Federal Way Public Schools - Current News

Summer School Programs - Summer 2008

Fri, 9 May 2008 13:48:00 -0700

At Federal Way Public Schools, we’re committed to helping all children succeed in the reaching their goals. A variety of programs are available during the summer months to help students develop the skills needed to pass the WASL and to succeed in the training programs, colleges and jobs they enter after high school.

The district offers a traditional summer school and an Internet-based summer school, both of which require tuition. There are also several free summer school programs for students who qualify.

Sweet Relief – AmeriCorps Sponsors Dessert Benefit Auction to Help Students Pay Extracurricular Fees

Thu, 8 May 2008 11:05:00 -0700

On Friday May 16, 6-9 p.m., the fourth annual “Sweets for Success” dessert benefit auction will be held at Todd Beamer High School, 35999 16th Avenue South, Federal Way. This event raises money to assist Federal Way Public Schools secondary students who are unable to pay fees required to participate in sports, speech and debate, and art, and associated costs such as instrument rentals. In Federal Way Public Schools, close to 50 percent of the student population is on free or reduced lunch, creating a significant need for a source of assistance for students who cannot pay.

School Board Selects Tony Moore for Position 5 Board Seat

Fri, 2 May 2008 08:20:00 -0700

On Wednesday evening, April 30, the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Directors selected Tony Moore to fill the director, position five, opening created by the resignation of Dave Larson.

Young Author's Conference Enters Second Decade

Thu, 1 May 2008 07:03:16 -0700

The district will proudly celebrate its 20-year history of sponsoring the Young Author's Conference on May 22, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Over 500 elementary students and their families are expected to attend the conference at Todd Beamer High School this year to share writing they’ve produced for the event. This year’s guest author is Won-Lyd Paye, who is a traditional storyteller from Liberia. His books include Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile; Head, Body, Legs; and Why Leopard Has Spots. For more information, please contact Barbara Vukas at bvukas@fwps.org or 253-945-3843.

TJ Solar Schools Grant Creates Array of Learning Possibilities

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:03:16 -0700

A proposal prepared by Thomas Jefferson High School Science Teacher Shawn Timulak has received a Solar Schools Grant from Puget Sound Energy. The grant will pay for a solar array and related equipment and installation at the school. The array will provide a “keystone curriculum piece” for TJ’s students and the community, Timulak says, and also will feed back into the power grid, earning TJ energy credits.

Board of Education Accepts Tom Madden’s Resignation

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:42:25 -0700

The members of the Federal Way Public Schools Board of Education last night accepted the resignation of Thomas P. Madden, director of District Four, effective April 22, 2008. A Federal Way businessman, Madden joined the board on May 24, 2005, replacing Earl VanDorien, Jr., who resigned in April, 2005. Madden is a 1976 graduate of Federal Way High School, and a lifetime resident of Federal Way.

Starting Ninth Grade Next Year? Check out TAF Academy

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:35:06 -0700

The TAF Academy is an academics program focused on encouraging girls and minority students to study science and math. There are still openings available for students who will be entering ninth grade next year. The TAF Academy prepares students for college and life using project-based learning rooted in science, technology, engineering and math. It offers students an individualized roadmap for personal goals and aspirations. The academy is a unique joint venture between the Technology Access Foundation and Federal Way Public Schools.

Decatur H.S. Concert Choir Crowned Champions In Exclusive National Competition in New York

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:33:29 -0700

The Decatur High School Concert Choir returned from New York City April 9 with a first-place trophy from one of the most exclusive high school musical competitions in the country. The 56 members of the choir, accompanied by staff and parent chaperones, traveled to New York on April 3, and went up against 24 other choirs April 5 and 6 in the National Invitational Festival of Gold, an exclusive competition held as part of the International Heritage Music Festival.

Federal Way Collaboration Earns Dropout Prevention Grant From State

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:36:13 -0700

Federal Way Public Schools and a team of community partners are among 15 groups named by the State as recipients of the new Building Bridges grant. A total of $2 million have been awarded across the state with a goal of finding best practices to help keep children in school until they graduate.

College Bound? 7th & 8th Graders Have Reason to Think Ahead

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 00:55:56 -0700

This year, the State of Washington has created a new state program to help 7th and 8th grade students plan for college, pay for college, and begin to fulfill their dreams. The College Bound Scholarship is a financial aid program for students who are eligible to participate in the free and reduced-price program.

Head Start Now Enrolling

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:58:31 -0700

If you would like an application or additional information, call the Information Line at 253-945-2379. Leave a message with your name, telephone number, address, and your child's date of birth. We will return your call as soon as possible.

Kindergarten Student Registration To Be Held May 1-15

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:58:55 -0700

It's just around the corner! Kindergarten registration for the 2008-2009 school year will be held May 1-15, 2008. Children must be five years old by August 31, 2008 and proof of immunization and a birth certificate are needed at the time of registration.

Judge Rules in Favor of Federal Way Schools in Fair Funding Lawsuit

Fri, 2 Nov 2007 00:59:40 -0700

On November 2, 2007, King County Superior Court Judge Michael Heavey declared the state's current school funding system, in particular the LEAP salary allocation table, unconstitutional. The lawsuit was brought against the state last year to challenge the state's system of funding, which results in substantial inequities in state funding from one school district to the next.

Wanted: Emergency Substitute Teachers

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 01:00:04 -0700

Do you enjoy working with children? Would you like to give back to your community while fulfilling your dream of making an impact on children, our most valuable resource? Have you considered a career as a teacher, but wished you could 'try it on' first?