The Franklin SURGE

Franklin Middle School Families,

As we move into the heart of the school year, this is the time for a Mid-Year Surge—a focused push to finish strong, build positive habits, and prepare for the important milestones ahead.

Mid-terms are coming up within the next two weeks, and the end of Quarter 3 is March 27. Shortly after, state testing will take place from April 28 through May 15. All students in grades 6–8 will take the ELA and Math state assessments, and our 8th graders will also take the state Science assessment.

Our students have been preparing all year through strong instruction, classroom learning, and targeted support. One additional way families can support this work at home is through MyPath Reading and MyPath Math. MyPath provides personalized lessons based on each student’s needs, helping them strengthen skills, close gaps, and build confidence in both reading and math. Consistent use of MyPath helps reinforce what students are learning in class and supports long-term academic growth—not just test preparation.

To make this even more exciting, we are launching the MyPath Family Challenge, running from February 17 through April 30. Families can help their students earn rewards by encouraging consistent engagement:

• Students who log 660 minutes in Reading and 660 minutes in Math will earn 150 Bolts

• This breaks down to about 60 minutes per week, or 15 minutes, 4 days per week in each subject

• The Top 5 students and their families will win prizes, with 1st place receiving a $50 gift card, in addition to the Bolts earned by the student

We strongly encourage families to participate—your support and encouragement make a real difference. This is also a great time to talk with your child about academic responsibilities, goal-setting, and the importance of building strong habits like showing up prepared, completing assignments, and using learning time wisely.

Together, we can help our students surge through the second half of the year with confidence, focus, and pride. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work to ensure every student finishes the year strong.

Andrew Espindola

Principal

(509) 573-2101

• Orchestra/Choir Concert- Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @6:30 pm
• Band Concert- Thursday, March 5th, 2026 @ 6:30 pm
• Spring Social- Friday, March 20th, 2026 right after school
• Teacher Professional day- Wednesday, March 25-Half Day Release at 11:15 am
• Student led conferences- Monday, March 30-April 3-Half Day Release at 11:15 am
• Spring Break- April 6-10- Spring Break-No School

Have you every wanted to know whats inside a Salmon? Well some Franklin students definetly found out. On Wednesday, January 28th, Mr. McFadden had a special speaker, Tiffany Bishop, the Executive Director of YBEEP (Yakima Basin Environment Education Program) come to Franklin and to do a dissection salmon presentation. She typically receives the Fall Run Chinook Salmon from the hatchery in December, so she was happy to come and showcase the salmon for our students.

We want to thank Ninos mexican restaurant for catering our Seal of Biliteracy Night. They have supported FMS the last three years we have done this. We are grateful for their partnership and support.

Founded in 2000 the Paul Mitchell Schools are available across 30+ states, with three schools in the state of Washington. The schools are connected to the Paul Mitchell brand, a leader in professional hair care products. Paul Mitchell Schools offer a variety of beauty and barbering courses. You can choose to study cosmetology for a broad foundation or a specialized program such as barbering, esthetics, nails, makeup, or instructor training.

Located in Tacoma, Washington Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is categorized as a small private university. With only 2,700 students, PLU offers a 13:1 student to faculty ratio allowing students to form close-knit relationships with classmates and instructors. Which in hand improves academic performances because professors have the opportunity to provide personalized feedback and support.

Depending on Program

Estimate Around ~ $15,000 - $21,000

Locations in Washington

• Spokane

• Richland

• Federal Way

Admissions

Paul Mitchell Schools operates with an open admission policy. This means that their acceptance rate is 100%

Campus Culture

To get more involved at a Paul Mitchell School students have the opportunity to voluntarily participate in student clubs!

• Be nice club

• Digital Journal Club

• Community Events Club

• John Paul Pet Club

• Green Club

• Leadership Club

Description

Provide barbering services, such as cutting trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves. Barbers creatively enhance people's appearances and keep up with hair trends to successfully increase their clientele. Most barbers work in barbershops and salons leasing their chair space from a salon owner, some open their own business. As a barber you may work long hours including weekends.

In this career you day to day activities may include:

• Cleaning Tools or Equipment

• Trimming Client Hair

• Applying Protective Coverings to Objects or Surfaces Near Work Areas

• Discuss Service Options or Needs with Clients

• Clean Facilities or Work Areas

Some barbers manage employees, inventory, ordering, and bookkeeping.

In addition people in this field often know a lot about customer and personal service which involves a lot of practice in active listening.

Some barbers manage employees, inventory, ordering, and bookkeeping.

In addition people in this field often know a lot about customer and personal service which involves a lot of practice in active listening.

Education and experience required:

High School Diploma

Complete State Licensed Barbering Program which takes 1,000-1,500 hours

Obtain State Licensure

Typical Annual Wages:

$27,770 - $78.440

Projected Employment:

Annual projected job openings: 8,400

Money that helps you pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study (paid employment), loans, and scholarships are all financial aid and help make college or career school more affordable.

