CARDINAL CONNECTIONS
November 24, 2025
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
Why Attendance Matters
Now that we’re well into Quarter 2, I want to refocus us on something that continues to have one of the biggest impacts on student success: showing up.
Missing just 2 days a month (about 10% of the school year) can affect a student’s chances of reading at grade level by third grade or graduating on time in middle and high school. School isn’t just about academics—it’s also where students build friendships, learn how to work with others, and feel part of a community.
When students start missing days, it can be a sign of bigger challenges like disengagement, academic struggles, or even bullying. That’s why we take attendance seriously—not to punish, but to pay attention and offer support.
If your student needs to be out, please remember to call 253-298-3813 or email Stephanee Disney at sdisney@fpschools.org to report any absences.
Thank you for partnering with us to help your student be here, belong, and thrive.
A Note of Gratitude
As we move into a long weekend, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for this community. Franklin Pierce High School is a place where students bring their full selves, families partner with us through challenges, and staff show up every day with care and commitment.
I’m grateful for the way our community looks out for one another, engages in hard conversations, and works together to make our school a place where all students feel they belong. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your continued support of our students.
Wishing you rest, connection, and time with the people who matter most to you.
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.
Important Dates:
Nov 26- 3.5 Early Release School out @ 11:15
Nov 27-28- No School- Thanksgiving Break
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
Richard O’Flaherty
My Role at FPHS: U.S History, Civics, and Washington State History Teacher
Favorite Hobbies: Camping, reading, visiting historically significant places, taking my old car out for a drive.
Favorite Book: With Malice Toward None, A Biography of Abraham Lincoln.
Favorite Songs: Fight the Good Fight by Triumph, Limelight by Rush
Name: Jysal Rouzan-Price
My Role at FPHS: CIS Site Coordinator
Favorite Hobbies: Screenwriting, karaoke, and playing board games.
Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice
Favorite Song: Gorilla- Little Simz
Congratulations to Our Daffodil Princess!
We are excited to share that Chloe Bowman-Jones has been crowned the 2026 Franklin Pierce High School Daffodil Princess! Chloe represented FPHS with confidence, poise, and heart during last week’s selection night, and we are incredibly proud of her. If you know her and see her, please congratulate her on her win!
We also want to recognize Naomi Greenwood and Jackeline Villagomez-Bautista, who represented FP with pride and excellence. I’m very proud of all three of these ladies.
A huge shout-out as well to our escorts—Ryan Armstrong, Lucas Budomo, and Jonathan Tumlin-Roberts—who brought energy and fun to the night. (Ask them about their dance!)
FPHS Physics Students Published for Real-World Safety Project
Our FPHS Physics students were recently published in the Vernier Blog for their work on a meaningful, community-centered project. In their first unit on Motion, students investigated vehicle speeds on 112th Street—an area impacted by a tragic accident last June.
Using their physics tools and data analysis skills, students set out to answer a real-world question: How many cars are actually speeding? Their goal was to gather evidence that could support increased signage or a speed radar to help keep our students safe.
This project was truly a team effort, and it was powerful to see students use science to advocate for real community change. Their findings have already been shared with the Pierce County Traffic Division, and we look forward to hearing back.
You can read the published article featuring their work here:
https://www.vernier.com/blog/real-world-physics-problems-using-vernier-video-analysis-to-build-evidence-for-safer-school-zones/
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.
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
