2024-25 #14 4/3/25

Ben Franklin Principal Jordan Hein shares a reading of "The Energy Bus For Kids" with all Ben Franklin students as part of their weekly morning meeting to build and reinforce "the B.E.N Way" (Believe in Yourself, Encourage Others, Never Stop Learning).

As we return from Spring Break hopefully rejuvenated and refreshed, we are able to reflect on the learning that has taken place this year and the learning that is still to come as we move towards the end of the 2024-25 school year. We would like to use this opportunity to spotlight some new information regarding Act 20 assessments, particular to our 4K-3 families.

The aimswebPlus screener was administered this winter to our 5K-3 students. As required by state law, we are now expanding to include our 4K students this spring for their initial screening assessment. Therefore, students in grades 4K-3 are currently participating in aimswebPlus early literacy skill screening as part of the requirements of the Act 20 state statute. This literacy screening is used to check important early literacy skills including:

• alphabet knowledge

• letter sound knowledge

• phonemic awareness

• decoding

• oral vocabulary

In order to report student results on this early literacy assessment, Franklin is using a digital platform called NextPath. NextPath is a new tool that Franklin uses to better understand how each student is learning and progressing. It takes student information and assessment results and presents them in a way that's easy for teachers and administrators to understand. This allows staff to make informed decisions about how to best support your child's education. NextPath also allows us to share Act 20 literacy screening assessment information with families.

To log in to NextPath and learn how to access your child’s Act 20 screener results, please click on this link for directions. If you have multiple children in the district, please pay close attention to step 8. You must “claim” all of your children in order to see their screener results (even your child who are not in grades 4K-3).

We hope this helps you to better understand our new literacy tools this year and how, as a parent, you can best keep track of your children’s data to further support them in learning. If you have additional questions, please reach out to your child's teacher.

Thank you,

Dr. Jessica Moe, Assistant Superintendent for Continuous Improvement

Amanda Pound, Director of Teaching & Learning

District Calendars: 2024-25 | 2025-26

All dates integrated in the District Calendar page here.

Next week is WI Tornado & Severe Weather Week. Please be aware that on Thursday, April 10th, at 1:45p and 6:45p, sirens will be going off as part of the drill. Schools may be participating in the drill at 1:45p on Thursday or at another designated time that works during the week as part of our safety drill planning.

As we progress on our Franklin Forward work for the additions at Franklin High School and updates to the elementary buildings that were part of the $145M November 2024 referendum, we will regularly update families and the members of the community in our first district newsletter and website.

Franklin Forward Updates 4/3/25

• Work continues as we are in the Schematic Phase of planning as shared at our January update to the FPS School Board. Within the next 4-8 weeks, the Core Planning Team and consultants plan to be in the design phase and closer to having architectural drawings to start working from as we build to our first bid package.

• Our partners at PRA (Architects) will be conducting another round of meetings with district stakeholders, including staff, to collect further feedback on the current work developed during the Schematic Phase.

• The Core Design Team met with Mayor Nelson, Kelly Hersch, and five additional city leaders in mid-March to share our tentative timeline that the Board saw at the January school board meeting. This information has also been shared recently in district newsletters and includes a rough outline of the building and developed spaces. The main purpose of the meeting was to get acquainted with who everyone is from the City departments, the district and the district consultants and to establish a regular meeting. In addition, we set recurring monthly meetings with the City to ensure we have everything they expect for upcoming Planning Commission and City Council meetings.

March is Women’s History Month and we wanted to share a story that’s become an annual tradition at Franklin High School. During the month of March, Franklin High School Metals and Machining Instructor Noel Bisog pulls all of the young women in her classes together during one of the Gold Block hours to honor them for taking risks by taking courses in typically male dominated content areas. She also surprised them for a second year in a row with a “waffle bar” from Press Waffles in Milwaukee!

“Everyone here has taken risks,” Ms. Bisog shared with the current FHS young women during the recognition. “I didn't (take trades courses) in high school because I didn't want to be the only girl in the room. Each of you here were willing to take that risk.”

As part of the recognition, Ms. Bisog invited back recent graduates who are working in the trades to speak to the current high school women about what it means to be working in a mostly male dominated field and to share about their current work in the trades. Sydney Davis (FHS ‘23) works for S&S Automotive and shared that some of her metal work has her working with welding and patchwork. Ashlee Koehn (FHS ‘24) is studying welding at MATC while also working as a welder at Krones. Both women were in Saber Manufacturing and worked with Ms. Bisog as an intern during their time at Franklin High School. While a student at FHS, she also completed a youth apprenticeship at Krones.

Ms. Bisog complimented the recent alumni by sharing, “Even after graduation, these young women are still taking risks!”

Following the kind words by both professionals in their fields, Ms. Bisog shared 3 question sheets on the wall to collect some feedback from the group of young high school women that she could use to inform future generations of female students, specifically what to tell an 8th grade girl looking to come into high school and take a metals course. Ms. Bisog also announced that going into next year, current Junior Ella Opliger will be the first female “Shop Boss” for the program and she was very excited to announce that at this special event.

