Recent News Board of Education Standards Based Education Construction Updates

Recent News from Federal Way Public Schools

Next Generation Science Standards – A First Look

Teachers, science leaders, informal science educators, college and university educators and community members interested in the future of science and/or STEM education are invited to get a first look at the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and provide input into a document that will influence science education in the United States for the foreseeable future. Read more »

Thank You, Teachers Past and Present

Teachers across the country will be celebrated this week as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week. It's a great time to thank teachers, both current and former, said Federal Way Superintendent Rob Neu. Read more »

South King County STEM Network Launch will Benefit Federal Way Students and Regional Companies

Thanks to the coordinated work of business and education groups, students in Federal Way and other South King County school districts will be better prepared to be competitive for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the years to come. Read more »

For Students Who Want to Attend College, Federal Way Is Forging a Pathway

This fall, Federal Way Public Schools will roll out another innovative program to make sure that all students in the district have the opportunity to go to college or get other post-high school training, and to be successful once there. Read more »

 

Salmon release begins Storming the Sound with Salmon

More than 100 excited elementary school students demonstrated the power of baby salmon to captivate and inspire young minds. As students from Panther Lake and Camelot Elementary Schools released salmon fry to Hylebos Creek, Mayor Skip Priest and Deputy Superintendent of Federal Way Public Schools Mark Davidson announced an innovative program to bring salmon – and hands-on science education – to classrooms. Read more »

MSP Testing Begins April 25 for Students at Elementary and Middle Schools

The state's Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) testing for students in grades 3-8 is taking place on dates from April 25 through June 1. Read more »

Star Lake and Woodmont Will Be in Session Friday, May 4
No School for Students at All Other Schools Due to Data Day

This Friday, May 4th, Star Lake will be in session to make up for the emergency closure on Monday, April 30. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the short notice.

Star Lake students should attend school on May 4th, but, due to the short notice, all student absences will be excused on that day only.

May 4th is Data Day (meaning no school for students) at all other schools in the district, except for Woodmont, which is making up a weather-related closure on that day.

Federal Way's Camelot Elementary Named Among First-Ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools

Camelot Elementary School is among 78 schools from 29 states named the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, announced U.S. Secretary of Education Arne, together with White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, on Monday, April 23. Read more »

TAF Academy Selected as Intel School of Distinction

The Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy has been named a finalist in Intel Corporation's 2012 Schools of Distinction Awards in the middle school category for its excellence in innovative mathematics instruction. Read more »

Now Enrolling for Preschool 2012-2013

Federal Way Public Schools offers high quality and affordable preschool programs for children ages 3 and 4. There are both tuition programs and free programs for income-eligible children. Read more »

Decatur Grad Enjoys Career in Automotive Technology Thanks to CTE Program

Dave Bottles is smart - very smart. But not book smart. He wasn't the type of student to spend long days poring over textbooks.
Read more »

Lake Dolloff Wins Battle of the Books

The crowd was enthusiastic and the competition fierce at the 12th annual Federal Way Public Schools Battle of the Books competition on April 12 at Decatur High School. Read more »

Choice Enrollment for Elementary Students Continues Through April 30

Choice enrollment for elementary students in Federal Way Public Schools is currently open and continues through the end of April. Choice enrollment is a process that allows students to enroll in a school that is located outside of a student's residence service area or district. Read more »

Referee Whose Life Was Saved at Decatur Hopes to Officiate Again

Edward Kazinsky, 69, doesn't remember anything about December 16. Those who saved his life will never forget. Read more »

Rainier View's 20-Year Celebration

Rainier View Elementary will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, April 20th. Read more »

Students Join Officials for Cooking Oil Collection Site Christening

Federal Way school students helped open the City's first used cooking oil collection facility with a ceremonial "first pour" of greasy used cooking oil. Read more »

Community Forum Regarding Capital Levy Scheduled

Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) will host a community forum to discuss capital levy projects and is inviting the community, staff, and students to lend their voices to the conversation. The forum will take place 6-8 p.m., April 18, 2012 at Federal Way High School's Cafeteria, 30611-16th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003. Read more »

