Franklin Family Newsletter
August Issue 1
Principal Message
Welcome back Franklin families!
We are so excited to kick off another school year at Franklin! There is always something special about the beginning of a new year. Our halls are full again, our classrooms are busy and our students are already settling into routines, building relationships and showing us what it means to be a Franklin Grizzly.
I am so thankful for our incredible staff, students and families who make Franklin such a special place. We have so much to look forward to this year and I cannot wait to see all of the learning, growth and fun ahead.
Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. We are so happy to have everyone back and are looking forward to a great year together!
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.
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 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
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
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
August 2026
8/18-9/4: PTO Spirit Wear Sale
8/24: Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
8/25: Kindergarten Open House 6p-7p
8/26: First Day of School for Kindergarten
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
Coming soon! Each week, one student from each class gets recognized for great behavior!