Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K-8

October 6, 2026

Dear Franklin Families,

I have something very special to share with you.

This story began in one of our middle school classrooms with A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. As our students learned about the challenges children and families in South Sudan face accessing clean water, they were deeply affected by what they read.

And they wanted to do something about it.

Our students set a goal to raise enough money to help build a well in South Sudan. They hosted our first Bingo Night, sold Teddy Grams, Bee Kind Grams, and Puppy Love Grams, held a used book sale, and kept working until they reached their goal.

But they could not have done it without you.

Our Franklin families came to Bingo Night, supported the fundraisers, bought the grams and books, donated, and encouraged our students along the way.

And now I get to show you what we accomplished together.

The well sponsored by Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines has officially been completed at Atukuel Primary School in Warrap, South Sudan.

The pictures you see here were sent to us from South Sudan, and seeing them for the first time was something I will not forget.

Children are gathered around the pump. Clean water is flowing. And there, stamped into the concrete, are the words Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines.

There is something incredibly powerful about seeing our school's name there.

Because it is more than a name on a well. It represents our students who cared enough to act and a school community that believed in them enough to help.

Because of what we accomplished together, children and families now have safe, reliable water closer to home. That means healthier children, less time spent walking long distances to collect water, and more time for school, family, and everyday life.

I also want to recognize the teachers who helped our students take what they learned in A Long Walk to Water and turn it into action. They guided and encouraged our students throughout this project and helped bring their vision to life.

And to our families, thank you.

I know you are asked to support many things throughout a school year. You show up for our students in ways big and small, often without ever getting to see exactly where that support leads.

This time, you can.

It is in these pictures.

It is in the water coming from that pump.

It is in the children who now have clean water closer to home.

And it is in the name Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines, permanently stamped into the concrete thousands of miles away.

I could not be prouder of our students or more grateful for the families and community who helped them accomplish something this meaningful.

A book opened our students' eyes to a problem far beyond their own community.

What they chose to do next, and what all of you helped them accomplish, is the part of the story I hope they never forget.

I know I won't. 💙

With tremendous pride and gratitude,

Elena Diaz, M.Ed.
Principal