Students from Mr. Gamas’ biology classes went to the Pacific Science Center in Seattle to see “Lucy,” the 3.2 million year old fossil of a hominin with a cranium size similar to apes but a human-like skeleton showing that it walked upright. The skeleton is only 40 percent complete but fortunately almost every bone missing on one side of the body is present on the other side. The tour went through the history of Ethiopia where Lucy was discovered in the Hadar rock formation in the Awash Valley of the Afar Depression. Lucy’s designation comes partially from this location, Australopithecus afarensis. She was unearthed in 1974 by Donald Johanson and is making a tour of the U. S. The students were handed a device that gave a speech at significant spots on the tour when an appropriate number prompt was dialed in. Lucy’s bones are included along with replicas and a “living” re-creation of her as she would have looked on the savanna of Africa. Read more...
Jake Rideout displays leadership
Jake Rideout is impressive with the hustle he shows out on the basketball court. Equally as impressive are some of the things he does away from the view of the fans in the stands. Read more...
Warriors get outshined in loss
The Warriors from the Puyallup Tribal Youth Center in the 12 and under division of Northwest Youth Sports Alliance (NYSA) encountered their first loss of the season Jan. 31. They fell behind early in their contest against the Tacoma Shine at Al Davies Boys and Girls Club in Tacoma. Read more...
Respect, Responsibility, Effort & Pride
We are pleased to announce that we will kick off a new element of our Safe and Civil Schools Programs, the Guidelines for Success, this month. The Guidelines for Success (also known as “GFS” for short) are key words that inform students, staff members, parents and community members of what is important to us as a school. These words embody characteristics we hope our students will demonstrate as Native American youth preparing to be successful adults. The words were chosen by students, staff members and parents during the second semester of the 2007-08 school year and first semester of this school year. The words are: respect, responsibility, effort and pride. We will begin to celebrate the words this month and we have several activities planned. Read more...

College night offers info to students, parents
Chief Leschi Schools counseling department sponsored their first “What To Do After High School” night on Dec. 4. The counseling staff contacted parents by phone and through the newsletter to invite them to attend the event. Pizza and drinks were offered in the library. Quite a few parents and students turned out for the event. More than 12 college representatives attended the night as well, setting up tables with information on their institutions and programs. People were encouraged to stop by and meet with the college representatives before attending the two information sessions held: “Financing Your Education” and “Planning For Life After High School.” Tanya Markishtum, parent of a senior, said, “It was very useful and a lot of my questions got answered. I am looking forward to meeting the colleges again at the parent dinner. I feel I am better prepared as a parent for what I need to get done.” Read more...
Leadership is a big part of middle school at Chief Leschi Schools. Each year selected students go to Camp Cispus near Randle, Wash. Middle Level Retreat is held for three days and two nights in a cozy setting surrounded by mountains, trees and streams. More than 200 middle level students from all over Washington converge on this peaceful site each year when the leaves are turning brilliant fall colors and there is a crispness in the air. It is at this time that the peaceful setting turns into a learning environment where seeds are planted for future leaders of our ever-changing world. Read more...

Chief Leschi Crowns 2009 Daffodil Princess
On Nov. 5, Gabriella Tirado, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, was crowned Chief Leschi High School’s 2009 Daffodil Princess. “I will be the best Chief Leschi Princess I am capable of being,” she told the crowd as she accepted the crown. Ismael Perez, a member of the Puyallup Tribe, was Tirado’s escort for the evening. Read more...
Here’s a look at our basketball team
As the new season begins for Chief Leschi’s high school basketball team, the vision of the new coach is that there will be many more victory celebrations for his boys than for the opponents. Read more...
The Chinooks won the title in the 9 and under boys division of Northwest Youth Sports Alliance. The team from Puyallup Tribal Youth Center defeated the Leopards 8-1 on Nov. 15 at South End Recreation Area in Tacoma. Read more...
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