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

Dear Cardinal Families,

One of my favorite parts of being the principal of Franklin Pierce High School is getting to spend time with our students and families beyond the school day. Friday night’s football game gave me a moment that stayed with me long after I left the stadium.

At the end of the game, a parent and I watched a sweet homecoming proposal unfold right in front of us. She turned to me and said, “We have such neat kids here.”

I couldn’t have agreed more.

That moment sparked a conversation about the stories we tell about our school and community. What would happen if we gave more attention to the good happening around us? If we shared more stories of kindness, celebrated our students’ accomplishments, and made sure the moments that make us smile traveled just as far as the ones that cause concern?

Our students give us so much to be proud of. Friday night was a simple reminder of that—and of how much it matters to notice those moments and share them.

I drove home feeling inspired, grateful, and incredibly proud to be the principal of Franklin Pierce High School. Thank you for sending me your children every day. Thank you for trusting us to teach, support, and cheer them on. We have such neat kids here, and I’m thankful to be part of their story.

October 5: No School for Staff Professional Development

October 6-9: School releases @ 11:15AM for Fall Conferences

October 14, 21, 28: 90 Min Early Release

November 11: No School-Veterans Day

November 25: 3.5 Hours Early Release @ 11:15AM

November 26-27: No School- Thanksgiving Holiday

November 4, 18: 90 Min Early Release

December 9, 16: 90 Min Early Release

December 21- Jan 1: No School- Winter Break

My Role at FPHS: Site Coordinator for Communities in Schools of Lakewood

Favorite Hobbies: thrifting, anime, video games, board games, dance, and playing with my little hairless dog Mabel

Favorite TV Show: The Office

Favorite Quote: "It is what it is 'til it ain't." - Mac Miller

My Role at FPHS: Resource Room Paraeducator

Favorite Hobbies: Playing video games, sewing, gardening, and hanging out with my family-specifically my husband or mom... I mean my kids are cool to hang out with too.

Favorite Movie(s): Dirty Dancing, Dodgeball, or Zoolander (it's a tie)

Favorite Quote: "What is this!? A school for ants!?" -Derek Zoolander

We look forward to welcoming families for Student-Led Conferences on Tuesday, October 6, and Wednesday, October 7. Please check ParentSquare for your student’s scheduled day and time.

Where to go:

• 9th grade: Corrigan Room

• 10th and 11th grades: Cafeteria

• 12th grade: Library

Students, bring your laptop to share your SchooLinks presentation with your family. Conferences are part of your High School and Beyond Plan requirements.

Reminder: School dismisses at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday through Friday this week.

Learning Lab is a built-in, 35-minute study hall offered two to three times each week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, depending on the assembly schedule. This is a Tier 1 support, meaning it is available to every student to help them stay on track, complete assignments, and get support.

Beginning Monday, October 12,students will create a weekly plan during Cardinal Connections. They will review their grades, identify work they need to complete, and plan where they may need extra help.

Thursdays are your time to get help from your teachers! Students can use Learning Lab to visit a content teacher for questions, assignments, or additional support. Students must obtain a pass from the teacher they plan to visit before Thursday’s Learning Lab. Planning ahead helps teachers prepare and ensures students have a confirmed place to go.

Families, please ask your student: “What’s your Learning Lab plan this week, and do you need a pass to see a teacher on Thursday?” That small check-in can help students make the most of this time built into their school day.

Franklin Pierce Schools partners with community organizations to connect students and families with additional support, including food, housing, health, mental health, and other essential resources.

Families can also find specialized support for students experiencing housing instability, homelessness, foster care, or other out-of-home placement.

Explore community resources and available support

Need help finding the right resource? Contact the Family and Community Partnerships Office at 253-298-3000 or aprice@fpschools.org.

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! 🌟