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

Tomorrow, we officially welcome our Cardinals back for the first day of school—but we were fortunate to begin reconnecting with many of our students and families at Back to School Night. It was wonderful to see our hallways full again and to feel the excitement of a new school year taking shape.

Our staff has spent the past week learning together, preparing classrooms, and strengthening the systems that will help every student feel known, supported, and ready to learn. This year, we are especially excited to launch our Freshman Success work, designed to ensure every ninth grader is connected to a smaller House community, known by caring adults, and supported early when challenges arise.

This year also marks an exciting milestone for FPHS as we officially become a Dual Language high school. We are proud to welcome our first cohort of Dual Language students and continue supporting their growth in bilingualism, biliteracy, academic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding.

We are also beginning the year with strong enrollment, which means some of our classes are larger than we would like. Our team has been working closely with the district to add sections, rebalance schedules, and make every adjustment available to us. We will continue that work as enrollment settles during the opening days of school, and you’ll find additional information about schedules and class sizes later in this newsletter.

Whether students are walking through our doors for their first day of high school or beginning their final year as a Cardinal, they belong here. Our staff is ready to welcome them, support them, and help them make the most of the year ahead.

We can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow. Let’s have a great year, Cardinals!

All students in grades 9–12 will begin school at 8:15 a.m. There is no delayed start for returning students this year. The school day ends at 2:45 p.m.

Students will begin the morning in their Cardinal Connections class before continuing through all six class periods.

First-Day Schedule

• Cardinal Connections: 8:15–8:45 a.m.
• Periods 1–3: 8:50–11:30 a.m.
• Lunch and Period 4: 11:30 a.m.–12:55 p.m.
• Periods 5–6: 1:00–2:45 p.m.

Lunch assignments are based on students’ fourth-period classes. Please review your schedule before arriving so you know where to begin—and don’t worry! Staff will be stationed throughout the building to help students find their way.

Every Cardinal. Every grade. Be here and ready to begin at 8:15 a.m.!

September 1: 1st Day of School

September 4-7: Labor Day Weekend- No School

September 10: Parent Partnership Meeting 5:30-7:00

September 9, 16, 23, 30: 90 Min Early Release

October 5: No School for Staff Professional Development

October 6-9: School releases @ 11:15AM for Fall Conferences

October 14, 21, 28: 90 Min Early Release

November 11: No School-Veterans Day

November 25: 3.5 Hours Early Release @ 11:15AM

November 26-27: No School- Thanksgiving Holiday

November 4, 18: 90 Min Early Release

Every Student, Every Day

Regular attendance is one of the most powerful ways families can support student success. Being at school each day helps students stay connected, build strong learning habits, earn credits, and remain on track for graduation.

Please review the Franklin Pierce Schools Attendance Guide for important information about attendance expectations, reporting an absence, and available support.

Families and community members are invited to join us for our first Family & Community Partnership Meeting of the school year!

These monthly meetings are an opportunity to connect with school staff, learn about what is happening at FPHS, ask questions, and share ideas that help strengthen our school community.

Thursday, September 10
5:30–7:00 p.m.

We hope you’ll join us and make your voice part of the conversation!

During the first three days of school, our counselors will be focused on enrolling new students and balancing classes. All students should attend the classes currently listed on their schedules during this time.

Beginning September 8, students may request a schedule correction if they:

• Have been placed in the wrong course
• Have already passed a course listed on their schedule

An announcement will be made when students may report to the Counseling Center for assistance. Schedule changes based on teacher, period, or elective preference cannot be accommodated.

Thank you for your patience as we welcome new students and finalize schedules for the start of the year.

Getting involved is one of the best ways to meet new people, explore your interests, build leadership skills, and feel connected to our Cardinal community. Whether you are interested in culture, service, creativity, career exploration, or simply trying something new—there is a place for you at FPHS!

Explore Our Clubs

• Asian Student Association
• ASL Club
• Black Student Union
• DECA
• Japanese Club
• Key Club
• Latinos Unidos
• Life in Christ Club
• Mural Club
• Native Indigenous Cultural Club
• Sports Medicine Club
• Table Top Club
• Tuffy Tribune Club

Stay tuned for more information about Club Rush, where students will have the opportunity to meet club members, explore their options, and learn how to get involved!

Don’t just come to school—be part of it!

Families should have received the 2026–27 Student Acceptable Use Agreement through Informed K12. This agreement must be completed for students to access a district laptop, internet, and email.

The agreement is available in English, Khmer, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

If you did not receive the agreement, use the link below to review and complete it—and to learn more about the optional Device Protection Plan.

Complete the Student Acceptable Use Agreement and learn more

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 Schools partners with community organizations to connect students and families with additional support, including food, housing, health, mental health, and other essential resources.

Families can also find specialized support for students experiencing housing instability, homelessness, foster care, or other out-of-home placement.

Explore community resources and available support

Need help finding the right resource? Contact the Family and Community Partnerships Office at 253-298-3000 or aprice@fpschools.org.

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! 🌟