Good News December 8, 2015
- Good News Announcements
Mark Twain Recognized as a Top 50 School by Imagine Learning
Mark Twain Elementary has been recognized as a “Top 50 School,” by Imagine Learning. This recognition celebrates schools across the nation for student usage and staff enthusiasm. It also honors the staff members like All-Day Kindergarten teacher Alexandra Hernandez and ELL paraeducator Debbie Loran for their amazing dedication to giving the school’s students the best in language and literacy instruction.
By using technology to enhance instruction, Imagine Learning provides students with an individualized program with actionable data that informs instruction. Principal Sharon Mitchell-Guddat notes this program gives every child an opportunity to acquire foundational language and literacy skills he or she needs to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Acceleration Academy graduate Trey Sampson accepts diploma at Board Meeting
Trey Sampson enrolled in Acceleration Academy last spring. Trey has attended many schools in and outside of Federal Way before landing at FWAA. He has been very committed to completing his high school requirements this fall. Trey not only works full time at Costco while finishing high school, he’s also working in the real estate industry. FWAA principal Ashley Barker says of Trey, “I’m pretty sure he’s going to take over the world.” Upon receiving his diploma, Trey plans on attending a two-year college to study science and business.
Congratulations, Trey!
Staff from Nautilus Elementary honored for work on Literacy Evening
Over 440 family members and 239 students at Nautilus K-8 participated in an evening literacy event hosted by the Nautilus Literacy Team with support from the Family Community Partnership Office. Family Liaisons are trained to ensure that their work with families informs, prepares and connects parents in the shared responsibility of promoting student success. Using research-based practices, the District can ensure all schools are supported in their efforts to connect with families.
Families at the Read A-Loud received literacy resources for parents, along with sight words packets and games for younger children, milk and cookies, and a free book. Students and parents alike enjoyed seeing staff members dressed as various characters from literature.
FRED Summer Program Receives USDA’s Summer Sunshine Award
Federal Way School District’s FRED Bus Summer Program is a recipient of the USDA’s 2015 Western Region Summer Sunshine Award for Reaching Rural, Tribal and/or Underserved Communities. FRED stands for Fun, Read, Eat and Dream, and, during the past two summers, has delivered hot food during the summer months to high-need areas. In addition to providing nutritious meals, the buses are equipped with games, books, and Internet-connected devices. P.E. teachers and librarians travel to each site with FRED once a week.
A big thank you to Nutrition Services and Director Mary Asplund, for your dedication to increasing access to summer meals and reducing hardships for students and families in our district. Kudos are also due to the Early Childhood Learning Program and to our many community partners who have made the program possible.
Lake Dolloff Elementary Holds Math Game Night
Lake Dolloff Elementary held a Math Game Night for students in conjunction with a workshop designed specifically for parents. Parents participated in a Partnership 101 Workshop organized by Family Liaison Irma Mendoza in preparation for student-led conferences. Parents discussed engagement opportunities and practices to become effective advocates and ways to share their insights with teachers and schools, so that every student reaches their maximum learning potential.
Principal Sarah Gill said that during the parent workshop, the Lake Dolloff Family Engagement Action Team taught students several math games that help build number sense. At the end of the evening, students and parents gathered together – and students became the teachers, demonstrating math games to their parents. A Math Game Night kit was provided to each student with flash cards, dice, playing cards and game instructions to extend the learning at home.
Wildwood Fourth-Grader Regional Champion in NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition
Wildwood Elementary 4th grade student Jennifer Torres was the only Federal Way Public Schools student to participate in the 2015 NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition in Seattle on November 28. Jennifer qualified for the Seattle Seahawks Team Championship round by winning the local Punt, Pass and Kick competition in her age division, followed by the regional championship in Kent.
In the November 28 competition, Jennifer went up against other regional winners from throughout the Northwest, including Alaska and Western Montana, ultimately placing fourth! She received a football and a Seahawks jersey, and was the team’s guest at the November 29 Seahawks versus Steelers game. Congratulations, Jennifer, we are all extremely proud of you.
Todd Beamer High School Dance Team Performs at WSSDA Conference
In the last 12 years, the Todd Beamer High School Dance Team has won eight state championships. The top-placing Titan Dance team recently performed at the WSSDA 2015 Annual Conference, “Boundless Potential,” showcasing an energetic dance routine.
The 23-member team is comprised of boys and girls, and coached by Valicia Valiani. Team captains this year are, Layne Hardin, Joshua Moran and Natalie Smith.
Principal Joni Hall encourages everyone to see the Titan Dance Team in action. The team’s season officially ends with their annual showcase in May, Beamer Breakdown, featuring signature performances from the team, along with guest performers from the greater Seattle area.