FPHS Parent and Student Memo
March 22, 2021
Franklin Pierce High School
FPS District Equity Statement
AREAS OF FOCUS AND IMPROVEMENT:
- Equity and Social Justice
- Improved Instruction
- Family and Community Engagement
Our Equity Team would like to partner with our parents and students to fulfill our mission to support our students, staff, and families by identifying and dismantling systems that perpetuate, exacerbate, or produce inequities based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. If you would like to collaborate with us, please let us know HERE. If you want to learn more about our commitment to EQUITY and ANTI-RACISM, feel free to contact any of our FPHS Equity Team members: Hartley, Marzano, Wright, Laban, Hackney, Apelu, Brist, Call, Chapman, Detweiler, Fineman, Goodrum, Inman, Kaunda, B. Lee, Martin, Plaskett, Quill, Roscoe, Scroger, Shoopman, Washam, and C. Lee.
District and School Statement:
On Wednesday, we witnessed the deadly effects of white supremacy, misogyny and xenophobia in the murder of eight people, six of them Asian women, at spas in the Atlanta area.
While these events took place far away geographically, they hit very close to home in other ways. It represents yet another horrific example of the ways that racism impacts the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of BIPOC. These events do not occur in isolation. Anti-Asian sentiment is prevalent in our culture and has recently led to heightened violence following the onset of COVID-19 in the United States.
Words are hard to come by in times like this, but it is our true hope that those of you among our school community most impacted by Anti-Asian racism feel seen and heard as you deal with fear, anger and grief. This is a painful reminder that we have a lot of work to do and that we must find ways to actively stand against hate, to pay careful attention to the ways that we silence others, to accompany those among us impacted by racial trauma, and to help make the unique experiences of one another more visible.
We encourage everyone in our community to reach out to one another, to create spaces for healing, and to continually work to understand and disrupt the relentless force of racism, misogyny and xenophobia that degrades our collective humanity.
Dear Parents and Students,
Cohort A: We'll see you in-person on Monday! Cohort B: We'll see you in-person on Tuesday! Remember: while you're remote, you still have to attend your classes online. Also remember that class starts at 8:15am -- not 8:30am. Look at the schedule below.
For the first two weeks, our cohorts will be based strictly on last names. Cohort A = Last names A through L. Cohort B = Last names M through Z. We need to take careful and accurate attendance to see who is actually showing up and balance our cohorts to maintain the required social distancing. After two weeks, we will send a link for families who would like to choose to change their cohort. We will honor requests as long as we can maintain balanced cohorts. This is critical for maintaining social distancing in our classrooms.
March 26: No school! (This was a snow make-up day.)
Lots of info about FPHS and coming back to school in THIS SWAY including a tour, "meeting" our teachers and counselors, and our back to school Advisory presentations. Note: some of these items were created and shared in the Fall. The information is still relevant and helpful, so don't let references to "the fall" throw you off.
Students, are you interested in Running Start? Please, see HERE for info about an info meeting on Wednesday, March 31 at 6pm on Zoom.
Make sure you're following us on Social Media: FPHS Facebook page; FPHS Twitter page; FPHS Instagram page.
Visit HERE to view previous Parent and Student Memos.
Please, make sure you have all the info below. We miss you and wish you all the very best. Stay safe and be well!
Return to In-Person Learning Video!
Please, watch this video before we return to in-person learning. In the video, our students and staff walk you through everything you'll need to know to make sure we all have a SAFE and SUCCESSFUL return to school.
The Green Check! Very Important!
At the start of each in-person school day, you MUST pass through the health screening check point in the Commons and show us your "Green Check" on your phone or laptop. You receive this Green Check by completing your daily health screening to declare that you do not currently have any of the Covid symptoms listed in the health screening survey. If you have any of the conditions described in the survey, you are required to stay home for the day. Do not check a symptom if you know it is related to a non-Covid condition (ex: asthma). We will need to have approximately 450 students pass through the check-in station within a 15 minute period, so please take the time to figure out the system that will be the fastest and easiest for you. There are several ways to complete the screening and get your Green Check. Here are the ways to complete the screening and get your Green Check:
- You can use the button in DORA called "FPHS Student Daily Symptom Checker." Click HERE for a video tutorial.