Transportation Department Opens In New Building

The district's transportation department has made the move to their new building in the support service center at 1211 South 332nd Street in Federal Way. Read more »

Board Approves Refinance of Construction Bonds, Sale of Additional Bonds

School board members approved the refinancing of $12.9 million in bonds issued in 2004 at the March 27 board meeting, meaning significant financial savings for taxpayers in the district's service area. Read more »

Miss Washington Embraces Warrior Spirit at Sacajawea

Miss Washington 2011 Brittney Henry visited Sacajawea Middle School, home of the Warriors, on March 29 to talk to students about the value of education. Read more »

Camelot Nominated for National Environmental Award

Camelot Elementary is one of only four schools in Washington State to be nominated for the U.S. Department of Education's new Green Ribbon Schools Award, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction announced March 22. Read more »

Power Standards Now Linked to Khan Academy Videos

Many of Federal Way Public Schools' math and science power standard sheets now include links to related Khan Academy video tutorials. Read more »

Totem Students Setting Smart Goals

In preparation for student-led conferences (SLCs), Totem staff and students spent two days reviewing the students' learning standards reports and setting goals related to meeting those standards. Read more »

Erin Jones joins FWPS as Equity and Achievement Director

Erin Jones, Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), has been hired as the Federal Way Public Schools' Director of Equity and Achievement. Read more »

No Lean Finely Textured Beef Products Found to be in Federal Way School Meals

Lean, finely textured beef (aka Pink Slime) has not been found to be in products in school meals in the Federal Way School District. Read more »

District's Family Engagement Work Honored

The Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship honored Trise Moore on March 4 with a Global Citizen Award for embodying a life of service leadership in the area of urban United States. Moore received the award at an event in Seattle on March 4. Read more »

Math and Science Academy at Saghalie Receives Washington STEM Grant

A Math and Science Academy at Saghalie Middle School project designed to get teachers and students out of the classroom and into the surrounding environment has earned a $10,000 grant from Washington STEM. Read more »

District Prepares for Common Core

Washington State will begin testing on national Common Core Standards in 2014-2015, and Federal Way Public Schools is preparing now for a seamless transition. Read more »

Reminder: Student Led Conferences March 22 and 23

Thursday and Friday, March 22 and 23, are set aside for Student Led Conferences at both the elementary and secondary levels. Students do not have regular classes but are expected to conference with their parents and teachers. Read more »

Spaces Open in Latino Night School at Sunnycrest and Wildwood

Children and families from throughout the Federal Way school district are invited to participate in a free night school program aimed at aiding academic success for students and improving English language skills for families. Read more »

Cupo Disponible en la Escuela Nocturna para Latinos en Sunnycrest y Wildwood

A los hijos y las familias a través del Distrito Escolar de Federal Way se les invita a un programa gratuito de educación nocturna que tiene el fin de facilitar el éxito académico para los estudiantes y de mejorar las habiladades lingüísticas de las familias. Read more »

State of the Schools Address Speaks to Reasons for District's Work

At least 200 Federal Way Chamber of Commerce members packed the Twin Lakes Country Club on Feb. 1 to hear Superintendent Rob Neu's 2nd Annual State of the Schools address. Read more »
NEW! Video now available »

Family Circle Article Explores Standards-Based Grading

Family Circle Magazine ran a timely article in its February, 2012, issue that discusses standards-based grading. Read more »

Budget Forum Scheduled for March 20

Budget Forum Scheduled for March 20 The district is beginning the process of developing its 2012-2013 school year budget and is inviting the public to participate in a budget forum on March 20. Read more »
    • Foro del Presupuesto Programado para el 20 de Marzo
    • 예산안 포럼 3월20일
    • Форум по обсуждению бюджета запланирован на 20 марта

Throughout the District, Schools Celebrate Dr. Seuss with Read Across America

Dr. Seuss's birthday was celebrated with enthusiasm at schools throughout the district on March 2 with various Read Across America events. Read more »

