A Note from the Principal
Dear Jefferson Families,
We have a handful of very important people who we want to recognize this week! First, we want to wish our hardworking and supportive custodial staff a Happy National Custodians' Day on October 2nd! The word custodian comes from the Latin word "custos" which translates as "guardian." We couldn't think of a better team to watch over our building and make sure Jefferson is clean, welcoming, and running smoothly each day! Thank you Mr. Raul, Mr. Glenn, Ms. Diana, Mr. Mike, and Mr. Jake! We appreciate you today and every day!
Also, it is with bittersweet emotions that we send our very best wishes to our wonderful School Secretary, Mrs. Linda Doherty, who is retiring on October 7th after 21 years at Jefferson Elementary! Mrs. Doherty spent 11 years as an Educational Support Professional (ESP) and the last 10 as our beloved School Secretary! We know you'll join us in thanking Mrs. Doherty for her expert care, welcoming demeanor, and amazing work over the last two decades! She will be so very missed but we are so happy for her as she prepares to welcome grandchildren to her family and enjoy this next chapter of her life! All the best to you, Mrs. Doherty and thank you for everything you have done for students, staff, and families!
With this in mind, we would also like to welcome Mrs. Renee Tolonen who has graciously accepted our invitation to serve as our Interim Secretary upon Mrs. Doherty's retirement. Mrs. Tolonen is a familiar face at Jefferson having served as a substitute teacher here and at other schools in Franklin. Mrs. Tolonen is also a former Jefferson parent and we are so excited for her to re-join the school community in this way!
Best Regards,
Stefani Wasik, Principal
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Car Loopers vs. Parent Walkers
If your child is dismissed as a car looper, please be sure to remain in your vehicle and proceed through the loop. If you are planning to meet your child as they exit the school, please dismiss them as a front door walker and greet them at the bike rack in front of Remington and not the front door. It's important that parents congregate at the bike rack and not at the front door so that our staff can distinguish our bus and car students from walkers. Please help us in this to ensure the safest dismissal possible for students!
Wanted! School Council Members!
We are looking for family and community representatives to serve on Jefferson's School Council!
Purpose: The School Council, in serving as representatives of our larger community, seeks to enrich and enhance opportunities for teaching and learning that result in improved learning outcomes for students. We strive to improve the supports available to teachers, students, and their families as we work together to better meet the needs of all our learners.
About School Council: As outlined in the Education Reform Act of 1993, the School Council is comprised of representatives from the parent body, the school staff, and the community at large. Elections are held to ensure that all parents and staff have a full opportunity for representation. The council has specific responsibilities that include, but are not limited to, examining the following topics:
Class size and impact on student achievement
School budget
School climate, safety, and discipline
Enhancement of parental involvement
Professional development
Federal Mandates
MA State Standards
Franklin Public Schools Strategic Plan and District Goals
The school’s core values and analysis of student learning
Commitment: Typically terms are 1-2 years and the council meets monthly at a time agreed upon by its members.
If you are interested in serving on School Council please complete this form! If we have more interest than spots on the council a PCC-led election will be held using the biographical information in this form.
Nurses' Notes
School Nurse Emergency Card 2022-2023: Please submit this information yearly for each of your Jefferson Elementary Students so the School Nurse will have your most current contact information, alternate emergency contacts, and a list of your student's health issues. If this form cannot accommodate the amount of information you need to disclose to the school nurse please call her at (508)-541-2135 . Once you click "submit" you will receive a confirmation that we received your submission of this form.
Health Screenings: Health screenings are scheduled to begin in October! These screenings are essential tools in the early detection of barriers that could interfere with your student's education. Based on state requirements, the screenings are performed as outlined below:
Vision: Kindergarten through Grade 7
Hearing: Kindergarten through Grade 3 & Grade 7
BMI: Grades 1, 4, & 7
If your student does not pass a screening here in school, a referral letter will be sent home and you are encouraged to follow up with your student's physician.
Parents and guardians may opt out of any screening. Please notify the Health Office via email if you would prefer that your student not participate in health screenings.
Makerspace Donations!
As you may know, one of our Exploration options in Grades 3-5 is Makerspace with Mrs. Bergeron. If you would like to donate materials we can use the following donations by month:
October: Felt (any color) or any color/size fabric pieces
November: Craft sticks
December: Aluminum foil/Plastic wrap
January: Playdough/Model Magic
February: Yarn/String
March: Cardboard (If boxes, broken down would be preferred)
April: Magnets/Magnetic Tape
May: K’Nex, Brain Flakes, Magnatiles (Gently used are great!)
June: Pipe cleaners
PCC Updates
Fairmount Fruit Farm Fundraiser: Visit Fairmount Fruit Farm on Friday, October 7th! Fairmont will donate a percentage of all apple picking and pumpkin sales back to the school!
Jefferwear: Show your school spirit with a Jefferson T-shirt or a pair of pajama pants to wear on Pajama day! All orders are completed online HERE through Heritage Spiritwear and will be delivered to the school and sent home with the kids.
About Us: As many of you know, the PCC, or Parent Communication Council, is a group of parent volunteers that work with the staff and administration of the school to enrich students' educational experience. This is done through fundraisers, events, and activities. The PCC fully funds field trips for every student at Jefferson, holds Book Fairs, hosts Cultural Enrichment Assemblies for the children, and sponsors the Artist in Residence Program each year. Please visit their website linked here, follow the Jefferson Elementary PCC Franklin, MA Facebook page, or connect with the Board at jeffersonpccfranklin@gmail.com to learn more!
Contact Us
Mrs. Wasik, Principal
Mrs. Murray, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Doherty, Secretary
Website: https://www.franklinps.net/jefferson-elementary-school
Location: 628 Washington St, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: (508) 541-2140
Twitter: @JeffersonLabs