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

As we enter December, I’m reminded how quickly this season moves. We have 20 school days until First Semester Finals Week, and the last day of the semester is January 23rd. This stretch matters. It’s a window for students to finish strong, raise their grades, and build momentum heading into second semester.

Parents and caregivers—do you know your student’s current grades?
Now is a perfect time to check in, celebrate the wins, and make a plan for anything that still needs attention. You can view up-to-date grades, attendance, and missing assignments through Qmlativ

Family Access.

As we push toward finals, I also want to highlight a powerful support we offer:
Our Community Homework Center is open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:50–4:30 PM in the Corrigan Room, and Fridays from 2:50–4:00 PM in Room 701, with an activity bus available. It’s a great place for students to get tutoring, stay focused, and keep up with assignments.

👉 Scan the QR code or click here

Let’s stay focused, stay connected, and get after it, Cards.

—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.

Dec 22- Jan 2- No School- Winter Break

Jan 19-No School- MLK Day

Jan 26- No School- Staff Development Day

Feb 16-20- No School- Midwinter Break

March 24-27- 3.5 Hour Early Release-Conferences

April 6-10- No School- Spring Break

Bell Schedules Here

My Role at FPHS: Sophomore English teacher, Sophomore Class Advisor and C-team Volleyball coach

Favorite Hobbies: You can catch me knitting or reading during my free time.

Favorite Book: The Stand by Stephen King

Favorite Songs: My favorite songs are Kokomo by the Beach Boys and Candy Paint by Post Malone. Two very different songs, I know.😅

Role: Classroom Para-educator in Support Center

Hobbies: Singing/Karaoke, Working out/Walks, Paracord creations, and Drawing

Favorite Book: The Dead and The Buried by Kim Harrington

Favorite Quote: "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder"

Franklin Pierce Schools is hosting a series of courses designed to help parents and guardians navigate the digital tools that support your students learning. Our next session is December 8 from 6:00–7:00pm at the FPS District Office (315 129th St S) and will focus on Digital Citizenship—including supporting your child’s social media use, online etiquette, and student-issued devices.

These hands-on sessions will help you confidently navigate the digital tools that keep you connected to your child’s education. The course will be offered in English and Spanish, and interpreters for other languages are available upon request.

Learn more about Family Academy and future topics: https://www.fpschools.org/departments/spc/family-academy

Why this matters

Our district — Franklin Pierce School District (FPS) — is asking voters to renew two expiring levies on the ballot this upcoming election. These levies are not new taxes — they simply allow us to continue funding the things our students depend on every day.

What the levies support

✅ Proposition 1: Educational Programs & Operations Levy

• Pays for about 15% of our everyday school operations — a crucial portion the state does not fully cover.
  

• Funds essential staff and supports, including:

  • Teachers (to keep class sizes smaller)
    

  • Nurses, counselors, librarians, para-educators, and safety staff
    

  • Learning supports: updated curriculum, classroom materials, special education, multilingual learner and dual-language programs
    

  • Student opportunities: early learning, arts, music, athletics, college & career readiness, extracurriculars — things that help make school more than just “class.”
    

🏫 Proposition 2: Technology, Safety & Capital Improvements Levy

• Invests in modern, safe, and functional learning environments for all students.
  

• Supports access to up-to-date technology — learning devices, classroom tech, digital curriculum, online tools for homework and remote learning.
  

• Enhances safety and security: upgraded building security systems, data protection, emergency communication, etc.
  

• Covers needed maintenance and improvements to school facilities: roofing, HVAC/air-quality systems, plumbing, lighting, water systems, athletic fields and community spaces.
  

What’s being asked of voters

• Both are replacement measures — meaning if they pass, we keep what we have. If not, many of these important services could be at risk.
  

• The anticipated cost (if they pass) would average about $2.30–$2.50 per $1,000 assessed property value for Prop 1, and $1.00 per $1,000 for Prop 2.
  

What it means for our kids & community

Passing these levies ensures that our students continue to have:

• Teachers and staff who can give more individualized support.

• Programs that support diverse learners (special education, dual-language, multilingual learners).

• Enriching activities: arts, music, athletics, early learning, clubs — building a well-rounded education.

• Safe, modern schools with working technology, strong security, good facilities, and comfortable learning spaces.

In short — these levies help keep our schools strong, stable, and able to meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.

How to stay involved

• Make sure you’re registered to vote.

• Spread the word! Talk with neighbors, friends, and other community members about why this matters.

• If you want to get involved in volunteer or information efforts, check with the school district — now’s a good time to step up.

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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! 🌟