CARDINAL CONNECTIONS
May 11, 2026
Franklin Pierce High School Community Newsletter
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
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Supporting Student Research
This week, I want to highlight one of our students who is working on an important project connected to Biomend Innovations and microplastics. As part of their work, they are collecting data from our FPHS community through a short survey.
If you have not had a chance to take the survey yet, please take a few minutes to do so now. Student voice, family voice, and community participation all help make projects like this stronger and more meaningful.
You can access the survey by scanning the QR code included in this newsletter.
Thank you, FPHS, for supporting our students as they explore real-world issues, ask important questions, and use data to better understand the world around them. π
UP NEXT
Weekly Calendar
Important Dates:
MAY
- May 15 β Prom (Kelley Farms)
- May 19 β Senior Biomed Innovations Capstone Night
- May 20-22- Drama Club Presents: Rebirth-A Night of One Acts
- May 22-25- No School-Memorial Day Weekend
- May 27 β Senior Recognition Night
- May 28- Last Parent Partnership
- May 29 β Seniorsβ Last Day & Moving Up Assembly
- May 30 β District Pow Wow
JUNE
- June 4 β Graduation Parade
- June 5 β Graduation Rehearsal
- June 5 β Black Graduation (by invite only)
- June 6 β Graduation Day π
- June 12- Juneteenth Freedom Day- FPHS Cafeteria
- June 15- 3.5 Hour Early Release
- June 16 β Last Day of School 3.5 Hour Early Release
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Julie Ann Detweiler
My Role at FPHS: βCounselor S-Z
Favorite Hobbies: βOutdoors with family, walks with my dogs, reading, & motorcycles!
Favorite Book:β Too many to choose so I will share my favorite authors! Kristen Hannah, Maya Angelou, Dorothea Benton Frank,
Favorite Quote: Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Ms. Megumi
My Role at FPHS: Nutrition Services
Favorite Hobbies: Play with my kids, hike, cooking for family, and watching Japanese Cartoons
Favorite Movies: I love Disney Movies
Favorite Artist: Ed Sheeran
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Class of 2026 Graduation Information
Senior families, graduation season is moving quickly! Please be sure to review the Class of 2026 Graduation Information page on the FPHS website for important dates, deadlines, graduation rehearsal details, diploma pick-up information, and other senior year reminders.
Click the button below to access the page!
RESOURCES
π Community Food Resources
We know times can be challenging, and itβs 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.
π 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.
YES Franklin Pierce
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 supportsβfrom referrals and care coordination to short-term therapeutic services. Learn more and find referral information here.
π Teen Services Spotlight: Pierce County Library System β Teen Edition
Your free library card gives you access to so much more β 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.
βοΈ Community Homework Center Now Open!
Need a quiet place to study, get tutoring, or catch up on assignments? The Community Homework Center is now open to all FPHS students!
π Where & When
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Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 2:50β4:30 PM β Corrigan Room
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Fridays: 2:50β4:00 PM β Room 701
π Activity bus available after each session.
Come get the support you need β our counselors and community partners (AMARA, CIS, and APCC) are here to help you stay on track and finish strong this quarter!
Legacy Scholars β TRIO Talent Search
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 youβre eligible. This is an awesome opportunity you donβt want to miss!
Communities In Schools β Supporting FPHS Students
Communities In Schools (CIS) is here to help remove barriers so students can succeedβin 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:
π Jordan Jones, Program Manager β (253) 254-6079 | jordan@lakewoodcis.org
π Kerri Pedrick, Executive Director β (253) 254-6640 | kerri@lakewoodcis.org
Learn more: www.lakewoodcis.org
π 2025β2026 Student & Family Information Guide
The 2025β2026 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.
Individual Health Plans
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.
π Contact Nurse Nicole
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Franklin Pierce High School: (253) 298-3823
π Submit your medical form here: https://www.pcmswa.org/school-forms
π€ Calling All Volunteers! Join the FPHS Family! π€
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, weβd 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. Letβs work together to make this school year unforgettable for our students! π