To the Federal Way Public Schools employees:

In June, we proudly watched our daughter, the youngest of our three children, receive her high school diploma, earned at Todd Beamer High School.

This was no small accomplishment, as our daughter was born with a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis (NF). The symptoms, including chronic and debilitating pain, left her unable to physically attend school from age 16 until her graduation at age 20.

All three of our children have received a quality high school education through the capable hands of the teachers and staff in the Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS). From the day our daughter was unable to physically go to school, until the day she graduated, the FWPS staff has been behind our family above and beyond their prescribed duties.

Many extra hours after the regular school day of the school district’s staff were spent on Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, planning lessons specifically for our daughter, home hospital tutoring, and other forms of communication.

Our daughter was determined to receive her high school diploma just as her peers did, and the school district’s staff helped to make this actually happen.

We would encourage teachers and staff in knowing that everything that you do in your work day, and every word that you express to your students, goes a long way in changing the outcome of a student’s accomplishments during their school years.

There are FWPS staff members that we would like to specifically acknowledge for encouraging our daughter, and persevering with her through the years: Chris Willis, Don Emerson, Becky Plett, Randy Kemman, Karen Bounds, Lou Jurcik, Randy Kaczor, Bliss King, Joni Hall, and the SGLE staff at Todd Beamer High School.

Thank you all so very much. If your child is a student in the FWPS, you will find that if you reach out and become involved in whatever way that your student needs you, that you will have the support, professionalism, and compassion that you and your student need to accomplish your student’s goals.

Becky and Dan Vacanti, Federal Way (proud parents of Stephen, Nick and Ashley Vacanti)