Tacoma Public Schools families with middle or high school students earning a "C" or below started receiving automated phone calls from the district the week of Oct. 18.
The new grade-alert system, announced in the district's Oct. 18 family newsletter, notifies families whose students have a C or lower in one or more courses. The calls are automated.
The district urged families who receive a notification to contact their child's teacher to discuss how to support the student at home. Parents can also check specific assignment grades and attendance through ParentVUE, the district's online portal for tracking student records.
Free 24/7 tutoring available to all TPS students
Alongside the grade alerts, the district is promoting free 24/7 online tutoring available to all Tacoma Public Schools students through a Pathway Partnership with Tacoma Public Library.
The service, powered by Tutor.com, covers subjects including algebra, statistics, chemistry, physics, social studies and English, according to the district's tutoring page. Students can get help with homework, studying, essay writing and test preparation around the clock.
Tacoma Public Library switched to Tutor.com from its previous platforms, Brainfuse HelpNow and JobNow, as part of a broader upgrade to its educational resources.
Students and staff log in through the Tacoma Public Library website using their student or employee ID. Non-students can access the same resources by applying for a free library card.
Adults can also use the platform for job search help, resume coaching and test preparation for the GED, HiSET, ASVAB and graduate school entrance exams including the GRE, GMAT, LSAT and MCAT.
How to access both tools
Families who want to check their student's grades without waiting for a phone call can log into ParentVUE. The portal shows attendance, grades, schedules and documents for all children enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools under a single login.
The tutoring service is available at the district's online tutoring support page. Students enter their student ID in the library barcode field to connect to a live tutor.
