Federal Way High School boys basketball team placed first in the West Central District Tournament, and third in the state

The Federal Way High School boys basketball team has a lot to celebrate.

After finishing the regular season undefeated, they competed against teams across the region and placed first in the West Central District tournament, then went on to place third in the state!

Would the basketball team please come forward to be recognized? We welcome Interim Head Coach Yattah Reed and other coaches and administrators to come forward at this time.

In addition to the team’s accomplishments, we would like to acknowledge senior Jaden McDaniels who set a Federal Way High record with 51 points in a single basketball game. Additionally, he was named the Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association Class 4A state player of the year. He was also named a McDonald’s All-American, and was presented with an honorary game jersey on Tuesday, February 26. He is the first player from Federal Way, and the fourteenth player from Washington state ever to be selected to play in the national high school all-star game.

These accomplishments demonstrate the efforts of our scholar-athletes to be active learners: engaged, empowered, critical thinkers, Goal 3 of our strategic plan.

Congratulations!

 

 

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Federal Way High School girls bowling to name Washington Interscholastic Activities Association academic state champions 

Congratulations to the Federal Way High School girls bowling team who was named the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association academic state champions with a team GPA average of 3.786!

The Scholastic Awards program recognizes the team with the highest grade point average among all Washington high schools in their enrollment classification.

Earning this scholastic award is in direct support of Goal 4, content area competence: mastery of all subjects.

 

 

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Decatur High School cheer team placed in state

We are proud of the Decatur High School cheer team who placed second in the state Non-Tumbling and third in state Game Day Large! Participation in extracurricular activities is in direct support of strategic plan Goal 3: active learners, engaged, empowered, critical thinkers.

In order to win, the team performed a routine that incorporated group stunts, pyramids, jumps and a cheer section.

Congratulations Decatur cheer team! We are so proud of how hard you worked, and how much you accomplished.

 

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Decatur High School cheer team placed in state

We are proud to recognize Jane Miller, Director of Instructional Technology at Federal Way Public Schools, for receiving the President’s Award from the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE).

This award is given to an outstanding individual who works to promote successful practices of technology use in education. 

The NCCE award recognizes Jane as an EdTech leader who has developed and deployed successful instructional technology programs including her work in Federal Way Public Schools. Jane’s commitment to technology integration with learning in the classroom supports our scholars being engaged, empowered learners — Goal 3 of the strategic plan.

Congratulations, Jane!

 

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College Bound Scholarships

Federal Way Public Schools is pleased to report 1,051 — or 89 percent — of last year’s eligible eighth graders signed up for the College Bound Scholarship program by the June 30 deadline. Statewide, over 29,000 — or 70 percent — of eligible students signed up for the program.
Governor Inslee has recognized Federal Way Public Schools as one of the top school districts to exceed the statewide average sign-up rate of 70 percent.

We would like to acknowledge the work of our district leaders Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer and Director of College and Career Readiness Sammy Anderson for their work. 

We would also like to thank our middle schools for their effort.

Please come forward to be recognized:
• Principal Kurt Lauer, Federal Way Public Academy
• Principal Brianna Ward, Illahee
• Assistant Principal Crystal Emerson, Kilo
• Principal Angela Williamson, Lakota
• Principal Stacy Lucas, Nautilus K–8
• Principal Jordanne Nevin, Woodmont K–8
• Principal Dominique Dennis, Sacajawea
• Assistant Principal Eric Marshall, Sequoyah
• Principal Pam Tuggle, TAF@Saghalie
• Principal Caitlin Boline, Totem

The College Bound Scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who sign up in middle school by June 30 and fulfill the College Bound pledge. This supports scholars persisting to graduation, Goal 5 of the strategic plan.

 

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Teacher earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification is an advanced certification program in which teachers have successfully demonstrated exemplary teaching knowledge, skills and practices.

Carlito Umali [pronounce: Oo-mali-E] earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in 2018 and is a teacher at TAF@Saghalie, certified in Early Adolescence and English Language Arts. 

The National Board candidacy process is demanding and has numerous benefits to students as teachers become even more self-reflective about their practice and increase subject area knowledge.

Congratulations on your dedication and commitment to our scholars’ bright futures!

