
Evergreen Middle School
February 13, 2025
Message from Principal Collins
Greetings Evergreen Families,
This week our 6th graders had an opportunity to conduct labs in their science classes. They had a lot of fun while learning how to properly handle a microscope and develop a hypothesis. Our 7th-grade ELA students are working on writing persuasive pieces. We are picking up the pace to academic learning this second semester. Evergreen had the opportunity to host the School Board meeting on Feb. 11th. I had the opportunity to showcase our school and all the amazing things our scholars are doing. Our Advance Band got to perform two songs for the board. Thank you, Mr. Brenner and our amazing band scholars. We will be focusing on “Kindness” during February. Students will be challenged daily to do an act of kindness for someone. We are hoping that these small acts of kindness each day will encourage everyone to look for ways we can build each other up and demonstrate kindness and compassion. Report cards will be sent home with your scholars on Thursday, Feb. 13th. Please have conversations with them regarding their grades and how their classes are going.
As we move further into the second half of the school year, I encourage all students to stay focused on their academic goals. Please remind your child of the importance of attendance, preparation, and asking for help when needed. Together, we can ensure their continued success. I would like to take a moment to share a few important reminders and resources to help support your child’s success. We encourage you to regularly check your child’s grades and academic progress through the ParentVue. This is a great tool to stay informed and monitor your child’s homework assignments and assessment grades. If you notice any areas of concern or have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers or school counselor. They are here to support your child’s success. 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.
Share these tools to help your student stay organized:
Managing multiple classes and extracurricular activities can be a significant challenge in middle school. To help your child stay organized, recommend using these tools:
- To-do lists. Have your child write down everything that must be completed the following day, week, month, etc.
- A planner. Your child should write all assignments, due dates and test dates in a planner so everything is visible in one place.
- Sticky notes. Your child can use these to jot down unrelated thoughts that come to mind during a study session, and put them aside. That way, they won’t be forgotten and your child can get back to studying.
- Daily schedules. Show your child how to make and follow a schedule every day. Here’s a sample:
- 3:00 Arrive home from school
- 3:15 Snack and relaxation
- 3:30 Schoolwork
- 5:00 Change for soccer practice
- 5:30 Leave for soccer practice
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. I'd like you to 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. It is crucial that students stay focused, work hard, and continue striving toward their goals. Let’s maintain our momentum and make the second semester just as successful as the first!
I want to take a moment to wish all of our students, staff, and families a restful and enjoyable Mid-Winter Break. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to seeing all that our students will accomplish in the months ahead.
Thank you for being a part of the Grizzly family.
Your Partner in Education,
Mrs. Collins
253 945 5100
Reminder: Evergreen does not allow outside food/drinks to be delivered to students. You are welcome to bring food for your child to eat lunch with you or they can eat it in the office.
This also means no morning food & drinks. They will need to be consumed before school starts in the office. If not, they will be left in the office until the end of the day.
*** All students have free breakfast and lunch.
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.
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!
SCHOOL OPENS AT 7:40AM. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD EARLIER. IT IS VERY COLD
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
STEAM Booths, Workshops, and Experiences, Oh My!
The lineup for this year’s STEAM Exploration Night, STEAM the Dream, is packed with something to pique every interest. Our growing list of industry participants is just one more reason to carve out time in your schedule for this exciting annual event.
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
Here is some of the fun you can expect from STEAM Night booths:
Try your (steady) hand at a game of Operation and trivia with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Visit the 360-photo booth to capture event memories with The Orbit Experience
Learn about prototyping and production with GRC Manufacturing Technology
Take to the sky through a flight simulator with Federal Aviation Administration
Get moving through short lessons on body movement and exercise with Temple Fitness
Learn about the printmaking process and view artwork by Yoshi Nakawawa Printmaking
View plant details through a microscope with Washington Native Plant Society
Simulate an earthquake with Structural Engineers Association of Washington
Plus, many more!
To top it off, by attending the event, you can also enjoy free food, convenient transportation, interpreters, an interactive online program, and fun event swag!
🔗 Learn more at www.fwps.org/STEAMNight.
IMPORTANT DATES:
FEBRUARY 12- WEDNESDAY
- REPORT CARDS GO HOME! You can also view them on ParentVue
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
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FEBRUARY 25- TUESDAY
- Soccer- EVG @ TAF/Saghalie
- Boys Basketball- EVG- BYE
FEBRUARY 26- WEDNESDAY
- Popcorn Wednesdays- $1 a bag...yummy!
- Field Trip- 6th Graders to FWPAEC- Arts4Youth
FEBRUARY 27- THURSDAY
- Boys Basketball- EVG @ TAF/Saghalie
- Soccer- EVG BYE
FEBRUARY 21- FRIDAY
- Early Release- school out at 1:15pm