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THE VIEWS | May 2024
![THE VIEWS | May 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/8c31/thumb-91405226c7637d62c6458ce3855f7868.png)
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May 23, 2024
Dear FPS Community:
It’s hard to believe that the end of the school year is just around the corner! We continue to see great progress with student learning and this time of year offers many opportunities for students to showcase their creative and athletic talents. As I visit schools and attend sporting events, concerts and assemblies, I am continually amazed by the determination of our students and the dedication of staff and partners who help students grow into their strengths.
We currently have three principal openings at Washington, Elmhurst and Central Avenue due to current principals moving or pursuing new professional opportunities. I am working with staff, students and families to better understand what our community looks for in a school leader and inviting a variety of stakeholders to participate in the hiring process. We are pleased by the number of strong candidates and hope to have each of these positions filled over the next few weeks.
I am excited to announce the Franklin Pierce Schools Performing Arts Center is now open! The FPHS Drama Club hosted The Ever After last week, and we look forward to showcasing the performing arts in this beautiful space for decades to come.
We are in the final stage of preparing the 2024-25 budget, which includes several reductions across schools and departments. While we anticipate reducing our total number of staff by approximately 60 positions, we are continually finding ways to retain people who want to stay as others announce retirements, career changes, and family moves. During this challenging and uncertain time for our staff, I am grateful for the ways that they have prioritized their work with students and families.
I look forward to many special community events in the weeks ahead. The FP Farm Plant Sale, District Powwow, graduation ceremonies and several field days, class trips and family nights to name a few. These events bring out the absolute best in students and our community. There is so much to celebrate!
With gratitude,
Dr. Lance Goodpaster
FPS Mission: Every student thrives on their path to graduation and beyond
Upcoming Recognition & Awareness
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month May 1-31
- Jewish American Heritage Month May 1-31
- Mental Health Awareness Awareness Month May 1-31
- Foster Care Month May 1-31
- Teacher Appreciation Week May 6-10
- Health Professionals Appreciation Week May 6-10
- Educational Bosses Appreciation Week May 20-24
Introducing our new School Board Director, Angenette Picket Call
Franklin Pierce Schools is excited to announce that Angenette Picket Call has been appointed to serve in the district 2 position on the FPS Board of Directors. Picket Call will replace Ron Nerio, whose family recently moved beyond district boundaries.
Angenette Picket Call is a longtime member of the Franklin Pierce community. She serves as a Program Manager in the School of Education at Pacific Lutheran University and serves on the Board of Directors for ARIVVA, a local nonprofit dedicated to youth art programming and healthcare training.
Picket Call is passionate about education, recognizing the important roles that schools play in our community and the vital roles that educators play in supporting young people. She recognizes Franklin Pierce Schools as a collective community resource in unincorporated Pierce County and shares the district’s commitment to social justice, recognizing the importance of supporting all students, honoring their culture, identity, language and experiences.
Angenette’s partner Dan is an educator at Franklin Pierce High School and her three children attend Keithley Middle School, Franklin Pierce High School and Pacific Lutheran University.
Immunization Reminders
A reminder to parents that children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs are required to have certain vaccinations before they can start. These requirements are put into place to protect children, families, and communities from vaccine preventable diseases. Immunization requirements apply to all enrolled children, including those learning remotely. To see a complete list of required vaccinations, please visit our Health Services webpage.
A special note for students entering 7th grade: an additional dose of the DTap/Tdap vaccine is required.
Open GATES Resource Fair | May 30
Come support the GATES Community Leadership in Action Class as they host a community resource fair! This is a great opportunity to connect with local providers and organizations to learn about available resources. This event is open to the entire community and all are encouraged to attend.
Thursday, May 30th | 4:00-7:00 pm
GATES High School
4608 128th St E, Tacoma, WA 98446
Open House & Plant Sale | May 31 and June 1
YOU are invited to share in our Plant Joy! Come and see students' work at the farm at our open house! We'll also have arts & crafts and games for kids. Food will be provided.
You can also buy student-grown plants like dahlias, houseplants, flowers, cilantro, basil, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, and more! Cash or check only.
Friday, May 31 | 4:00-7:00 pm
Saturday, June 1 | 10:00 am-2:00 pm
The Farm at FP Schools
9516 Waller Rd E, Tacoma, WA 98446
FPS Powwow | Saturday, June 1
The Native Indigenous Culture Clubs invite you to help us celebrate our rich cultural heritage and promote unity within our community! Expect to see dancers dressed in beautiful regalia, to hear powerful drums, and to learn about cultures that span this continent we call home. We will have Grand Entry at the start of the Powwow and an Arena host will MC the event. There will be Native vendors selling art, beads, handmade products, supplies, and more along a variety of Indigenous food from our N.I.C.C. club students for you to enjoy!
Saturday, June 1 | 1:00-6:00PM
Franklin Pierce High School
11002 18th Avenue East, Tacoma, WA 98445
Graduation | Saturday, June 8
Graduation is right around the corner! Join us on Saturday, June 8 to celebrate our graduates at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Each graduate will receive six (6) tickets at the graduation rehearsal on June 7th. Additional tickets may be purchased at the school front office until June 7 at 12pm (WHS and GATES) or 1:30pm (FPHS). Tickets will also be sold (cash only) at the Red gate fairgrounds entrance beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the graduation ceremony.
Saturday, June 8 - 11:00am FPHS | 1:30pm WHS | 4:00pm GATES
Washington State Fairgrounds
110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
Enrollment for 2024-2025 School Year
Calling all incoming Kindergarten families! Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is open!
Our enrollment process starts online. If you don’t have access to a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or the internet, you may visit your child's new school to enroll directly with the office staff.
We can't wait to meet you and your student!
Family Resource Center at Franklin Pierce
Community Spotlight: The Family Resource Center at Franklin Pierce
Did you know that Franklin Pierce Schools operates a Family Resource Center in our Administration Complex? We do! The Family Resource Center at Franklin Pierce (FRC) serves as a community hub that strives to empower families through resources, trainings, and comprehensive supports that lead to a thriving community.
We are community-driven, strengths-based, family-focused and honor the experiences, cultures and perspectives of all who enter our doors.
Please visit us! We are open 7:30am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday at 315 129th St S, Tacoma, WA 98444.
Pierce Summer LIFE | June 22-August 22
Pierce Summer LIFE (Leadership Instruction & Field Experience) is designed to build social connections and enhance life skills in a dynamic and positive outdoor recreation environment. Pierce County Parks is providing youth, ages, 13-17, in the Spanaway/Parkland/Midland area a series of experiential learning activities.
All activities and field trips start and end at Sprinker Recreation Center. Field trips are $10/person per field trip and on-site activities are free, scholarships are available.