December 2025

The Highly Capable Program is available to identified students in kindergarten through 8th grade who require advanced learning and enriched instruction. High school students can choose more challenging classes through their counselor. The services offered depend on the grade and need, and students must meet certain standards in testing and academic performance to qualify. Families can submit applications for the program until Monday, December 15.

Highly Capable program

All district and school offices will be closed to the public during winter break, from Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2. We hope you have a restful break!

The NTPS Board of Directors has been selected as a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors Association!

Our Board was highlighted for its ongoing focus on high-quality early learning opportunities that prepare students for success, which is one of our district’s five strategic goals. WSSDA pointed to the Board’s efforts to include community voices in early learning decision-making. Read more about this award and our Board’s work in early learning. 

Our preschool students learn right alongside their special education peers in our early learning classrooms. These tuition-based spots in our special education preschool program are a unique opportunity for young learners to thrive alongside our students with disabilities to play, learn, and grow together. This half-day (AM or PM) program is available to children ages three to four and is offered two or four days per week.

NTPS Preschool

Last month, our district hosted a military family game night! Military-connected families played games and enjoyed pizza and balloon animals. Thank you to all the community members and student volunteers who helped make this event possible!

Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages to see photos from this event and other exciting things happening in our schools!

Our School Board meetings are an excellent place to hear the latest news from around the district. Be sure to review our Board meeting highlights:

• The November 18 meeting included good news from Aspire Performing Arts Academy, recognition of community partner Puget Sound Energy, and gratitude for outgoing Board Member Tiffany Sevruk. 
• The November 12 joint meeting with the Lacey City Council included discussion about a potential spring event for district 5th-grade students and a proposed neighborhood development near Komachin Middle School.
• The November 5 joint meeting with the Nisqually Tribal Council included updates on teacher professional development at the Medicine River Ranch, middle school oral storytelling lessons, and potential opportunities for earning competency-based credit for tribal activities.

Next up in our school video series is Lakes Elementary! Hear from Lakes school staff about what makes Lakes a special place for students to learn and grow.

Want to see more videos?

Playlist of school spotlight videos