Tacoma keeps virtual learning option as students return to classrooms

Not all students will be in class when Tacoma public schools open their doors on Wednesday morning.

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Superintendent Josh Garcia says Tacoma will be offering all-virtual learning for those who want the option.

“All those things we learned during the pandemic about remote learning and technology, they’ll pay off,” Garcia said. “‘Tacoma Online’ continues this year as its own school — we know that for some students, a virtual learning environment is the best fit.”

For those returning in person, masks will be required in indoor spaces for all students and staff, alongside ongoing social distancing requirements. The district is also “working to comply with the Governor’s order to have all staff vaccinated.”

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Garcia says he is grateful to voters as well, because the recent passage of a new levy means every student will continue to be assigned a device allowing them to connect to the internet. Additionally, the district is able to offer free breakfast and lunch to students again this year, courtesy of a federal grant.

Tacoma’s Boze Elementary will also host a special opening day assembly to show off its new mini soccer field for students and the wider community. Tacoma Defiance players will be part of the celebration and future soccer clinics at the school.

One hitch, like other districts, is that Tacoma is having a bus driver shortage, so bus riders are being told they may have to wait at their stops for longer than usual.