- You can use the QR code below. This QR code will be posted all over school, on your bus, and sent home with students to keep on your refrigerator, in your room, etc. Make sure your phone has a QR code reader. Click HERE for a video tutorial.
- Parents, you will receive a daily email with a link to the health screening survey. Please, do NOT complete the survey unless you intend to email or text the Green Check to your student for them to show us at the check-in station. The STUDENT must have the Green Check at the check-in station.
- Parents, in your daily email with the survey link, you will have the option of designating a cell phone number to receive the survey link via text. You CAN designate your student to receive that daily text to complete his/her own health screening survey. Students, the Green Check telling you you're cleared to go to school will expire after a time, so you must take a screen shot of the Green Check to show us at the check-in station. Parents, even if you designate your child to receive the daily text, you will still continue to receive the email and a confirmation that the survey was complete. Click HERE for a video tutorial.
All of these options can be completed via cell phone or student laptop. If a student requires a paper copy of the attestation, we do have those available as well. Paper attestations will take a little longer to complete, so please plan accordingly.
Return to In-Person Learning:
Return to In-Person Learning: Frequently Asked Questions ... (newest on top)
- Will hall lockers be available? No, for Covid safety and sanitation, lockers will not be available at the start of our in-person learning. We may revisit this in a few weeks if the need arises.
- If I drive myself to school, do I need a parking permit? Yes, and you'll need to register your vehicle with our ASB Bookkeeper, Ms. Angermeir, within the first two weeks of our return. There will be no charge for parking passes this year.
- Where are my classes? Although you've been in online classes with your teachers, you might not know where your actual classes are for in-person learning. Make sure you write down your schedule and room numbers or save it on your phone. There's a campus map below, and there will be plenty of folks helping to get you to the right classroom on those first few days. We will have paper maps available and posted.
- Will school clubs be able to meet in person? Yes! Clubs can meet in person after school. All COVID safety guidelines still apply: social distancing, masks, maximum room capacity, etc. Students will need to head directly to their club meeting location after school to be supervised by their Advisor.
- How many students will be on campus each day? We have about 75% of our students choosing to return to in-person learning. As a result, we anticipate between 400 and 450 students on campus each day. As a reminder, we have to check all of those students in each day in about a 15 minute window in order to get everyone to class on time. This is why the "Green Check" info above is so important!
- If I choose to remain fully remote, can I change my mind later (or vice versa)? Yes.
- Will we have any lessons on what to expect? Yes, on March 11 and 12, teachers delivered mini-lessons in all classes about what to expect for in-person learning. That presentation is also below. We also have a video on what to expect below.
- What about PE classes?
- All PE students need to come to school in athletic shoes/clothes that they can work out in.
- Students will NOT have access to the locker rooms and therefore will NOT be changing into PE clothes this Spring. It is important to note that students will still be working out, or/walking, jogging during class, and need to be prepared for activity.
- PE classes will go outside as much as possible weather permitting, so students should have a jacket or cold weather clothing. (Certain classes ie: Walking Fitness should plan for outdoor everyday.)
- Students will be required to keep their masks on inside or outside. Masks are required for all PE activities.
- Students should bring a water bottle to class as drinking fountains will not be used.
- Do I need to bring my laptop to school? Yes, all in-person students must bring their fully-charged laptop and charger to school every day. Students should also bring headphones each day.
- What if I'm feeling sick? If you're feeling sick at home, stay home, and contact your health care provider for next steps. If you're feeling sick at school, let your teacher know right away. You'll be removed from your classes and isolated from others until your parent can come pick you up to take you home.
- What time can I come to school? Students cannot arrive on campus or be dropped off until 7:55am. Classes start at 8:15am. If you arrive before 7:55am, please remain in your vehicle until 7:55am.
- What will the end of the day look like? All students must leave campus immediately at the end of the day. Students waiting for a ride, must wait at the front of the school near the flagpole. Students with sports or clubs must go directly to their meeting location to be supervised by their coach or club advisor. If your sport does not meet right after school, students must leave campus and come back when your practice begins.
