Federal Way School District has received a $50,000 grant from the Washington Commission for National and Community Service. The money will go toward supporting the district’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. The district plans on using the funds to cover costs associated with training AmeriCorps academic coaches. To be enrolled in Federal Way’s AVID program, students must be the first generation in their family to attend college and/or be from families of limited income. In the past academic year, the program documented improved academic skills among 70 percent of AVID students, plus greatly improved high school graduation and college-acceptance rates among high school seniors.

Mark Twain Elementary earns award

Mark Twain Elementary School has been chosen as a recipient of the OSPI 2009-2010 Title I Part Academic Achievement Award for significant achievement for the past three years in reading. The school will receive statewide recognition and an award of $10,000.