Additional Make-Up Days for Three Schools Announced

Three Federal Way Public Schools have announced additional make-up days. These were needed because each of these schools lost a day due to localized power outages when the district as a whole was operating. Read more »

School Board Approves Snow Make-Up Days

At the January 24 regular board meeting, the district's board of directors voted to approve changes to the 2011-2012 school year calendar to make up the 4 days lost to weather-related closures last week. Read more »

Tenth-Grade Reading and Writing HSPE Testing Continues Through Thursday

The state's High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) testing is taking place this week through Thursday. Parents are asked to be sure they get their 10th graders to school on time, and to make sure they get a good night's sleep and breakfast as well. Read more »

Family Participation and Enthusiasm Increase at District's Newest Schools

Well into their first year at their new schools, students and staff at Sunnycrest and Lakeland elementary schools say they are thrilled with their new buildings and are noticing positive changes in the school atmosphere. Read more »

AP Test Participation and Passage Rates Increase

More Federal Way students took and passed Advanced Placement exams last year than in previous years– an increase partly due to the district's new Academic Acceleration Policy. Read more »

Levy Update - EP&O is Passing, Capital Projects Levy is Not

Early elections results released the evening of February 15 showed that the EP&O Levy was passing with 57.11 percent of voters saying "yes," and the capital projects levy to rebuild Federal Way High School was failing, with 45.67 percent of the voters saying "yes." Read more »

Choice Enrollment for Middle and High School Students Continues through Feb. 29

Choice enrollment for secondary students in Federal Way Public Schools is currently open and continues through the end of February. Read more »

Report Cards On Their Way: Have Questions? We Have Answers!

Report cards will go out the week of February 13 and standards-based grading is likely to be the topic of conversations in numerous homes and schools across the district. For parents who have questions about how a grade has been reached, we encourage you to talk to your students first. Read more »

No School Feb. 20 and 21 for Mid-Winter Break

There will be no school for mid-winter break on February 20 and 21. February 20 is also Presidents Day. Classes will resume on February 22.

New National Board-Certified Teachers Recognized by School Board

Forty-one teachers who became newly board certified this year were recognized at a Board of Education meeting January 24. Read more »

Federal Way Schools to Run Two Levy Proposals on February Ballot

The Federal Way Schools Board of Directors voted Tuesday evening, November 8, 2011, to place two levies on the February 14, 2012 ballot. The first levy is a replacement Education Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and the second levy is a capital projects levy which will primarily rebuild Federal Way High School. Read more or view the new Levy Information Page

Don't Forget - Mail in Ballots by February 14

Don't forget to exercise your rights as a citizen and vote in this February election. This is a mail-in ballot election, so be sure to get your ballot in the mail before the deadline. Read more »

KOMO TV and KCPQ visit Federal Way High School

Watch recent news coverage of Federal Way High School's building condition:
    • Q13 Visits Federal Way High School
    • KOMO's Bryan Johnson Tours Federal Way High School

Video Tour Shows Federal Way High School Beyond the Pretty Entrance

Federal Way High School may have a remodeled exterior, but behind that façade the school needs more than a makeover. Read more »

Levy Update: Rebuilding Federal Way High School

One of two levies on the ballot February 14, 2012, is a $60 million capital levy. A portion of the capital levy dollars will help rebuild playgrounds at 19 of the district's elementary schools and improve video security equipment in our schools. But, the lion's share of the capital levy will help rebuild Federal Way High School. Read more »

Change is Good for City's Schools

As we stand at the forefront of national education reform, the value of education, its true worth, is what we wrestle with daily in this ever-changing world. Read more »

High School Planning Night: All Eighth Graders and Parents Invited

For the sixth consecutive year, each comprehensive high school in Federal Way will host a High School Planning Night to help eighth-grade students and their parents plan to make the most of their high school years. Read more »

