News and Events

For years, Tukwila School District has partnered with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing new winter coats to children in need. This work reflects our shared mission to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and valued. Led by Quality Engagement Specialist Julie Herdt, in partnership with elementary school social workers and community liaisons, the districtwide effort expanded this year to reach every elementary school scholar in Tukwila.

The winter coat events began at Tukwila Elementary, followed by Thorndyke Elementary, then Cascade View, and included Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), ensuring that all elementary scholars received a brand-new winter coat this season. Thanks to sponsors like FedEx, which supported Tukwila Elementary, and Nordstrom, which sponsored Thorndyke Elementary, this collective effort brought warmth and dignity to scholars across the district.

The work continued with support for middle and high school scholars. On December 18, Cascade View distributed coats and shoes to every scholar, with additional items sent to Showalter Middle School and Foster High School, demonstrating the power of care, coordination, and community collaboration.

Alongside these efforts, Early Learning Family Support Specialist Dawn Sharp worked tirelessly to support ECEAP families facing food insecurity and limited access to resources. Through grants from the Exchange Club of Highline and the Tukwila Children’s Foundation, Dawn helped provide winter coats, food, and gift cards to families—ensuring that our youngest learners and their families had the support they needed this winter.

This season has shown the impact of partnership, dedication, and compassion. Every coat, every pair of shoes, and every meal card represents more than a resource—it represents belonging, dignity, and a message that our scholars and families matter. We are deeply grateful to our staff, partners, donors, and community members who make this work possible, wrapping Tukwila’s youngest learners in care.