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

What an incredible way to begin the 2026–27 school year!

This week, we welcomed the Class of 2030 and their families to our first-ever Freshman Kickoff—and what a turnout! Our campus was filled with students and families sharing a meal, touring the school, meeting staff, connecting with one another, and learning what it means to be a Cardinal. The energy and excitement throughout the evening were a powerful reminder of what makes Franklin Pierce High School such a special community.

As I begin my fourth year as principal of FPHS, I remain incredibly proud to serve this community—and more excited than ever about where we are headed together.

This year, our work is grounded in three commitments:

Every Student Belongs.
Every Classroom Inspires Learning.
Every Adult Learns Together.

Freshman Kickoff brought those commitments to life before the first bell even rang. Our newest Cardinals were welcomed, supported, and reminded that they already belong here. Now, as we prepare to welcome every student back to campus, we want to carry that same message into the school year:

Be here.

Be here because you are an important part of our Cardinal community. Be here because learning, relationships, and connection are built one day at a time. Most importantly, be here because FPHS is not the same without you.

We know that getting to school is not always simple, and our team is ready to partner with students and families when challenges arise. You’ll find more information about our attendance commitment and available support later in this newsletter.

Your presence matters. Your learning matters. You matter.

Here’s to an incredible 2026–27 school year!

Brixey Marzano
Principal, Franklin Pierce High School

We are excited to welcome Dr. Heath Thompson to Franklin Pierce High School as our new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director!

Heath rose to the top of an incredibly strong pool of 53 applicants. Throughout the selection process, he stood out for his strong leadership, thoughtful approach to school systems, and genuine commitment to students.

Heath brings experience as a Dean of Students, Principal Intern, Summer School Principal, OSPI BEST mentor, and longtime choir and CTE teacher at Kent-Meridian High School. He has led work in attendance, discipline, school safety, student support, and program development—all while keeping relationships and student success at the center.

In addition to his work as Assistant Principal, Heath will oversee FPHS athletics and support our student-athletes, coaches, and families as our Athletic Director.

What excites us most is that Heath understands high school from many different perspectives: teacher, mentor, systems leader, and student advocate. He is thoughtful, steady, creative, and deeply committed to helping build a school where every student feels known, supported, and successful.

Many of our incoming students and families had the opportunity to meet Heath at Freshman Kickoff, and we look forward to introducing him to the rest of our Cardinal community as the school year begins.

Please join us in giving Dr. Heath Thompson a warm Cardinal welcome!

August 26: Back To School Night; 6:00-7:30PM

September 1: 1st Day of School

September 4-7: Labor Day Weekend- No School

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

We can’t wait to welcome our Cardinals back!

The school day begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. Students will start 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.

Students’ lunch assignments are based on their fourth-period class. 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 you find your way!

Be here. Be ready. Let’s make it a great first day!

Dear Cardinal Families,

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! We are thrilled to see our students and ready for a great year of learning and growth.

As we start the year, we want to remind everyone how important daily attendance is:

• Missing just two days a month adds up to 10% of the school year, which can make it hard to keep up with classes.
• Regular attendance helps teens build strong habits for future jobs and higher education.
• We miss your student when they are not here, and we want them to succeed.

How to Report an Absence:
If your student is sick or must miss school, please notify our attendance office at (253)298-3813. Please include the student's full name, ID number, and the reason for the absence.

Attendance Notifications

Franklin Pierce SD sends automated Attendance Notifications to parents/guardians whose children are marked “Unexcused Absent” or “Unexcused Tardy” on a given school day. Parents receive an email and text message via ParentSquare to notify them of the absence or late arrival. If the text message does not go through, an automated phone call will be sent.

We also realize that there are a number of excused reasons why your child may be late to school or miss school. Please send a note or call the school in advance if you know your child will be out of school ahead of time.

Thank you for your support,

FPHS Attendance Team

Hello, Cardinal Families,

Fall sports are almost here! Football begins on Wednesday, August 19, and most of our remaining fall sports begin on Monday, August 24. Please review the following information and reminders to ensure your student is ready for the first day of practice.