Federal Way High School Tours Offered

Parents and community members are invited to take a personal tour of Federal Way High School on one of six evenings. Students and staff members will lead the tours. No need to RSVP, just show up and be sure to wear your workout shoes. Read more »

In Memoriam: FWPA Teacher Diane Holtz

Diane Holtz, the longest serving teacher at Federal Way Public Academy, has passed away. She had been courageously battling cancer. Read more »

First Semester Extended by a Week

Due to the extreme weather emergency and loss of school days last week, FWPS is extending the first semester by one week. Please plan for the following: Semester 1 ending Friday Feb 3 / Semester 2 beginning Monday Feb. 6. Read more »

Middle School Showcase Night Offered for Federal Way Fifth Grade Families

Students about to enter middle school in Federal Way have a larger-than-ever array of specialized academic programs available. On Thursday, January 26, fifth-grade students and their parents are invited to learn about those options at the Middle School Showcase Night. Read more »

FWPS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Scheduled for Jan. 25

Federal Way Public Schools will celebrate the induction of its fourth Athletic Hall of Fame class during the all-city gymnastics meet on January 25th at Todd Beamer High School. Read more »

Board and Superintendent Neu to Host Public Forum

The public is invited to join Superintendent Robert Neu and the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Directors at a focused forum to discuss the two levy proposals on the February ballot. Read more »
(Español) (Pусский)

District Welcomes New Board Members and Thanks those Departing

Danny Peterson and Claire Wilson were sworn in as new members of the Board of Education at a meeting December 13. Read more »

How and Why We Close (or Delay) School Because of Weather

In spite of Doppler radar and other advances in weather prediction, it is difficult to be sure about the weather and the road conditions we may encounter in the thirty-five square miles the District encompasses.  Read more »

Cómo y Por Qué Cerramos (o Retrasamos) la Escuela Debido al Tiempo

A pesar de radar Doppler y otros avances en la predicción del tiempo, es difícil estar seguro del tiempo y la condición de los caminos que podamos encontrar en las treinta y cinco millas cuadradas que abarca el distrito.  Leer más »

In Memoriam: FWHS Teacher and Coach Jean Licari

Jean Licari, who had a 21-year teaching career, entirely at Federal Way High School, passed away on Sunday, January 8. She had been ill with cancer for several months. Services will be held on Saturday, January 21, at 2 p.m. In the Federal Way High School Gymnasium, 30611 16th Avenue South. Read more »

District Offices Open in New Location

During the winter break, Federal Way Public Schools Educational Service Center (ESC) -- the district's headquarters -- moved to a new location at 33330 8th Avenue South in Federal Way. Read more »

Secondary Students Now Have Access to Go2

Secondary students now have their own Go2 login credentials. Students have been able to login using their parents' credentials since Go2 went live in October, but this gives them the option of signing in using their own IDs. Read more »

The District Will Collect $3 Million Less Than Voters Authorized Next Year

As a result of sound financial management and favorable economic conditions, the district will collect $3 million less from voters than was authorized for 2012. Read more »

Grading Calculation Changes Reflect Staff and Parent Input

As promised, our Standards-Based Education (SBE) system will evolve as we receive suggestions from parents and staff. As we've rolled out the new system, the grading process has been discussed at length – particularly how grades are calculated. Read more »

Podcast: How the District Selected Its Power Standards

Parents who are members of the Citizens for Federal Way Schools were joined by district administrators at their November 30th meeting for a discussion about Standards-Based Education. Read more »

How to Support Your Child's Learning During Winter Break

Here are some tips for parents and guardians of students in Kindergarten through 5th grade for helping their youngsters practice reading and math skills during the Winter break. Read more »

District Offices Moving During Winter Break

During the Winter break, Federal Way Public Schools Educational Service Center (ESC) -- the district's headquarters -- will be moving to a new location. Read more »

Winter Sports Schedules and Athletics Information

Winter sports schedules and other information about the district's athletics programs are all available on the district athletics page.  Read more »

