
Evergreen Middle School
February 7, 2025
Message from Principal Collins
Hello Evergreen Families,
What a way to start the new semester late start after the late start and snow to go. But we made it and our scholars were amazingly resilient. Thank you, families, for helping every day to get your students prepared for the day. These past few morning’s two-hour delays were a reminder that winter weather is here, and with more snow in the forecast, additional schedule changes may be necessary. Please stay tuned to FWSP’s communications for updates. In addition to text, email, and phone notifications, you can always check the FWPS website, social media, and local news. Winter weather continues in our region, which makes it a good time to revisit the district’s emergency closure schedule protocols and our emergency closure decision-making process. We encourage families to make personal decisions based on their specific circumstances. Stay safe, and as always, thank you for your partnership in supporting our students! ParentSquare continues to be a key communication tool for the school, offering updates, announcements, and an easy way to get in touch with teachers and staff. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend downloading the ParentSquare app for quick and direct access to school information.
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the school year. I want to take this opportunity to share updates, celebrate successes, and highlight upcoming events as we continue to work together to support our students. First, I want to commend our students and staff for their dedication and hard work. January was a month filled with achievements, athletic victories, and creative performances. Their dedication to learning, along with the support from our families and staff, has led to tremendous growth in the classroom. It is always inspiring to see students pushing themselves to reach new heights, and I want to thank you for being such an integral part of their journey. From the January iReady math and reading assessments to the incredible talent displayed during our winter concerts, our students never cease to amaze us. Thank you for supporting their endeavors and encouraging their growth. As we move into the second half of the school year, I encourage all students to stay focused on their academic goals. One of the most important factors in student success is consistent attendance. Every minute in front of a teacher matters, and the learning that takes place in the classroom cannot be replicated. Please continue to emphasize the importance of being present and on time each day. Together, we can ensure that every student remains on track for success. Please remind your child of the importance of attendance, preparation, and asking for help when needed. Together, we can ensure their continued success.
Choice Enrollment Opens February 3 – March 17, 2025
The 2024-25 Choice enrollment Registration will be available for all grade levels February 3rd- March 17th. For more information, or to submit your online application starting Feb. 3rd visit www.fwps.org/Choice .
Simple strategies boost your child’s sense of responsibility- Fostering a sense of responsibility in children benefits them both in the classroom and in life. To cultivate this sense of responsibility:
- Include your child when you pay bills or work on your budget. Don’t share every financial detail, but demonstrate what budgeting looks like. “I’d love to order pizza, but it’s not in our budget this week.”
- Adjust the chore list. Are you still doing your child’s laundry or making school lunches? If so, pass the torch. Don’t overload your child, but assign a few new self-care responsibilities that fit their age and maturity.
- Allow your child to experience consequences. Don’t run to the rescue when your child makes a mistake (unless there is true danger). Shielding kids from the negative outcomes of their actions denies them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
- Help your child manage money by tracking all personal money received, earned, and spent. This responsibility instills a respect for money.
Your Partner in Education,
Mrs. Collins
253 945 5100
Limited Bus Transportation
During inclement weather, road conditions may require that buses operate on limited bus routes, sometimes referred to as snow routes. If limited bus transportation routes are implemented, families will be notified through our automated messaging system.
Limited Bus Route information for the 2024-25 school year will be available in ParentVue on November 18, 2024.
For more information and support with ParentVue please click here.
Transportation Department
Support Services Center
1211 S. 332nd St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
253-945-5960
Hours:
7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday – Friday
What if it snows? What if the roads are icy? Will school be cancelled?
Winter weather may bring road and driving conditions that cause changes in school operations such as delayed opening, early dismissal, or closure.
Even when road conditions in one part of the district appear passable, driving conditions on hills and in other areas of the district can impact the operation of buses on some routes.
Our goal is to make information available to families about school closure or changes in the school operations by 5:00 a.m.
We provide this information to families in a variety of ways:
- ParentSquare alert via email, phone, and app
- Prominently displayed on our district homepage.
- Social media posts on the district Facebook and Twitter accounts.
- Local television and radio news stations.
If you do not see Federal Way School District closure information on any of these communications channels, it means we are operating on a normal schedule.
When winter weather or hazardous driving conditions result in school operations, the district will announce either a 2-hour late start or closed status with or without limited transportation.
- Normal school operations will prevail unless a change of schedule is announced.
- Expect morning buses to be late during severe weather.
