sobre el Título IX también pueden dirigirse a la Oficina de Derechos Civiles (OCR) del Departamento de Educación de los Estados Unidos. Para más información sobre las políticas de no discriminación y discriminación por razón de sexo, los procedimientos de reclamación, y sobre cómo comunicar una preocupación o queja visite: www.bethelsd.org
Bethel School District No. 403
516 176th St. E., Spanaway, WA 98387-8335
(253) 800-2000 | www.bethelsd.org