 

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TBHS and TJHS JROTC place at Puget Sound Division competition of the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference

Todd Beamer High School recently hosted the final Puget Sound Division competition of the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference. The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for Todd Beamer and Federal Way High School competed against cadets from six other schools and placed well in multiple events.

Federal Way JROTC placed in the following events:

• Unarmed Drill Team event, first place and Puget Sound Division winner
• Unarmed Drill Team Commander event, Cadet Grace Tangonan [pronounce: Tang-O-nan], first place
• Armed Drill Team event, second place
• Color Guard Team One event, first place and Puget Sound Division winner
• Color Guard Team Two event, third place
• Individual Armed Exhibition event, Cadet Reden Delos-Reyes [pronounce: Ree-den Del-oss Rays], first place
• Dual Unarmed Exhibition, Cadets Patricia Kimball and Kaylie Nakaya [pronounce: Nak-ay-A], first place and Puget Sound Division winner
• Unarmed Individual Drill Down, Cadet Katie Astruon, first place
• Armed Individual Drill Down, Cadet Richard Dizney, first place

 

Congratulations, Federal Way High School cadets! 

Next, we will ask our Todd Beamer JROTC to please come forward to be recognized. Todd Beamer placed in the following events:

• Unarmed Drill Team Commander event, Logan Dukes, third place
• Color Guard Team Two Puget Sound Division third place

These efforts support Goal 3 of the strategic plan: engaged, empowered, critical thinkers.

Congratulations, cadets. Keep making a positive impact on your school and the community!

 

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Todd Beamer High School girls basketball placed second in North Puget Sound League tournament and won the NPSL Olympic Division

Congratulations to the Todd Beamer High School girls basketball team who placed second in the North Puget Sound League tournament and won the NPSL Olympic Division. This is the sixth division championship out of the last seven years!

In addition, we would like to congratulate player Aaliyah Alexander who received the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Athlete of the Week.

Participation in extracurricular activities is in direct support of Strategic Plan Goal 3: active learners, engaged, empowered, critical thinkers.

Way to go, we are proud of you!

Federal Way High School has been recognized as an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction

We are proud to announce Federal Way High School has been recognized as an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction for the 2018–19 school year! This is in addition to being an AVID National Demonstration School.

AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a national college-prep program designed to increase the number of students who enter 4-year colleges and universities.

National Schoolwide Sites of Distinction are exemplary models of the AVID College Readiness System.

We would like to recognize the following staff:

• Principal Dr. Matt Oberst
• Karin Weberg
• Sue Clark
• Susan Hundrup 

We are proud of you, Federal Way High School, for your work to help scholars persist to graduation in direct support of Goal 5 of the district strategic plan.

 

 

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Thomas Jefferson High School boys swim team who won the All-City Boys Swim Meet

Congratulations to the Thomas Jefferson High School boys swim team who won the All-City Boys Swim Meet with a total of 134 points! This meet was against the three other comprehensive high schools in Federal Way Public Schools.

We would like to recognize the Thomas Jefferson High School boys swim team,  Head Coach Tori Head, assistant coaches and other administrators.

Participation in extracurricular activities is in direct support of strategic plan Goal 3, active learners — engaged, empowered, critical thinkers. Way to go scholar-athletes, we are proud of you!

 

 

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Kiwanis Club of Greater Federal Way donates towards school activities

We would like to recognize and thank the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way for its continued partnership over the years.

Would the president of the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way, Steve Smith, and other Kiwanis members who are here tonight please come forward to be recognized? They will now present a check of $15,366 to the district that goes towards support of school activities.

We appreciate your steadfast service within our community, and all you do to support our scholars. Please remain at the front as we continue this good news announcement.

As part of this partnership, Federal Way Public Schools commits to donating 25 percent of the amount received from the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way to the Bridging A Gap Program. Would Valerie Danforth, president of the "BAG" program please come forward, so the district can present a check of $3,841?

The BAG Program was established in 2014 to provide food for students in Federal Way Public Schools who might not otherwise have a reliable source of nutrition over the weekends and school breaks. The program continues to grow and expand, thanks to a strong partnership with the school district and many community partners.