Thank you to Ms. Bisog for recognizing our FHS women in this way and for exemplifying the district’s core value of “Personal Growth” and how we are a “Better Place To Learn” while also honoring Women’s History Month.

Franklin High School's annual March Madness Spirit Week event took place during the week leading into Spring Break, and was a huge success! This was the 11th year that Franklin High School has celebrated its March Madness event, coordinated by Pat Gain. The event raised over $800 for FHS organizations, including Best Buddies (special needs inclusion) and Relay For Life (cancer research support).

Students were excited to take part in a variety of themed spirit days, which included wearing red to support Volition Youth’s “Light and Unite Awareness Week” to promote drug-free living, as well as Crazy Socks Day to recognize National Down Syndrome Day. Students showing Saber Pride were awarded prize tickets by staff, and donations made by local community businesses and supporters were distributed to lucky winners throughout the week and at the pep assembly finale on Friday, March 21st.

The assembly featured performances by the band, a Pie-in-the-Face fundraiser (where Athletic Director, Cordell Smith, "won" the honor as the chosen administrator), a 3-point shootout, Brandon Johnsen's Adapted Physical Education students showing off their basketball skills, random t-shirt tosses, Staff versus Student games, and many other interactive, engaging activities.

Special thanks to student Adriana Rios for photographing the assembly

The National Merit Scholarship Program, conducted by NMSC, is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. Established in 1955, NMSC is a privately financed not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. The competition is open to all U.S. high school students who meet published participation requirements. Approximately 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year.

The National Merit® Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. NMSC announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

This year we have 3 FHS students named as National Merit Finalists. Congratulations to

Sruti Palla, Nehan Sajeeth and Niharika Vuyyuru for earning National Merit Finalist!

The Franklin High School Child Development II students will once again be sponsoring “Saber Pre-School” for children ages 3 to 5 on various days beginning at the end of April.

Saber Pre-school is designed for children ages 3 to 5 who are toilet trained and ready to experience a supportive and enriching pre-school environment. The student teachers prepare daily lesson plans that not only provide opportunities for the Little Sabers to develop socially, but also to enhance their kindergarten readiness skills. The Saber Pre-school program offers a truly excellent experience for both our big and small students.

Class time will be from 9:00 to 10:15 am and tuition is $25 to cover the cost of materials and snacks for the entire 3 weeks. Saber Pre-school will include story time, large and small group activities, free time, songs and other fun activities. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes when we hit 24 participants or by Thursday, April 17th at the latest. If you know someone who has a child ages 3-5, please help us by sharing this message to them!

CLICK HERE for the Informational Flyer | CLICK HERE to register

We are very proud to share that Franklin High School alum Cole Kluesner was commissioned by the Milwaukee Brewers to design and create the "home opener" poster for Opening Day on March 31st! We reached out to Cole to ask about his time at FHS and in the arts:

"I graduated from FHS in 2006. Paula Bausch was my art teacher for a few classes and she was unbelievably spectacular and inspiring. I was also part of the 2005 & 2006 Sabers wrestling team that qualified for Team State and I had a couple individual state appearances. I have nothing but fond memories from Franklin High! Most of my closest friends to this day I met in high school, and the overall community support has been incredible!"

Congratulations to Cole on having his artwork recognized locally and by the Brewers! Below is a video segment that TMJ4 did about Cole, his artwork, and his piece for the Brewers

This enchanting classic of children's literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style and presented by Forte’s professional Mainstage Series at the Saber Center for Performing Arts with shows running over two weekends beginning this Saturday April 5th and running through next Sunday, April 13th.

When young, orphaned Mary Lennox is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in his haunted English manor, she embarks on a thrilling quest to untangle the pieces of her family's past. Join us this spring for this compelling tale of forgiveness & renewal. The Secret Garden runs approximately 2.5 hours plus intermission and is appropriate for all ages!

Get tickets here!

Get tickets here, and like the Saber Center on Facebook or Instagram for the latest information!

In an effort to keep our Community Education & Recreation Department audiences updated about happenings, our Rec Department is sharing their own newsletter which you can see here or by clicking on the image below. This newsletter is sent directly to those who are engaged in programming or with any of our Community Ed & Rec offerings. This is a great place to hear what's new and being worked on for Rec! Check it out!

The Community Education and Recreation Department is excited to announce the implementation of our new software system, ARUX, which began on April 1st. All participants will need to create a new account when logging in for the first time. The postcard shown above with registration directions was mailed to all residents and an email was sent to all families and rec participants the week of March 17th (the week before Spring Break) to help guide you through this process.

Please note that Summer Kids Camp and 2025-26 Kids Club registration is now open as of Tuesday, April 1st and registration occurs using the new ARUX registration system.

if you are looking to still register for Winter/Spring programming, please visit our website here.