- What if I'm a Pierce County Skills Center student? Your PCSC schedule was shared with you by Ms. Ledbetter. You will attend the Skills Center for a full day on Wednesdays only. You will attend your FPHS classes on Thursday or Friday based on your cohort.
- When do we start? March 22nd!
- What will it look like? To maintain social distancing, we can only have half the students on campus at a time. Cohort A (last names A - L) will attend in-person classes on Monday (periods 1, 2, 3) and Thursday (periods 4, 5, 6). Cohort B (last names M - Z) will attend in-person classes on Tuesday (periods 1, 2, 3) and Friday (periods 4, 5, 6). Wednesdays will remain asynchronous (independent work time).
- What's the schedule? See the schedule below.
- What do I do on my remote days? You will Zoom into your class like you're doing now. The difference will be that while you're half of the class is Zooming in, the other half of the class will be in-person on campus receiving the same instruction at the same time. You still have class 4 days per week (2 in person, 2 remote).
- Will I have the same teachers and classes? Yes.
- Can I choose to remain fully remote? Yes. You will just continue to Zoom into classes like you are now while your classmates are receiving the same instruction in-person at the same time.
- Will breakfasts be served on campus? No, to help maintain social distancing, breakfasts will not be served or eaten on campus. Free breakfast grab bags will be available for all students to take home. Breakfasts should be eaten at home before coming to school. Breakfast should not be eaten on the bus.
- Will lunch be served on campus? Yes, we will have 3 lunches of about 150 students each in order to help maintain social distancing. See the schedule below. Lunch is free for all students. Lunches will be in prepackaged grab bags (not buffet/cafeteria style). Students must remain seated in the cafeteria or commons while eating. All seats are positioned to maintain social distancing. Students must sit in their assigned seat with an opportunity to change seats about every 5 weeks. Of course, masks may be removed while eating but must be worn again as soon as students are finished eating. The courtyard is available for students who want some fresh air and a chance to walk and stretch. Masks must still be worn while outside in the courtyard and social distancing must be maintained. Students may listen to headphones during lunch. Important: lunches are based on your Period 3 class for Monday and Tuesday and on your Period 6 class on Thursday or Friday, which means you may have a different lunch on each of those days.
- Are drinking fountains available? No, drinking fountains are not available. All students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and not share water bottles. Water bottle refill stations are available in the commons and gym foyer.
- What are the Covid safety guidelines? The standard guidelines are 1) All students and staff must wear masks properly throughout the entire day; 2) All students and staff must maintain social distancing; 3) All students and staff must wash/sanitize their hands frequently throughout the day; 4) All students and staff must stay home if you're not feeling well or showing any Covid symptoms. There are many additional safeguards that we'll continue to share (ex: daily cleaning protocols), but those are the 4 major guidelines from the Health Department.
- What if a student refuses to follow the safety guidelines? If a student repeatedly refuses or fails to follow our Covid safety guidelines, the student will be assigned to fully remote learning and will attend all classes from home.
- Can I change my cohort? Yes, a PARENT can request a cohort change. However, our first cohort designations will be based strictly on last names alphabetically so that we can create balanced cohorts. We will honor cohort change requests after the first two weeks ONLY if we can maintain balanced cohorts. This is critical in order for us to maintain social distancing while in-person. Cohort A = Last names A - L. Cohort B = Last names M - Z.
- When will I know about my bus route and number? The Transportation Department will have that information ready for families by March 15. You can find your bus route and times using this LINK and the username "guest" and password "guest".
- Will I have to check-in at school on my in-person days? Yes, all students must complete an online health screening (attestation) on your phone or computer before arriving at school. When arriving, all students must report to the courtyard immediately and enter the Commons through the courtyard doors to show their health screening (green check) and receive a stamp before proceeding directly to your first class of the day.
- Where can I get more information? For district information on reopening schools, visit HERE . For state guidelines for reopening schools visit HERE. For the most current info regarding Pierce County Covid case numbers, visit HERE.