To be eligible for federal and/or state aid a student must apply to FAFSA or WASFA their senior year in high school and every year they are in school after.

Founded in 1891, Seattle University (SU) is a private, 4-year, Jesuit, Catholic university. It is located in Seattle, Washington on the border of First Hill and the Capital Hill neighborhood. Seattle U is made of more than 7,200 students within seven schools and colleges classifying it as a medium sized school. The size of the school offers an intimate learning environment with an 11:1 student to faculty ratio.

Seattle University provides an impressive success rate among their graduates with 96% of their students being employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduating.

With seven schools and colleges available to you, Seattle University offers a range of educational programs. They range between professional certificates to doctorate degrees.

Acceptance rate is moderately selective, admitting 76% of their applicants.

Average Applicant Screenshot from 2022

3.40 - 3.88 Unweighted Cumulative High School GPA

1160-1360 SAT Score (from those who submitted)

24-30 ACT Scores (from those who submitted)

All first-year applicants are required to submit the following:

1. Completed Common Application with essay, application fee and writing supplements

2. Official transcripts for all completed coursework

3. One teacher recommendation

4. One counselor recommendation/secondary school report

5. Seattle University is test-optional. If you would like your ACT or SAT results to be considered as part of your application, you will note this on your Common Application and will be required to submit official test scores from the testing agency.

Campus Culture

Student clubs are a great way to meet new people. Students at Seattle U join clubs that fit their hobbies and interests. Some examples of clubs are:

• Student Government

• Center for Environmental Justice & Sustainability

• Pickball Club

• Esports & Gaming

Description:

Computer Programmers create, modify, and test code and script that allow computer applications to run. They may also develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

It is a very detailed oriented position that requires people in this role to focus on code for a long period of time. Most work full time, but due to the nature of work many employees have the opportunity to work remotely.

People in this career often know a lot about circuit boards, processors, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software. In addition Computer Programmers know the practical application of engineering science and technology.

People in these roles typically hold a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field.

Typical Annual Wages:

$52,190 - $162,090

Projected Employment:

New job opportunities are less likely in the future, with a -6% demand in the field. The current projected annual job openings is at 5,500.

At Franklin Middle School, we’re committed to helping every student grow and succeed — and one of the best tools to make that happen is Imagine MyPath!

💡 What Is Imagine MyPath?

Imagine MyPath is an adaptive learning program that supports students in both reading and math. It’s designed to meet each student exactly where they are — filling in skill gaps, strengthening foundational learning, and helping them catch up or get ahead.

Students use MyPath Reading and MyPath Math to work through fun, engaging lessons that build confidence and mastery. Every activity adjusts automatically based on how the student performs, ensuring the right balance of challenge and support.

🚀 Why It Matters

• Personalized Learning: MyPath tailors each lesson to your child’s unique needs.

• Skill Acceleration: Helps students strengthen key reading and math skills critical for grade-level success.

• Engaging Format: The program includes interactive lessons, visuals, and feedback that keep students motivated and invested in their own growth.

• Proven Results: Schools across the nation use MyPath to help students make measurable gains in reading and math.

🧠 How Families Can Help

You play a huge role in your child’s success! Here’s how you can support them:

1. Set a Routine: Encourage your child to spend at least 20 minutes a day on MyPath Reading and 20 minutes on MyPath Math.

2. Celebrate Growth: Ask them what they learned each day — celebrate their progress and milestones!

3. Stay Connected: Check in with teachers for updates on your child’s MyPath progress and celebrate their achievements at home.

🌈 The Goal: Confidence and Success for Every Student

Imagine MyPath helps our students build the foundational skills needed for long-term academic success. Whether it’s mastering fractions or improving reading comprehension, MyPath empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey.

Together, we can help every Quaker become stronger, more confident learners — ready to take on new challenges and reach new goals!

At Franklin Middle School, we believe in recognizing and rewarding students who are doing the right things—academically, behaviorally, and in their attendance. When students consistently show Good Grades, Good Attendance, and Good Behavior, they earn the opportunity to participate in special privileges such as field trips, school celebrations, and other fun activities throughout the year.

To help maintain the integrity of these rewards, students who fail two or more classes will not be eligible to participate unless they can get passing grades. Our goal is to encourage responsibility and accountability, while still offering every student a chance to succeed.

We want families to know that we make every effort to support your child's academic success. At Franklin Middle School, here are a few examples of the support we offer:

• Highly capable classes for students ready to be challenged,

• Support classes for students who need extra help,

• Imagine MyPath Reading and Math, which students can access both at school and at home to catch up on important skills,

• And twice-monthly targeted intervention and enrichment sessions(Lightning Learning Days) to meet students where they are and help them grow.

• Lightning Learning Room for students who need to refocus and speak to someone about their behavior.

