Gecko Gazette - Federal Way Public Schools

Gecko Gazette
February 2022 Green Gables Elementary

  HAPPY FEBRUARY - WE THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING
     YOUR CHILDREN DURING THIS UNIQUE TIME

Vote on the EP&O Levy and Tech Levy
Renewals by 8 PM, Tuesday, February 8,
2022
Local voters have just over one week left to vote whether to renew two
important levies that provide critical funding to sustain programs and
resources for FWPS district’s scholars and staff. Both the Educational
Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and Tech Levy fuel FWPS’ ability
to provide scholars with ongoing equitable, high-quality, and supportive
educational experiences and opportunities.

Please vote by 8 PM on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.
A quick overview of the levies on the ballot:
· Levies cover essential education programs and enrichment opportunities that are not funded by the
state.
· These taxes are not new – voters have consistently approved these levies throughout the years.
FWPS is seeking a renewal of existing levies.
· The total combined tax rate for school-related taxes for the first four years would be roughly the
same as it is currently (EP&O Levy, Tech Levy, and 2017 bond)
· The EP&O Levy represents approximately 8% of the districts overall budget, and funds essential
school support staff, programs, and services.
· The Tech Levy ensures continued student technology access, devices and professional development
for teachers, and infrastructure and software maintenance upgrades.

Please remember to vote by 8 PM on February 8, 2022!

For more information, visit www.fwps.org/Levies2022, email levy@fwps.org, or call 253-945-2000.

Dates to Remember
                                  8 Feb - Tues -Voting Day
                                  9 Feb - Wed - Early Release 2:10 PM
                                  9 Feb - 4:00 PM Parent Chat with Mr. Cross via zoom:
                                  https://fwps.zoom.us/j/3590039286
                                  18 Feb - Snow Make Up Day (No School - unless needed)
                                  21 Feb - Mid Winter Break NO School
                                  22 Feb - Ultimate Two's Day 2-22-22 - Spirit Day
                                  22 Feb - Report Cards go home
                                  23 Feb - Wed - Early Release 2:10 PM

Join Mr. Cross for Principal Parent Chat
WHEN: Wednesday, February 9, 2022
TIME: 4:00 PM
HOW: Via Zoom: https://fwps.zoom.us/j/3590039286

Join to find out the latest news, the celebrations, the upcoming plans
and much more

TIMESSA TALKS - by our Family Liaison
Timessa Lindley
Dear Families:
February is the nationally appointed month to celebrate and explore
Black History. This year’s official theme is Black Health & Wellness; acknowledging the legacy of Black
scholar and medical practitioners, and many other ways of knowing physical health.

Consider having a conversation with your child about the contributions of these Black health and
wellness heroes, who are featured on our Black History Month bulletin board:

-Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, an immunologist at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), is one of the
scientists who in early 2020 helped to develop an mRNA-based vaccine for COVID-19.

- Dr. Rebecca Crumpler, was an American physician, nurse and author. After studying at the New
England Female Medical College, in 1864 she became the first African-American woman to become a
doctor of medicine in the United States. Dr. Rebecca Crumpler's 'Book of Medical Discourses' is one of
the very first medical publications by an African American.

- Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, pursued a pioneering career in medicine. An African American doctor, in
1891, Williams opened Provident Hospital, the first medical facility to have an interracial staff. He was
also one of the first physicians to successfully complete pericardial surgery on a patient.

-Dr. James McCune Smith was the first African American to earn a medical degree, educated at the
University of Glasgow in the 1830s, when no American university would admit him.

To learn about more Black pioneers in health and wellness, check out this article from the American
Fitness Professionals Association.

https://www.afpafitness.com/blog/12-black-american-health-and-wellness-pioneers
Keeping you connected,
Timessa Lindley

                                           SPIRIT DAY

          FEBRUARY LIBRARY NEWS - from Mrs. Marquez

Battle of the Books UPDATE
Students are beginning to form Battle of the Books (BOB) teams. Practices should begin later this
month after we receive practice questions from the commitee. The district has not committed to a
date for the district Battle of the Books but it sounds like it should be in May this year which would
mean a school battle in late April. I will keep you posted as soon as we have a date and details about
the battle. In the meantime, I am encouraging students to read as many of the books as possible. We
have copies of each in the library ready to be checked out. I hope to see many of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th
graders participate in Battle of the Books this year. I am excited to see so many of our scholars excited
for this year’s battle. I know scholars would love for Green Gables to win the District Battle of the
Books competition for a second year in a row.

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots
We recently read Washington Children's Choice Award Nominee "Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots" and
students built robots with facts and opinions inside.

Contact Information
Main Office 253-945-2700
Kent Cross - Principal kcross@fwps.org
Tricia Ebel - Asst Principal tebel@fwps.org
Shelby Acuña - Office Manager 253-945-2701 sacuna@fwps.org
Mindy Kim - Data/Registrar/Attendance 253-945-2702
mikim@fwps.org
Timessa Lindley - Family Liaison 253-945-2717 tlndley@fwps.org