A New Year Approaches
Aug. 26, 2026
Last summer Franklin School received an upgrade to our Safe and Secure Entrance as part of the Bond Referendum project supported by our community. We wanted to take this opportunity to share a bit more about the entrance procedure for those who are new to the Franklin Family and those who may have found the procedure to be confusing in the past.
We know one issue that causes confusion for our visitors is the physical address of our building. Once upon a time, the main entrance to Franklin was facing N. Broad St., which is why our address is officially 1000 N. Broad St. When an addition to Franklin was completed in 1960, and the new main entrance was moved to the N. 2nd St. side of our building, our official address was not changed. Requests to change our address to N. 2nd St. have been denied. Regardless, it's important for visitors to know that they should enter the building from the N. 2nd St. side, through Door #1 (pictured on the left below).
Once you've passed through Door #1 you will see the main office to your left. If office staff are present they will buzz you in. If you don't see anybody there, you can press the button on the intercom to your left (circled in red in the middle image below), and someone will arrive quickly to assist you.
As you enter the office, you will see a computer sitting on the desk in front of you (circled in red in the image on the right below). Here's where visitors sign in. Once you've registered as a guest in our building, you can enter the hallway using the door to your right (identified by the yellow arrow in the image on the right below).
Thank you for following these procedures to ensure the safety and security of our Franklin students and staff!
Main Entrance - Door #1
Intercom and Doorway to Office
Sign in and Doorway to Hallway
Entrance Conferences are only 13 days away! If you haven't signed up for your child's conference yet, we want to help you get that scheduled ASAP. The following information was shared with all Franklin families on Monday, August 24. In case you missed it, here it is again:
Dear Franklin Families,
Today is the day!!
In order to view your child's teacher, the following steps need to be completed.
1. Create a Parent Portal Account. If you have NOT yet set-up an account, please email icsupport@isd77.org. If you already have an account, be sure you can log-in. If you do not remember your username and password, please send an email to icsupport@isd77.org.
2. Complete Census Verification. The Census Verification link in the Parent Portal will walk you through this process.
**With no Parent Portal set up, you will not be able to view your child's teacher.**
3. To find out who your student's teacher is follow these instructions:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PWFPmRDU1mbZ6TmqWW-OOMTz9BU6Ox7ZfRJtODlHFwI/edit Be sure to sign up for a conference with the teacher that is listed as "Homeroom Teacher".
4. Once you know who the homeroom teacher is, you can sign-up for an Entrance Conference here: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Franklin_elementary_5 . Once you are registered, PTCFast will email you a link to complete the process and pick your specific date and time. Note: Email sometimes does not get delivered immediately, please allow up to 15 minutes. You might also want to check your Spam folder. You must choose your child's assigned teacher and book a conference time. If your child lives in more than one household, please schedule only one conference per student.
Conference time slots are limited; please sign up at your earliest availability to ensure a slot that works in your schedule. ****SCHOOL PICTURES will be taken during school on Friday, September 11th.
Thank you, from the Franklin Staff
Our American Indian Education (AIE) Program supports the academic, personal, and cultural success of Native students, closely guided by our American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) to ensure that parental and community voices shape our educational offerings.
We are excited to welcome our new AIPAC Co-Chairs for the 2026-27 school year, Abby Dubois and Stacy Hillesheim. Our upcoming AIPAC Fall Kick-Off at the Wacipi is on September 18, 2026. Please check out our website for more information. Please email AIE staff or our co-chairs to join our group!
AIE Staff: Ayasha Williams awilli4@isd7.org, 507-990-3937
Winona Williams wwilli1@isd7.org, 507-990-3937
Co-chairs:
Abby Dubois abbydubois8@outlook.com
Stacy Hillesheim stacy.hillesheim@gmail.com
AIPAC DATES 2026-27
Friday, September 18th, 4:30 - 6:30, Floyd Roberts Jr. Pavilion at Land of Memories Park
Mahkato Wacipi AIPAC Kickoff Event
Tuesday, October 20th 5:30 PM, Franklin Elementary
October AIPAC Meeting
Tuesday, January 19th 5:30 PM, Franklin Elementary
January AIPAC Meeting- Vote of Concurrence
Monday, February 1st: 5:30, Intergovernmental Center, Mankato Room
Present to the School Board
Tuesday, March 16th 5:30PM, Franklin Elementary
March AIPAC Meeting
Tentative: Sunday, May 16th AIPAC Celebration
End of Year Celebration for Seniors and Families
While the state of MN passed legislation which provides free meals for all public education students, there are still many reasons it's important for families to complete the form linked in this section. We will be encouraging families to complete these forms for the reasons provided below, specifically because Franklin School benefits directly from the percentage of families who qualify for Free School Meals. We receive additional funding from the state based on the number of students we serve whose families qualify for these benefits, and this funding helps us hire additional staff and provide specialized instruction to ALL our Franklin students. Please consider completing the form, even if you don't think your family will qualify.
Benefits for Families:
Benefits for Schools:
Increased Funding:
The Application for Educational Benefits helps schools secure funding through various state and federal programs, including additional funding for schools that meet severe need criteria.
Support for All Students:
This funding can be used to improve the quality of education for all students, even those who don't qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Access to Additional Programs:
The data from the applications can help schools qualify for additional federal nutrition programs and other resources.
If you believe your household may qualify, please complete and return the Application for Educational Benefits to the nutrition services office or to your child’s school. You can also apply in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal by clicking on the "More" tab, then the "Meal Benefits" tab.
Students who eat breakfast at school should line up at Door 1 as soon as they arrive. An adult will allow them into the building when it's time for breakfast to be served. (between 7:35-7:40)
Classroom teachers will share more details around our AM procedures when you meet with them at Entrance Conferences.
If you're wondering about the school supplies your child will need, you can check out the school supply list recommendations below. This can also be a topic of conversation when you meet with your child's teacher during Entrance Conferences.
K-5 School Supply Lists:
*JOB OPPORTUNITIES*
From the Fabulous Franklin PTO
- Visit the PTO table during Entrance Conferences to learn more about how you can participate as a PTO member, volunteer at events, and/or donate to the cause.
- Do you want to know about all the wonderful events being planned for this coming school year? Check out the Tentative PTO Event Calendar below...
If you're looking to purchase some new Franklin gear for your family, use this QR code to shop for some great Falcon swag!
- Tuesday, Sept. 8 & Wednesday, Sept. 9 - Entrance Conferences
- Thursday, Sept. 10 - First Day of School for K-5 Students
- Wednesday, Sept. 16 - Two Hour Early Release (all elementary students dismissed at 12:30 PM)