Evergreen Family News
Dec 17,2021
Good Evening Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,
This week our scholars were able to visit our new building. They were very excited. We also looked at a video going over our expectations for moving over to the new building. We have our new name Evergreen and now our mascot Grizzles-
GO EVERGREEN GRIZZLIES!
Winter break Dec. 20-30th. Wishing all of you great times and good cheer this holiday season.
Looking forward to seeing all of you in 2022.
In Partnership,
LySander Collins
253 945 5100
The Highly Capable Program
The Highly Capable Program provides services to identified scholars (typically in math and/or English Language Arts) within the general education classroom at their current home school.
FWPS staff, families, community members and scholars may refer a K–11 scholar for consideration during the referral period of December 1, 2021 – January 10, 2022 for the 2022–23 school year.
For more information, and to complete a digital referral visit: www.fwps.org/Page/8219
College Bound Scholarship!
We are excited to share information regarding the College Bound Scholarship!
This scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible students who qualify in middle school and fulfill the College Bound pledge.
The program is administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council. To qualify for this aid, students must confirm eligibility by enrolling in the free-and-reduced lunch program by the end of his or her eighth-grade year, maintain a 2.0 GPA in high school, and apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for Student Financial Aid) senior year.
For more information check with your school counselor or visit: www.fwps.org/collegebound.
Attention Parents - Social Media
What are Scholars saying about Social Media?
1. SM has created a distraction and can contribute to cases of Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying
2. Postings on TikToc, Snapchat, Discord and other sites are having an impact on student well-being and safety - including re-posting and sharing
Things to know ~
· Scholars are disciplined to full extent when it impacts other scholars on campus
· Appropriate use of Social Media is taught in school through Advisory and other lessons
Nominate your Teacher!
Calling all scholars in grades 3-12: Nominate a staff member for the Because of You Award!
Students in grades 3-12 are invited to nominate any Federal Way Public Schools staff member in the district they believe has positively impacted them, their school, and/or their community for the “Because of You” award!
Students can fill out a nomination form on the district’s website at www.fwps.org/BecauseOfYou. All nomination forms are due by end of month.
Need to Connect with your child during school hours?
We know from time to time you will need to communicate with your child during the day. We want to support you as well as promote a productive classroom environment.
Scholars are asked to keep their phones stored in their backpacks during class time unless approved by the teacher for class assigned work.
If you need to speak to your child and it can wait, please call during their lunch time, see the bell schedules below for lunch times by grade level. Scholars are free to have phones out during lunch. If it is urgent that you communicate with them while they are in class we ask that you call the main office @ 253-945-5100and we will notify their teacher so that you can get in touch with them.
We appreciate your partnership!
From Nutrition Services
Starting December 13, 2021, we will transition back to serving bulk fruits and vegetables when possible which allows for increased quality and a variety. We will also re-implement share tables in our cafeterias. This brings FWPS in alignment with surrounding school districts and follows Public Health – Seattle & King County’s most recent guidance which includes using sneeze guards. Shared utensils will be washed, rinsed, and sanitized between each lunch period.
Safety For Scholars and Staff
We have appreciated your continued partnership as we have navigated our school year. Thank you for your continued partnership around the health and safety of your scholar. As you know, Federal Way Public schools is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for all scholars and staff.
As we have transitioned back to in person learning and are supporting the reteaching of school expectations, we have noticed an increase in non-school related items coming to school. As you are aware, all non-school related items need to stay at home. We are asking for your support in reteaching this expectation by checking your scholar’s backpack. If you find any non-school related items, please remove them from the backpack and reinforce with your scholar such items need to stay at home.
Please Review Your Contact Information
In case of emergency we need to be able to reach you or a trusted family member. Please go to your ParentVUE and review your emergency contact information so that we have accurate information.
Tutoring Opportunity for FWPS Scholars
Federal Way Public Schools is proud to announce the launch of Tutor.com, an online tutoring support for all scholars in grades 4-12. Tutor.com provides one-on-one tutoring in over 200 subject areas and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Scholars can access this supportive resource through Launchpad to Learning to receive math and reading support, SAT/PSAT prep, stress support, and much more from their tutor.
We encourage scholars and families to use this resource for one-on-one homework support to help your child stay on track academically.
Attention 8th grade families - Counseling Support Available
FWPS is proud to offer Talkspace, an online mental health care service available to all FWPS scholars ages 13 and older. If you would like to access this resource at no cost, follow these steps:
1. Click on the Talkspace link in Launchpad to Learning or visit www.talkspace.com/fwps and click “Get Started”
2. Enter your information.
3. Enter “FWPS Scholars” in the organization field.
4. You will be prompted to complete the Talkspace QuickMatch, a process to help you select your therapy provider.
5. Once you select your provider, you will have the chance to book and confirm a live 10-minute introductory call.
6. Finish setting up your account by setting your login information to include your preferred email address, password, nickname, and confirmation that you are 13 years of age or older.
7. You will receive an email to confirm your account. Once you verify your new account, you will be all set to start therapy!
Through Talkspace, you will have access to confidential and unlimited text, voice, and video messages, as well as two live video sessions per month. Your therapist will be available to you at least five days a week, and you can send messages 24/7.
If you have any questions about Talkspace, you can reach out to your school counselor for support.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Federal Way Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, religion, creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, marital or family status, veteran or military status; disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. The District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.