- If buses cannot complete afternoon routes, students will be returned to their schools.
Congrats Girls Basketball 4x District Champions!
Because of You Award
Students in grades 3-12 are invited to nominate any Federal Way Public Schools staff member in the district they believe has positively impacted them, their school, and/or their community for the “Because of You” award!
Students can fill out a nomination form on the district’s website at www.fwps.org/BecauseOfYou. All nomination forms are due by end of month.
Nominate a FWPS staff member for the Because of You Award here!
Dress Code Reminder
This is a reminder to not wear the following to school:
*Sleepwear
*Blankets
*Slippers
*Robes
*No stuffed animals (stuffies)
*No pillows
If your child needs a warm jacket, please contact their school counselor.
**Exceptions will be during a designated Spirit Week day.
ATTENDING AFTER SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS
Reminder: if your student would like to watch a sporting event after school, they must have good attendance & good grades to attend. They must also leave campus after school and return no earlier than 10 minutes before the event starts. Games start @ 3:50pm
Attend High School Planning Nights between Feb. 4-12
Evergreen Grizzly eighth-grade families,
High School Planning Nights are coming up soon in February. By now, you should have received a special invite from high school principals inviting you to attend their High School Planning Night event the week of February 4-12. I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the various courses, clubs, and programs offered at the school.
This event will help eighth-grade scholars successfully navigate the transition to high school and ensure your child is ready to achieve success in high school and better prepare for college and career. Students and families can speak to current high school scholars and teachers to gain a better understanding of the high school experience.
While most Evergreen eighth-grade scholars will attend Thomas Jefferson High School, you are also welcome to explore other high schools in our district. Note: To attend a high school outside of your attendance area, you must apply for the Choice Enrollment.
Please plan to attend at least one High School Planning Night event to help your scholar prepare for high school.
To learn more, contact our school or visit www.fwps.org/HSPlanningNight.
STEAM Booths, Workshops, and Experiences, Oh My!
STEAM Exploration Night, STEAM the Dream, is a little over a month away. As you know, the annual STEM Exploration Night just received an upgrade and will now be known as STEAM Exploration Night – a much-anticipated improvement as we embrace the integral role of arts in fostering creativity and innovation within science, technology, engineering, and math.
STEAM Exploration Night
📅 When: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 6-8 pm
📍 Location: Federal Way High School
Let us know you’re coming! Click here to RSVP
How would you like to:
Participate in a cooking workshop?
Learn the proper technique of driving a screw into wood?
Fly an airplane in a VR simulator?
Test soil to determine its mineral composition?
See how STEAM is implemented in the district by visiting FWPS school booths?
View specimens through a microscope?
Learn how to take a prototype to production?
Get advice about which courses to take to prepare for certain college degrees or post-secondary programs?
Watch the crowd-favorite scholar films at the STEM Film Festival (with popcorn, of course!)
Not only will every FWPS school showcase STEAM learning at the event, but there are also now over 90 STEAM partners signed up to make this year’s event the best in history. That means over 120 booths in total!
That’s not all! Along with event attractions, enjoy free food, convenient transportation, interpreters, an interactive online program, and fun event swag!
Be sure to RSVP now to let us know you’re coming!
IMPORTANT DATES:
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Build 2 Lead after-school program has resumed- Wed, Feb. 5th
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FEBRUARY 11- TUESDAY
- High School Planning Night- TAF @ Saghalie 5:30-6:30 & Decatur HS 6:30-7:30pm
FEBRUARY 12- WEDNESDAY
- Popcorn Wednesdays- $1 a bag...yummy!
- The 8th Graders scheduled to attend Federal Way HS- will visit/tour today
- High School Planning Night- Thomas Jefferson HS 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Career Academy 5:30-6:30 p.m.
FEBRUARY 14- FRIDAY
- Mid Winter Break- No School
- Happy Valentine's Day
FEBRUARY 17- MONDAY
- Presidents Day Holiday- No School
FEBRUARY 18- TUESDAY
- Soccer- EVG @ Sacajawea.
FEBRUARY 19- WEDNESDAY
- Popcorn Wednesdays- $1 a bag...yummy!
- 8th Graders to TJHS visit/tour
FEBRUARY 20- THURSDAY
- Picture Day- for Group & Club's
- Boys Basketball- Illahee @ EVG
- Soccer- EVG @ Sequoyah
FEBRUARY 21- FRIDAY
- Early Release- school out at 1:15pm