Franklin Family Newsletter
August Issue 2
Principal Message
The year has been off to a great start! Please go all the way to the bottom of this newsletter to see our very first students of the week. I am so incredibly proud of these students!
This year, Franklin Elementary will not be holding a separate school fundraiser. This means there will be no mum sale or school store (the fundraiser with all the emails). Instead, we are joining forces with our PTO and focusing our fundraising efforts on two of our favorite Franklin traditions, the Read-a-Thon and Walk-a-Thon.
We know families are asked to support many things throughout the school year, and we want to be mindful of that. By working together with our PTO and focusing on fewer fundraisers, we hope to make things a little simpler for our families while still supporting the fun opportunities and experiences we provide for our students.
We will continue to have restaurant nights throughout the year and are excited to bring back a family movie night.
Mrs. Kelly
Franklin Family Guide
Click the PDF below for important Franklin Elementary information, including school procedures, policies and helpful reminders for the school year.
Important Attendance Information
Please be sure to call your child off by 9:30 am each day they are absent or late by using the 24 hour attendance line 330-335-1467, be sure to leave an absence reason.
If there will be a change in transportation during the day, please let your teacher know with a note in the morning. If there is a last minute change during the day, please call the office by 3:00 pm at 330-335-1470. Email does not always reach the office, so a note or phone call works best.
Fees
As of 7/1/26, all online payments will be incurring fees unless the transaction is related to Food Service/Cafeteria.
STEM Shirt Sizes
Every year, Franklin PTO purchases a short-sleeve T-shirt for every student and staff member with that year's STEM design on it.
Please complete the form so we can get your student(s) sizes. If you have multiple students at Franklin, complete one form per student.
All sizes must be submitted by Friday, September 4th to secure a shirt for your student!!!!
Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/a8Wqrn8NS3pMupGt8
Spirit Wear Sale
The 2026 Franklin Spirit Wear Store is officially OPEN! Whether it's for First Fridays, school events, or cheering on our students, we've got something for the whole family.
Shop here: https://franklin-spirit-wear-2026.itemorder.com/
Sale ends September 4th! Don’t wait—get your Franklin gear ordered before the store closes! A percentage of proceeds go directly to the Franklin PTO to support our students and staff.
Pioneer Week 9/8-9/11
Students will get to experience and learn about life long ago. Here are some fun activities we have planned for the week!
9/8: Popcorn and Juice
Families are welcome to be with their class and help out on this day. You do not have to sign-up, you can just show up! We love inviting our families to be a part of this tradition! See below for what time your student is participating.
- 9:15–9:35: Kindergarten
- 9:45–10:15: 1st Grade
- 10:25–10:55: 2nd Grade
- 11:05–11:45: 3rd Grade
- 12:55–1:35: 4th Grade
9/9: Wagon Ride
9/10: 4th Grade Campfire 6p-7p, please note this is for 4th graders only.
9/11: Patriot Day Wear Red, White, and Blue, PTO Farmers Market
PTO Farmers Market
Twice a year, Franklin PTO brings the Farmers Market to our students! Kids get to sample a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, learn fun facts, and vote for their favorites. It’s a great way to encourage healthy eating while making learning fun. Our fall farmers market takes place on Friday, September 11.
We need a few volunteers to help with set up and food prep, passing out food to the students, and tearing down.
Able to help? Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AABAA2BA7FFC61-65334439-2026
PTO Tailgators Restaurant Night
Skip cooking and make dinner a little more fun! Join us at Tailgators on Monday, September 14 from 4:00–9:00 PM for our Franklin PTO Restaurant Night!
20% of proceeds will be donated back to the PTO!
So mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and come hang out with your Franklin friends.
Walk-a-Thon
Our Franklin Walk-a-Thon is happening Monday, September 28, and every step our students take helps make a difference! Incentives and fun rewards will be posted in next week's newsletter!
Approximately 95% of all proceeds go directly back to Franklin PTO, helping fund:
🧪 STEM programs, tools, and experiences
📚 Classroom supplies and staff support
🎉 School events and enrichment activities
💙 And so much more!
Ready to support our students?
Donate here: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/fall2026
To donate to a specific student, simply search their first name + last initial.
📣 Come Cheer Them On!
Families are welcome to join us, cheer on our students, and help mark trackers. Signs, clapping, and enthusiastic cheering are highly encouraged!
Walk-a-Thon Schedule:
9:15–10:00 AM: Kindergarten
10:00–10:45 AM: 2nd Grade
10:45–11:30 AM: 1st Grade
12:35–1:20 PM: 3rd Grade
1:20–2:05 PM: 4th Grade
Picture Day
Picture day is Friday, September 25th. More information on how to order pictures will be sent soon!
The Counselor’s Corner with Mrs. Neumann
August 2026
The Counselor’s Corner
with Meagan Neumann, School Counselor
Welcome to Franklin!
My name is Meagan Neumann, Franklin’s school counselor for the 2026-2027 school year. This is my 6th year at Franklin, and 13th year in Wadsworth City Schools. It’s been a pleasure seeing returning students, as well as getting to know our new students and families this year! I’m looking forward to making more connections, building friendships, and helping our students learn and grow!