Here's a School Map with Teacher Names and Room Numbers:
Hybrid Schedule starting March 22!
Attendance FAQs for Parents:
-If my student is in hybrid learning but won’t be attending in person, can they still attend their classes virtually?
Students who are scheduled to be in-person, but do not attend, will be marked absent by the teacher. There may be circumstances when a student needs to miss in-person instruction but is still able to participate remotely. In this case, it's important to call the Attendance Coordinator to report the in-person absence. This will ensure the appropriate excusal code is entered.
-If my student is in remote learning, do I need to report their absence if they will not be attending class?
Students who are scheduled for remote learning will be marked absent if they do not attend their live class sessions. If your child cannot attend their live class sessions due to illness, apt, etc., please contact the Attendance Coordinator. This will ensure the appropriate excusal code is entered.
-How do I report an absence? What time should I report my student's absence?
You can report your student's absence by phone or by email. Stephanee Disney, Attendance Coordinator can be reached at 253-298-3813 or sdisney@fpschools.org
It is important to report your student's absence before 9:00am to avoid the auto-dialer message and ensure the appropriate excusal code is entered.
-What do the attendance auto dialer calls mean?
Beginning Monday, March 22nd, two different automated messages will be deployed, depending on the absence situation. Below are two scenarios to help make sense of these messages.
Scenario 1-Student does not attend scheduled in-person class: If the Attendance Coordinator does not receive an absence report by 9:00am, an auto-dialer phone call will deploy stating your child missed In-Person class.
Scenario 2-Student does not attend their scheduled remote class: If your student does not attend their live remote class, an auto-generated email will go out to families the following school day.
Hey, Freshmen!
Hey, Sophomores!
The winner of the Sophomore Class Competitions is Mrs. Pascals’ Advisory. Prizes will be given to Mrs. Pascal for distribution!
Hey, Seniors!
- Graduation Info: Find Senior Info and Grad Info HERE. Our FPHS Graduation date is set for June 17 at 6pm at the WA State Fairgrounds. Note: All graduation event plans are tentative and will depend on the current state and county Covid restrictions or guidelines in place at that time.
- Senior Exit Interviews: To complete this graduation requirement, all seniors will be interviewed about their journey through high school and their future plans. In order to schedule an interview with their Cardinal Connections Advisor, students need to complete the following six things: 1. Academic and personal goals for the year; 2. Activity Log; 3. High school and beyond plan essay; 4. Verify knowledge of financial aid; 5. Interest assessment; and 6. Senior credit check meeting with their counselor. On Thursday March 11th, students should receive an email containing the interview questions, the rubric, and a survey. Students need to respond to the survey via the email.
FPHS Virtual 5K!
Register now for the FPHS Virtual 5K, for March 26-28, 2021. Click HERE for all of the details and to sign up (sign up now to guarantee a shirt)! All are welcome!
March Culture Calendar
March is ...
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: Learn more HERE.
3/8: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/17: ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/21: INTL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION: Learn more HERE.
- 3/26: PRINCE KUHIO DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/28: PALM SUNDAY AND PASSOVER: Learn more HERE.
- 3/29: NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY: Learn more HERE.
- 3/31: CESAR CHAVEZ DAY: Learn more HERE.
Wonder Woman Spirit Gear for Women's History Month!
(Yes, the Superman hoodie is available too.)
New Schedule for High Schools in 2021-22!
Dear Franklin Pierce Students and Families:
As we work through challenges and opportunities related to the 2020-2021 school year, we continue to plan for the future and consider different ways to promote student achievement. After considering the requirements of the state’s Core 24 model, consulting with other districts, and gathering input from teachers and building and district leaders over the past few years, our two comprehensive high schools (FPHS and WHS) will transition our current 6-period schedule to a 4x8 block schedule (4 class periods/day and 8 courses/semester) beginning in the Fall of 2021.
Through this transition, we hope to take advantage of the following opportunities:
- Build on the momentum of the block schedule that we implemented through remote and hybrid learning during the 2020-2021 school year.
- Create additional capacity to make up for this year’s lost learning opportunities as a result of COVID-19.
