CARDINAL CONNECTIONS
May 4, 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
Thank You, Cardinal Community
This week, I want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make Multicultural Week such a meaningful celebration at Franklin Pierce High School.
To our ASB students and Ms. Tracy, thank you for your leadership, planning, and care. To our cultural club advisors, thank you for the countless hours you spent supporting students as they prepared to share pieces of who they are with our school community. To our staff, thank you for showing up, encouraging students, and helping make the week possible.
And to our families and community members—thank you for showing up in full force for the evening event. It was powerful to see our community come together around the performances, cultural walk, fashion shows, food, and celebration.
What I loved most was the way students led the week with pride, courage, and joy. Multicultural Week is one of my favorite weeks of the year because it reminds us what makes FPHS so special: our students, our stories, and the community we continue to build together.
One more time—thank you, FPHS. 😀
Marzano Hour
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.
UP NEXT
Weekly Calendar
Important Dates:
MAY
- 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
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Rhea Goodrum
My Role at FPHS: Library Media- Tech
Favorite Hobbies: Walking in nature, gardening, reading in hammocks and most of all creating meals with family and friends sharing stories.
Favorite Book: Since 1995, The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Favorite Quote: "Be a good friend to yourself. Be kind to others. Lead with LOVE to leave this place and others better than you found them."
Mr. Vanderpool
My Role at FPHS: I teach US History and Psychology
Favorite Hobbies: I enjoy playing computer games, hiking and camping, golfing and basketball
Favorite Book: The Name of the Wind or Game of Thrones
Favorite Quote: “Don’t be upset by the results you didn’t get, from the work you didn’t do.”
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Technology Return Reminder
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, it will soon be time for students to return their school-issued technology.
To avoid fines, students must return both the laptop and the charging cord that were assigned to them in the fall. Please take a moment now to locate both items so you are ready when collection begins.
Questions? Please see Ms. Washam or Ms. Goodrum.
Yearbook Orders Are Open! 📘
It’s time to order your Franklin Pierce High School yearbook! This is a great way to capture the memories, moments, and milestones from this school year.
FPHS uses TreeRing, which allows families to easily purchase a yearbook and even customize personal pages for your student.
👉 Order your yearbook here: https://web.treering.com/validate
Passcode: 1016836623694445
Don’t wait—ordering early ensures your student receives their copy and gives you time to personalize it!
RESOURCES
🍎 Community Food Resources
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.
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 supports—from referrals and care coordination to short-term therapeutic services. Learn more and find referral information here.
📚 Teen Services Spotlight: Pierce County Library System — Teen Edition
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.
✏️ 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!
📍 Where & When
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Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 2:50–4:30 PM — Corrigan Room
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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!
Legacy Scholars – 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 you’re eligible. This is an awesome opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Communities In Schools – Supporting FPHS Students
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
📘 2025–2026 Student & Family Information Guide
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.
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.
📞 Contact Nurse Nicole
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Franklin Pierce High School: (253) 298-3823
📄 Submit your medical form here: https://www.pcmswa.org/school-forms
🤝 Calling All Volunteers! Join the FPHS Family! 🤝
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! 🌟