Save Tacoma's Beyond the Bell program
The Issue
My son is one of the many children who benefits daily from the Beyond the Bell program in Tacoma. Beyond the Bell has been a cornerstone in our community, offering a safe, educational, and nurturing environment for children after school. It's not just a place where kids go to pass the time after school; it's a place where they are inspired, learn, and grow. Unfortunately, this crucial program is at risk of being cut, and I am deeply concerned about what this will mean for my son and countless other children.
The Beyond the Bell program provides engaging and meaningful activities that supplement school education, helping children reach their full potential. For working parents like me, it is a lifeline, ensuring that our children are in a supervised space that fosters learning and creativity while we attend to our jobs. The program helps to bridge the gap for students who might not have access to additional resources outside of school.
A study by the Afterschool Alliance found that afterschool programs like Beyond the Bell lead to improved academic performance, reduced risky behaviors, and enhanced social skills. Cutting funding or shutting it down will not only affect the children but also impact families and the community at large. According to the Tacoma Public Schools, the Beyond the Bell initiative has already shown significant improvements in students’ engagement and faculty feedback suggests it positively impacts classroom performance.
Instead of cutting such vital programs, we should be looking for ways to expand them. We urge the Tacoma school board and local government to consider the long-term benefits of the Beyond the Bell program and find alternatives that will keep this essential service available for our children. Possible solutions could involve reallocating budget funds, seeking sponsorships from local businesses, or even modestly raising fees to help cover costs without burdening families unduly.
It’s time we come together as a community to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Our children’s futures are too precious to put on the chopping block. Please join me in urging the Tacoma school board to keep the Beyond the Bell program alive and fully operational.
Sign this petition to save a program that matters to our children, families, and community.
88
The Issue
My son is one of the many children who benefits daily from the Beyond the Bell program in Tacoma. Beyond the Bell has been a cornerstone in our community, offering a safe, educational, and nurturing environment for children after school. It's not just a place where kids go to pass the time after school; it's a place where they are inspired, learn, and grow. Unfortunately, this crucial program is at risk of being cut, and I am deeply concerned about what this will mean for my son and countless other children.
The Beyond the Bell program provides engaging and meaningful activities that supplement school education, helping children reach their full potential. For working parents like me, it is a lifeline, ensuring that our children are in a supervised space that fosters learning and creativity while we attend to our jobs. The program helps to bridge the gap for students who might not have access to additional resources outside of school.
A study by the Afterschool Alliance found that afterschool programs like Beyond the Bell lead to improved academic performance, reduced risky behaviors, and enhanced social skills. Cutting funding or shutting it down will not only affect the children but also impact families and the community at large. According to the Tacoma Public Schools, the Beyond the Bell initiative has already shown significant improvements in students’ engagement and faculty feedback suggests it positively impacts classroom performance.
Instead of cutting such vital programs, we should be looking for ways to expand them. We urge the Tacoma school board and local government to consider the long-term benefits of the Beyond the Bell program and find alternatives that will keep this essential service available for our children. Possible solutions could involve reallocating budget funds, seeking sponsorships from local businesses, or even modestly raising fees to help cover costs without burdening families unduly.
It’s time we come together as a community to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Our children’s futures are too precious to put on the chopping block. Please join me in urging the Tacoma school board to keep the Beyond the Bell program alive and fully operational.
Sign this petition to save a program that matters to our children, families, and community.
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on June 4, 2026