Superintendent's Message
Welcome to the Dieringer School District! As we begin another exciting school year, our theme—Rooted in Dieringer—serves as a daily reminder of the strong foundation that supports everything we do. Nestled in the beautiful Lake Tapps area, our district has proudly cultivated a tradition of educational excellence since 1890. Today, we are honored to nurture and educate just over 1,400 Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth-grade students across our three exceptional schools: Lake Tapps Elementary, Dieringer Heights Elementary, and North Tapps Middle School.
Deep Roots, Exceptional Care
It remains my sincere honor to serve as your Superintendent. When I joined the Dieringer community in 2024, my background as a former teacher, principal, and district leader helped me recognize immediately what a special place this is—a district defined by rigorous academic standards and deeply caring professionals.
Just as a strong tree relies on a healthy network beneath the surface, our district thrives because of the dedicated team supporting our students every day. I am privileged to lead our team of over 90 classroom teachers and more than 110 staff members who supervise, feed, transport, and care for our students and families. Traditions run remarkably deep here: nearly a third of our teachers bring more than 20 years of teaching experience to their classrooms, with many having dedicated their entire careers exclusively to the children of Dieringer. That level of longevity and commitment creates stability and excellence you can feel the moment you enter our buildings.
Growing Stronger Together
Strong roots require a supportive surrounding environment. The partnership between our schools, our families, and the broader Lake Tapps community is the vital network that empowers our students to reach higher and achieve their dreams.
We invite you to be an active part of this growth:
- Volunteer in our classrooms and district programs.
- Attend school events, performances, and athletic competitions.
- Participate in our active parent and community leadership groups.
My door is always open. I welcome your emails, phone calls, and visits as we work collaboratively to refine and strengthen the services we provide to our students.
Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and dedication to the Dieringer School District. Grounded in our rich history, we will continue to grow, thrive, and build a bright, successful future for every child we serve.
Warm regards,
Dr. Paula Dawson
Superintendent, Dieringer School District
