Federal Way Public Schools News
February 26, 2021
Hello Staff, Families, and Community,
Our team has been working hard to build out a comprehensive plan for a safe return to in-person learning and are committed to doing this well.
With the many moving pieces of scheduling, class lists, transportation, refining safety protocols and structures, rapid testing, staff and parent communication, and so much more, we are focused on effectively transitioning from one model of remote learning to two models with strong safety measures in place, numerous training and resources for our staff and families, and clear, timely communications and updates.
In order to best prepare for our return to in-person instruction, we have updated the schedule to incorporate valuable transition time for our scholars, staff and families. This transition time will involve a week of asynchronous activities beginning March 8 to ensure a smooth start of in-person learning beginning March 15.
Adjustments include:
- March 1-5, 2021: The last full week of 100% remote learning for PreK-1, K-2 Academic Core Program (ACP), K-12 Functional Core Program (FCP), and Employment Transition Program (ETP) students.
- March 8-12, 2021: Asynchronous learning for transition activities for all Pre-K through grade 5, ETP, and K-12 FCP students. There will be a variety of activities for staff and students, including staff training on health and safety protocols, and time for scholars to meet their new class.
- Beginning March 15, 2021: Return to in-person learning for PreK–1, K-2 ACP, ETP, and K-12 FCP.
- Beginning March 29, 2021: Return to in-person learning for Grades 2-3 and 3-5 ACP.
- Beginning April 19, 2021: Return to in-person learning for Grades 4-5.
The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter as we move forward, although not as fast as we’d like to see. Some bright spots include:
- Since early January, we’ve seen decreases of positive COVID-19 cases in our region. The most current available data indicates King County COVID rate per 100,000 is 99 and the Federal Way rate is 131. This is categorized as “Moderate” based on the state’s school reopening guidance that states that if the transmission rate is moderate, defined as 50-350 cases per 100,000 over 14 days, then the recommendation is to phase-in in-person learning, prioritizing Elementary and Middle school scholars.
- We are currently working to identify vaccine opportunities for our staff to access as soon as possible.
- We’re partnering with Seattle Children’s to do rapid testing for those staff supporting in-person learning.
- We’re continuing to collaborate with local school districts and gain a sense of lessons learned from the over 190 school districts in the state that have already returned to some form of in-person learning.
Thank you for your patience, commitment, positive support and empathy in understanding the difficulty of this work as we move to bring our scholars back to in-person learning, while ensuring the safety of our staff and students.
I’d like to thank our staff and parents for the incredible partnership and flexibility we’ve all had to show through navigating learning in a pandemic. Next week, we will share more information about specific activities for staff and scholars on the transition days.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tammy Campbell, Superintendent
COVID-19 RATES IN OUR REGION
We continue to closely monitor the rate of COVID-19 infection in our region and in our district’s geographical area.
Based on the King County COVID data dashboard as of February 26 at 9 a.m. here is the most recent data:
- The King County COVID rate per 100,000 between February 7-February 21 is 99 per the King County Key Indicators Dashboard.
- The Federal Way rate per 100,000 between February 11-February 25 is 131, per the King County Dashboard “Geography Over Time” by city.
There are health reporting areas within our district reporting higher or lower COVID-19 numbers than the overall Federal Way rate, ranging from 99-194. We also recognize that recent data from this dashboard may be incomplete, as noted on the dashboard.
Parent Reminders for Students returning to in-person instruction
For students that will be returning to in-person instruction, prepare for the first day by:
- Reading the online health screening information and be ready to take your child’s temperature and fill it out before your child goes to school. More information below and at www.fwps.org/healthscreening.
- Reviewing the bell time schedule: www.fwps.org/Page/8038.
- Making sure your child has a mask for them to wear to school. Masks are required on the bus and at school.
- Ensuring your child has a meal before going to school. Meals are not provided at school. 7-Day meal kits are available every Wednesday for pickup at the following locations: www.fwps.org/schoolmeals.
- Families will need to limit the number of items coming back and forth from home to school—items should be left at school each day. School supplies, independent reading books, paper and pencil work, and math materials will be provided to scholars to use during their in-person days.
More information can be found in the family guide at www.fwps.org/hybridmodelfamilyguide and on our website at www.fwps.org.
Day in the Life of a Scholar Video
What does a return to in-person learning look like for students returning to campus? Watch this video to find out! If you are a parent choosing hybrid/in-person instruction for your child, please view and share this video with your child to prepare for a safe and successful return to campus.
Daily Required Health Screening for In Person Learning
We look forward to welcoming students back for hybrid in person learning!
