88% of last year's 8th graders signed up for the College Bound Scholarship Program Federal Way Public Schools is pleased to report 1,026 — or 88 percent — of last year’s eligible eighth graders signed up for the College Bound Scholarship program by the June 30 deadline.  The Washington Student Achievement Council has recognized Federal Way Public Schools as one of the top school districts to exceed the statewide average sign-up rate of 72 percent.  We would like to acknowledge the work of our district leaders Deputy Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer and Executive Director of College, Career Readiness and CTE Sammy Anderson, and members of the College and Career Readiness team. We’d also like to acknowledge our middle schools for their effort which has earned them the Gold Star Award.  Dean of Students Steve Anderson, Federal Way Public Academy  Principal Brianna Ward, Illahee  Assistant Principal Crystal Emerson, Kilo  Principal Angela Williamson, Lakota  Principal Stacy Lucas, Nautilus K–8  Principal Dominique Dennis, Sacajawea  Principal Joseph Rush, Sequoyah  Principal Christina Spencer, TAF@Saghalie  Principal Shana Watkins, Totem  Principal Jordanne Nevin, Woodmont K–8  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. Thanks for all you do to support scholars persisting to graduation and beyond!   Fourth grade scholars excel in Federal Way Math Contest The annual Federal Way Math Contest is designed to reward excellence in mathematics. Our fourth through eighth grade students placed very well against 200 students from schools around the region.  We'd like to recognize the following scholars:  Crosby Snow, 4th grade, 2nd place Ciphering and 1st place Individual  Leo Von Ruden, 4th grade, 3rd place in Individual  Solomon Kim, 6th grade, 1st place Ciphering and 1st place Individual  Justin Lee, 7th grade, 2nd place Ciphering and 2nd place Individual  Nash Heo, 8th grade, 1st place Ciphering and 1st place Individual  Congratulations, math-scholars for striving towards content area competence and subject mastery — Goal 4 of our strategic plan. We are proud of you!    Federal Way scholars place well in Thomas Jefferson Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament Our scholars placed well at the Thomas Jefferson Invitational Speech and Debate tournament against 120 students from 16 schools across the region. Federal Way Public Schools was represented by students from TAF@Saghalie and Decatur, Todd Beamer, Thomas Jefferson and Federal Way high schools.  These engaged, empowered, critical thinkers placed in the following categories:  Kobe Taylor, Oratory, 2nd Place and Informative, 3rd Place  Ankita Sharma, Oratory, 3rd Place  Cindy Kibue and Joshua Navos, Duo, 2nd Place  Lisette Octaviano, Dramatic Interpretation, 3rd Place    We would also like to recognize the speech coaches who helped put on the tournament: Isaiah Parker and Meykia Smith from Thomas Jefferson High School and Paul Sealey from Federal Way High School. Congratulations speech-scholars and coaches — we are proud of you! Two scholars selected for prestigious Air Force scholarship Two Federal Way Public Schools students are among 200 cadets from around the world selected for the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Flight Academy Scholarship!  Todd Beamer High School Junior Alexis Lewis and Federal Way High School Senior Patricia Kimball.  The program is an Air Force level initiative in collaboration with the commercial aviation industry. The scholarship, valued at $22,500, covers transportation, room and board, academics and flight hours required to potentially earn a private pilot license.  Patricia is currently participating in an afterschool aeronautical science pathway program held at the Museum of Flight and offered through the Puget Sound Skills Center. She is earning college credit in this program.  Congratulations to our scholars for persisting towards graduation, Goal 5 of the strategic plan!

10 Federal Way teachers earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in 2019

Congratulations to the 10 Federal Way teachers who earned National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification.

This certification is considered the “gold standard” in teacher certification. It advances the quality of teaching and learning by maintaining high and rigorous standards. Most importantly, students in the classrooms with a board-certified teacher have accelerated growth and higher levels of academic proficiency.

We would like to recognize:

• Sarah Almlie, Early Childhood, Generalist
• Joshua Drewry, Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Social Studies - History
• David Holzmeyer, Young Adulthood, English as a New Language
• Jennifer Jolley, Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Science
• Angie Karabaich, Young Adulthood, Physical Education
• Randi Nelsen, Early Childhood through Young Adulthood, Exceptional Needs Specialist
• Alla Prokhor, Early and Middle Childhood, Literacy: Reading – Language Arts
• Katie Smith, Early Childhood, Generalist
• Namita Smith, Early Childhood through Young Adulthood, Exceptional Needs Specialist
• Isabelle Tetu, Early and Middle Childhood, Literacy: Reading – Language Arts

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7 scholars place within the top three for their grade in the annual Math Fall Classic

The annual Math Fall Classic is designed to reward excellence in mathematics. Thomas Jefferson High School and Federal Way Public Academy students placed very well against the 9 other schools and 100 students from across the region.

