Message from Principal Collins
Hello, Evergreen Friends and Families,
I want to give a huge thank you to all of the families who came out to our STEAM Exploration Night. It was a huge success, and it was all because of our amazing scholars, teachers, and you.
You should have received some information to set up your appointment to your scholars’ Student Led Conference (SLC). If you have not received any information, please connect with your scholar’s teacher. We can’t wait to share the news on the academic growth of your student(s).
Our Student-Led Conferences will be held March 26th-28th. Below are the times for each day:
- 3/26 3:30 pm-5:30 pm.
- 3/27 10:00 am-12:00 pm Break for lunch and planning 4:00 pm-7:00 pm.
- 3/28 7:30 am-11:00 am.
We set up the conferences so the students take the lead in discussing their progress with parents and teachers, empower students by fostering ownership of their learning, enhancing communication skills, and promoting self-reflection and goal-setting, all while strengthening relationships between families, teachers, and students. They become active participants in the educational process by setting goals, tracking progress, and reflecting on their achievements and areas for growth. I’m looking forward to seeing you during the conferences.
During our Advisory, we have lessons from the Character Strong curriculum. Character Strong is more than a set of lessons - it is a partnership between schools and families to create a place where students feel like they belong and learn skills that will help them be the best they can be! Character Strong has three main goals for students: Be Kind, Be Strong, and Be Well. During advisory, our scholars work through the lessons. As middle school scholars’ emotions can be hard to identify, and we all need help sometimes to help solve conflicts.
Each week of Women's History Month, we will continue to celebrate and lift up the words of inspirational women leaders. This week’s quote is from the late and honorable Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Judge Ginsburg learned well through her years of having her voice challenged in the male-dominated world of the justice system that leaders' ideas are heard best from those who inspire others. As an advocate for women’s voices at a time when they did not have a platform to be heard, Judge Ginsberg removed barriers by not only advocating for issues of equity and justice, she did it in a way that created opportunities for others, reaching back to inspire, mentor, and lift up the generation of future leaders.
Her legacy then is not just the causes she championed, but the way in which she did it that inspired and motivated others to carry on her work in generations to come. Similarly, the work with our children, particularly young women, is not just about words but setting a positive example and showing them a pathway forward that is based on values and beliefs so that others, too, will follow in their wake.
Ramadan has begun, the holy month observed by Muslims around the world. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During this month, many Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. The fast is an act of self-discipline, reflection, and empathy for those less fortunate. It is also a time for increased prayer, reading of the Quran, and charitable acts. We wish all that observe Ramadan Mubarak!
At our school, we respect and celebrate the diversity of our student body, which includes students from various cultural and religious backgrounds. As such, we recognize and support our students who observe Ramadan.
Here are some ways you can support your child and their classmates during this time:
- Understanding: Take a moment to talk to your child about Ramadan and its significance. Encourage them to ask questions and learn about the experiences of their peers who observe the fast.
- Sensitivity: Please ensure that your child understands the importance of respecting their peers' religious practices. For students who would prefer not to be in the cafeteria during lunch should speak with their counselor, who will offer a private space for prayer and reflection.
- Flexibility: Recognize that fasting may affect some students' energy levels and concentration during the school day. Teachers will be mindful of this and may offer accommodations as needed.
If you have any questions or concerns about how Ramadan will be observed in our school, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the school administration.
LOST AND FOUND- Our lost and found is growing! Please encourage your scholar to check the lost and found for sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, and lunch boxes. When you come to the school during SLCs, swing by the lost and found; you may find a long-lost jacket of your scholars.
Thank you for being a part of the Grizzly family.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK-
"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Your Partner in Education,
Mrs. Collins
253 945 5100
Scholar-Led Conferences March 26, 27 & 28. It’s time to sign up for your child’s conference time
Dear Federal Way Public Schools parents and guardians,
Scholar-Led Conferences are coming up on March 26, 27 and 28, 2025, and it’s time to sign up for your child’s conference time!
This time is dedicated to hearing about your child’s academic goals and progress, and we hope to see each one of you there.
To view the available times and schedule your child’s conference, log into ParentVue and click on “Scholar Led Conferences”. If you have any questions about this process, there are helpful “How To” guides and videos on our website at www.fwps.org/SLC.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s school.
Our goal for these conferences is 100% participation from students and families, and we strongly encourage you and your child to attend.
Our families are critical partners in each scholar’s learning. Parents, visit our website for helpful resources: www.fwps.org/SLC.
Throughout the year, be sure to check ParentVue and frequently monitor your child’s progress including attendance, grades, report cards, and schedules at https://grades.fwps.org.