New Student Celebration: We have many new faces at Franklin! I will be hosting a New Student Celebration with our new students in grades first (1st) through fourth (4th) grade. Students will have a chance to connect with other peers, while participating in a fun activity and enjoying a treat with me! The New Student Celebration will be Wednesday, September 2nd.
Minute Meetings: Minute Meetings are exactly how they sound: I take a minute (or two) to meet one-on-one with EVERY student at Franklin, to connect and get to know them a little better. This helps me determine if students need help with making friends, connecting with their teacher/staff, and answering any other questions that they may have. Minute Meetings will begin in September.
Weekender Bags by Feeding Medina County: Feeding Medina County provides weekly food bags to students/families who may need a little extra support with snacks, canned foods, and other food staples. This program is free of cost. A permission form to participate in this program went home in the red folders with students. If you need another permission form to complete, please let me know and I’ll send one home with your student. There is no limit as to how many students/families can participate, and I can add to our list at any time. Please feel free to reach out by phone or email with any questions.
Backpack Connection: This awesome program is provided by our wonderful PTO members! Backpack Connection has the same concept of Weekender Bags (see above), only these bags consist of easy snacks that are ready to eat. These bags also go home weekly with students.
Question: Can students get both Weekender Bags and Backpack Connection Bags?
Answer: YES! We can definitely provide both bags for students, if there is the need. All you have to do is contact me with your request.
Attendance Matters: The beginning of the school year is a great time to set positive intentions for student success! When students come to school on a regular basis, it helps them academically, as well as personally and socially. Daily attendance helps students build the fundamentals in reading, math, and social skills. Regular attendance helps children make friends, share, communicate, and develop a sense of school connection and belonging. Showing up every day teaches students responsibility and builds lifelong habits.
Having trouble with separation anxiety? Here are some tips to help your child transition back to school.
I’m looking forward to a great school year with you and your children!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Neumann
Direct Line: 330.335.5904
Art Corner
Dear Families,
Welcome to our elementary art studio! This year, your child will learn through an art program called T.A.B. (Teaching for Artistic Behavior).
In our classroom, the child is the artist, and the classroom is their studio.
Here is what that means for your elementary artist:
Real Choice: Students choose their own projects, tools, and ideas.
Process Over Product: We focus on creative thinking, exploring, and learning from mistakes rather than making perfect, matching crafts.
Unique Artwork: Every piece of art brought home will look different because it reflects your child's unique voice.
How you can talk about art at home:
Instead of asking "What is it?", try asking:
"How did you make this?"
"What is your favorite part of this artwork?"
"What gave you this idea?"
Studio Focus This Month:
This month, we are studying and creating portraits! As your child builds their skills, they are learning how to use various drawing tools to bring their unique ideas to life.
Monthly Drawing Challenges:
Keep an eye out for our monthly drawing challenges! These fun, optional prompts will be attached to our monthly art newsletter so your child can keep creating at home!
We are excited for a year of true elementary creativity!
Creatively Yours,
Sally A. Lucas
PTO Corner
Franklin PTO is a non-profit organization that uses 100% of its donations to support students, staff, and the school. Meetings take place on the first Friday of each month at 9:30 AM in the Franklin cafeteria (virtual option available). Minutes and budget are on our website under the 2026–2027 meetings tab.
Our first meeting is Friday, September 4 at 9:30am!
Join our Facebook group and visit our website for news, events, and ways to get involved. All links in one place: https://linktr.ee/franklin_pto
Franklin PTO – Membership!
Membership in the Franklin PTO is free for all Franklin families! By becoming a member, you'll have voting rights on PTO matters and be eligible to lead and chair PTO events and activities.
Joining is easy-simply complete our membership form, and you're in! Your involvement helps us support our students, staff, and school community.
Become a member by filling out the form here: https://forms.gle/fenq2MErt2hNK22A8
Have questions? Contact us at pto.franklin.wadsworth@gmail.com
Backpack Connection
This program provides extra food, clothing, and supplies to students in need. Each week, our PTO packs and distributes bags to help support families in our school community.
How You Can Help:
Amazon Wishlist: All items purchased are shipped directly to the PTO so we can pack the weekly bags.
Drop-Off Donations: Items can be left at the main office (please mark them for Backpack Connection).
Monetary Donations: Save a shopping trip and donate money instead.
Upcoming Events
September 2026
9/4: PTO Meeting 9:30a
9/4: Last Day to Order Spirit Wear & submit your student's shirt size for their STEM shirt
9/7: No School - Labor Day
9/8-9/11: Pioneer Week
9/8: Popcorn and Juice
9/9: Wagon Ride
9/10: 4th Grade Campfire 6p-7p
9/11: PTO Farmers Market
9/11: Patriot Day - wear red, white, and blue
9/14: PTO Tailgators Restaurant Night 4p-8p
9/17: PTO Educational Assembly
9/18: No School
9/25: Picture Day
9/28: PTO Walk-a-Thon
9/29: McDonald’s Restaurant Night 5p-7p
September Board of Education Student of the Month
Students of the Month
Coming soon! Each month, one student from each class gets recognized for outstanding effort and following the Franklin Way!
Students of the Week
Congrats to Luke Wilson, Sage Hogben, Korrie Owens, Anna Tomei, Beau Rogers-Lamp, Everett Mohler, Alex Crow, Nora Hoff, Greyson Orlando, John Ockunzzi, and Kacen White! So proud of you all!