Federal Way Chamber of Commerce hosts State of Education focused on “resilience, strength, and collective efficacy” 

 The Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of Education event continued this year at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. Over 100 people turned out for the event and heard an update on the state of education in Federal Way Public Schools.   

“Since March of 2020 we have all been significantly affected by the pandemic,” said Dr. Pfeiffer, FWPS superintendent. “It’s important to recognize the impact COVID had on all of us, especially our scholars, staff, and school community. But it is equally important to shine the light on the strength, perseverance, and collective efforts that resulted in successes in the most challenging of times.”  

 Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer’s address focused on:  

 The resilience, strength, and collective efficacy of FWPS scholars, staff and the community throughout the school closure due to Covid 19 including:  

• Over 1 million meals served to scholars and families. 
• Over 14,000 computers and 1,205 hotspots deployed to families. 
• Our instructional staff collectively participated in more than 90,000 hours of professional development to provide the highest quality instruction—reinventing how they delivered instruction.
• Community partners’ contributions of food, supplies, and more to support staff, scholars, and families. 

Bright spots achieved including:  

• Expansion of Bright Futures Kindergarten program from 2 to 5 sites, supporting pre-school age children.  
• 85% of scholars in grades 3-5 responded favorably regarding teacher-student relationships, putting FWPS in the 90th percentile nationally. 
• 2,038 scholars passed an advanced placement, IB or Cambridge course in the 2020-21 school year, earning college credit while enrolled in high school.    
• 86% on-time graduation rate for the Class of 2021.  

Continuous improvements including:  

• Over 1,000 scholars participated in summer learning programs that extended from early learning to CTE certifications. 
• The Bezos Academy in Federal Way Public Schools opened this fall. This Montessori-inspired preschool is currently serving 40 scholars, tuition-free. 
• Second school-based health center to open this year, providing mental and physical health services.   
• Launch of a pre-apprenticeship program to prepare scholars for careers in the trades, increased STEM/CTE coursework, and graduate with industry certification. 
• Increased academic and mental health support for scholars.
• Partnering with community-based organizations. 

 Dr. Dani Pfeiffer has served FWPS for 6 years as Chief Academic Officer, Deputy Superintendent, and now as Superintendent since July 2021. She continues to be a driving force in the district’s growth. Dr. Pfeiffer ended her address acknowledging while scholars excelled despite the pandemic, it also impacted their academic and social-emotional development. She thanked FWPS staff and the community for their efforts and asked for their continued partnership in support of all scholars.