FWPS Community Relations Department
The Community Relations Department is located in the SeaTac Mall (now renamed the Commons at Federal Way). In addition to the Community Relations staff, the Family Partnership Advocate and the AmeriCorps service team are headquartered at this site.
Community Relations Staff
Diane Turner (253) 945-2262
Chief Communications Officer
Administrator of CRC, AmeriCorps and ReadingCorps
District Management Team
Community Liaison
Response Team
Editor, Progress Report and Key Communicator
Media Relations
Karen Saunders (253) 945-2270
Office Manager
Requests for Distribution
School Profile Updates
Debra Stenberg (253) 945-2266
Community Relations Coordinator
Staff Writer
Press Releases, brochures, newsletters and other print pieces
Web site content
Margo Hoffman (253) 945-2277
Web Writer/Editor
Communicator
With over 22,000 students and families and 3,100 staff members in 36 diverse and dynamic schools, there’s a lot to talk about and to celebrate in Federal Way Public Schools.
The Community Relations Department is the primary point of contact for media inquiries and for staff members seeking to inform the public about their programs. The Community Relations staff is responsible for district-wide printed publications, including the Progress Report to the Community and district-oriented brochures. We also publish the Communicator, an e-mail newsletter distributed to all staff and to media representatives, parents and community members who have requested to be on our mailing list.
District staff should contact the Community Relations office for assistance with any of the following:
- Press releases and media contact
- Communications in emergencies or situations that may attract media and parent attention (media calls at any time should be referred to Community Relations Director Diane Turner at 945-2262)
- Brochures to be distributed beyond the immediate school or building
- Incident letters
- Photo release forms
- Major additions or changes to the Web site
- Requests to distribute information to students and staff
- Scheduling the use of the Community Relations Conference Area
Family Partnership
Federal Way schools recognize that parent involvement in education is vital to student achievement. Parents can meet with the parent advocate, Trise Moore, to resolve concerns and to discuss positive ways of being involved in their students’ education. Moore also conducts parent workshops to helping parents better understand the system and where and how to advocate for their child.
AmeriCorps
Monda Holsinger 253-945-2282
Director
Danielle Bonner 253-945-2281
Supervisor
Elise Bales 253-945-2271
Office Administrator
The District AmeriCorps team, housed at the Federal Way Public Schools Annex in the Commons, is a vital part of Federal Way schools and the community. During 2007-2008 school year, 50 AmeriCorps members and 480 associated volunteers provided intensive reading and math tutoring services. Members stay with the program for a full 10-1/2 months, providing summer enrichment programs and community service. These volunteers, who come to Federal Way from across the United States, embody the meaning of service.