Schools can’t do it alone and we appreciate your support of strategic plan Goal 2 whole child: thriving, confident, responsible individuals.

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100% of Woodmont classrooms have earned the first banner for "Woodmont K–8 Attendance ROCKS!" 

The scholars and staff at Woodmont K–8 have an exciting achievement to celebrate. 100% of Woodmont classrooms have earned the first banner for "Woodmont K–8 Attendance ROCKS!" In addition, five classes met this goal at least three times before winter break.

ROCKS stands for: Ready, On Time, Committed, Keeping Track, Successful. Each classroom has a banner they fill with a letter each day for all scholars who are in class, on time, all day.

We would like to recognize scholars representing the school and the Woodmont K–8 staff.

Perfect attendance is in support of the district-wide emphasis on Goal 2 whole child: thriving, confident, responsible individuals.

Thank you to Woodmont K–8 for making attendance and student success a priority!

 

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Over 350 scholars compete in the Battle of the Math Brains competition

Tonight, we’re honoring 11 Federal Way teachers who earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in 2018. National board certification is an advanced certification program.

These teachers have successfully demonstrated exemplary teaching knowledge, skills and practices. The National Board candidacy process is demanding, and has numerous benefits to students as teachers become even more self-reflective about their practice and increase subject area knowledge. We would like to recognize the following teachers:

• Aileen Panniker, Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
• Amanda Smith, Generalist/Middle Childhood
• Coley Veitenhans, Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood
• Diana Evans, Exceptional Needs Specialist/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood
• Jana Kelly, Mathematics/Early Adolescence
• Jessica Cochenour, Generalist/Middle Childhood
• Jessica Lee, Mathematics/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
• Joan Bunting, Generalist/Middle Childhood
• Kylie Bertram, Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
• Stephen Austin, English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood
• Brent Brakke, Mathematics/Early Adolescence

Congratulations to our National Board Certified Teachers and your dedication to our scholars’ bright futures!

 

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Students from Thomas Jefferson High School and Federal Way Public Academy placed at a speech and debate competition

Students from Thomas Jefferson High School and Federal Way Public Academy placed at a speech and debate competition hosted by our district with 300 students, from 25 schools in the region.

Thanks to coaches Andrew Buchan, Meykia Smith and Isaiah Parker, and captains Avanti Bryant, Maria Thompson and Brooke Meadows for their support in this competition!

We would like to recognize the following scholars. 

• Stephen Kaminski, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Impromptu, first place
• Christiana Terrazas, Thomas Jefferson, Open Dramatic Interpretation, first place
• Cade Homfeldt, Thomas Jefferson, Open Impromptu, second place
• Alexa Mearns, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Dramatic Interpretation, second place
• Amy Ojeaburu, Federal Way Public Academy, Novice Oratory, second place
• Diviana Sumer and Christiana Terrazas, Thomas Jefferson, Open Duo Interpretation, third place
• Isabel Borchers, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Expository, third place
• Andrew Dibble, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Oratory, third place

We are proud of these scholars who are practicing their skills as Active Learners: Engaged, Empowered Critical Thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan!

 

 

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Scholars from each of our high schools participated in the Federal Way Public Schools Scholar Art Exhibit 

Scholars from each of our high schools participated in the Federal Way Public Schools Scholar Art Exhibit which featured visual art such as photography and paintings. This exhibit was part of the Federal Way High School grand opening celebration.

In addition to the group of art judges that selected the top three winners, the community also got involved. Members of the community comprised of 109 parents, staff, students, Federal Way High School alumni, community members and more voted for their top three art pieces.

We’d like to invite the winners of the art exhibit forward to be recognized:

For the art judges selection:

• Henry Youngjohn and Astrid Anderson, Federal Way High School, first place
• Eden Beyene, Federal Way High School, second place
• Seung Hong, Decatur, third place

 For the community members selection:

• Eden Beyene, Federal Way High School, first place
• Anastasia Smalley, Federal Way High School, second place
• Tierra Ammirata, Decatur High School, third place

Scholars, we are proud of your dedication to the arts as you continue to become Active Learners; Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan!

