Good News January 15, 2019

Students from Thomas Jefferson High School and Federal Way Public Academy placed at a speech and debate competition

Students from Thomas Jefferson High School and Federal Way Public Academy placed at a speech and debate competition hosted by our district with 300 students, from 25 schools in the region.

Thanks to coaches Andrew Buchan, Meykia Smith and Isaiah Parker, and captains Avanti Bryant, Maria Thompson and Brooke Meadows for their support in this competition!

We would like to recognize the following scholars. 

• Stephen Kaminski, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Impromptu, first place
• Christiana Terrazas, Thomas Jefferson, Open Dramatic Interpretation, first place
• Cade Homfeldt, Thomas Jefferson, Open Impromptu, second place
• Alexa Mearns, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Dramatic Interpretation, second place
• Amy Ojeaburu, Federal Way Public Academy, Novice Oratory, second place
• Diviana Sumer and Christiana Terrazas, Thomas Jefferson, Open Duo Interpretation, third place
• Isabel Borchers, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Expository, third place
• Andrew Dibble, Thomas Jefferson, Novice Oratory, third place

We are proud of these scholars who are practicing their skills as Active Learners: Engaged, Empowered Critical Thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan!

Scholars from each of our high schools participated in the Federal Way Public Schools Scholar Art Exhibit 

Scholars from each of our high schools participated in the Federal Way Public Schools Scholar Art Exhibit which featured visual art such as photography and paintings. This exhibit was part of the Federal Way High School grand opening celebration.

In addition to the group of art judges that selected the top three winners, the community also got involved. Members of the community comprised of 109 parents, staff, students, Federal Way High School alumni, community members and more voted for their top three art pieces.

We’d like to invite the winners of the art exhibit forward to be recognized:

For the art judges selection:

• Henry Youngjohn and Astrid Anderson, Federal Way High School, first place
• Eden Beyene, Federal Way High School, second place
• Seung Hong, Decatur, third place

 For the community members selection:

• Eden Beyene, Federal Way High School, first place
• Anastasia Smalley, Federal Way High School, second place
• Decatur High School Student, third place

Scholars, we are proud of your dedication to the arts as you continue to become Active Learners; Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan!

Thomas Jefferson High School scholars placed at the National 2018 Fall Startup Mathematics contest

Thomas Jefferson High School scholars competed against almost 1,000 students and earned 13^th place at the National 2018 Fall Startup Mathematics contest.

This is an individual competition where each student tries to solve as many problems as they can within a time limit in areas such as arithmetic and calculus. In support of Active Learning, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan, students use critical thinking to quickly assess which problems to solve and which to skip.

Two students received individual awards. Zach Botz placed fourth in the 11^th grade division while Nick Kim was 15^th among the 12^th graders.

Would the Thomas Jefferson math scholars who placed please come forward to be recognized?

Math coach Tom Norris and administrators are welcome to come forward at this time.

Congratulations, we are so proud of you!

Fourth annual Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Gift Giving Event 

In December, our community united to make a difference for scholars and families at the fourth annual Federal Way Cares for Kids Holiday Gift Giving Event! Volunteers partnered with parents to complete holiday shopping for their children, and others enjoyed holiday-themed arts and crafts. This year, 294 families and 1,100 children received support.

We are here to recognize Federal Way Cares for Kids board members and supporting organizations for coordinating the event.

We would like to recognize the following Federal Way Cares for Kids board members and supporting organizations:

· Tracy Oster, Communities in Schools

· Jennifer Youngblood, Communities in Schools

· Kevin Crossen, South King Fire and Rescue

· Linda Monaghan, Grace Church

· Donna Froman, Grace Church

· Gina Duckett, Qualstar Credit Union

· Chief Andy Hwang, Federal Way Police Department

Any other Federal Way Cares for Kids organizations that are tonight are  welcome to come forward too.

This effort aligns with our Strategic Plan Goal 2 Whole Child efforts so our scholars can be Thriving, Confident, Responsible Individuals. Thanks again for your support!

Over 350 scholars compete in the Battle of the Math Brains competition

We are here to celebrate scholars who demonstrated their math skills in the recent Battle of the Math Brains event. Over 350 “mathlete-scholars” in third through fifth grade from 15 elementary schools across the district participated. During this fun competition, scholars took an individual test and participated in group math contests including a scavenger hunt.

We’d like recognize scholars who placed first through third for their grade level. When I call your name please come forward. Teachers and administrators are welcome to come forward too.

Grade 3:

• Ian Lee, Brigadoon, first place
• Crosby Snow, Meredith Hill, second place
• Stephen Kim, Enterprise, third place

Grade 4:

• Jonathan Kim, Lake Dolloff, first place
• Vincent Schliewe, Adelaide, second place
• Kailen Woods, Meredith Hill, third place

Grade 5:

• Andrew Hyun, Nautilus, first place
• Hayden Lum, Brigadoon, second place
• Winston Nguyen, Brigadoon, third place

We’d also like to recognize the highest-scoring teams. Scholars, when I call your team, please come forward to be recognized.

Grade 3:

• Brigadoon Hamburgers, first place
• Green Gables Zombie Rubber Duckies, second place
• Meredith Hill Crazy Mathematics, third place

Grade 4:

• Woodmont K–8 AABL, first place
• Lake Dolloff Dolphins 5, second place
• Enterprise Mathematicians, third place

Grade 5:

• Nautilus Virtual Math, first place
• Brigadoon One in a Chi-million, second place
• Adelaide Eagles 2, third place

Activities such as this help scholars develop into Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers, Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan! Congratulations, mathematicians!

Todd Beamer High School scholar placed third in the state championship for one-meter diving, and won the MVP for the NPSL Olympic Division for diving and first team honors

Congratulations to Todd Beamer High School’s Stephenie Gunn who placed third in the state championship for one meter diving, and won the MVP for the NPSL Olympic Division for diving and first team honors! Stephenie, please come forward to be recognized.

Swim Coach Jennifer Larsen, Dive Coach Kelly Robertson, and other administrators are welcome to come forward too.

Participation in extracurricular activities is in direct support of Strategic Plan Goal 3, Active Learners — Engaged, Empowered, Critical Thinkers.

Way to go, we are proud of you!