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 Thursday and Friday, our students will take part in the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). For many of our students, this assessment is a key pathway to meeting Washington State graduation requirements.

While students will be working hard here at school, your support at home makes a big difference. A few simple ways to help:

• Make sure your student gets a good night’s sleep
• Encourage them to arrive on time (or take advantage of the late start if they are not testing)
• Help them start the day with a healthy breakfast
• Offer a little extra encouragement—confidence goes a long way

Details about who is testing and when can be found below in this newsletter.

Juniors who still need to take the MATH SBA will have an opportunity to take this test throughout the next few weeks during SBA Makeups. Stay tuned!

Our Panorama Family Survey will close at the end of this week! If you haven’t had a chance yet, please take a few minutes to share your feedback—your voice helps guide our work.

English: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/fpschools/1297450805
Español: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/fpschools/1297450805/surveys?language=es

Thank you for being part of this with us.

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

APRIL

• April 25 – Oceanic Flag Day (PAC)
• April 27, 28, 30 – Senior Exit Interviews

MAY

• May 1 – FPHS Multicultural Night
• May 4 – Senior Exit Interviews (final day)
• May 7 (3:00 PM) – Senior Distinguished Portrait Scholarship Packets Due
• May 15 – Prom (Kelley Farms)
• May 19 – 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 – Senior Recognition Night
• May 29 – Seniors’ Last Day & Moving Up Assembly
• May 30 – District Pow Wow

JUNE

• June 4 – Graduation Parade
• June 5 – Graduation Rehearsal
• June 5 – Black Graduation (by invite only)
• June 6 – Graduation Day 🎓
• June 12- Juneteenth Freedom Day- FPHS Cafeteria
• June 15- 3.5 Hour Early Release
• June 16 – Last Day of School 3.5 Hour Early Release

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’re getting ready to launch our Senior Walk List—a key milestone as we support our seniors on the path to graduation. This list helps us monitor progress and ensure every senior is on track.

The list will be updated weekly, with gradebooks reviewed regularly to provide the most accurate picture of student progress.

More information and details will be shared in next week’s Principal’s Desk!

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! 🌟