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

Happy New Year! I sincerely hope you found time to recharge during winter break and savored moments with family and friends. As we welcome 2025, I'm energized by the possibility this year brings. We look forward to welcoming students back with their renewed focus and enthusiasm for learning. Our dedicated staff are launching into the new year ready to inspire students and nurture growth every day.

One of my favorite events from last month was the Focus on Education Innovation at Swift Water Elementary. Hundreds of students, families, teachers and staff came together to showcase the creativity and passion happening in our classrooms and beyond. Exhibits from all 17 of our schools featured aviation, telescopes, oobleck, Lego robotics, guitars, virtual reality, 3D printing and so much more. Our students amazed everyone with their knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you everyone who joined us to celebrate learning’s endless possibilities!

As we mark School Board Recognition Month, we celebrate the remarkable individuals who guide our district's educational journey. When I think about the work and dedication of our board members, I’m truly inspired. These volunteers - our neighbors and community members - invest their time and passion, crafting the strategic vision that propels our learning community forward and ensuring every student receives the highest quality education.

This month, I invite you to join me in thanking our board members for their leadership, commitment to educational excellence, and for their profound impact on the future of the Peninsula School District.

In a few weeks, Chief Information Officer Kris Hagel and I will be traveling to Florida to share and present on something I’m particularly proud of - our district’s ground breaking work in artificial intelligence. We are part of a select group of school district leaders asked to present at the national Artificial Intelligence (AI) Super Summit. Being selected to present is not just an honor, it reflects how PSD continues to lead public schools in the country in AI, and this incredible opportunity allows us to share our cutting edge AI policy development and the best innovative tools to design the future of education. I look forward to sharing what we learn from other forward-thinking school districts when we return!

I recently had the privilege of hearing from our NJROTC TideHawks about their opportunity to tour the USS Nimitz, the lead ship of the U.S. Navy's Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Students got to see how sailors live on board the oldest active serving aircraft carrier in the world. The TideHawks were also able to interact with the Nimitz crew and explore career fields in the Navy. This inspiring visit gave cadets invaluable first-hand exposure to naval service.

The fantastic response to last month’s Youth Mental Health First Aid reinforced how deeply our community cares about our young people’s wellbeing. Because this training was so popular, we have added more training opportunities on January 22 and 23. The location of the trainings will be announced soon.

The two-day certification program will help equip participants with essential skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges among young people. Thank you again to the Boys & Girls Club of the South Puget Sound and the Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition, who sponsored the additional trainings. Sign-up for the training at https://forms.gle/FqM4kudfHZao4Qg2A or contact Becky Maffei at maffeir@psd401.net.

Next week, you’ll receive an important survey in your ParentSquare feed, our annual Impact Aid Survey. Our district came close to qualifying for federal Impact Aid last year, based on our number of federally-connected students, and our data shows we meet the enrollment criteria to receive this significant aid. With your help, we could secure funding for textbooks, school materials, hiring staff and educators, and more military family support. Please take five minutes to complete the Impact Aid survey when you receive it! Your participation can make a real difference for our school community.

As I look ahead to the new year, I’m filled with optimism about what we’ll achieve together. Our district’s strength lies in our shared commitment to curiosity, compassion, and collective growth. Thank you for being part of our PSD community. Here’s to making 2025 an extraordinary year of discovery and achievement for every student. 

Do you have a student you would like to be evaluated for our Highly Capable Program? The online referral window is open through January 10. Students from all grade levels can be referred for testing now, and if a student qualifies, they can begin receiving Highly Capable services next school year. Read more about the referral process and complete the form at psd401.net/highlycapable.

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

Third grade students from Purdy Elementary used creativity and coding to connect their skills across music, art, and STEM to create an innovative video before winter break. Click below to check out the video.

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.