FHS - 2000’s

              The new millennium brings new staff, new ideas, and new technology.  Fife High School continues to be a Standard Bearer School.  The new Principal, Cynthia Lenihan continues many of the programs started by former Principal, Steve McCammmon who in 2000 moved to the District office as the Assistant Superintendent. 

              Some things at FHS do not change and these have become our traditions—Cabbage Patch Olympics, ASB weeks, silly faculty skits, the food drive, Spirit Week, and blood drive.

              In 2001 major changes occur in the office.  Mr. Jeff Short finally gets to be a principal.  Mr. John McCrossin, former basketball coach and woodshop teacher at FHS, returns as the new Vice Principal.  When Mr. Dave Britton retires, Mr. Jeff Nelson comes from Surprise Lake Middle School to become the other assistant principal.  It seems as though Mr. Nelson brings half the SLMS staff with him.  Kurt Dodge, math; Dave Hockman, English, drama, journalism; and John Shula, video production join the staff.

              Trojan TV airs for the first time November, 2001.  Video Production quickly becomes a very popular part of the curriculum.  Trojan TV is broadcast monthly.  Mr. Shula continues his fight with cancer and in 2004/05 takes a year off teaching to undergo another bone marrow transplant.  Please look at Mr. Shula’s web site for history, updates and inspiration: http://www.fifeschools.com/johnshula/

              New staff members bring new ideas and programs.  A dance team is formed, which livens up half-times; the annual gets a new look and goes digital, Life Sports gives students an opportunity to sample many leisure activities, and swimming provides an opportunity to “get your feet wet” and join another sports’ team.  Trap Shooting also returns after decades of absence.

          The State and Federal government saw a need for student assessment and the WASL came to be: “As part of a statewide school improvement effort, students are expected to meet a set of clear and high academic standards created primarily by Washington educators with input from parents and community members. These standards represent what students should know and be able to do by the time they graduate from Washington's public education system. Students' progress in meeting these standards is measured by the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). The WASL is different from the more familiar norm-referenced tests such as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, which measures students' performance against other students in what's called a "norming population." Washington's assessments measure students' progress against a static set of standards, not against their peers.”

              In 2002 Mr. Short abandon’s the high school for a job as Deputy Superintendent under Dr. Steve McCammon.  With Dr. McCammon as the new superintendent, the atmosphere continues to be positive.

              In the high school administration another change occurs.  Mr. McCrossin takes on the role of principal, Mr. Nelson moves to second in command, and Mr. Mark Knight is hired from Puyallup to become the other Assistant Principal.  During this time, the District builds a new school.  Columbia Junior High will open in 2003 and Mr. Nelson is appointed as the new principal.  Mr. Nelson will continue at the high school until the school is completed.

              In 2002 the business department opens the student store which never really got off the ground after the remodel.  “The Hot Spot” is a favorite place to buy snacks, Trojan wear, or just hang out before school and during lunch time.  Students managing the store receive real life business experience.

              In September, 2003 Columbia Junior High opens its doors and things at FHS change once again (CJH’s website: http://www.fifeschools.com/cjh/index.html).  With only 3 grades at FHS the population shrinks some.  Some of the faculty moves to CJH, while others move between the schools.  The FHS sport’s program seems to suffer the most with the loss of an entire class from which to recruit athletes.

              2004 celebrates 75 years of the Trojan Annual.  Scrapbooks were kept by the historian prior to 1925.  Unfortunately none of those survived.  The first annual was printed in 1926 and published every other year until 1935.

              Over the years the Cheer Squad has grown in number.  The 17 member squad sends representatives to all games.  More gymnastic moves are added to their routines.

Retirees:

2000      Dale Schultz—business teacher and annual advisor—28 years in the district.

              Greg Larson—Social Studies—FHS and SLMS—25 years in the district.

              Rick Ancheta—English—Basketball Coach in the ‘70’s—29 years in the district.

2001      Dave Britton – Vice Principal and math teacher—30 years.

2002      Carolyn Spies—English—30 years.

Clubs:

Key Club:         Long running service organization sponsored by the Kiwanis of Fife/Milton.

Renaissance:    This club recognizes students for their academic achievements.

Link Crew:      An organization the provided new students and first year classes with big brothers and sisters.  Designed to make transition to FHS a good experience.

Teen Awareness:         An organization where students help students with problems resulting from negative choices.

FFA:     One of the longest lived clubs at FHS.  Dedicated to providing opportunities to increase technical and leadership skills.

Art Club:         Students to together to discuss and produce art.  The Art Club Calendar has become an annual money maker for the group.

Knowledge Bowl:        An academic competition where teams answer questions about different subjects.

Torch Club:     National Honor Society.

Chess Club:     Students meet to develop their skills and compete with other clubs in the area.

FCCLA:           An organization that works hard to help those in the community.

FBLA:                            These students compete in various business related programs and competitions.

Publications:

Trojan Forum is the High School newspaper put out by the journalism class.

Mirror Magazine is a literary publication, featuring short stories, poems and art work submitted by students.

The Trojan Yearbook (Annual) staff works hard all year long, taking pictures, writing copy and assembling a quality memory of each year at FHS.

Athletic State Records:

Volleyball          2nd          2001

Wrestling           3rd          2000

                          9th          2001

Baseball             9th          2003

Fast Pitch           4th          2000

                          5th          2001

Basketball        

              Boys     9th          2002