CARDINAL CONNECTIONS

Email: bmarzano@fpschools.org
Website: https://franklinpiercehighschool.fpschools.org/
Location: 11002 18th Avenue East, Tacoma, WA 98445, USA
Phone: (253)298-3800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fphscards
Twitter: @FPHScards

This past weekend marked the first official days of spring—and with it comes a natural opportunity to reset.

At Franklin Pierce High School, we are entering a critical stretch of the school year. Grades matter, attendance matters, and the daily choices students make right now can have a big impact on how they finish the semester.

Spring is a chance to refocus. To check grades, ask for help, and recommit to goals.

This week also brings an important opportunity through our Student-Led Conferences. I encourage families to take time to connect with your student—listen to their reflections, celebrate what’s going well, and work together to make a plan for anything that needs attention.

We’re here to support every step of the way.

—Principal Marzano

Students, this time is for you! Every week, you can sign up for a 10-minute slot to meet with Principal Marzano. Bring your ideas, questions, or anything that’s on your mind. Just scan the QR code to reserve your spot.

Bell Schedules Here

March 24-27- 3.5 Hour Early Release-Conferences

April 6-10- No School- Spring Break

April 23-24-SBA Testing (3 Hour Late Start for non-testers)

May 22-25- No School- Memorial Day Weekend

June 15th- 3.5 Hour Early Release

June 16th- 3.5 Hour Early Release- Last Day of School

Role: Science Teacher

Favorite Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, gardening, fixing things, and birding.

Favorite Book Genre: A “twisty mystery”

Favorite Quote: “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious” – Einstein

My Role at FPHS: Chief Custodian

Favorite Hobbies: Rockhounding, Making Intarsia jewelry from stones, camping and taking road trips with my dog Penny.

Favorite Book: The let them theory.

Favorite Song: Everything You Need to Know by Rob Ricardo I've listened to it over 250 times I just love the message it's about remembering who you are never forget your daydream.

If you have a child who will be five years old by August 31, it's time to think about kindergarten. The 2026-2027 school year is just around the corner and believe it or not, now is the time to enroll!

Starting kindergarten is a big deal for kids and their families. It's not just about learning ABCs and 123s - it's about making new friends, discovering new things, and taking a step into a new school community. Visit www.fpschools.org/enroll.

• Find your School!

• Gather your Documents!

• Enroll online!

Each spring, students participate in state assessments that measure learning and help meet graduation pathway requirements. Franklin Pierce High School will administer the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and WCAS Science Assessment on the following dates:

Thursday, April 23

• 10th grade: Math SBA (CAT & Performance Task)

• 11th grade: WCAS Science

• 12th grade: Students who have not yet passed ELA

Late Start (1st period begins at 11:15 AM):

• All 9th grade students

• 12th grade students who have already passed ELA

Friday, April 24

• 10th grade: ELA SBA (CAT & Performance Task)

• 11th grade: Students who have not yet passed ELA

• 12th grade: Students who have not yet passed Math

Late Start (1st period begins at 11:15 AM):

• All 9th grade students

• 11th grade students who have already passed ELA

• 12th grade students who have already passed Math

We know times can be challenging, and it’s important that every family has access to the support they need. Franklin Pierce Schools has created a webpage with school-based and community food resources, including local food pantries and meal programs.

🔗 View Food Support Resources

You can also visit the Emergency Food Network website for a full list of more than 75 food pantries across Pierce County. These resources will be updated regularly as new options become available.

Mary Bridge Youth Engagement Services (YES) Franklin Pierce provides intensive support for students and families facing serious behavioral or mental health challenges. A licensed clinician works within the district to offer screenings, brief counseling, case management, and connections to community resources. Using a three-tiered system, YES helps identify students at risk of interrupted learning and connects them with the right supports—from referrals and care coordination to short-term therapeutic services. Learn more and find referral information here.

Your free library card gives you access to so much more — live online tutoring, writing help, test prep, and career tools like LinkedIn Learning and WOIS. You can even join Teen Council or volunteer to build leadership skills.
Explore it all at mypcls.org/learn-explore/teens and set a goal to try one new resource this week.

Need a quiet place to study, get tutoring, or catch up on assignments? The Community Homework Center is now open to all FPHS students!

📍 Where & When

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 2:50–4:30 PM — Corrigan Room

• Fridays: 2:50–4:00 PM — Room 701
  🚌 Activity bus available after each session.

Come get the support you need — our counselors and community partners (AMARA, CIS, and APCC) are here to help you stay on track and finish strong this quarter!

Are you thinking about college? The Legacy Scholars Program (TRIO Talent Search) is here to help!

Legacy Scholars offers FREE support with things like preparing for college, exploring careers, and building the skills you need for life after high school. Students may qualify if they meet income guidelines or are the first in their family to go to college.

If this sounds like you, check out the flyer below for details and see if you’re eligible. This is an awesome opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Communities In Schools (CIS) is here to help remove barriers so students can succeed—in school and in life. CIS works directly inside Franklin Pierce High School to provide both school-wide supports and one-on-one case management.

School-wide supports include academic help, SEL support, weekend food, attendance incentives, school supplies, and hygiene items.
Case-managed supports may include goal setting, regular check-ins, small group work, mentoring, and referrals to additional resources.

If you or your student could benefit from CIS services, reach out to:
📞 Jordan Jones, Program Manager – (253) 254-6079 | jordan@lakewoodcis.org
📞 Kerri Pedrick, Executive Director – (253) 254-6640 | kerri@lakewoodcis.org

Learn more: www.lakewoodcis.org

The 2025–2026 Student and Family Information Guide is now available! This guide covers district policies, graduation requirements, attendance, technology use, safety, and more.

We encourage every family to review it and keep it handy as a go-to resource throughout the year.

📄 Access Link Here

Does Your Student Have a Chronic Illness?
If your student has a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, seizures, or takes any medications (including over-the-counter), please connect with Nurse Nicole. All students with chronic illnesses need an Individual Health Care Plan (IHP) on file.

📞 Contact Nurse Nicole

• Franklin Pierce High School: (253) 298-3823

📄 Submit your medical form here: https://www.pcmswa.org/school-forms

Franklin Pierce High School is looking for dedicated volunteers to make a difference in our school community. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to get more involved, we’d love to have your support!

Interested? Reach out to Bonita Lee at blee@fpschools.org or call 253-298-3837. Click the button below to learn more about becoming an approved volunteer through the district. Let’s work together to make this school year unforgettable for our students! 🌟