Our health and safety protocols for the return to classrooms require staff, and parents and guardians of hybrid students, to complete a Daily Health Screening. Learn more here: www.fwps.org/healthscreening.
Masks required for hybrid/in-person instruction
With students returning to in-person instruction, we’ll need our parents to partner with us.
Masks are one of the most important ways we can prevent COVID-19 and are REQUIRED at our school and district campuses and on our busses. All staff and scholars must wear a mask at ALL times.
Pictured here is one of our student friendly posters that helps educate our scholars on how to properly wear a mask.
As a reminder, if a scholar doesn't comply with wearing a mask, the school principal will call the parent/guardian to come and pick up the child.
Let’s work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe.
Hybrid Model Guide for Families
Hard copies of the family guides are in the mail for families who've chosen hybrid for their child. Our family guide is available in multiple languages at www.fwps.org/hybridmodelfamilyguide and includes valuable information such as:
- A Day in the Life of a Scholar
- Hybrid model schedule
- How to set your child up for success
- How we’re preparing our classrooms for a safe return: required temperature checks and online health screening (www.fwps.org/healthscreening) before scholars arrive at school, requiring masks at all times, social distancing, following universal safety precautions, and more
Eligible families: Get help buying food with P-EBT!
Because school meals are not being served at school due to COVID-19, your student may be eligible for food assistance with the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Emergency School Meals Program. Every eligible student may qualify for up to $123 per month.
This benefit is for Washington children in grades K-12 who receive free or reduced school meals and are enrolled in a school that sponsors the National School Lunch Program OR students who attend a Community Eligibility Provision School: Adelaide, Federal Way Open Doors, Illahee, Lake Dolloff, Lake Grove, Mark Twain, Mirror Lake, Norman Center (ETP), Olympic View, Panther Lake, Rainier View, Sacajawea, Sequoyah, Silver Lake, Sunnycrest, Totem, Truman, or Wildwood.
If your child is not currently approved for free or reduced meals, but you think they may qualify complete an application, to be eligible for P-EBT benefits: www.fwps.org/lunchapplication.
How do eligible families receive the P-EBT benefit?
- This benefit is provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card which is used like a debit card to buy food.
- Each eligible family will receive one P-EBT card per eligible child to the address as it’s shown in ParentVUE. Make sure you verify your address is up to date by March 7 by logging into ParentVue at grades.fwps.org, going to online registration, and update the address.
Questions?
- For help determining if your child qualifies for free or reduced meals contact FWPS Nutrition Services at 253-945-5561.
- Beginning March 1, families may contact the P-EBT call center at 1-883-518-0282.
Read more here: www.fwps.org/PandemicEBT.
Wednesday Pick-up Continues for 100% Remote Instruction
Wednesday pick-up at school days will continue as scheduled for those who are remaining in 100% remote instruction. March pickup dates will be March 10 and March 24. Scheduled pick-up times will be communicated by your school.
To help keep everyone safe and healthy, wear a face covering when picking up supplies during scheduled Wednesday pick-ups at the school building. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school.
We loved celebrating School Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
Thank you to our bus drivers who remain committed to the success of our scholars! During remote learning, our bus drivers have delivered School To You supplies, assisted Nutrition Services, and helped with inventory and packing classrooms. As we transition to hybrid, they’re ready to support scholars getting to and from school! Pictured here are some of our many great bus drivers. Find our bus driver appreciation day post on Facebook and Twitter @FWPS210!
GOOD NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONGRATS TO STAFF NOMINATED AND AWARDED BY SCHOLARS WITH A “BECAUSE OF YOU” AWARD!
City of Federal Way Diversity Commission hosts read alouds
The City of Federal Way’s Diversity Commission is hosting read alouds in honor of Black History Month. Each reader is reading a book inspired by the countless contributions of black heroes and books that feature black main characters. Check them out on the Commission’s Facebook page at @flavoroffederalway!
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
The new Star Lake Elementary and Totem Middle School construction projects are gaining ground!
The original Star Lake Elementary demolition has been completed to make way for new site improvements.
Recent installations for both schools include:
- new water main line replacement (with connections to the individual residential water services nearly complete)
- roof decking for the administration and common areas
- steel structures
New roofing and exterior brick façade has begun on Totem’s Classroom Wing and Auxiliary Gymnasium, while interior wall framing and window installation are nearly complete. Drywall installation for Totem will begin in a few weeks.
You’ll also notice window and interior wall framing happening at Star Lake’s Classroom Wing.
Federal Way Public Schools
Email: comments@fwps.org
Website: www.fwps.org
Location: 33330 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA, USA
Phone: 253-945-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fwps210/
Twitter: @FWPS210