If you watch the KEYC News you probably saw a recent story about some incredible Franklin Falcon scholars. Our 5th graders just wrapped up an extended research and presentation project that has been a Franklin tradition for several years. It's called the Wax Museum Project, and it puts many important skills on display. Students need to be able to research, take notes, create note cards highlighting pertinent information, create a visual display, practice public speaking, and show up in costume, all to share what they've learned about an important, influential historical figure. Presentation day allowed our 5th graders to put these skills on display for their families, Franklin staff members, the younger students at Franklin, and some members of the local media. Check out the news report linked below. We are so proud of the work our students poured into these projects, and they were clearly very proud, too.

The big day is almost here. Students are working hard in Mr. Shevy's music class to prepare themselves for what's sure to be another amazing performance. Next Thursday is Rehearsal Day, and the performances will be Friday, May 9th. There are three different concert times: 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 1:00 PM. In order to balance out the attendance at these performances, we ask that families with last names beginning with the letters S through Z attend the 8:30 performance, if possible, families with last names beginning with the letters A through I attend the 10:00 performance, if possible, and families with last names beginning with the letters J through R attend the 1:00 performance, if possible. Families who want to take their children home with them after the 1:00 performance should go to the child's classroom and have a face-to-face exchange with the classroom teacher. We ask this, of course, to ensure the safety of all our students.

The information below has been shared in previous "district level" communications, but we also wanted to share it directly with our Franklin families.

The MAPS School Board adopted a revised 2025-2026 school calendar in order to provide additional time for construction projects in the summer of 2026.

Important "Items of Note" in the revised 2025-26 calendar:

• We will start the school year before Labor Day. That's right. School will start in August!

• Entrance Conferences for elementary students will take place on Aug. 25 & 26. The first day of class for elementary students will be Wednesday, Aug. 27.

• We will have school on November 25, November 26, January 2, March 13, March 23, April 1 and April 2. (these are changes from the original calendar)

• We will hold Parent-Teacher conferences during the evenings in November and March and move the ‘no school days’ associated with conference days (teacher comp days) to the end of the school year.

• The last day of school at each level will now be:

• Elementary: Monday, May 18, 2026
• Middle: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
• High School: Thursday, May 21, 2026 (graduation TBD)

It's that time of year again when we need to remind students and families that ACES has our playground reserved until 6 p.m. It is reserved for their use only. Our ACES School Age Child Care Program uses the school playground as part of its daily programming. To ensure a safe and structured environment for ACES students, the playground is reserved for their use until the program ends at 6:00 p.m. Students who are not part of the ACES program ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STAY AND PLAY ON THE PLAYGROUND UNLESS THEY ARE BEING SUPERVISED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.

After 6:00 p.m., the playground is once again open to the public. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supportive space for all students.

If you’re looking for alternative play spaces before 6:00 p.m., the City of Mankato provides a list of parks here.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Parents and Caregivers,

Franklin is a schoolwide Title I school serving all students. Schools receiving federal funding for Title I, Part A, are required to gather parent feedback about Title I programming. Please complete this short survey by Friday, May 9th, and contact Mr. Johnson if you have additional questions around Title I programming at Franklin School.

Title I Parent Survey

Thank you in advance for your time and participation.

Are you, or is someone you know, looking for a way to earn some extra money or looking for a rewarding job working with students? If so, check out the links below to explore opportunities to work as a paraprofessional, lunch/recess supervisor, or ACES staff member. We have multiple openings right here at Franklin, and we'd love to have Franklin family members as part of our school staff. If you have questions specific to any open positions, please call the Franklin office at: 507-345-4287.

Falcon Night at the Moon Dogs! Half of your ticket cost ($8) will go to Franklin PTO. With your purchase you will also get a hotdog, chips and a drink.

June 10th @ 6:35 PM

To purchase: IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS or Franklin will not get credit.

https://mankato-moondogs.nwltickets.com/

Promotions-->Enter Promo: FRANKLIN PTO (note the space between Franklin and PTO) Select your seats View cart Continue and pay

**There is a $2 processing fee per ticket. This can be avoided by emailing:

thaack@mankatomoondogs.com and asking to pick up and pay for your FRANKLIN PTO tickets at the Moon Dogs office (1221 Caledonia St Mankato).**

If you go to buy and there aren't any tickets left, message : shelli_lynn88@hotmail.com or franklinmankatopto@gmail.com and I will get more added. Thanks!!

May 7 - Bike and Walk to School Day

May 9 - Franklin Music Concert

May 14 - 2 Hour Early Release

May 19 to 23 - Track and Field Week

May 26 - NO SCHOOL in Observance of Memorial Day