Totem Middle School
January 2020 Newsletter
Letter from Principal Watkins
We are transitioning to the New Year at Totem with high academic and behavioral expectations, quality teaching and learning, and improved systems school wide. Middle School proves to be an invaluable experience where students develop the skills and habits necessary for success. In fact, The Forgotten Middle, a 2008 study by testing company ACT, found that academic achievement in the eighth grade "had a larger impact on (students') college and career readiness by the time they graduate from high school than anything that happens in high school." As a result, this is the time to help build your child's foundation. Allow me to communicate some key points and reminders that are key for our scholars' developmental and academic growth.
Research continues to point out how middle school grades, attendance, and student engagement are the strongest predictors of high school and post-secondary readiness. By 2020 2/3 of all jobs will require post-secondary education. A post-secondary education is defines as any post-high school or equivalent institution in United States that includes the following: Vocational certificates, 2-Year Degrees, and/or 4-Year Degrees.
Family Action Point
- Create a regular routine for checking your scholar progress through ParentVUE.
- 8th Graders Especially - Begin your High School and Beyond Plan and develop an academic plan for high school courses in MaiaLearning.
- Learn more about CTE dual credit and recognized industry certifications that your future high school offers.
We continue to talk to Totem scholars about the importance of behaviors and strong habits that promote learning. These include reviewing class notes, summarizing that main learning points each day, and reading regularly both at home and at school. Students who read regularly, at least one hour a day, develop powerful critical thinking skills and increase their vocabulary skills. Reading is a serious game changer when it comes to brain development.
Family Action Point
- As a mother of teenage children myself, I struggle with how much our children are on the electronic device. My recommendation is to set limits on these devices and use them as an incentive after they have read for a set amount of time.
To support grades, attendance, and student engagement-we have recently implemented the Totem Homework Club. Students are invited by a teacher to attend Homework Club when they are showing that they need additional time on a specific standard. We expect that the implementation of Homework Club, will increase work completion, and thus, higher levels of learning in the new year.
Family Action Point
- We ask for your support when your child is invited to Homework Club. Their presence after school will support their ability to develop the necessary habits for successful learning.
I am so proud to serve as the Principal of the best middle school in Federal Way Public Schools. I love the scholars, the families, the staff and our community. I am especially proud of how all these groups work together to support bright futures for all.
Respectfully,
Shana Watkins
Principal
Are you checking ParentVUE?
Navigate to https://grades.fwps.org
- Select "I am a Parent"
- Login to ParentVUE using your ParentVUE account credentials
- Username
- Password
If you need help with login information, please call Mrs. Clements @ 253.945.5103
On ParentVUE you can view your child's attendance, see current grades, communicate with teachers, see upcoming or missing assignments.
Winter Temperatures
The building does not open until 7:30a.m., we do not have supervision earlier, so please do not drop off your child early. If they have to be here early, please make sure they have clothing to keep them warm while they wait.
In It Together Family Partnership Academy
The annual In It Together Family Partnership Academy is coming up soon! Beginning the last week of January, for five weeks, families will work together with school staff to discuss and practice authentic partnership strategies linked to scholar success. Space is limited at each site, so please RSVP if you're planning to attend: https://bit.ly/36pCgge
Please see the attached flyer https://storage.googleapis.com/pt06-2/messages/attachments/18906035aa0a602ce4277866e7fe647e71323d62/In_It_Together_Flyer_8.5x11_FINAL2.pdf
or visit www.fwps.org for more information.
Upcoming Important Events
- Jan. 6 - Feb. 7- Choice Enrollment open
- Jan. 15- Early Release 1 p.m.
- Jan. 15- Free, walk-in immunization clinic at Federal Way High School - Lower Commons 2:30pm-8:00pm
- Jan. 17- Latino Parent Night 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.
- Jan. 20- Martin Luther King Observance- No School
- Jan. 29- Early Release 1 p.m.
- Jan. 31- Semester Break- No School
Free, walk-in immunization clinic at Federal Way High School
Thank you for your support of the state law and district policy requiring that scholars meet immunization compliance laws.
In the interest of supporting families, the District will be co-hosting a free, walk-in immunization clinic at Federal Way High School - Lower Commons, on January 15, 2020 from 2:30pm – 8:00pm.
All district scholars who still need immunizations are encouraged to attend. Parent attendance is required for scholars to get immunizations.
Below are links for the flyer: ENGLISH
Below are links for the flyer: SPANISH
Choice Enrollment for 2020-2021 School Year
Existing Choice Families- You are not required to reapply except for non-residents students who are transitioning between grade spans such as elementary to middle to high school.
Cell Phone & Headphone Policy
Should you need to get a hold of your child, please call 253-945-5100.
ATTENDANCE COUNTS
Chronic absenteeism, missing two or more days of school per month, has a profoundly negative effect on scholar achievement. When your student has a tardy or absence, we encourage you to call the attendance secretary to give reasoning. Depending on the reason given, the absence may or may not be excused.
Please see Federal Way Public School & Washington State Law regarding attendance policy/law:
https://www.fwps.org/attendance
Encourage scholars to become involved in activities and sports after school. Scholars develop connections to caring adults & making friends. They become excited about being a part of their school environment.
Totem NO Horse-Playing Policy
Horseplay is defined as:
'Roughhousing, sometimes mock-wrestling, usually between two people or a group of people. "Horseplay" at first glance looks like actual fighting or wrestling until the more playful "fooling around" elements become visible, but horseplay sometimes can turn into real fighting. This is also including necking each other and other forms of physical contact (tag, play boxing, pushing, slapping, etc.)'
We want to clearly communicate that horse-playing, roughhousing and running are NOT allowed at Totem.
Totem Middle School Contact Information
Email: mnelsen@fwps.org
Website: https://www.fwps.org/totem
Location: 26630 40th Avenue South, Kent, WA, USA
Phone: 253-945-5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotemFWPS/