The beginning of a new school year should be filled with excitement and possibility, but I know it can also bring additional costs and stress for families.
Students are better able to focus on learning when they have the supplies, meals, healthcare and support they need. As vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K–12 Education Committee, I am working to strengthen our public schools and remove the barriers that can stand between students and their education.
That work happens through the policies and budgets we advance in Olympia, but it also means helping families connect with resources that are available right now.
My office put together this guide to help students and families across the 28th Legislative District prepare for the new school year. We will continue adding resources as they become available.
School supplies and backpacks
School supply information by district
- Clover Park School District provides general classroom supplies and publishes optional elementary and middle school supply lists for items students may use at home. View the 2026–27 information: https://www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us/school-supply-lists
- University Place families can find school supply information here: https://www.upsd83.org/10121_2
- Bethel School District’s back-to-school page includes supply lists and other information for families: https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/backtoschool
Families who need help obtaining supplies can also contact their school counselor or district office.
Vaccinations and healthcare
Children’s vaccinations
- The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department maintains a current list of free children’s vaccination clinics and participating providers. Vaccines are available for children through age 18, although an administration fee may apply at some locations. Find a vaccination clinic: https://tpchd.org/health/immunizations/children
Vaccination records
- Families can access their children’s Washington vaccination records through MyIR Mobile: https://wa.myir.net
Pediatric care and physicals
- Sea Mar operates pediatric, medical, dental and behavioral health clinics in Pierce County, including a pediatric clinic in Lakewood. Families should call ahead to ask about well-child visits or school and sports physicals. Find a Pierce County location: https://www.seamar.org/services-pierce.html
Health coverage
- Washington Apple Health provides free or low-cost medical, dental, vision and other health coverage to eligible children and families. Enrollment is available throughout the year. Learn more: https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/us/en/my-account/my-coverage/learnapplehealth.html
Food and school meals
- Emergency Food Network maintains a searchable directory of more than 75 Pierce County food pantries, including their locations, hours and contact information.
- Find food near you: https://www.efoodnet.org/find-food
- Pierce County also maintains a directory of local food banks, including locations serving Lakewood, University Place and neighboring communities. View the directory: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/foodbanks
- Families can use the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s application finder to locate their district’s application for free or reduced-price meals and other education benefits.
- Find your school meal application: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/child-nutrition/school-meals/washington-school-meals-application-finder
School district information
Families can find calendars, enrollment information, bus routes, meal menus and other back-to-school information through their local district.
- Bethel School District: https://www.bethelsd.org/resources/backtoschool
- Clover Park School District: https://www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us/families
- Steilacoom Historical School District: https://www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us/welcome-center/back-to-school-info
- Tacoma Public Schools: https://www.tacomaschools.org
- University Place School District: https://www.upsd83.org
Support for families experiencing housing instability
- Students experiencing housing instability may qualify for school supplies, clothing, transportation, tutoring and other assistance. Families can contact their school counselor or district student-support office.
- Clover Park families can find additional information here: https://www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us/homeless-assistance
Help finding additional resources
- Washington 211 connects families with food, clothing, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation and other support. Dial 211, call or text 253-572-4357, or visit https://wa211.org.
- My office may also be able to help families navigate state agencies and programs. Contact my office: https://senatedemocrats.wa.gov/nobles/contact
Program schedules, availability and eligibility requirements may change. Please contact providers directly to confirm current information.
