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

Cardinals, we are officially in the final stretch — including this edition, there are only five Cardinal Connections newsletters left this school year!

As we get closer to graduation, I want to make sure senior families have one important date on their radar: Tuesday, May 26.

Each graduating senior on the walk list will receive six complimentary graduation tickets.

Complimentary tickets may be picked up beginning Tuesday, May 26, after the senior is confirmed on the walk list. Tickets must be signed for and cannot be replaced if lost, so please keep them in a safe place.

Families who would like to purchase additional graduation tickets may also do so beginning Tuesday, May 26. Additional tickets are $7 each and may be purchased at the school front office through Friday, June 5 at 2:00 p.m.

Additional tickets will also be sold at the Gold Gate entrance at the fairgrounds beginning one hour before the FPHS graduation ceremony. Please note that ticket sales at the gate are cash only.

Go Cards!

Bell Schedules Here

MAY

• 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 28- Last Parent Partnership
• 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

My Role at FPHS: Business Education Teacher, DECA Advisor

Favorite Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Spending time with family

Favorite TV Show - Abbott Elementary and Ted Lasso

Favorite Quote - "I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all" -Simone Biles.

Job position: CBL Job Coach

Hobbies: Gardening, baking, anything outside

Favorite Book: Where the Crawdad's Sing, Delia Owens

Favorite Quote: “We don't grow when things are easy”

Safe Streets is offering a neighborhood-based youth development program at the Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library.

This program includes youth-led activities focused on life skills, social-emotional learning, healthy decision-making, civic engagement, and other fun workshops. Dinner is provided, and all ages are welcome.

The program meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at:

Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library
13718 Pacific Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444

Upcoming dates include May 27, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, August 12 and 26, September 9 and 23, October 14 and 28, November 18 and 25, and December 9 and 23.

Questions? Contact ybenton@safest.org.

Senior families, graduation season is moving quickly! Please be sure to review the Class of 2026 Graduation Information page on the FPHS website for important dates, deadlines, graduation rehearsal details, diploma pick-up information, and other senior year reminders.

Click the button below to access the page!

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! 🌟