- Provide greater opportunities for more students to access our core curriculum.
- Provide students with more opportunities to explore a greater variety of subjects that advance their personal and professional aspirations.
There will be many details to work out in the weeks and months ahead, but we wanted to take this opportunity to share this information with you. Know that this decision was not taken lightly and that we are committed to working with staff, students, and families on a successful transition.
LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL:
Family and Community Engagement
The Franklin Pierce High School Food & Hygiene Pantry is available for all students and their families.
Use this LINK to view our current food & hygiene pantry options. Please mark the items you need and staff will put together a bag or box. We will contact you when your bag is ready for pick up or delivery.
Additional ways to request items: You can request a paper copy of this form by contacting Bonita Lee at blee@fpschools.org or call 253-298-3837 to request items via phone.
Social Justice, Equity, and Anti-Racist Resources:
- The group Stop AAPI Hate has found nearly 3,800 racial incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders were reported from March 2020 to February 2021. In the video below, Diane Fujino, a professor of Asian American studies at UC Santa Barbara, spoke with CBSN's "Red & Blue" about the hate targeting this population and its long history in the U.S.
The first step in ALLYSHIP is LISTENING.
The second step is BELIEVING.
The third step is ACTION. Get involved and create the positive change you want to see in the world.
FPHS Sports
FPHS Athletes and Families,
We are in the final week of season 1 for the 2021 school year! Important dates and times for post season crossovers is listed below. If you are needing to reach out to a coach of a spring sport program please look at the contact information below for each program. Spring sports officially start on Monday, March 29th!
- Track and Field (Boys and Girls)
- Coach Howard Lutton & Coach Amy Utecht
- Hlutton@fpschools.org & Autecht@fpschools.org
- Baseball
- Coach Nick Aloisio
- Naloisio@fpschools.org
- Softball
- Coach Jen Bruce
- Jbruce@fpschools.org
- Soccer (Boys)
- Coach Brandon Henry
- Bhenry@fpschools.org
- Tennis (Girls)
- Coach Tyler Parsons
- Tparsons@fpschools.org
If you are planning on participating in any of the spring sports the process is the same as before. Be sure to have a registered in FamilyID and be certain to have physical which was completed within the last two years. Below is the link for registration for spring sports.
https://www.familyid.com/organizations/franklin-pierce-high-school
Boys and Girls Golf
The boys and girls golf team are heading into the final week of the season and are scheduled to have their post season tournament at Eagle’s Pride in Lacey, Washington on Wednesday, March 31st and Thursday, April 1st.
Cross Country (Boys and Girls)
Every single week the boys and girls cross country team has continued to improve and get better. A majority of the team had huge personal bests in their home meet against Fife and Foss just this Thursday. Next week they will go head to head with Washington High School and Clover Park High School at the Marymount Event Center. The top 7 varsity runners for the girls and the boys will head to the SPSL League Championships on Saturday, March 27th at Fort Steilacoom Park. Races start at 11:30AM and should both wrap up before 12:45PM
Football
The Cardinal Football team had an amazing performance in their home opener against Clover Park HS. The Cards were once again carried by a strong defense that forced multiple turnovers and helped get great field position for the offense! The offense was able to capitalize on the turnovers scoring multiple touch downs with a strong run game and some clutch pass plays from Kellen Reilley. Tonight the Cardinals will be playing Eatonville at Franklin Pierce Stadium.
Girls Soccer
The girls soccer team is entering their final week of the season and will be playing in a league 1 game playoff to wrap up their season. Based on current records and standings it currently looks like FPHS will be hosted by Orting HS next week for the playoffs. Stay informed by visiting FPHScards.com for any changes to the opponent or standings in this final week!
Girls Swim
All swim meets have been virtual but the FP girls will go head to head with Fife HS to have an in person swim meet at the Fife Aquatic Center on March 23rd. There is potential that this swim meet will be streamed live! Once confirmed we will share a link to the live swim meet via our Franklin Pierce HS Facebook page. In other news for swim… the possibility of an in-person league championship was discussed by the SPSL. If this becomes a reality it will be hosted on Saturday, March 27th at Mount Tahoma HS. Please reach out to the head coach for updates on this potential swim meet as all updates will be relayed through the coach moving forward.
