Good News November 22, 2016

Thomas Jefferson HS DECA students package food for those in need

For two years now, Thomas Jefferson High School’s DECA group has been volunteering with Northwest Harvest. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

After volunteering on October 20, TJ’s DECA group packaged enough food for over 4,000 people! In Washington state alone, one out of every five people rely on their local foodbank.

We are proud of our student scholars who helped with this effort.

• Macheddie Baker
• Ellie Kim
• Ashley Baskins
• Qian Nivan 
• Chae Hee Lee 
• Emily Cole
• Caterina Ferrieri 
• Jennifer Frias
• Orgil Batzaya

This effort is in direct support of strategic plan Goal 2:  Thriving, Confident, Responsible Individuals.

We are so proud of these DECA students for helping our community!

Three FWPS win Let's Move Active Schools National Award

The Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award is the nation’s top physical education and physical activity distinction for K-12 schools. The award celebrates a school’s commitment to providing students with at least 60 minutes of physical activity before, during and after school each day.

To earn a Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award, a school must have met significant benchmarks in five areas: physical education; physical activity before and after school; physical activity during school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement. Only 544 schools received this award nationwide, 25 schools in the state of Washington, and 3 in Federal Way! These schools are Lake Grove Elementary, Kilo Middle School, and Decatur High School.

The following staff are recognized for their work and dedication that led to this award:

• Dana Henry, Lake Grove Elementary
• Pam Jerome, Lake Grove Elementary
• Suzanne Isaac, Lake Grove Elementary
• Carol Milat, Lake Grove Elementary
• Michelle Cole, Kilo Middle School
• Patrick Kirby, Kilo Middle School
• Bryant Cameron, Kilo Middle School
• Ben Shelton, Decatur High School
• Sian Fankhauser, Decatur High School 
• Krystal Perez, Decatur High School
• Teri Galloway, formerly Decatur, now Truman Middle School

Studies show that active kids do better. Physical activity not only helps kids stay healthy and strong, but it can also contribute to higher test scores, improved attendance, better behavior in class, enhanced leadership skills and a lifetime of healthy habits.

This effort is in direct support of the strategic plan Goal 3, Active Learners: Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers. 

Congratulations to our schools for winning this award! We are proud of the work you are doing to increase the physical activity of our students.

Students participate in We Scare Hunger event

For the fifth consecutive year, Federal Way Public School students participated in the We Scare Hunger event to stamp out hunger. The event was held on October 31, in Town Square park.

Over 2,100 pounds of food was gathered, which is about 500 more pounds than last year! The food was donated to Multi Service Center in Federal Way.

The two student leaders, Max Hayes and July Heng from Thomas Jefferson High School, helped put this event on.

Our students invited the greater community to attend the event, wear costumes and bring food donations.

Approximately 40 students, community members such as Deputy Mayor Jean Burbidge, City Council Member Susan Honda, and FWPS Board Director Claire Wilson attended. Federal Way Deputy Mayor Jeanne Burbidge and FWPS Superintendent Dr. Campbell spoke.

Extracurricular activities are direct support of the strategic plan Goal 3, Active Learners: Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers.

Once the rally was completed students set out to “trick or treat” for canned food throughout Federal Way neighborhoods. 

Max and July, we are proud of your leadership!

Quin Hanson selected for All Northwest Jazz Band

Each year high school students have the opportunity to submit audition tapes to be part of the All Northwest Jazz Band.  From these tapes, students are selected for orchestra, choir, jazz band, and jazz choir. 

This year, Quin Hanson from Todd Beamer High School competed against contestants from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska and was selected to play drums!

Quin has been described by his teachers as the most gracious and humblest student you’ll ever meet.

This effort is in direct support of strategic plan Goal 4: Content Area Competence.

We are so proud of you, Quin, for going after your dreams!