FWPS Students Make Remarkable Reading Growth

Celebrating National Reading Month

In Federal Way Public Schools, we know that reading opens doors—to new ideas, new opportunities, and a lifelong love of learning. This National Reading Month, we’re excited to celebrate students across our district who have shown exceptional reading growth this year through perseverance, family support, and strong partnerships with their teachers.

Many students showed significant improvements in their iReady reading scores as evidenced by their most recent winter assessment. iReady is a comprehensive K-12 online diagnostic and personalized instruction program implemented across the district.

Below are the stories of four of these scholars whose dedication is inspiring our entire FWPS community.

Maximus at TAF@Saghalie: Finding Focus and a Love for Reading

When Maximus arrived at TAF@Saghalie late in seventh grade, he found something that changed everything—a calm, supportive spacewhere he could focus and grow. Now in eighth grade, less than a year later, he made extraordinary progress, rising from a fourth-grade reading level to an eighth-grade level.

Maximus says daily reading routines and strategies from his teacher helped him improve:

“I read more and I’m trying to focus on listening to the teacher. We read, get evidence, and then write. It makes it easier.”

His teacher, Reed Smith, shared how Maximus took ownership of his learning:

“He committed to reading 30 minutes a night and taking Lexia seriously. Once he saw results, he became more motivated. He was humble but proud of his accomplishment!”

Maximus now reads every night, choosing books that capture his interest, especially history books, which connect him with his grandfather’s passion for the subject.

Rawena at Evergreen: Growth Through Patience and Persistence

Rawena has made incredible academic strides, improving 200 points on her i‑Ready reading assessment since September 2025. This means she improved three grade levels!

Her secret? Not rushing.

Rawena, who speaks English as a second language, learned to take her time, break words into parts, and read slowly and intentionally—skills strengthened by the encouragement of her family and teachers.

“I improved because I took my time reading, saying things part by part, and answering questions carefully.”

She credits teachers at both Evergreen and Mark Twain Elementary for helping her build strong phonics and comprehension skills. Now, she’s dreaming big: studying multiple languages, exploring world history, and one day attending Harvard. She is already taking Spanish and wants to learn French and Japanese.

Her advice to others:

“Try your best. Never give up.”

Heidi Snead, Rawena’s teacher added, “She works hard in all her classes and is very focused and devoted to learning.”

Raidon at Rainier View: Growing Through Reading at Home and School

Fifth‑grader Raidon made an impressive leap this year, from a kindergarten reading level to a third‑grade level.

He attributes his growth to reading regularly at home with his siblings and using strategies his family taught him:

“I sound the words out so I can say them right. My mom taught me to do that.”

At school, daily silent reading and engaging texts, especially Marvel stories, helped build his confidence and vocabulary.

Raidon says reading matters because it helps students learn new words and new things. He recently enjoyed reading and learning about fish and nature, and the world around him.

Lachesis at Olympic View K‑8: Building Confidence Through Daily Reading

At Olympic View K‑8, second grader Lachesis, whose first language is Samoan, has grown from a kindergarten reading level to first grade, thanks to regular reading practice at home and school.

She loves diving into chapter books, especially Dork Diaries, and enjoys learning through phonics and ELA lessons each day. 

The second-grade team at Olympic View K-8 emphasizes consistent practice and vocabulary development:

• Reading 15–20 minutes daily at home
• Exploring high‑interest books in class
• Practicing new vocabulary through writing and discussion

“We encourage scholars to also apply what they are learning from phonics into their reading and writing,” shares her teacher Joneva Marie Guiao.

This routine has helped her build confidence as a reader and discover stories she loves.

Celebrating Our Readers, Teachers, and Families

These four students represent the incredible growth happening across FWPS. Their stories remind us that reading:

• Builds confidence
• Strengthens academic skills
• Fosters imagination
• Opens pathways to future success

Most of all, they show what is possible when students, families, and educators work together.

Happy National Reading Month, FWPS!

Let’s continue celebrating every reader, every milestone, and every story waiting to be discovered.