Innovate, Collaborate, Educate: Learning Beyond the Classroom for Future-Ready Families

Foster an in-depth understanding of grade-level curriculum, assessments, and district resources to support academic success.

This evening at the Family Academy event, Innovate, Collaborate, Educate: Learning Beyond the Classroom for Future-Ready Families, learn how to help your child succeed academically.

Event highlights:

📚 Participate in workshops to learn how to support your child's academic growth and success throughout the year.
🎓 Access special support for your college-bound student to navigate the journey to post-secondary education.
🤝 Connect with other FWPS families to share experiences and learnings.
🥡 Enjoy a free dinner for your family for a stress-free evening.
🧮 Activities for children while you learn:
- Childcare for elementary children, age 5 and older
- Learning Lab for older children to explore STEAM concepts

Through essential conversations and authentic partnership, we can increase scholar success.

Workshop Resources

Mapping the Journey: Understanding Your Child's Progress

^{Presented by: Joe Kosty (Executive Director of Accountability, Research, and Categorical Programs)}

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help families make the most of the tools available to track scholar learning. Together, we’ll explore ParentVUE and i-Ready reports so you can clearly see where your scholar is academically, celebrate their growth, and identify areas for support. We’ll also walk through practical strategies for goal setting at home, giving you and your scholar a shared roadmap for success. By the end of this session, you’ll feel more confident navigating progress reports, supporting your scholar’s goals, and partnering with their teachers for a stronger school year.

Supporting Your Scholar in Navigating AI: Understanding AI Bias

^{Presented by: Dennis Purcell (Director of Blended and Remote Learning)}

Artificial intelligence is trained on real-world data that people have given it, and if that data contains biases (or is incomplete), the AI can end up being biased, too. In this lesson, students will think critically about the training data that informs what AI tools can do, and consider possible ways to reduce AI bias.

*Best for middle and high school families.

How to Support Your Scholar with Grade-Level Writing

^{Presented by: Tami Smith (Middle School ELA Facilitator) and Jenarae Bach (K-5 ELA Facilitator)}

Families will gain an understanding of grade-level expectations and writing development from Elementary to Secondary. Families will learn about strategies to give writing feedback to their scholar and walk away with tips and resources to build strong writers at home.

Future Ready: Navigating College Funding for Families

^{Presented by: Prema Higgins (College and Career Readiness Facilitator)}

Join us for a dynamic and informative workshop where families will learn the ins and outs of funding a college education. This session will cover various financial aid options, scholarship opportunities, and practical tips to make college affordable. Together, we’ll unlock the secrets to securing a bright future for your scholar.

Stronger Together: A Family-School Approach to Bullying Prevention

^{Presented by: Erin Hutchinson (Facilitator of Social Emotional Learning) and Steven Hall (HIB Coordinator)}

This session will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to recognize warning signs, prevent bullying situations, and respond effectively when issues arise. You'll learn to identify different types of bullying, including cyberbullying, discover age-appropriate prevention techniques you can implement at home, and understand how to collaborate productively with school staff to ensure your child's safety and well-being.

Tech Habit Challenge, Part 1: What Roles Do Media and Tech Play in My Life?

^{Presented by: Dennis Purcell (Director of Blended and Remote Learning)}

What if we slowed down to consider our tech habits, including what we do that serves us well and what we might want to change? In the first part of this two-part lesson, students interview each other about their current tech habits, engaging in personal reflection while learning about the role that media and tech play in their peers' lives. This lesson sets students up for Part 2, where they learn about how to make healthy habits stick and develop personalized plans to support their digital well-being.

IEP Essentials: Navigating Special Education for Your Scholar's Success

^{Presented by: Jane Al-Tamimi (Assistant Director of Student Support Services) and Toni Cheever (Executive Director of Health Services)}

This workshop is designed to empower families with the knowledge and tools to effectively navigate the IEP process. Learn how to collaborate with your scholar’s school, understand your rights, and ensure your scholar’s individual learning needs are met. We’ll break down the IEP step-by-step, so you can confidently advocate for the services and supports that will help your scholar thrive both academically and emotionally.

Guiding Your Scholar to Success: Making the Most of SLCs

^{Presented by: Shea Eakes (Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation)}

Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) put scholars in the driver’s seat of their education! In this workshop, we’ll help you understand the purpose and benefits of SLCs, offering strategies to engage with your scholar as they present their learning progress. You’ll learn how to help them reflect on their achievements, set new goals, and take pride in their academic journey, all while strengthening the parent-scholar connection.

Innovate, Collaborate, Educate: Learning Beyond the Classroom for Future-Ready Families
Thursday, October 16, 2025
6-7:30 p.m.
Olympic View K-8
2626 SW 327th ST
Federal Way, WA 98023
(Or, Zoom)

Download the Flyer (Translations Available!)

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Innovate, Collaborate, Educate: Learning Beyond the Classroom for Future-Ready Families