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

I am excited to share that Franklin Pierce School District has been selected as a 2026 Rooted in Excellence Award recipient in the category of Culturally Inclusive Meals.

This award recognizes school nutrition programs across Washington that are expanding culturally diverse meal options for students. Franklin Pierce was recognized for developing culturally inclusive scratch recipes based on student interest and featuring these recipes regularly in school meals.

What makes this recognition even more special—two of the featured dishes are coming directly from our own FPHS kitchen.

A special congratulations to our FPHS kitchen team, including Beth Mead, our FPHS Kitchen Manager, whose daily work helps ensure students are nourished, welcomed, and cared for. This is a well-deserved recognition of the care, creativity, and intention that goes into serving our students each day.

Last week, we launched our Senior Walk List—an important step in supporting our seniors through the final stretch toward graduation.

This list reflects ongoing gradebook updates and helps us keep a clear, current picture of who is on track—and where additional support may be needed. It will continue to be updated weekly.

For families, this is a great time to check in with your senior. A quick conversation about current grades, missing work, or upcoming deadlines can make a meaningful difference in these final weeks.

Our goal is simple: every senior across the stage in June. We will continue to partner closely with students and families to make that happen.

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.

Bell Schedules Here

APRIL

• April 27, 28, 30 – Senior Exit Interviews

MAY

• May 1 – FPHS Multicultural Night
• May 4 – Senior Exit Interviews (final day)
• May 7 (3:00 PM) – Senior Distinguished Portrait Scholarship Packets Due
• May 15 – Prom (Kelley Farms)
• 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 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: English Teacher. I also coach Flag football, am the Pacific Islander Club Advisor, and a member of Equity Steering.

Favorite Hobbies: Being outside (hiking, swimming, walking, camping), board games, hanging out with my dog, spending time with people I love.

Favorite Movie: Stuck In Love

Favorite Quote: "Everything happens for a reason"

Position: Resource room paraeducator

Hobbies: Hanging out with my dog, Garlic, and tending to my garden

Book: Go Set a Watchman, Harper Lee

TV Show: Living Single and X-Files

Movie: The Bird Cage

Quote: "You're only as good as your last haircut." Fran Lebowitz

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!

I want to highlight a project led by one of our own students, Kallie Sullivan, and her Girl Scout troop. As part of a substance abuse prevention project, they created the posters featured below, which you may also see around our school.

“Your younger self believed in you… make good decisions, don’t let them down.”

What makes this powerful is that it’s student voice—students looking out for one another.

Thank you, Kallie, for making a positive impact in our school community.

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! 🌟