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

Cardinal Families,

It is hard to believe we have made it to our final Cardinal Connection of the school year. What a year it has been! From academics and activities to athletics, performances, celebrations, and everything in between, this year has been full of moments that remind me just how special Franklin Pierce High School is.

Thank you for your partnership, your support, and for sharing your students with us. It has been a great year, and I am so proud of the work our students and staff have done together.

As we head into summer, I hope our students find time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a well-deserved break. We will be excited to welcome everyone back on the first day of school: Tuesday, September 1.

Please stay tuned over the summer for more information about our Freshman Summer Festival and Back to School Night. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.

One last time this year — thank you, FPHS. It has been a joy to be in community with you.

Have a wonderful summer, Cardinals!

Bell Schedules Here

JUNE

• June 12- Juneteenth Freedom Day- FPHS Cafeteria 5:00PM
• June 15- 3.5 Hour Early Release at 11:15AM
• June 16 – Last Day of School 3.5 Hour Early Release at 11:15AM

My Role at FPHS: Spanish Teacher, Ethnic Studies Teacher, Languages department chair, Latinos Unidos club advisor, Equity Team member, Bricoleur

Favorite Hobbies: Cooking, Running, Reading, Long Walks to the Taco Truck

Favorite Book: “The Name of the Rose”

Favorite Song: "Olita de altamar" by Café Tacvba

My Role at FPHS: Paraeducator

Favorite Hobbies: Hiking, Drumming, Watching Football.

Favorite Movie: Back to the Future or Boyz N the Hood.

Favorite Quote: Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments.

Looking for ways for your Cardinal to stay active, connected, and engaged this summer? There are several local opportunities for teens and families to explore, including recreation programs, library activities, summer reading, job readiness resources, and outdoor camps.

Families may want to check out:

Parks Tacoma Summer Camps & Programs
Parks Tacoma offers a variety of summer opportunities, including sports, arts, dance, theatre, nature, adaptive recreation, babysitter training, and more.

Pierce County Parks Camps & Clinics
Pierce County Parks offers full-day and half-day youth camps, with some options available for students through 12th grade.

Pierce Summer LIFE Teen Bike Camps
Pierce County’s Summer LIFE bike camps are free for Pierce County teens ages 13–17. Bikes and safety gear are provided, and pre-registration is required.

Tacoma Public Library Teen Programs
Tacoma Public Library offers teen and tween events, creative activities, technology programs, book recommendations, and more.

Tacoma Public Library Summer Reading
Tacoma Public Library’s Summer Reading program runs June 2–August 15 and is open to readers of all ages.

Pierce County Library Summer Reading
Pierce County Library’s Summer Reading program is free and open to all ages.

Pierce County Library Teen Resources

Pierce County Library also offers teen resources, including homework help, resume support, and other learning tools.

YMCA Summer Day Camp Programs
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties offers summer day camp programs and youth activities across the region.

Families are encouraged to review program details carefully, as registration dates, costs, ages served, and space availability vary by organization. We hope every Cardinal finds time this summer to rest, recharge, have fun, and maybe even try something new!

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! 🌟