If you are are planning to register for Summer Kids Camp 2025 or 2025-26 Kids Club (both open as of April 1st) or Summer Programming (registration opens May 1st), that registration will all occur in our new ARUX website here. After May 1st, all registrations and our new website will be https://franklin.arux.app

Celebrate your graduating senior with a Class of 2025 yard sign! Signs are now available for purchase from the Franklin Educational Foundation through this link for $20! Pick up of all signs will be at FHS sometime the first week of May, with more specific details to follow. Proceeds from the sale go to support student and activity grants, the Foundation Student Assistance Fund and senior scholarships.

Here's your chance to spotlight that special FPMS 8th grader as they prepare for the next step of their academic journey! Yard signs are now available for purchase from the Franklin Educational Foundation for $20 through this link. Signs will be available for pickup at FPMS the first week of May, with more specific details to follow. All proceeds for the signs go to support PAWS who in turn use the funds to support teachers, staff and classroom / activities.

Not sure what to do with all those outgrown kids clothes, toys, books, etc. and looking to make a little cash? Sign up to be a seller at our semi-annual Children's Consignment Sale on April 12. Everything you need to know can be found on our website.

Our Fall event was a huge success, and we've decided to move this annual event to Spring! Join us for a fun morning of exercise, meeting new friends and raising money for a great cause. See our website for registration information! Everyone who registers is entered into a drawing for a FREE pickleball party for 8 people at Elite Tennis.

Congratulations to Mike Spragg and Debbie Larson for being re-elected to the FPS School Board for another 3-year term. We are very thankful for your service to the students, staff, families and community of Franklin Public Schools.

District Administrator Annalee Bennin shared the following:

• Congratulations to our staff and students on FANTASTIC performances of “The Addams Family” before Spring Break!

• Better Place to Work: Our BPTW Support Staff are continuing to meet on a monthly basis making progress towards reviewing vacation allocations for our year round staff as well as compensation structures for our school year staff.

• The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will hold its second of four schedule public hearings on Friday, April 4th at WI State Fair Park Exposition Center from 10am to 5pm. Andy Chromy and I will attend. Andy will speak as a parent, I will speak on behalf of the District to continue to drive home the need to support our CTE programs and better fund Special Education. Leo Eckman will also talk with our liaisons to see if they can speak as a parent. Board members are invited to join me to speak, please let me know if you are available.

• The Franklin Police Department along with Franklin School Administrators have completed the hiring process for the 2nd School Resource Officer to start next school year. We are excited to announce that Officer David Crissey will serve in this role, alongside current SRO Amy Hempe, for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Franklin High School's Mike Vuolo (Principal), Claire Bastian (Assoc. Principal), Erin Weston (Assoc. Principal), Joey Jonas (Assoc. Principal) along with students AJ C., Anant R., Alvera S., Jack R., and Makenna G. presented the Profile of a Graduate: Communicators, Collaborators, Thinkers, Citizens. Students shared their experiences in various classes.
• Mike Vuolo presented the Summer/Fall 2025 Early College Credit & Start College Now Request. This was approved by the Board.
• Chad Kafka, District Communications Specialist. presented the yearly Communications Update.
• The Resolution Awarding the Sale of $145,000,000 General Obligation School Facility Improvement Bonds, Series 2025A was presented as an action item by Andy Chromy and approved by the Board.
• A donation to the Emil Ewald Family Foundation Scholarship was approved.
• Debbie Larson, School Board Clerk read the Election Notice & Notice of Ballot Positions.

Find more details, official minutes & videos at www.franklin.k12.wi.us → ABOUT US → BOARD OF EDUCATION

The next FPS School Board Meeting is Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the ECC District Office @ 6pm. Current agenda items include:

• Friends of Franklin Recognition: Susan Hiller (Hiller Ford) - Alex Bondar
• Recreation Department Update/Tax Levy Update -- Andy Chromy
• 2025-26 Board of Education Meeting Dates
• Technology Report - LuAnn Zielinski
• Franklin Forward Update -- Annalee Bennin & Mike Hacker (Cadence Consulting)
• Health Insurance - Laura Lancour & Andy Chromy
• Health Clinic - Laura Lancour & Andy Chromy
• S&C Electric Company Donation - Approval
• Policy Reports & Updates: 5011 Non-Discrimination of Students on the Basis of Disability, 5420 Appropriate Use of Seclusion/Restraint, 6435 Delegation of Local Education Agency Representative Duties for Special Education

Agendas are posted on the Board of Education/Board Docs page of the Franklin Public Schools website the Friday evening prior to the Board meeting. Policies are located in Board Docs through this Policy link.

We are always looking for people to join our amazing support systems for students! We are currently looking for a part-time educational assistants, coaches, food service staff, custodial staff, and more.

Click here to see all of our current SUPPORT STAFF LISTINGS on WECAN for more details and please apply through WECAN.

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(Note: Any imagery containing students, staff, events, or FPS logos shared by FPS are the property of Franklin Public Schools and are solely for district use. Reproduction or reuse of these images without written permission is not allowed.)