Wednesday, November 23 Early Dismissal Schedule; No School Thursday and Friday

This Wednesday, November 23, schools will be dismissed early in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday break, which is Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25. Read more »

Go2 is Here – Check Your Student's Grades Online

Go2 is here, and it gives Federal Way Public Schools' secondary students and their parents a powerful tool for keeping track of their academic progress.  Read more »

I Was the Valedictorian

I was the high school valedictorian, and all of my A's made everyone proud.  Read more »

Parents, Please Take Our Online Survey

At Federal Way Public Schools, we recognize the powerful impact of parents and guardians being actively involved in their child's education. Through Nov. 18th, parents and guardians are invited to complete a survey regarding the district's goals of providing a welcoming environment and engaging parents as partners in education. If you missed the opportunity to complete the survey during Student Led Conferences, please complete it online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FWPSparent11-12. Surveys are also available at each school in English, Spanish, Russian and Korean. Thank you for taking this opportunity to provide valuable feedback to our district.  Take the survey »

Standard-based assessment supports real learning

With the district’s change to a standards-based education system, students know exactly what they need to do to meet the standards (essentially, learning goals) for each subject. They know what learning targets, or skills, they need to master to meet each standard.  And they can demonstrate that they understand the topic in more than one way, much different from the days when a final exam might count for 50% of the grade. Read more »

Remember to Vote by November 8

Don't forget to exercise your rights as a citizen and vote in this November election. This is a mail-in ballot election, so be sure to get your ballot in the mail before the deadline. Ballots must be postmarked by November 8. There is also an official ballot drop box in Federal Way at City Hall, where ballots will be accepted until 8 p.m. on Election Day. This election includes three seats on the Federal Way Board of Education.

Fall Sports Schedules and Athletics Information

Fall sports schedules and other information about the district’s athletics programs are all available on the district athletics page. Also find department contacts, downloadable forms, and information about eligibility requirements, participation fees and the student athletic code at http://www.fwps.org/info/athletics/.

Federal Way PTSA Clothing Bank Schedule Announced

The Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) Council Clothing Bank provides gently-used clothing, as well as new socks and underwear, for children enrolled in Kindergarten through 5th grade in Federal Way Public Schools. Read more »

Student Led Conferences October 27 & 28

Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28, are set aside for Student Led Conferences at both the elementary and secondary levels.  Read more »

District Launches Facebook Page and Twitter Feed

Federal Way Public Schools has a new Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fwps210, and we're inviting fans and feedback from all of FWPS (and beyond) to help us make the page a vibrant and vital part of our online presence.  Read more »

Liz Drake appointed interim principal at Thomas Jefferson High School

The Federal Way Board of Education voted Oct. 11 to appoint former Todd Beamer Principal Liz Drake interim principal at Thomas Jefferson High School, effective Oct. 12.  Read more »

Lakeland Announces Make Up Days

Lakeland Elementary School announced three make up days for this year. School will now be in session at Lakeland on October 13 - a previously scheduled data day, January 27 – a previously scheduled semester break day, and March 16 – a previously scheduled teacher in-service day. For the rest of the district, those dates are non-school days.

District Renews Focus on Bullying Prevention

Staff throughout Federal Way Public Schools are participating in bullying prevention training this year as part of an increased emphasis on bullying district-wide. Read more »

Life After High School

The district-wide annual "Life After High School" event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2011, in the performing arts center at Decatur High School. Read more »

Beginning Teacher Program Earns Grant to Continue Exceptional Work

The district’s highly praised Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP) is possible again next year after winning a highly competitive grant from OSPI. Without the grant, the program would have had to operate with a much smaller budget and only support for first year teachers. Read more »

Go2 – Grades Online Gets a Standards-Based Upgrade

Parents -- look for a letter from the district with user IDs and passwords. We're excited to introduce Go2, a robust and flexible grades online program that will give Federal Way Public Schools' secondary students and their parents a powerful tool for keeping track of their academic progress.  Read more »

