FWPS Welcomes New Certificated Staff Members at Annual Breakfast

On Thursday, August 17, Federal Way Public Schools hosted the fourth annual New to FWPS Breakfast at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Events Center, to give over 170 new certificated staff members a warm Federal Way welcome!

The morning opened with lively musical entertainment from Decatur High School’s jazz band and breakfast for new staff and accompanying principals and district leadership.

Once the program commenced, Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer and guest speakers including FWPS Board President Trudy Davis, FWEA President James Brown, Principal Dominique Dennis, and Teacher Andrew Jones provided words of inspiration and encouragement to teachers embarking on a new and exciting role. We also heard from rising Federal Way High School junior Olivia Goodwin, who shared how instrumental teachers are in shaping the futures of scholars and making an everlasting impact on students’ lives.

Olivia, who also served on the Scholar Advisory team to the Superintendent for five years and was a Scholar Representative to the Board, voiced how grateful she is to her teachers that fostered a safe and creative learning environment for her to succeed. She shared “I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve stayed after class to ask for advice from my teachers about college and career options.” Goodwin continued, “teachers have never just been adults who lecture at the front of a classroom. [they] all are advisors, friends, coaches, and some of our biggest supporters.”

Principal Dominique Dennis also encouraged this year’s new certificated staff by reminding staff that “being a member of Team Federal Way means you are never alone.” Dennis explained that we collectively share the same passion and dedication to supporting scholar success and that “collaboration and shared experiences make us all stronger and better-equipped to tackle the evolving landscapes of education. When students see their teachers collaborating, they learn the value of teamwork and the power of diverse minds coming together for a common purpose.”

Teacher Andrew Jones added what made FWPS incredible are the many “wonderful people in this district waiting to help you.” Jones even offered his support to the new staff and emphasized “the key is that it is imperative that you reach out.”

Today’s breakfast uncovered the theme of being radically hope-filled and with “our collective belief that we have the skills to impact and influence outcomes for our scholars, and the agency, or the will, to do so. We will set the conditions for our scholars to reach their full potential” remarked Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer. “Each of you will be an essential pillar of support for our young people, and you are here because you possess the unique talents, skills, and commitment that every scholar and family in Federal Way Public Schools deserves” Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer continued to share and urged the newly certificated staff to join her “in being Radically Hopeful as you ensure our scholars have a voice, a dream, and a BRIGHT future.”

Following the breakfast program, new staff headed to Thomas Jefferson High School to engage in the annual two-day New to FWPS Institute where they will meet with their school teams and prepare for the school year.

We are excited to welcome our new certificated staff, many of which are first-time teachers, to our district.