Please make sure your student is completely green and cleared in FinalForms before attending practice. All forms must be signed, and a copy of the student’s current physical must be uploaded to FinalForms.

We will not accept hard copies of physicals to keep on file at the school this year. All physicals must be uploaded to FinalForms. Students who need help uploading their physicals may visit Athletic Director Dr. Thompson in the main office.

ASB Cards

All athletes are required to purchase an ASB card to participate. Athletes without a current ASB card will not be permitted to participate in games until they have one.

Students whose families have completed the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application through Nutrition Services may qualify for a discounted or free ASB card. Although all students in Franklin Pierce Schools receive free meals during the school day, families must still complete this application to qualify for a discounted ASB card.

ASB cards cost $40 at full price, $20 at the reduced rate, or $0 for students who qualify for a free card. ASB cards also provide students with free admission to all home games.

You may purchase an ASB card from cashier Mrs. Schenk at Freshman Kickoff on August 18, Back-to-School Night on August 26, or on the first day of school, September 1.

Fall Sports, Start Dates, and Head Coaches

• Football — August 19, 2026
  Coach Trevor Hanson — thanson@fpschools.org
• Girls Soccer — August 24, 2026
  Coach Sergio Lopez — selopez@fpschools.org
• Boys Tennis — August 24, 2026
  Coach Khoa Nguyen — knguyen@fpschools.org
• Girls Golf — August 24, 2026
  Coach Jeff Melvard — jmelvard@fpschools.org
• Boys Golf — August 24, 2026
  Coach Kyle Drugge — kdrugge@fpschools.org
• Boys and Girls Cross Country
  Coach Kyle Fagan — kfagan@fpschools.org
• Volleyball — August 24, 2026
  Coach Quinn Ryan — qryan@fpschools.org
• Girls Swim and Dive — August 24, 2026
  Cooperative program with Mount Tahoma High School
  Contact Heath Thompson — hethompson@fpschools.org

Golf is a self-transport sport for practices at Spanaway Lake Golf Course. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from practice. Buses will be provided for golf matches.

Girls Swim and Dive is also a self-transport sport. Students are responsible for arranging transportation to and from practices.

Let’s start the year strong—in the classroom and in our athletic arenas—and set the tone for Cardinal excellence throughout the year!

Go Cards!

Staying connected is one of the best ways to support your student throughout the school year. Please make sure you can access both Qmlativ Family Access and ParentSquare.

Qmlativ Family Access

Qmlativ is where families can view student schedules, attendance, assignments, grades, report cards, and contact information.

Log in to Qmlativ Family Access

Use the username and password provided when your student enrolled. If you cannot remember your login information, select “Forgot your Username or Password?” on the sign-in page. If you have never received login information, please contact the FPHS main office.

View Qmlativ tutorials and family resources

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is our primary communication tool for school announcements, important reminders, emergency notifications, forms, events, and messages from teachers and staff.

Download the free ParentSquare app:

• Download for Apple/iOS
• Download for Android
• Sign in on the ParentSquare website

Sign in using the email address or phone number listed in Qmlativ. If ParentSquare does not recognize your information, please contact the FPHS main office so we can confirm that your contact information is current.

Qmlativ helps you follow your student’s progress. ParentSquare helps you stay informed. Together, they help keep our families connected to FPHS!

Families can now check student bus routes, including pickup and drop-off times, through E-Link.

Find your student’s bus route

Username: guest
Password: guest

Students who ride the bus are automatically enrolled in Bus Bulletin, which sends notifications about delays, substitute drivers, and route changes. Families should save 253-237-8313 in their contacts—texts and calls from Bus Bulletin will come from this number.

Questions? Contact FPS Transportation at 253-298-3865 or transportation@fpschools.org.

Visit the FPS Transportation webpage

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

A free vaccination clinic will be held at Brookdale Elementary School for children who need immunizations before the new school year.

Thursday, August 27
3:00–6:00 p.m.
Brookdale Elementary School
611 132nd Street South, Parkland

All children are welcome, regardless of insurance status. Walk-ins are welcome, or families may pre-register online. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will also be offered as available.

View clinic details and additional vaccination resources

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! 🌟