The Avalanche Way in Action: Accessibility Upgrades at Glacier View Junior High

At Glacier View Junior High, we live out The Avalanche Way, saying YES to new opportunities, engaging fully in our academics and community, trying our best each day, and inspiring those around us. This commitment to growth and inclusion isn’t just painted on our walls. It’s built into the way we show up for each other, and into the thoughtful decisions we make to support every student who walks through our doors. 

This summer, our operations team brought that commitment to life through a series of critical accessibility upgrades across campus, especially for students with vision impairments. Crews worked diligently to improve safety and visibility by painting stair curbs and handrails a bold, bright yellow. These high-contrast updates may seem like small changes—but for some students, they mean the difference between uncertainty and confidence, hesitation and independence. 

“My job is to help students with visual impairments navigate their school day safely and independently,” said Cheryl Buffelen, a Teacher of Blind/Low Vision Learners and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist. “When stairs and handrails blend into the surroundings, they can become invisible hazards. A simple contrast in color can mean everything, it helps a student detect drop-offs, locate support, and move through campus with assurance.” 

These improvements reflect more than a construction project, they reinforce the Puyallup School District’s mission: to prepare and empower every student to reach their full potential and thrive in school, society, work, and life. That means building schools not just to code, but with care. Not just for function, but for belonging. 

ADA-accessible construction is a cornerstone of that work. It supports equity in our learning environments and echoes the district’s vision to provide academic excellence in a safe, inclusive setting where every student can develop as a critical thinker ready to take on the world. When we make thoughtful design choices, like brightening the edge of a stairwell, we’re not just removing a barrier. We’re sending a clear message: You matter here. 

“These changes may not stand out to everyone, but for a student who needs them, they’re everything,” Buffelen added. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of a team that listens, collaborates, and takes real steps to make our schools safer and more welcoming. That’s the kind of work that changes lives.” 

We’re especially proud of our operations and maintenance crews, whose attention to detail and heart for service continue to make a lasting difference. They aren’t just preparing a building. They’re preparing the way for every student to feel welcome, respected, and ready to learn. 

“Our team takes pride in every project, but the ones that directly support student safety and accessibility hold special meaning,” said Philip Anderson, Maintenance Director for the Puyallup School District. “It’s not just about painting or concrete; it’s about creating an environment where every student can move with confidence and feel like they belong here. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.” 

On September 3, we opened our doors and welcomed our Glacier View students back into a space that reflected who we are: a school that inspires, supports, and empowers everyone who walks through our halls.