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

Each fall, I find myself reflecting on just how foundational the 9th-grade year is. It’s the year students learn what it means to manage their own learning, build habits that support their goals, and discover what motivates them. High school is full of opportunities, but that first year sets the tone for the rest of the journey.

As families, one of the best ways to support your student—especially in 9th grade—is to stay curious about what’s happening day-to-day. Ask what classes feel most engaging, what’s challenging, and how they’re managing their workload. Small check-ins at home often lead to big breakthroughs at school.

Our staff is working hard to ensure every 9th grader finishes the semester feeling capable, connected, and confident about what comes next. Together, we can help them start strong and stay on track toward graduation.

Show your Cardinal pride in 60 seconds or less! Scan the QR code to submit.

Due: Friday, November 14 — top reels featured on CCTV & our socials!

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.

Nov 11- No School- Veterans Day

Nov 26- 3.5 Early Release

Nov 27-28- No School- Thanksgiving Break

Dec 22- Jan 2- No School- Winter Break

Jan 19-No School- MLK Day

Jan 26- No School- Staff Development Day

Bell Schedules Here

My Role at FPHS: Math Teacher and Junior Class Advisor

Favorite Hobbies: Tennis, baking, and cooking

Favorite Show: Violet Evergarden

Favorite Quote: “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”- Arthur Ashe

My Role at FPHS: CCC front office

Favorite Hobbies: pickleball, crafting and reading Venmo activities between friends. (Chrissy paid Jen for pizza again. They love them some pizza.)

Favorite TV Show: I like to watch Crime documentaries and the insides of my eyelids.

Favorite Song: Currently listening to Allen Stone on repeat. But I always go back to island reggae. RIP Fiji!

On Tuesday, November 4, our community has the chance to shape the future. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to support our students and schools. The decisions made by elected leaders affect education, safety, and the resources our children depend on every day. We encourage all eligible parents, guardians, staff, and community members to make a plan to vote—And don't forget to return your completed ballot by 8pm on Tuesday! When you vote, you show students that civic engagement matters and help build a stronger, more vibrant community for all. Your vote shapes their tomorrow.

Drop boxes near Franklin Pierce:

- Summit Library, 5107 112th St E

- 72nd Street Transit Center, 1319 E 72nd St

- 13718 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98444

- View all drop box locations: https://bit.ly/PCdropbox

To learn more about the upcoming election, visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/elections.

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.

Hello FP Students and Families,

The start of Winter Sports is right around the corner. Please see below for important information about winter sports season.

ALL SPORTS

All athletes trying out for Winter Sports must be fully cleared prior to participating in tryouts. This includes completion of all paperwork on Final Forms, completion of all signatures on final forms, current sports physical uploaded to final forms, all uniforms and equipment from other sports returned and fines cleared. Once rosters are set, all students participating in Athletic Programs at FPHS need to have their ASB purchased and a sticker on their ASB showing paid prior to competing in a game. You can check the status of your ASB by asking our Cashier, Ms. Schenk in the CCC. Students will qualify for either full price ($40), reduced price ($20), or free ($0) ASB cards so please check with Ms. Schenk to verify what price you pay.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NON-CUT SPORTS AND CUT SPORTS

Some of our winter sports are non-cut sports, which means you do not have to tryout to make the team. While there is no limit on how many kids can be on these teams things like following team expectations, school rules, and regular grade checks can impact a student’s ability to be on a team. Because numbers for these rosters can sometimes get large, there may be times when an event is limited to starters only and not everyone on the team will travel to a contest. Our non-cut winter sports at FPHS include: Boys Swimming, Girls Bowling, Girls Flag Football, Boys Wrestling, and Girls Wrestling.

Cut sports at FPHS include Boys and Girls Basketball. These sports have limited spots on the team roster and potential players need to complete a tryout process to make the team. These tryouts will also determine what team a student makes (Varsity, JV, or C Team). It is important to know that even if you made the team in previous years, that is not a guarantee that you will make the team again this season. That includes level of team you previously made (V / JV / C) or the playing time you received in previous years. Each year begins a new process and evaluation for team selection with new students coming into the fold as freshman or transfers to FPHS. It is important that all athletes give their best effort during tryouts and keep a positive attitude during the process while working hard to make the team.

Fall sports athletes who are competing in post season are expecting to stay dedicated to their fall teams through the completion of their season. These athletes should be registered for their respective winter sport and winter coaches will be made aware of those individuals. Winter Coaches would much rather see you guys go compete for State Championships in postseason and join their teams later than have our fall teams eliminated early. Fall postseason athletes who are trying out for Basketball will be given a special tryout period following the completion of their fall sports season.

SPORTS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

BOWLING

Girls bowling is an off campus sport. Transportation is not provided to or from the practice location.

First Practice: November 3rd, 2025; after school

Location: Paradise Lanes [12505 Pacific Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98444]

Coach: Jeff Melvard, jmelvard@fpschools.org

BOYS SWIM

Swimmers from FPHS compete as part of a co-op team with Foss High School. Transportation is not provided for swimmers.

First Practice: November 17th, 2025; after school

Location: Foss High School [2112 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405]

Coach: Suzanne Conger, sconger@tacoma.k12.wa.us

FLAG FOOTBALL

First Practice: November 17th, 2025; 5:40pm

Location: Weight Room- 5:40pm; Franklin Pierce Stadium- 6:00pm

Coach: Cody Copeland, ccopeland@fpschools.org

WRESTLING

First Practice: November 17th, 2025; after school

Location: FPHS Matroom- Building 18

Coaches: Boys- Tevyn Tillman, illman36@yahoo.com

Girls- MJ Auelua, marylinnauelua@outlook.com

BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL

First Practice: November 17th, 2025; after school

Location: FPHS Gymnasium

Coaches: Boys- Quinn Ryan, qryan@fpschools.org

Girls-Marcus Disney, mdisney@fpschools.org

Thank you,
Michael Andrews
Franklin Pierce High School Athletics Administration

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! 🌟