CARDINAL CONNECTIONS
March 31, 2026
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
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Your Voice. Our Responsibility
As I move through my third year as principal at Franklin Pierce High School, one thing I continue to reflect on is how we listen to our community.
In the past, I’ve asked for your voice through surveys like this one—but I’ve also learned that asking isn’t enough. What matters just as much is what we do with what we hear, and how clearly we share that back with you.
That’s a commitment I’m continuing to grow into.
This week, we’re launching our Panorama Family Survey, and I want to invite you to take a few minutes to share your experience with us. Your perspective helps us better understand what’s working, where we need to improve, and how we can continue building a school where all students feel seen, supported, and challenged.
The survey takes about 5 minutes and is completely confidential:
- English: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/fpschools/1297450805
- Español: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/fpschools/1297450805/surveys?language=es
As your principal, I’m committed not only to listening—but to sharing what we learn and the steps we’re taking as a result. That’s how this process becomes meaningful.
Thank you for being part of this work with me.
Principal Marzano
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.
UP NEXT
Weekly Calendar
Important Dates:
April 6-10- No School- Spring Break
April 23-24-SBA Testing (3 Hour Late Start for non-testers)
May 22-25- No School- Memorial Day Weekend
June 15th- 3.5 Hour Early Release
June 16th- 3.5 Hour Early Release- Last Day of School
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Kate Wheeldon
My Role: Community Based Learning Teacher
Favorite Hobbies: Spending time with my family and doing any activity outside!
Favorite Book: Gone with the Wind
Favorite Quote: It’s a great day to have a great day!
Doug Zhang (Mr. Doug)
My Role at FPHS: Paraeducator & Cardinal Drama Club Advisor
Favorite Hobbies: Acting, playing sports rather than watching them, lifting, hiking, and anime/manga
Favorite Movie: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Favorite Quote: “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” – Shirley Chisholm
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Yearbook Orders Are Open! 📘
It’s time to order your Franklin Pierce High School yearbook! This is a great way to capture the memories, moments, and milestones from this school year.
FPHS uses TreeRing, which allows families to easily purchase a yearbook and even customize personal pages for your student.
👉 Order your yearbook here: https://web.treering.com/validate
Passcode: 1016836623694445
Don’t wait—ordering early ensures your student receives their copy and gives you time to personalize it!
Spring SBA Testing Schedule
Each spring, students participate in state assessments that measure learning and help meet graduation pathway requirements. Franklin Pierce High School will administer the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA) and WCAS Science Assessment on the following dates:
Thursday, April 23
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10th grade: Math SBA (CAT & Performance Task)
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11th grade: WCAS Science
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12th grade: Students who have not yet passed ELA
Late Start (1st period begins at 11:15 AM):
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All 9th grade students
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12th grade students who have already passed ELA
Friday, April 24
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10th grade: ELA SBA (CAT & Performance Task)
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11th grade: Students who have not yet passed ELA
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12th grade: Students who have not yet passed Math
Late Start (1st period begins at 11:15 AM):
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All 9th grade students
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11th grade students who have already passed ELA
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12th grade students who have already passed Math
RESOURCES
🍎 Community Food Resources
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.
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.
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.
✏️ Community Homework Center Now Open!
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
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Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 2:50–4:30 PM — Corrigan Room
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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!
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
🤝 Calling All Volunteers! Join the FPHS Family! 🤝
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! 🌟