FWPS Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time for our district and schools to honor the contributions and celebrate the rich, diverse cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

According to the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, our state and the greater Federal Way community are home to individuals from approximately 42 different nations across Asia and the Pacific Islands.

These vibrant cultures are an integral part of what makes our district one of the most diverse in the state — a strength we cherish and incorporate into our school communities and the education of our students.

At FWPS, we strive to make our schools reflect the diversity of our community — places where every student feels a sense of belonging and can see themselves represented.We look forward to sharing how our schools are recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage with assemblies, art projects, musical performances and more. We want to share these experiences with the entire District, so be sure to email photos to socialmedia@fwps.org.

View additional recognitions in the FWPS Cultural & Religious Calendar here: https://www.fwps.org/culturalcalendar

Adelaide Classroom celebrates Hawaiian culture and community on Lei Day during AANHPI Heritage Month

Adelaide Elementary scholars in Karon Priebe’s class celebrated Lei Day on May 1^st by exploring its significance in Hawaiian culture and learning how to create the colorful necklaces associated with the celebration. Using foam flowers, straws, and string, students crafted leis from cutout flowers—green, pink, blue, red, and yellow paper “petals” strung together in a vibrant sequence.

As the students crafted the leis, they were also taking part in the Native Hawaiian tradition of “talking story”. Ms. Priebe explained “talk story” as “a time to make friends, taking the time to slow down and have community-building conversations, like a sewing circle or going to the barber shop.”

Student leaders played an important role making the activity a success, and Ms. Priebe’s class was excited to have fellow Adelaide scholars Meleeiki and Noah assist and guide them along the way. Meleeiki expressed her excitement about contributing, saying, “it was good community. It was fun because people learn about other cultures. Noah and I got to participate sharing our lei-making culture.”

The scholars put the finishing touches on the leis and then gifted them to their principal, Heidi Smith, for School Principals Day —another occasion celebrated on May 1st. The thoughtful gesture brought a smile to Principal Smith and beautifully showcased the spirit of community that Lei Day represents.

At FWPS, we strive to cultivate thriving, confident, and responsible individuals, and we take pride in the creativity of our schools’ staff who are continuously integrating this mission into their daily teaching.

Camelot Scholars take a trek for AANHPI Heritage Month

This AANHPI Heritage Month, Ms. Whitford’s kindergarten grade class at Camelot Elementary School has been exploring the rich diversity of countries across Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Native Hawaiian communities while learning about the unique animals that are found in each region. Because these places cover a vast geographic area, Ms. Whitford is taking time to visit different countries each day throughout the monthlong lesson plan. This allows students to engage with individual species, such as the Royal Turtle and the Kouprey—many of which are threatened or endangered—while deepening their understanding of the environments and cultural connections surrounding these animals.

As part of their learning experience, students expressed their creativity by working on a mosaic project featuring one of the highlighted animals. They carefully planned and pieced together vibrant paper scraps, thoughtfully selecting colors from their collection or working with classmates to bring their chosen animal to life. The students’ finished art filled the classroom with excitement and pride.

AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to honor the many distinct cultures, histories, and traditions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. By learning about the animals of these regions, students gain new understanding into the different animals, cultural heritage, and the people who call these places home. FWPS is thrilled to see how creative and thoughtful our teachers are to ensure that students see themselves reflected in their school community and teachings.