We'd like to recognize the following scholars:

• Jasmine Heo, 2nd place in 9th grade Individual
• 7^th grader Nash Heo, took 3rd place in both 9th grade Individual and Ciphering
• Ryan Kim, 3rd place in 10th grade Ciphering
• Jacob Norris, 1st place in 11th grade Ciphering
• Dylan Skutt, 2nd place in 11th grade Individual
• Zoie Noelle Aquino, 3rd place in 11th grade Individual
• Zach Botz, 2nd place in 12th grade Ciphering and 12th grade Individual

Congratulations, math-scholars for striving towards content area competence and subject mastery — Goal 4 of our strategic plan. We are proud of you!

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Volunteers assist over 230 families and 850 children during the fifth annual Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Giving Event

Thanks to the volunteers and community partners who put on the fifth annual Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Giving Event! Volunteers assisted over 230 families and 850 children with holiday shopping, arts-and-crafts, food, and photo fun. This community support helps our students be thriving, confident, responsible individuals.

We would like to recognize the following Federal Way Cares for Kids organizations:

• Tracy Oster, Communities in Schools
• Jennifer Youngblood, Communities in Schools
• Gina Duckett, Qualstar Credit Union
• Deputy Chief Kyle Sumpter, Federal Way Police Department
• Shelley Pauls, We Love Our City
• Soroptimist International of Federal Way
• South King Fire & Rescue
• Grace Church

We appreciate your support!

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119 Star Lake Elementary scholars had perfect attendance in November

Star Lake Elementary School recently celebrated an exciting achievement. In November, 119 scholars had perfect attendance!

These scholars were in class, on time, every day, ready to learn. They all received Star Lake Way tickets to spend at the school’s “Eagle Mart”, and a certificate to take home.

We would like to recognize the scholars who are representing the group who had perfect attendance in November.

Thank you to Star Lake for supporting our strategic plan Goal 2 whole child efforts and making strong attendance a priority at your school.

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160 elementary mathematicians participate in Battle of the Math Brains

We’re proud of the 160 elementary mathematicians who participated in the Battle of the Math Brains! Third through fifth graders from 11 schools across our district took an individual test and participated in group math contests including a scavenger hunt.

These activities help scholars develop into engaged, empowered, critical thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan!

We’d like to recognize scholars who placed first through third for their grade level.

Grade 3:

• Adelaide Clark, Green Gables, first place
• Chandler Woodard-Bennett, Lakeland, second place
• Jaylen Song, Meredith Hill, third place

Grade 4:

• Jacob Verbeurgt, Green Gables, first place
• Li Wang, Lake Dolloff, Adelaide, second place
• Crosby Snow, Meredith Hill, third place

Grade 5:

• T.J. Uballas, Woodmont, first place
• Jalivia Jones, Green Gables, second place
• Nathaniel Kelley, Woodmont, third place

We’d also like to recognize the highest-scoring teams.

Grade 3:

• Green Gables GG3, first place
• The Math You’s of Meredith Hill, second place
• Brigadoon Magic Math, third place

Grade 4:

• Green Gables Double Digit Ducks, first place
• Brigadoon Bananas, second place
• Green Gables Team Name, third place

Grade 5:

• Green Gables Salty Pretzelz, first place
• Twin Lakes Trouble Makers, second place
• Woodmont K-8 Mathenstien, third place

Congratulations, mathematicians!

Music Aid Northwest and the Washington Music Educators Association award Sacajawea Middle School with a $4,000 grant

We would like to thank Music Aid Northwest and the Washington Music Educators Association for awarding Sacajawea Middle School with a $4,000 Music Matters Grant!

Sacajawea’s band program has grown from 66 to 84 participants over the past year. This grant money supports the purchase of new brass instruments.

We would like to recognize Robin Blumenthal, Valley Regional President of the Washington Music Educators Association who presented a check of $4,000 to support our scholar-musicians.

As part of this grant, Sacajawea Middle School commits to contributing $400 which means a total of $4,400 toward the school’s band program!

Their support will help our scholars become more proficient in our strategic plan Goal 4, content area competence. Thank you!

 

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Thomas Jefferson High School students selected for the Museum of Flight's Washington Aerospace Scholars Program

Congratulations to Thomas Jefferson High School’s Zoie Noelle Aquino and Ketterra Johnson who were selected for the Museum of Flight’s Washington Aerospace Scholars Program!

This program will help them gain experience in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pathways through the exploration of space, and space travel. It includes online college level courses and working with STEM professionals, National Aeronautics and Space Administration otherwise known as “NASA” scientists, university students, and STEM educators to plan a realistic space mission.

Opportunities like these help our scholars with our Goal 5 efforts, persistence to graduation through successful transitions. We are proud of you Zoie and Ketterra!

 

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154 Twin Lakes Elementary scholars had perfect attendance in the month of October

Twin Lakes Elementary School recently celebrated an exciting achievement. In October, 154 scholars had perfect attendance!

These scholars were in class, on time, every day, ready to learn. They all received perfect attendance certificates, a t-shirt and were recognized during a monthly Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports assembly.

We would like to recognize the scholars who are representing the group who had perfect attendance in October. Thank you to Twin Lakes for supporting our strategic plan Goal 2 whole child efforts and making strong attendance a priority at your school.

 

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Federal Way High School's head football coach selected as the North Puget Sound League 4A Football Head Coach of the Year

Congratulations to John Meagher, Federal Way High School’s head football coach for being selected by his fellow coaches as the North Puget Sound League 4A Football Head Coach of the Year!