We appreciate your partnership and look forward to a successful year for every student—together, we can make it happen!

Greetings Franklin Families,

Boys Basketball and Girls Bowling practice time are from 2:30pm-4:45pm and ready for pick up by 5:00pm Monday - Friday.

Please remember that it is cold outside and there is no practice on 1/2 day releases and no practice if school is cancelled for inclement weather. There will be a schedule to share with families as soon as we have a district coaches meeting this coming week.

• We will continue with our Pick-up and Drop-off protocol from last year for those of you returning.
• 6th-grade parents this is new learning for you. Please pay attention to the routes.
• We will block the turn on 19th from Tieton. Please follow the routes below.
• Student Drop off is at the arches on 19th.

Franklin has another drop-off and pick-up route. The routes above will stay the same. We will be opening the parking lot on 19th for drop-off & pick-up as an option for families who prefer to drop-off/pick-up in the parking lot.

We are placing cones in our parking lot to make it safer. Please do not attempt to pass a car in the drop-off/pick-up line, follow the car in front of you.

As you exit the parking lot, please turn right. Do not attempt to turn left as it will cause serious congestion in the entrance area to the parking lot. Here is the image of our additional Drop-off/pick-up route.

Dress Code and Cellphone Policies

We want to ensure all families are familiar with our school's policies, particularly regarding dress code and cellphone usage. Adherence to the dress code promotes a respectful and distraction-free learning environment. Similarly, our cellphone policy is designed to minimize distractions and maximize learning time.

Franklin Middle School Dress for Success Code

The primary responsibility for a student’s attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s). The Yakima School District expects students to dress in a way that is appropriate for the school day or any school sponsored event. Student dress code requirements reflect fair, equitable and consistent practices for all students, while contributing to a safe and positive school climate. We believe it is one more component of preparing students for success.

Students who choose to dress inappropriately* will be asked to change. If they do not have other attire to change into, parents will be called and asked to either bring appropriate clothing or take their student home. Suspension is a viable option for students who repeatedly ignore dress code.

The following is a guideline of how to wear some articles of clothing, as well as what is viewed as unacceptable.

* Inappropriate clothing is any item deemed by administration as disruptive to the educational process, advertises illegal substances, or promotes/is identified with gangs.

Clothing must cover underwear and cover body areas from the top of one armpit to the top of the other armpit, and down to mid-thigh. Tops must have shoulder straps and be long enough to adequately cover the waistline and not expose the midriff. Jeans/Shorts with rips/tears higher than mid-thigh that expose skin are not allowed ( if shorts or opaque leggings are worn underneath and cover the skin, then the jeans will be allowed)

Wear shoes that are appropriate and safe for a learning environment-including Physical Education and lots of stairs. No slippers.

Headgear- Appropriate caps and beanies are allowed if they do not cover the ears. Hoods and sunglasses may not be worn indoors.

Clothing and accessories displaying profanity, violence, discriminatory messages, sexually suggestive phrases, phrases or symbols of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs are unacceptable.

Gang related clothing, accessories, symbolism, or jewelry is everchanging and not tolerated. This includes gang symbolism, graffiti, and Old English writing. Gang graffiti drawn or worn on the person, in notebooks, folders, papers, backpacks, or hats will lead to a gang contract and further discipline. We collaborate with the Yakima Police Dept to update changes in gang related apparel. We publish the changes in our newsletter. At this time, the following have been designated as gang related and are not allowed:

Please Stay Away from Clothing or Accessories with the following:

• Old English Writing

• Dickies Brand Pants

• Clothing that Represents Drugs & Alcohol(i.e. Cookies, etc.,)

• Clothing with weapons or violence

• The New York Yankee emblem

• Bandanas

• Belts, especially web belts, with the tails hanging down from the waist

• Rosaries/Excessive Bracelets in a Specific Color(i.e. Red, Blue)

• Too much red or too much blue(I.e., coordinating red/blue clothing with like accessories and shoe strings or the same color jumpsuit or sweat suit)

• Extremely Baggy Pants& Sweats(These items need to fit your students well)

• No Blue, or Red Pajama Pants or Plaid Pajama Pants

Franklin Middle School students will not be allowed to have their phones out in classrooms, or common areas, such as restrooms and hallways. This policy is implemented to decrease behaviors like social media bullying. To continue supporting a safe and connected school environment that promotes enhanced learning, we will be requiring students to keep their cell phones, earbuds, headphones, etc. in their backpacks and out of sight during the entire school day. This policy is in alignment with the other 3 middle schools in the Yakima School District. The District Communications Devices Policy can be found in the Student Handbook under (COM) on our website. https://www.ysd7.org/resources/student-resources

The goal of our cell phone policy is to increase student engagement in the classroom and to create a culture of respect for learning. Data shows that students are more focused and have higher test scores and grades when cell phones are kept out of the classroom. (See awayfortheday.research)