Ferrucci Junior High: Working Together to Prepare for In-Person Learning at Naches Trail

In the weeks following the April 4 fire at Ferrucci Junior High, an extraordinary, behind-the-scenes effort has been underway to support students’ return to in-person learning.

Beginning Monday, May 4, Ferrucci seventh and eighth grade students will transition to in-person learning at the former Naches Trail Elementary site, a Bethel School District facility in Tacoma. While this transition has come together in a short period of time, it reflects the coordinated work of dozens of staff members across departments, two school districts, and community partners, all working toward a common goal: creating a safe, functional, and welcoming learning environment for students. 

A Districtwide Effort

Since the fire, teams from across Puyallup School District - including facilities, operations, technology, food services, transportation, safety and security, and school leadership - have been working side by side with partners from Bethel School District to prepare the site for secondary students. 

Classrooms have been reconfigured to meet the needs of junior high learners. Furniture has been delivered and installed, including student desks and chairs, teacher workspaces, and cafeteria tables to support shared spaces. What was once an elementary setting has been thoughtfully transformed into a space ready to support junior high instruction. 

Technology teams have played a critical role in ensuring continuity of learning. Classrooms have been equipped with instructional technology, including teaching monitors, printers, and access to district systems so that students and staff can continue their work with minimal disruption. 

Food services teams have also worked quickly to establish meal service at the site, including setting up a point-of-sale system to ensure students can access meals just as they would at their home school. 

Transportation teams have also been working behind the scenes to redesign bus routes and establish new pickup and drop-off locations to support students traveling to the Naches Trail site. This includes adjusting routes, communicating updates to families, and ensuring students have reliable and safe transportation to and from school each day.

Safety, Security, and Daily Operations 

Ensuring a safe and secure environment has been central to every step of this process. Staff have been issued security badges compatible with Bethel’s systems, along with classroom keys, to support daily operations within a shared facility. 

Emergency procedures remain in place, though they have been thoughtfully adapted to fit the new setting. This includes establishing emergency communication systems, such as radios, and planning for drills so that both staff and students are prepared and supported.

Ferrucci Junior High security staff will be on site to support students and maintain continuity in daily operations. In addition, the district's School Resource Officer will remain engaged, helping ensure consistent safety and security support as students transition to the Naches Trail site. 

Strong Partnerships Make It Possible 

This transition has been made possible through strong collaboration and partnership. Bethel School District has provided not only the facility, but also key resources and on-site support to help prepare the space. Community partners have also stepped in to assist, contributing furniture and materials needed to bring classrooms together quickly and efficiently. 

Whether preparing a school for five weeks or a full academic year, the level of care and preparation remains the same. Staff across both districts have approached this work with urgency, professionalism, and a shared commitment to students. 

Looking Ahead

While this transition marks an important step in returning students to in-person learning, work continues at Ferrucci Junior High. The campus remains closed as restoration efforts move forward in phases, beginning with investigation and cleanup, and continuing through future repair and reconstruction. 

Throughout this process, the focus remains clear: supporting students, maintaining continuity in their education, and ensuring safe, high-quality learning environments. 

As students walk into Naches Trail on Monday, they will be stepping into a space made possible by an incredible collective effort, one that reflects the dedication of staff, the strength of partnerships, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for students.