Totem Newsletter
April 2020
Totem Family, we are in unprecedented times and we understand this might be a very stressful time. We are here for you, please don't hesitate to reach out should you need us.
School To Home Lessons
Learning at Home
While Federal Way Public Schools are closed, we are partnering with families and community to support our scholars’ learning while they are home. Our approach ensures equitable learning access for ALL students. Because there are limitations to going to an online only model, we have mailed 6-weeks of standards-based learning activities to ensure all students have access to essential learning and practice while schools are closed.
Teachers may also provide additional instructional learning materials to students.
Additionally, teachers will be available to provide students and parents assistance with these learning activities via email.
In the items mailed home, you will find hardcopy lessons and activities for use at home. The contents can be completed without the use of technology or online supports.
The purpose of this work is to provide the ability for your child to practice standards they’ve previously been taught this school year. You can support your child’s learning by doing the following:
- Share the importance of studying and completing schoolwork so they do not experience a gap in learning
- Provide space/location to allow for quiet practice of skills
- Celebrate the completion of work
These activities are also accessible online in the following locations:
- ParentVUE Login: https://grades.fwps.org
- StudentVUE Login: https://grades.fwps.org
- Canvas for Students: https://fwps.instructure.com
- Parent Portal School to Home Resources: https://www.fwps.org/Page/7420
Although not required for learning, there are resources referenced at the end of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to access additional learning online.
In addition to what is provided across the district, individual teachers may offer suggested projects or activities for practice that pertain to their particular class.
We embrace our parents and caregivers as vital partners in the education of all our scholars, as reflected in our strategic plan commitment of “schools can’t do it alone”. We care deeply about your child’s academic and social emotional learning.
If you have questions or need further support related to these learning activities, please email your child’s teacher or call 253-945-2006.
Learning Resources Grades 3-8
In addition to the resources provided in the lessons and learning activities mailed home, you may find the folllowing resources helpful:
Time for Kids
https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/
Scholastic for Kids
https://kids.scholastic.com/kids/home/
BBC History for Kids
https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/
Human Body Systems Overview Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEUu-A2wfSE
Writing Process Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edZkuHHXDlo
SBA Practice
https://wa.portal.airast.org/training-tests.stml
iReady My Path
Online Extension for Reading and Math
http://www.clever.fwps.org/
https://www.khanacademy.org/
Free Meals for Children 18 and Under
On March 25, 2020 the Federal Way Public Schools meals program is expanding with eight additional sites for a total of 21 sites to feed children in our community.
Children ages 18 and under have access to free meals at no cost during the school closure. Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, each child may receive two free meals: one breakfast and one lunch.
“Grab and go” meals are available through April 24, 2020, except the week of spring break April 6 – 10, 2020. Meals are available Monday through Friday.
Federal Way Public Schools school sites:
- Decatur High School, 2800 SW 320th St Federal Way, WA 98023, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Federal Way High School, 30611 16th Ave S Federal Way, WA 98003, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Thomas Jefferson High School, 4248 S 288th St Auburn, WA 98001, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Todd Beamer High School, 35999 16th Ave S Federal Way, WA 98003, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Additional school sites beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020:
- Adelaide Elementary School, 1635 SW 304th st Federal Way WA 98023, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Mark Twain Elementary School, 2450 S Star Lake RD Federal Way WA 98003, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Twin Lakes Elementary School, 4400 SW 320th st Federal Way WA 98023, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Community sites:
- Appian Way, 25818 26th Pl S Kent, WA 98032, 12:20 – 1:25 p.m.
- Camelot Square, 3001 S 288th St Federal Way, WA 98003, 10:45 – 11:50 a.m.
- Campus View, 163 S 340th St Federal Way WA 98003, 1:55 – 3:00 p.m.
- Crestview West, 27912 Pacific Hwy S Federal Way, WA 98003, 1:55 – 3:00 p.m.
- Enchanted Woods, 2020 S 360th St Federal Way, WA 98003, 10:45 – 11:50 a.m.
- Kitts Corner, 1201 S 336th St Federal Way WA 98003, 10:45 – 11:50 a.m.
- Uptown Square, 1066 S 320th St Federal Way WA 98003, 12:20 – 1:25 p.m.
- Park 16, 35703 16th Ave S Federal Way, WA 98003, 12:20 – 1:25 p.m.
- Westway, 33400 21st Ave SW Federal Way, WA 98023, 1:55 – 3:00 p.m.
Additional community sites beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020:
- Avery at Reserve, 125 SW Campus Dr. Federal Way WA 98023, 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Glen Park, 952 SW Campus Dr Federal Way, WA 98023, 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 345 S. 312th St Federal Way WA 98003, 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Pavilion, 1900 SW Campus Dr. Federal Way WA 98023, 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- View at the Lake, 30602 Pac Highway S. Federal Way WA 98003, 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m
Keeping Totem Clean
Since we closed, our wonderful custodial staff has been working extra hard to ensure our building has been disinfected and will be ready for our scholars when we return.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Totem's new Head Custodian, Tom Crow. Tom comes to use from Green Gables Elementary. Mr. Crow works during the school day, so wave and say hello when you see him.
(Pictured is Tom with his 2 cats, Mr. Biggs, the Sphynx and Ohm, the furry fella)
Show Us What You're Doing
Finding creative ways to engage in at home learning? Show us what learning from home looks like!
You can email those pictures to the office manager, Ms. Nelsen, at: mnelsen@fwps.org
Let's Not Forget To Have Fun
Not all teaching is done with books and computers.
Show us that too! Send us pictures, stories or ideas about the unconventional learning/teaching that is taking place in your home.
These will be posted to our Facebook page as well. You can email the office manager, Ms. Nelsen, at: mnelsen@fwps.org
**NEW** Text Messaging Opt-In
Federal Way Public Schools Parents and Guardians,
In addition to voice and email messaging from the district and the schools, parents can now opt-in to receive text messaging through our automated messaging system.
To opt-in, read and follow the attached instructions. They’re also available on our website: www.fwps.org.
Totem Middle School
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/