Seahawks and Make-A-Wish Foundation Grant a Nautilus Student’s Wish

Apparently, defensive lineman Brandon Mebane of the Seattle Seahawks isn’t very fond of spiders. He likes to sing in the shower too. Those are just some of the personal details he shared with Alex Bradshaw and his entire fourth-grade class during an event in Bradshaw’s honor at Nautilus Elementary Sept. 27. Read more »

Testing Results Confirm Academic Acceleration Policy’s Positive Impact on Student Achievement

A year after the implementation of Federal Way Public Schools’ (FWPS) Academic Acceleration policy, four trends stand out:

• A greater percentage of the district’s students are taking advanced academic classes than before the policy went into effect;
• A greater percentage of those students are passing those courses;
• A greater percentage of those students took the related after-course exams;
• And a greater percentage of them are passing the after-course exams, showing strong enough mastery of the content to earn college credit for the class. Read more »

Sunnycrest Elementary Will Host Open House Sept. 28

Sunnycrest Elementary School will host a public open house from 7 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28. Sunnycrest, along with Lakeland Elementary School, is among the last of five schools to be rebuilt with funding from the 2007 bond measure. Read more »

State Testing Results Show Meaningful Gains

In a climate of decreased funding for schools and increased poverty among the families that Federal Way Public Schools serve, the results of state testing conducted last spring reveal meaningful gains well-worth celebrating. Among them, an 18.5 percentile point jump in 10th grade math scores, which can be largely attributed to a new version of state math testing that more accurately assesses student knowledge. Read more »

Information for Wildwood Elementary Parents

Under the 2002 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind), Wildwood Elementary School is required to offer two options to its students and parents. Read full letter (in English)

(En Español)

Todd Beamer Added to Washington Post’s High School Challenge List

Todd Beamer High School was recently added to the 2011 Washington Post’s High School Challenge list, after the results for that school were recalculated. Federal Way, Decatur, and Thomas Jefferson high schools are also named in the list. Now all four of Federal Way’s large high schools are included on the list. Read more »

Todd Beamer to Display World Trade Center Beam at 9-11 Event

Todd Beamer High School will host an event Sept. 9 for students and community members in memory of the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11. South King Fire and Rescue will display a steel beam from the World Trade Center at the event. The beam will eventually become part of a 9-11 memorial at Fire Station 64 in Auburn. Read more »

Brand New Sunnycrest and Lakeland Buildings to Open for Students This Fall

While most students are gearing up for the start of school with new supplies, new teachers and new classmates, Sunnycrest and Lakeland students have something extra to look forward to – the start of school in a brand new building. Read more »

Lakeland Elementary open date rescheduled to September 7th – Kindergarten and preschool orientation still to be held September 6

Lakeland Elementary School will start the 2011-2012 school year in a brand new building on Wednesday September 7th, two days after Labor Day. Read more »

Back-to-School Information Available Here

Ready for the start of the new school year? Find all the back to school information you need, including school lunch costs, school supply and uniform lists, bus routes and more. Read more »

Nominations Sought for Federal Way Athletic Hall of Fame

Federal Way Public Schools is seeking nominees for the fourth Athletic Hall of Fame class. The district honors past employees who have made a major impact on the district’s athletic programs. Read more »

Four Federal Way Elementary Schools Receive Title I Improvement Awards

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has announced that four Federal Way elementary schools have received the state’s Title I, Part A Improvement Award for 2011. Read more »

Other Recent News

• Tips and Tools for Student Success Education Partnership Summit
• Non-Techies Welcome at Saghalie’s Math and Science Academy
• Summer Meal Program in Federal Way Schools
• Board of Education Approves 2011-2012 Budget Addressing Unprecedented $10 Million Funding Shortfall
• Todd Beamer Named Candidate School for International Baccalaureate Program
• Decatur to Open AsPire Academy Next Year
• Pomp and Circumstance - Class of 2011 Graduates June 11
• FWPS GEAR UP Program Graduates First Cohort of Students
• Summer School Programs
• 2011-2012 Budget Gulf Has Widened