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!

 

 

Church of Nazarene hosted the back to school BBQ at Lake Grove Elementary Open House

We would like to thank Church of the Nazarene for hosting the back to school BBQ at the Lake Grove open house where attendees received food and supplies.

An estimated 230 families attended the event, which Church of the Nazarene has been assisting with for the last seven years.

Would Pastor Chuck Judd and any other church members come forward to be recognized? 

The church also provides supplies, food and clothing throughout the year to our Lake Grove scholars.

Thank you, Church of Nazarene, for your support of our strategic plan Goal 2 The Whole Child: Thriving, Confident, Responsible Individuals.

 

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Federal Way Public Schools students participated in WE Scare Hunger and collected over 3,360 pounds of food

For the seventh consecutive year, Federal Way Public Schools students participated in the WE Scare Hunger event to stamp out hunger, and held a thank you event at Town Square Park on Oct. 31. This year, scholars from our four comprehensive high schools held a contest to see who could gather the most food to donate to the Multi Service Center in Federal Way. Decatur High School won with a collection of 777 pounds of food. A total of over 3,360 pounds of food was collected from all schools.

Would the scholar leaders who helped organize these efforts please come forward to be recognized:

• Olivia DeLeon 
• Joshua Collier
• Kobe Taylor 
• Navjyot Kaur 
• Starleen Ngo 
• Danya Vargas
• Azaan Brown 
• Ainsley Yoshizumi 

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

Scholars, we are proud of your leadership!

 

 

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South King Fire and Rescue distributed 130 coats for every first grader and kindergartener at Lake Grove Elementary

South King Fire & Rescue has been a pivotal partner in keeping our Lake Grove Elementary students warm. As part of Operation Warm, they distributed 130 coats for every single first grader and kindergartener. On coat distribution day, the firefighters brought Sparky the dog to greet the students.

Would Captain Jeff Bellinghausen from South King Fire & Rescue and any other staff here tonight please come forward to be recognized? Lake Grove Principal Heidelberg you are welcome to come forward as well.

Thank you, South King Fire & Rescue for your generosity and support of our strategic plan Goal Two, the Whole Child: Thriving, Confident, Responsible Individuals efforts, and helping keep our scholars warm and ready to learn at school!

 

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163 Lake Grove students had perfect attendance for the month of September

Lake Grove Elementary school recently celebrated an exciting achievement. In the month of September, 163 Lake Grove Leopards had perfect attendance. In celebration of this feat, each scholar was awarded a perfect attendance t-shirt.

Would the scholars who are here tonight to represent all 163 students please come forward to be recognized? We invite our Lake Grove Elementary school staff to come forward, too.

Perfect attendance is in support of the district-wide emphasis on Goal Two, Whole Child: Thriving, Confident, Responsible Individuals.

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

 

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Decatur High School Jazz Band recently performed in the 2018 Taichung City Jazz Festival in Taiwan

Decatur High School Jazz Band recently performed in the 2018 Taichung City Jazz Festival in Taiwan. The band also did a collaboration performance with The Riot Jazz Orchestra from the National Taiwan University.

Decatur Jazz Band, please come forward to be recognized.

Jazz Band Director Jeff Chang, Amy Adams and school administrators are welcome to come forward at this time too.

This accomplishment is in direct support of strategic plan Goal 4: Content Area Competence. Please join me in congratulating these scholar-musicians!

The Federal Way High School swim team won the first All-City Girls Swim Meet

Congratulations to Federal Way High School who won the first All-City Girls Swim Meet with a total of 143 points! The meet was against the three other comprehensive high schools in Federal Way Public Schools.

Head coach Naomi Forward and other administrators are welcome to come forward too.

Participation in extracurricular activities is in direct support of strategic plan goal three, active learners — engaged, empowered, critical thinkers.

Way to go scholar-athletes, we are proud of you!

 

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TAF@Saghalie Students placed in the annual statewide Korean Language Scholarship Essay Contest

Two TAF@Saghalie students have placed in the annual statewide Korean Language Student Scholarship Essay Contest! This contest is put on by the Korean Consulate.

Lena was awarded second place, and received a scholarship of $200 and funding for an educational trip to Korea this past summer.

Malina was awarded third place, and received a scholarship of $100.

This effort is in direct support of strategic plan goal 3 — active learners, engaged, empowered, critical thinkers. 

 

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Thomas Jefferson High School scholar has been selected to receive a $100,000 scholarship 

We are proud to share Thomas Jefferson High School scholar Khairi Perry [pronounce Kai-ree] has been selected to receive a $100,000 scholarship towards his college education! 

This scholarship is provided by performer Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD initiative and Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation, in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Khairi was chosen for this scholarship because of his seven-year involvement in the Boys & Girls Club, volunteer efforts and maintaining a 3.5 GPA.

Khairi shared even though he faced homelessness, he put in the time and effort to persevere and said, “if you have a dream follow it, don’t quit.” With this scholarship, he plans to pursue a degree in computer science.

This effort is in support of goal 5, persistence to graduation.

We are so proud of you, Khairi!

 

 

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Scholars placed in the arts show at the Washington State Fair

Congratulations to our scholars for participating in the arts show at the Washington State Fair. These scholars demonstrate strengths in academics and the arts, which is in direct support of strategic plan goal 3 — active learners, engaged, empowered, critical thinkers. 

For the category of graphic arts:

• 1^st place:  Fata Mohammed, Eden Beyene and Daniel Pinedo-Lopez 
• 2^nd place:  Susanna Cho
• 3^rd place:  Monica Roman and Minchang Kim

For the category of visual communications:

• 1^st place:  Lindsey Miller
• 2^nd place:  Hailey Shamblin and Payton Shilley
• 3^rd place:  Joshua DelaCruz 

For the category of photography:

• 1st place:  Rebecca Rennick and  Madalyn Rice
• 2nd place:  Dani Cruz and Will Steinmetz
• 3rd place:  Florina Joe

Congratulations scholars, we are proud of you!

 

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Scholars won awards in the Washington State Fair Goat Show 

Congratulations to our Future Farmers of America scholars for participating in the Washington State Fair goat show and winning awards. This is in direct support of strategic plan goal 3, active learners: engaged empowered, critical thinkers.

• Dawson Candiliere: Best of breed Oberhasli goat, Best of Breed Alpine goat
• Hallie Cromwell: Best of Breed Nubian goat, Grand champion Junior Doeling
• Ashton Rush: Reserve Champion meat goat

Scholars had to clean, groom and prepare the animals for the fair. They had to answer questions about the species they were working with to demonstrate their knowledge, and they had to demonstrate proper handling of their animals.

Congratulations FFA scholars, we are proud of you!

 

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Lake Grove teacher and Lake Grove Elementary are recognized by SHAPE Washington

We would like to acknowledge a teacher who won the 2018 Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, presented by Washington’s Society of Health and Physical Educators.

This teacher is Dana Henry from Lake Grove Elementary. Dana, please come up to be recognized.

Dana continuously exceeds state and national standards with a focus on rhythm, motor and social emotional skills. She strives to incorporate technology, such as pedometers, into her curriculum, and offers before and after school opportunities for scholars.

Lake Grove Elementary also received a recognition from SHAPE Washington called the Physical Activity Leadership award.

Would the team representing Lake Grove please come forward now to be recognized? 

Lake Grove earned this award for its exceptional focus on incorporating health and physical activity into a wide variety of programs that get students and staff moving throughout the school day and beyond. 

Thank you, for your commitment to keeping our scholars healthy and ensuring all students are thriving, confident, responsible individuals — goal two of our strategic plan.