Federal Way Public Schools News
October 8, 2021
Hello Staff, Families, and Community,
It’s been a full week of teaching, learning, and supporting scholars! Here are a few highlights from this week:
- We celebrated the new Mirror Lake Elementary School with our Ribbon Cutting Celebration video, available below and at www.fwps.org/RibbonCutting.
- We launched Talkspace, a mental health service available to FWPS staff and scholars ages 13 and up.
- Right now, today October 8, until 7 p.m., we are hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic with OmLife Health at Todd Beamer High School! If you can’t attend today’s event, don’t worry — there will be another opportunity coming up on October 28.
October is filled with college and career preparedness activities for scholars across the district that encourage Persistence to Graduation (Goal 5). Starting with DiscoverU next week, PreK through grade 12 scholars will participate in an annual week of college-going and career activities to explore opportunities for their futures.
Additionally, next week, students will take steps toward preparing for college. On Wednesday, October 13, scholars in grades 8-11 will take the PSAT, and scholars in grade 12 will take the SAT – both important assessments to prepare for college entry, offered at no cost to our scholars.
Finally, later this month, on October 27, middle and high school scholars are invited to explore options for their future at our annual Life After High School Virtual College and Career Fair. At this event, your child can learn about financial aid opportunities, visit virtual booths for local colleges, attend workshops, and more.
We believe every student has limitless potential, and it is our privilege to provide these opportunities for our scholars to learn, thrive, and succeed. I hope you and your child take time to engage in these events and spend time exploring career interests and planning for their bright futures.
In partnership,
Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, Superintendent
Explore College and Careers During DiscoverU Week, Oct. 11-15.
School and community partners will lead a week of college and career exploration activities for scholars to expand their interests and identify career path options. They will also learn about the education and skills needed to reach their career goals.
The week of themes include:
- Monday: Discover Local Jobs
- Tuesday: Lead Your Community
- Wednesday: Classroom to Career
- Thursday: College Gear Day
- Friday: Flash Forward Friday
To learn more about the week of events, visit our website or reach out to your school to learn how to participate.
Plan for the future at the annual Life After High School Event!
Middle and high school scholars, save the date to attend the annual Life After High School Virtual College and Career Fair happening on Wednesday, October 27 from 6-8 p.m.
You have the power to pursue your dreams – whether that be at a college or university, military academy, apprenticeship, or technical school. Come to the fair to explore how you can take the next step by learning more about financial aid options, how to make money while learning, playing sports in college, college application essays, and more!
Learn more at www.fwps.org/LAHS.
New Building Developments at Star Lake and Totem
As you know, Star Lake Elementary and Totem Middle School will share some common spaces. In the most recent developments to the shared spaces, both kitchen equipment and interior wall glazing for the Active Learning room have been installed. Additionally, landscape plantings are currently being placed along the road while the courtyard sidewalk formwork is being installed.
Star Lake Elementary School is closer to being move-in ready! Stair treads are being installed, and the school will have new gymnasium flooring within the next few weeks.
At Totem Middle School, many items are underway as well. The concrete entry walkway has been poured, gym bleachers have been installed, and the outdoor play area and basketball court are now ready for use with freshly poured asphalt.
Star Lake
Courtyard
Totem
Watch again: Mirror Lake Elementary Virtual Ribbon-Cutting Celebration
Watch the video below or view all recent ribbon-cutting celebrations at www.fwps.org/RibbonCutting.
JOIN OUR TEAM OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS!
Our bus drivers are committed to safety, customer service, equity, and genuinely care about our diverse student population.
- Paid training at $22/hr
- $250 paid immediately after passing the CDL road test
- Additional $250 paid after completing 45 workdays with Federal Way Public Schools
COVID UPDATE
Governor Jay Inslee announced an additional safety measure for schools - all school district staff are required to be fully vaccinated or submit a medical or religious exemption by October 18, 2021. This requirement does not apply to students. We will continue to support staff as we adjust to this new requirement.
To view the latest COVID-19 data on the King County dashboard click here:
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/key-indicators.aspx
We will continue to closely monitor the rate of COVID-19 infection and follow the health and safety guidance of the Washington State Department of Health as we welcome students back to in-person learning.
To help keep everyone safe, parents/guardians and staff members are asked to monitor for symptoms. Scholars and staff members will stay home when potential COVID-19 symptoms are present. If your child is showing symptoms, it is recommended that you take them to be tested for COVID-19.
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