Franklin Pierce High School Community Newsletter
Email: bmarzano@fpschools.org
Website: https://franklinpiercehighschool.fpschools.org/
Location: 11002 18th Avenue East, Tacoma, WA 98445, USA
Phone: (253)298-3800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fphscards
Twitter: @FPHScards
Jan 21 2025
Last month, Franklin Pierce DECA had an exciting day participating in the Area 7 Career Development Conference at the Washington State Fairgrounds! Franklin Pierce was represented by 41 amazing students who stepped out of their comfort zones to compete in the conference.
The events ranged from Innovation Plans to Marketing Communications to Retail Merchandising, and our members did amazing!
Out of these 41 participants, 32 of them had never competed in a DECA event before, but you would have never known it. Almost half of our students left the conference with a medal signifying that they qualified for the State Career Development Conference in Bellevue next month. If you have them in class or see them in the halls, make sure to give them a big congratulations!
The FP qualifiers included:
- Honesty Lopez-Hopkins - 3rd in Apparel and Accessories Marketing
- Dquari Valentine - 5th in Apparel and Accessories Marketing
- Miranda Canchola - 10th in Apparel and Accessories Marketing
- Jacob Banke - 4th in Business Finance
- Nolan Powell - 9th in Business Finance
- Janely Hernandez - 9th in Business Services Marketing
- Sofia Ramirez and Ivy Truong - 1st in Innovation Plan
- Boston Chang, Lindsay Gade and Kayla Tarver - 1st in Start-up Plan
- Sofia Ramirez - 1st in Food Marketing
- Leayva Faleulu - 11th in Food Marketing
- Alanah Thompson - 12th in Food Marketing
- Colin Ryle - 2nd in Hotel and Lodging Management
- Kayla Tarver - 12th in Hotel and Lodging Management
- Emily Kroll - 9th in Human Resources Management
- Ivy Truong - 1st in Hospitality and Tourism Professional Selling
- Leila Kennach - 10th in Marketing Communications
- Boston Chang - 3rd in Quick Service Restaurant Management
- Lindsay Gade - 8th in Quick Service Restaurant Management
- Bailey Behm - 4th in Retail Merchandising
- Jordan Disney - 1st in Sports and Entertainment Marketing
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In our ongoing series, Digital Wellness for Teens: Insights and Tips for Families, we aim to shed light on the multifaceted impact of smartphone use within educational settings. This week, we focus on the challenges that educators face due to in-class cellphone usage and its implications for student learning.
The Classroom Conundrum
Educators nationwide are grappling with the pervasive presence of smartphones in the classroom. A 2024 National Education Association (NEA) poll found that 90% of teachers support prohibiting student cellphone use during instructional hours, with 75% favoring restrictions throughout the entire school day.
Impact on Learning
Research indicates that allowing phones in the classroom negatively affects test scores and long-term learning retention. Distractions from devices can lead to decreased focus, hindering students' ability to engage fully with the material.
A Call for Partnership
As we strive to create optimal learning environments, it's crucial to recognize the role of both educators and families in managing smartphone use. By working together, we can help students develop healthy digital habits that support their academic success and well-being.
Looking Ahead
In our next installment, we'll explore strategies for fostering effective communication between parents, students, and educators regarding digital boundaries. Your involvement is key to guiding our students toward responsible technology use.
Thank you for your continued support in promoting digital wellness within our community.
Warm regards,
Principal Marzano
Note: The information provided is based on current research and aims to inform our community about the challenges and considerations surrounding smartphone use in educational settings.
As we kicked off the new semester at FPHS, we refreshed our Cardinal NEST expectations—Nurture, Empower, Student, and Together—to help students stay engaged, responsible, and part of our school community. Here are a few key points for families:
Nurture – We encourage students to take ownership of their learning and growth. This includes limiting distractions like personal electronics in class. If a student repeatedly violates the phone policy, there is a progressive consequence system, including a parent meeting and potential suspension for repeated infractions.
Empower – Students have multiple resources for academic and personal support, including the Counseling & Career Center (CCC) and our intervention team, which provides attendance and academic guidance.
Student – Attendance matters! Missing more than 9 days in a year is considered chronically absent. Students are expected to arrive on time and stay in class throughout the day. FPHS is a closed campus, meaning students must stay on school grounds unless excused.
Together – Being part of the FPHS community means taking care of our space and each other. Students are encouraged to participate in activities, clubs, and school events and be mindful of their impact on the community—this includes something as simple as keeping our campus clean and being fully present in school life.
We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations at home to help your student succeed!
