By Marianne Lincoln

When I attended Bethel schools, there wasn’t much diversity. Aside from the fact that many of my classmates at Elk Plain were multigenerational descendants of local tribes, there were not many Asian, Hispanic or African American classmates. Years later, I discovered the connection of our community to mixed blood families from Fort Nisqually in the mid-1800’s and settlers along Muck Creek. That explained why there were so many claiming to be of Native decent.

Fast forward to the mid 1980’s and the housing boom, many developments in the area were more more affordable than cities. Tacoma’s Hilltop crime was pushing families into the suburbs. The demographics of the Spanaway census in 1970 and in 1990 showed a 30 percent shift. Increases in military population also contributed to the change. Today, the Parkland-Spanaway vicinity is the most diverse in the unincorporated county (2020 census).

The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Spanaway Elementary School (c 1855) is holding a fundraiser on February 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school, 215 166th St S, Spanaway, WA 98387. There will be booths from various local cultural groups, including PLU’s Scandinavian Cultural Center. It is Black History Month, so expect some local history as well. There will be food trucks in the parking lot serving some tasty grub, displays and performances.

The documentation on the event says you must RSVP and provides a QR code link. Children must be accompanied by a parent.

Please come out and support your local school.