Athletics video below about fans at games and competitions:
FPHS Club Info:
- ESports Team: Do you play CS:GO, Overwatch, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, Rainbow Six: Siege, Hearthstone, NBA 2K21, Minecraft, Valorant, 10 Minute Chess, Call of Duty? Join our ESports Team. Contact Mr. Lindsey at jlindsey@fpschools.org for more info.
- Black Student Union: The BSU Meets every other Wednesday from 2:00pm-3:00pm. We are currently meeting on Zoom. If students are interested in joining a meeting, please email Blee@fpschools.org
- Latin@s Unid@s: Culture, resources, support, friends; Cultura, recursos, apoyo, amistad. We meet on Mondays at 1:55pm in room 404 or on Zoom. For more info, contact Mr. Call at dcall@fpschools.org.
- KPOP Club: FP Korean Club was formed so students at the high school can gather and have the opportunity to take part in learning the Korean language, Korean culture and KPOP dances. We will start meeting in person every Thursday starting April 1 in room 902 at 2:15pm.
Yearbooks!
Homework Center: Free Tutoring Daily
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am to 12pm and 2pm - 4pm.
- Wednesdays: 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm.
HW Center LINK.
Assessment Center!
Assessment Updates:
State Testing
Washington State is currently working with the Biden administration to seek a waiver to "skip" state testing this year. If this does not get approved at the federal level, we will conduct the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in Math and ELA as well as the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). If this is the case, state assessments will be administered this Spring. We've also learned that assessments will have fewer questions and prompts than previous non-Covid years. More information to come.
College Board Testing
These exams include PSAT, SAT, and AP exams. In Fall, FPS decided not to offer PSAT or SAT due to Covid restrictions and College Board requirements. Recently, our region has moved to the moderate Covid phase which allows us to bring more students back in a variety of settings. We are reviewing our current safety protocols and testing guidelines to see how we can provide opportunities for students to access these assessments this Spring.
At this time, you can expect that students enrolled in AP courses will be taking the AP exam in Spring. Testing may take place remotely or in person. We are currently in the planning stage and will notify families as soon as our plan is set.
For all College Board exams, preparation materials and resources can be found on their website. https://www.collegeboard.org
SAT
On April 27, 2021 Junior and Senior students will have the opportunity to take the SAT exam on campus. While we usually offer this test for all Juniors, this year we are asking students to opt-in. Testing will take place during the school day, and Covid safety measures will be followed. Please follow this LINK to sign-up for testing.
If your student is a senior, they may consider taking the SAT if they have not yet met standard for the state test in English or Math. If you are unsure of your students’ graduation status, please contact their counselor.
Resources
School Resources:
- District Website: https://www.fpschools.org/
- Franklin Pierce HS Website
- FPS Remote Learning Website
- IT Help Desk for Students and Parents: 253-298-4647, 7:30AM to 4PM.
- Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
- FPS Breakfast and Lunch Program: www.fpschools.org/meals
- FPS Education Resources: https://www.fpschools.org/exended-closure-resources-and-information/closure-educational-resources
- Want to add Canvas to your phone? Android or iOS. Once you download the app, search "fpschools" to find our district.
- FPHS Facebook page.
- FPHS Twitter page.
- FPHS Instagram page.
- Information about GRADES and GRADING.
- Information about BUSES.
- District CALENDAR.
- Information about ATTENDANCE.
- How to access and use DORA.
- Zoom Tutorial HERE.
COVID- 19 Resources:
- District Website: https://www.fpschools.org/
- Gov. Inslee's COVID-19 updates web page: https://www.governor.wa.gov/tags/covid-19-coronavirus
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Community Resources:
- District resources and partners: https://www.fpschools.org/departments/family-engagement-office/community-resources
- Check with your phone and internet provider: many providers are offering free and/or unlimited data, internet etc. during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
- Financial Resources: https://dfi.wa.gov/coronavirus/financial-resources