By The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Mar. 12--It's kindergarten registration season in local school districts, including Puyallup and Sumner. Puyallup schools will register youngsters Tuesday through March 21. Students can register for half-day kindergarten or tuition-based, full-day kindergarten.

By Debby Abe, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Jun. 25--"Scum-ner.""Scum-manure." So-so schools lying in the shadow of the vaunted Puyallup School District.

By Debby Abe and Steve Maynard, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. May 16--Bond measures to build and renovate schools appeared headed for defeat in two out of three South Sound school districts, but Federal Way's request appeared to be narrowly passing in late returns Tuesday night.

By Debby Abe and Steve Maynard, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Apr. 30--They're back. Voters in three South Sound school districts will again consider tax measures to pay for school construction and renovation on the May 15 ballot.

By Mike Archbold, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Feb. 24--The students in Brian Estes' class have a "partner," a 14-inch length of rope they carry with them always. Forgetting to bring it to class means the student -- and his or her classmates -- will do 25 push-ups.