 

 

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Thomas Jefferson High School scholars placed at the National 2018 Fall Startup Mathematics contest

Thomas Jefferson High School scholars competed against almost 1,000 students and earned 13^th place at the National 2018 Fall Startup Mathematics contest.

This is an individual competition where each student tries to solve as many problems as they can within a time limit in areas such as arithmetic and calculus. In support of Active Learning, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan, students use critical thinking to quickly assess which problems to solve and which to skip.

Two students received individual awards. Zach Botz placed fourth in the 11^th grade division while Nick Kim was 15^th among the 12^th graders.

Would the Thomas Jefferson math scholars who placed please come forward to be recognized?

Math coach Tom Norris and administrators are welcome to come forward at this time.

Congratulations, we are so proud of you!

 

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Fourth annual Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Gift Giving Event 

In December, our community united to make a difference for scholars and families at the fourth annual Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Gift Giving Event! Volunteers partnered with parents to complete holiday shopping for their children, and others enjoyed holiday-themed arts and crafts. This year, 294 families and 1,100 children received support.

We are here to recognize Federal Way Cares for Kids board members and supporting organizations for coordinating the event.

We would like to recognize the following Federal Way Cares for Kids board members and supporting organizations:

·         Tracy Oster, Communities in Schools

·         Jennifer Youngblood, Communities in Schools

·         Kevin Crossen, South King Fire and Rescue

·         Linda Monaghan, Grace Church

·         Donna Froman, Grace Church

·         Gina Duckett, Qualstar Credit Union

·         Chief Andy Hwang, Federal Way Police Department

Any other Federal Way Cares for Kids organizations that are tonight are  welcome to come forward too.

This effort aligns with our Strategic Plan Goal 2 Whole Child efforts so our scholars can be Thriving, Confident, Responsible Individuals. Thanks again for your support!

 

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Over 350 scholars compete in the Battle of the Math Brains competition

We are here to celebrate scholars who demonstrated their math skills in the recent Battle of the Math Brains event. Over 350 “mathlete-scholars” in third through fifth grade from 15 elementary schools across the district participated. During this fun competition, scholars took an individual test and participated in group math contests including a scavenger hunt.

We’d like recognize scholars who placed first through third for their grade level. When I call your name please come forward. Teachers and administrators are welcome to come forward too.

Grade 3:

• Ian Lee, Brigadoon, first place
• Crosby Snow, Meredith Hill, second place
• Stephen Kim, Enterprise, third place

Grade 4:

• Jonathan Kim, Lake Dolloff, first place
• Vincent Schliewe, Adelaide, second place
• Kailen Woods, Meredith Hill, third place

Grade 5:

• Andrew Hyun, Nautilus, first place
• Hayden Lum, Brigadoon, second place
• Winston Nguyen, Brigadoon, third place

We’d also like to recognize the highest-scoring teams. Scholars, when I call your team, please come forward to be recognized.

Grade 3:

• Brigadoon Hamburgers, first place
• Green Gables Zombie Rubber Duckies, second place
• Meredith Hill Crazy Mathematics, third place

Grade 4:

• Woodmont K–8 AABL, first place
• Lake Dolloff Dolphins 5, second place
• Enterprise Mathematicians, third place

Grade 5:

• Nautilus Virtual Math, first place
• Brigadoon One in a Chi-million, second place
• Adelaide Eagles 2, third place

Activities such as this help scholars develop into Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan! Congratulations, mathematicians!

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Todd Beamer High School scholar placed third in the state championship for one-meter diving, and won the MVP for the NPSL Olympic Division for diving and first team honors

Congratulations to Todd Beamer High School’s Stephenie Gunn who placed third in the state championship for one meter diving, and won the MVP for the NPSL Olympic Division for diving and first team honors! Stephenie, please come forward to be recognized.

Swim Coach Jennifer Larsen, Dive Coach Kelly Robertson, and other administrators are welcome to come forward too.

Participation in extracurricular activities is in direct support of StrategicPlan Goal 3, Active Learners — Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers.

Way to go, we are proud of you!

 

Members of our high school boys and girls golf teams placed at the NPSL Golf Medalist Tournament

Members of our high school boys and girls golf teams competed against 25 teams across the region and placed at the NPSL Golf Medalist Tournament.

