TAF Academy Opening Now Scheduled for Sept. 8

The first day of classes for TAF Academy will be Monday, September 8th. Originally, the start of classes was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, when the rest of the district begins classes. However, construction and other preparation activities are coming right down to the wire, with no room to spare for unexpected delays. With the extra week, the staff can finalize preparations to the new facility for a successful start of school. 

By delaying the official start of classes to Sept. 8, we can be sure that staff and students can start the school year out right, engaging in an exciting educational experience. In the meantime, students will be able to pick up their schedules. Middle school students may pick up their schedules and get fitted for a lab coat on September 3 between the hours of noon and 6 p.m.  High school students may pick up their schedules and get fitted for a lab coat on the 4th of September during the same hours. Please watch your mailbox for the TAF Academy newsletter and enrollment packet early next week.

Unlike the opening of other new schools in the district in recent years -- which had principals assigned a year in advance -- TAF Academy has had a principal in place only since July 1st. In two short months, Laura Davis-Brown and TAF and district teams have worked diligently to hire and train staff, recruit and welcome students and parents, develop transportation schedules and food service arrangements, purchase textbooks, order furniture, ensure that technological learning tools are wired, and, in short, coordinate all of the other pieces needed by early September. Our construction team and contractors are working extended hours to ensure the facility will be ready. The district is seeking permission from the City of Kent to move furniture in before the occupancy permit is issued, and everything looks like it will be ready.  However, as we all know, unexpected delays can and do occur.

On September 2nd, a welcome team will be on site in case any students or families do arrive. That team will also contact families, if needed, to get kids home safely. If you have any questions, please contact Denise Mosley in the TAF Academy office at 253-945-5187.

August 19, 2008