Principal's Message

Dear Waller Road Elementary Families,

Welcome to Waller Road Elementary School! My name is John Huson, and I am proud to serve as your principal. At Waller Road, we are guided by our core values of Kindness, Inclusion, and Growth, which shape our school culture and foster a nurturing environment for all.

Kindness is a cornerstone of our community. It is essential for everyone—parents, students, staff, and myself—to embody this trait. We believe that a kind environment is crucial for learning and development, and we encourage everyone to practice kindness daily.

Inclusion is equally important. At Waller Road, we celebrate the uniqueness of each individual. Our goal is to create a safe and comfortable space where students can thrive academically and socially. We ensure that all students are included in every activity, especially during recess, fostering cooperation and acceptance among peers.

Growth is a vital aspect of our educational journey. We understand that mistakes are part of the learning process, and we embrace them as opportunities for development. Each day at Waller Road, we strive to learn and grow together, both as individuals and as a community.

Waller Road Elementary is truly unique; we are the only school in the Puyallup School District located on the Puyallup Tribe of Indians Reservation and the only Puyallup School District school situated in Tacoma. The rich language and culture of the Puyallup Tribe are reflected in our school’s environment, inspiring our students and staff alike.

The original school opened as Woodrow School in 1913, but the name was changed to Waller Road in 1936 when it became part of the Puyallup School District. The current building was constructed in 1936 and has undergone multiple additions and renovations, the last one completed in 1985. Additionally, there are around 15 other schools from three different school districts that are as close to us or closer than the next Puyallup School District school, which highlights our distinctive position within the community.

We are thrilled to have you as part of our Roadrunner family! Together, let’s continue to uphold our values and support one another in our pursuit of excellence.

In service,

John Huson
Principal, Waller Road Elementary School