THE VIEWS | October 2024
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October 23, 2024
Dear FPS Community:
This week, principals from schools across our district will share their SIPs (School Improvement Plans) with school board directors. SIPS are annual plans where schools identify areas of growth and go through a process to make improvements.
In the past and in some other school districts, SIPs have been more of a compliance measure to stay in good standing with the state. I am both excited and energized by how the FPS Teaching and Learning Services Department and all 14 of our schools are approaching the SIP process. Rather than producing a plan that sits on a shelf, they look closely at data (academic, data, behavior, school culture and safety, etc.), uncover the “why” behind the data and implement action steps to make measurable progress.
This process has led to interesting findings. For example, some schools learned that more student club offerings lead to better attendance. Others learned that more opportunities for group work helped students in certain math classes. Others schools learned that offering more unstructured time during the school day led to fewer student behavior concerns.
We often say that schools are learning organizations. Yes, schools are to help students learn. But, we also learn how to make schools better. Schools continue to evolve quickly, and look and feel very different than when some of us attended school 30-40 years ago. I appreciate the ongoing feedback that we receive from students and families, and curious and thoughtful staff that are willing to try new things to help students succeed.
Dr. Lance Goodpaster
Superintendent, Franklin Pierce Schools
FPS Mission: Every student thrives on their path to graduation and beyond
Upcoming Recognition & Awareness
- Learning Disability Acceptance Month October 1-31
- Bullying Prevention Month October 1-31
- Custodian and Maintenance Appreciation Week September 30-October 4
- Nutrition Services Appreciation Week October 14-18
- Transportation Services Appreciation Week October 21-25
Keithley Wins Award for Student-Voice Collaboration
Last week, the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) stopped in to award Keithley Middle School (PGK) the inaugural Schools on the Rise Award. PGK was a recipient of this award for their work in activating student voice in school decisions. Keithley staff work hard to make sure that student’s are involved in making decisions and assessing their impact. A few examples include student involvement in hiring administrators, refining the daily schedule, improving school safety protocols, deciding on co-curricular offerings and working on ways to ensure students' identities are reflected in the PGK learning community. Way to go Kolts!
Central Ave Wildcat Run
On Saturday, October 12, Central Avenue Elementary hosted the Wildcat Dash at PLU. The dash included over 120 student runners, competing with the Wildcat Mascot! This event supported the Central Avenue PTA and Central Avenue Elementary's AR reading program. The top grade level received a popcorn party and the top class received a pizza party. Way to go Wildcats!
Language Teacher of the Year: Dan Call from FPHS
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Dan Call, teacher at Franklin Pierce High School for being awarded the Washington Association for Language Teaching State Teacher of the Year!
His nomination spoke of his excellent teaching strategies and connection with students, his many contributions to support others' professional development, and his active participation in the local Latinx community.
We are grateful to Mr. Call for his dedication to his students, his teaching, and Franklin Pierce Schools!
Annual Student Information Update
Each year, we ask families to make sure that student information is up-to-date.
This includes:
- Updated Contact Information: Did your phone number, email or emergency contacts change? Which language do you prefer to receive communication in?
- Student Health and Wellness updates: Does your child have any health concerns that we need to be aware of? Medications?
- Annual Notices and Information Update: Can we share your child’s info with providers that work with schools (like college or military recruiters)? Can your child’s school publish their picture in the yearbook?
Please take a few minutes to check your information and make sure it reflects your preferences. This allows us to stay in contact and make sure that we are supporting each family’s unique needs.
Thank you in advance for completing the Annual Student Information Update!
ParentSquare...Coming Soon!
No need to do anything now, once ParentSquare is live your information will automatically be transferred over. We will continue to share news about this transition in the coming months!
Inclement Weather
Staff and families can expect to receive information about school closures and delays in the following ways:
- Recorded Telephone Message contact the main office at your child's school to ensure your contact information is up to date
- SMS Message for families/staff who have opted-in, click here if you would like to opt-in
- Email from info@fpschools.org
- Website www.fpschools.org
- Flash Alert Notification sign up to receive email notifications and download the Flash Alert App, click here.
- Local Media including KIRO 97.3 FM, KOMO 1000 AM, KIRO TV Channel 7, KOMO TV Channel 4, and KING TV Channel 5
- Social Media Facebook and Instagram
Buckle up, the safe way!
It seems like such a simple thing, yet everyday thousands of children in the United States are at risk on the road because they’re not buckled up properly.
Here are some reminders about car seats and seat belt use:
- Children under 2 years old must be in a rear-facing car seat.
- Children ages 2–4 must be in a car seat with a harness, either forward-facing or rear-facing.
- Children 4 and older must use a car or booster seat until they are 4'9" tall.
- Children who are tall enough and old enough to use a vehicle's seat belt should use both the lap and shoulder belts.
- Children under 13 should ride in the back seat whenever possible. If riding in the front seat, slide the vehicle seat as far back as possible.
Family Resource Center at Franklin Pierce
Community Spotlight: The Family Resource Center at Franklin Pierce
Youth Ride for Free on Pierce Transit
Everyone 18 and younger can ride public transportation for free. Riders aged 13 and older are encouraged to use one of these tools to access free transportation:
Youth ORCA card:
Riders can tap a Youth ORCA card, also known as Free Youth Transit Pass, when boarding the bus. Get your ORCA card for free at your school's main office, or online.
If you received your card at school, to ensure that it provides free rides up until your 19th birthday, update your youth card expiration date by registering it online.
Current student ID
Show the bus driver your student ID when you board.
Youth who do not have one of these can still ride for free. Riders under the age of 13 do not need to show proof of pass.
Are You Registered to Vote?
The General Election is almost here! If you haven't registered to vote yet, you have until October 28 to register by mail or November 5 to register in person. Not sure if you're registered? You can check at VoteWA.
Once you've registered to vote or confirmed your voter registration, it's time to check out your ballot! With mail-in voting, you can review it beforehand to understand the candidates running for federal, state and local offices, as well as any ballot measures or amendments. By taking the time to research and understand your ballot, you can confidently cast your vote in alignment with your values and beliefs. By taking just a little time before you vote, you can make your voting process easy and stress-free. Your future self will thank you!