We would like to recognize the following scholars, as well as coaches and administrators:

• Federal Way High School boys golf team, who tied for second with Enumclaw High School.
• Decatur High School girls golf team, who placed third.
• Decatur’s Claire Xu won the NPSL Olympic Medalist division and is the MVP for the second year in a row. She is also the top point earner in the league.
• Todd Beamer High School’s Kelsey Yi placed third, and Kayla Yi placed fourth.

This accomplishment demonstrates the efforts of our scholar athletes to be active learners: engaged, empowered, critical thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan.

Congratulations, scholars!

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TAF@Saghalie recognized as School of Distinction

Tonight, we are here to celebrate TAF@Saghalie’s School of Distinction that also highlights the strong partnership of Federal Way Public Schools and the Technology Access Foundation.

For six consecutive years, TAF Academy was recognized as a School of Distinction for its commitment to improving student outcomes. In its first year as TAF@Saghalie, the school has been recognized for a seventh consecutive year, receiving this distinction more than any other school in the Puget Sound region.

We would like to recognize Technology Access Foundation Exec. Director and Founder Trish Millines Dziko and the following individuals:

Would the following individuals please come forward to be recognized:

• Heather Lechner, Technology Access Foundation Executive Director of Education 
• Amanda Kopchynski, Technology Access Foundation Director of TAF@Saghalie 
• Sarah Wilkes, Technology Access Foundation Program Manager for College Readiness 
• Pam Tuggle, Principal
• Christina Spencer, Principal

The School of Distinction recognition is awarded to the top five percent of schools statewide that demonstrate sustained improvement in English Language Arts, math and/or graduation rates over a five-year period. TAF@Saghalie is one of 26 schools out of 331 schools in 10 school districts in the Puget Sound Educational Service District region to earn this honor.

This distinction supports the district’s commitment to giving all scholars experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), as indicated in FWPS strategic plan Goal 5.

Congrats TAF@Sagahlie on this award!

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Illahee Middle School scholar selected for Washington Music Educators Association Junior All-State Honor Band

We are proud of Illahee Middle School scholar, Carter Mitchell, who was one of over 600 students selected from 1,659 of those who auditioned to participate in the Washington Music Educators Association Junior All-State Honor Band. Carter will play the euphonium.

Carter, please come forward to be recognized.

Teachers and administrators are welcome to come forward at this time.

This accomplishment is in direct support of strategic plan Goal 3: active learners.

Way to go, Carter! We are proud of you!

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292 Sunnycrest students had perfect attendance for the month of September

Sunnycrest Elementary School recently celebrated an exciting achievement. In September, Sunnycrest Roadrunners had an overall school attendance rate of 95.5 percent. That’s 292 scholars who were in class, on time every day, ready to learn.

We would like to recognize scholars that representing the school and Sunnycrest staff.

Perfect attendance is in support of the district-wide emphasis on Goal 2: Whole Child: thriving, confident, responsible individuals.

Thank you to Sunnycrest for making attendance and student success a priority! Keep up the great work.

 

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Todd Beamer's head football coach selected as Seattle Seahawks Coach of the Week 

Congratulations to Darren McKay, Todd Beamer High School’s head football coach who was selected as the Seattle Seahawks Coach of the Week! As a result of this recognition, Todd Beamer High School received a $500 donation towards the football program. 

We would like to recognize Coach McKay and school administrators.

Coach McKay is known for modeling great sportsmanship and being a strong leader, which supported the football team’s championship in the NPSL Mountain Division.

Efforts such as this are in support of strategic plan Goal 3: active learners, engaged, empowered critical thinkers.

Coach McKay, thanks for your commitment to the success of Todd Beamer High School scholar athletes!

 

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Todd Beamer student wins bronze medal at USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals Championship 

Congratulations, to Todd Beamer High School’s Jillian Whiting who competed at the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals Championship in Spokane and received a bronze medal in the Women’s Teen 72 kg division.

We would like to recognize Jillian and school administrators.

Participation in extracurricular activities is in direct support of strategic plan Goal 3: active learners — engaged, empowered, critical thinkers.

We are proud of you!