John has served 23 years as the Federal Way High School Head football coach. His leadership helped the team secure the North Puget Sound League Valley Division Championship this season. He finishes with a career record of 123-94.

John, thanks for supporting over 100 scholar-athletes each season to be active learners, engaged, empowered critical thinkers — Goal 3 of our strategic plan. We are proud of you for gaining the respect of fellow coaches in the North Puget Sound League as a football coach. Way to go! 

 

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FWPS scholars place in Federal Way Invitational Speech and Debate tournament

Federal Way High School recently hosted the Federal Way Invitational Speech and Debate tournament — which has been around nearly 40 years. Our scholars competed against 70 students from 9 schools from across the region. Federal Way Public Schools was represented by students from TAF@Saghalie, Todd Beamer, Thomas Jefferson, and Federal Way high schools.

These engaged, empowered, critical thinkers took first place in the following categories:

• Amy Ojeaburu, oratory
• Mary Wood, dramatic interpretation
• Carlos Santana, humorous interpretation
• Allen Benjamin Tugade, program oral interpretation
• Cade Homfeldt, impromptu
• Mantak Singh, extemporaneous speaking
• Genevieve Tobin and Madalyn Crane, duo interpretation
• Brooke Meadows, informative
• Haley Storms, novice extemporaneous speaking
• Shaaniya Mahabir, novice informative
• Anika Sharma, novice oratory

We would also like to recognize the speech coaches who helped put on the tournament: Isaiah Parker and Meykia Smith from Thomas Jefferson High School and Paul Sealey from Federal Way High School. Congratulations speech-scholars and coaches — we are proud of you! 

FWPS scholars participated in WE Scare Hunger and collected over 5,322 pounds of food donations

For the eighth consecutive year, Federal Way Public Schools students participated in the WE Scare Hunger event to stamp out hunger. These scholars are engaged, empowered critical thinkers — goal 3 of our strategic plan!

We would like to recognize the student leaders who helped organize these efforts:

• Tyrasia Haeup-Woolfolk
• John Gachoka
• Ainsley Yoshizumi
• Kobe Taylor
• Alex Bradshaw
• Fatima Lopez-Camacho
• Jillian Chong
• Naima Fowler
• Jinsu Ha
• Moses Smith
• Azaan Brown
• Danya Vargas
• Shantall Medina-Ayala
• Asiah-Leigh Torres

Students hosted a Trunk or Treat event for elementary school scholars and collected 5,322 pounds of food that will be donated to the Federal Way Multi-Service Center. More than 300 scholars and families came by and participated in this student-led event that is making a difference in our community. Way to go!

 

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TAF@Saghalie scholars take first place at National Urban League Project Ready Case Competition

Congratulations to our TAF@Saghalie scholars who took first place in the National Urban League Project Ready Case Competition!

The challenge was to solve an issue of inequity in kindergarten through 12th grade education. TAF@Saghalie’s project “First-In-Line” addressed barriers to success for first generation college students.

We would like to recognize the schoalars who participated in the competition:

• Thaddeaus Dezeeuw
• Karina Soltero
• Nalani Hall
• Erick Madrigal

These students presented in front of over 300 students and a panel of judges from leaders in the education and corporate fields. We are proud of you, scholars for being engaged, empowered, critical thinkers — goal 3 of our strategic plan! Way to go!

 

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South King Fire and Rescue distributed 160 coats to kindergarteners and first graders at Rainier View Elementary

South King Fire & Rescue has been a pivotal partner in keeping our students warm.

As part of Operation Warm, they distributed 160 coats to kindergarteners and first graders at Rainier View Elementary School this year! Students also got a chance to meet Sparky the fire dog and check out a fire truck.

We would like to recognize Lieutenant Brad Chaney from South King Fire & Rescue.

Schools can’t do it alone, and we appreciate your support to keep our scholars warm and ready to learn at school. This helps them thrive and be confident responsible individuals, part of our strategic plan goal 2 efforts. Thank you!

 

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Todd Beamer High School scholar wins first place at the USA Power Lifting Raw Nationals

Congratulations, to Todd Beamer High School’s Jillian Whiting who competed at the USA Power Lifting Raw Nationals in Chicago, Illinois and won first place!

She is now ranked number one in the nation for the teen division. We would like to recognize Jillian. 

Jillian, you are an engaged, empowered scholar-athlete. We are proud of your dedication to extracurricular activities – goal 3 of our strategic plan!

 

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Federal Way Public Schools named a National Board Accomplished District

Federal Way Public Schools is one of 81 school districts from across the country named as a National Board Accomplished District!

The district is recognized for having at least 20% of our teachers achieving National Board certification. Known as the “gold standard,” this certification advances the quality of teaching and learning by maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Most importantly, students in the classrooms with a Nation Board Certified Teacher have accelerated growth and higher levels of academic proficiency. To commemorate this achievement, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has presented the district with a plaque.

We are proud to support teachers becoming National Board certified and are committed to having the best possible teachers in front of our scholars!