2024-25 #08 12/19/24

Hello Franklin Families! As the learners and educators wind down their learning for the 2024 school year, we also pause and celebrate that we have already engaged in four months of learning! January brings many checkpoints for our progress thus far this school year…MAPS assessments and engagement surveys to name a couple! This gives our school teams time to reflect on what is working and what we can continue to adjust to ensure we are growing all of our learners this school year mentally, socially, physically, and academically.

I had planned to share the Franklin Forward updates in this newsletter now that we are over a month past the successful passing of the referendum. Those updates can be found further down in the newsletter so you can know what to expect as our project work moves forward.

More importantly, I wanted to take this minute to pause and share gratitude to all of you for trusting your child(ren) to us each day. As I have said before, we do not take our responsibility lightly. With the events in Madison this week, we are reminded why we take so many breaks from academic learning each month to review our learning around safety with our learners and staff. It takes all of us to be vigilant and caring, to reach out when we need support or see others that may need support. It is a time to keep in our thoughts all those who have experienced loss this past week and hug those we love a few extra times. In addition, these are some good resources that may help in times like this:

• The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has a one-page resource intended for families to help process grief and traumatic events.
• Talking to Children When Scary Things Happen is a one-page resource from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network which centers a trauma-informed approach for educators to address violent incidents with children.

I do not believe in using this moment as the reminder of all the things we do as a district to work to ensure safety, as all schools do, and yet traumatic experiences happen. However, if you are wanting a reminder of the safety protocols in place at Franklin Public Schools, please revisit these District Newsletters for resources around our work:

• September 19th - School Safety
• October 3rd - Mental Health Support

I wish you and your family a safe, memorable and relaxing Winter break. Each day our gift is the presence we can give our families and loved ones. Find time for those special moments over this Winter Break. We will see you in 2025!

With gratitude,

Annalee Bennin

FPS District Administrator

Since the passing of the referendum, there have been a variety of collaborations taking place with CD Smith, PRA, and Cadence Consulting as we begin ‘molding the clay’ of the projects across FPS and set the timeline for the work over the next four years. We are also excited to incorporate voice from our students and you, our parents, and our community around these projects. Watch for more information in January on how you can be a part of this historic project!

Below are the important items to know and review as we all get eager to see the work come into action for our staff, learners, families and community!

The $21.9 million in maintenance across our five elementary schools and the high school will take place with leadership from our own Buildings and Grounds crew under Director Andy Daniels and the support of CD Smith, our construction manager. Much of this work is maintenance focused, therefore, not a lot of voice for staff for this work. However, this does include some playground adjustments or additions to a couple schools and that would be an area where the thoughts of staff will be incorporated. More details will be shared on these projects at a later date.

The $123.1 million in renovations and additions at Franklin High School is the bulk of the work and CD Smith will be the project manager. The Core Team will do the majority of the planning and final decisions for this work, however, there will be opportunities for input from staff, students, families and community members.

The flow to the work at FHS is complex; meaning as one area is complete, we will shift classes into the new space, renovate or remove the old space, and shift classes when the space is complete multiple times over the next four years. The complexity of the plan ensures minimal disruption to classroom learning environments and minimal classrooms that have to shift during construction. We will begin from North to South. A preliminary look at the phasing of these projects is included below, though this is fluid and will adjust as the team progresses the work:

• Design Work: November 2024 - November 2025

• Demo Pool: October 2025

• Construction of Field House including Pool & Additional Parking: November 2025 - June 2027

• Construction of Family & Consumer Science (FCS), Large Group Instruction Space (LGI) & Corridor: November 2026 - June 2027

• Construction of Tennis Courts & Street to Neighborhood: April 2027 - August 2027

• Demo Gym, Weightroom, Multipurpose Room, Locker Rooms, Wrestling Room, World Language & Special Education Classrooms: June-July 2027

• Construction of FACS & Science Classroom: June-August 2027

• Construction of Autos, Woods, Metals, & Fab Lab: June 2027 - March 2028

• Demo Autos & CTE Space: March 2028

• Construction of Special Education Spaces, World Language and Corridor to Field House: March - October 2028

(click on image below to see larger if needed)

• As with any construction project, especially over a span of four years, the timeline will ebb and flow depending on pace of work, accessibility of supplies, weather, fluctuating timelines to receive permits, among a myriad of other items that can speed up or delay construction.

• The Phasing Video gives an overview of where these spaces are located and the flow to the construction.

• Athletic Director Cordell Smith will be working to partner with an area school to utilize their pool for our swim teams during these construction phases. Principal Mike Vuolo will work with our team to identify temporary classrooms during construction of new classrooms. All of this will be communicated ahead of time.

• The preliminary draft drawings of Franklin High School, when completed, are below and clickable to see larger versions.

Most importantly, we want to ensure safety throughout the entire construction. Our beginning Core Meetings have included walking through how our Raptor System, which is also utilized by CD Smith, will capture those on property, assign badges to workers and outline access areas to the school.

We will continue to share updates with the School Board and our community through our Board meetings, District Newsletter, the Franklin Focal Point (all city mailer), and through the Franklin Forward website.

Thank you for your support which will allow our learners and staff the ability to create spaces to reach beyond today but decades into the future to ensure they are college or career ready.

Proud to be a Saber!

Annalee Bennin

FPS District Administrator

2024-25 Full District PDF Calendar

**NEW** 2025-26 Full District PDF Calendar

District Calendar webpage - all calendars can be subscribed to! Follow the directions at top of page

The 2025-26 District Calendar was approved by the FPS School Board last week. The PDF of the calendar is here and it is also now linked up and populated on our District Calendars page here.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our calendars on our webpage. This will help you to have events from the “FPS District Calendar” or for your building readily available on your device or app! Note that in order to have the days off of school for the district, you should be sure to subscribe to the “FPS District Calendar.”

Last Friday, we had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate our 2024 Excellent Educators award winners with District Administration, principals and Franklin Educational Foundation board members.

These teachers have been so creative and thoughtful with their grant funding, including the following: continuing education classes, special needs equipment for the classroom, funds toward 6th grade welcome kits, illustrated light panels, books/toys for the classroom, coat rack for littles, and funds toward a field trip to the MKE Public Museum

Congratulations to the recipients: Christina Mooren (FHS), Megan Wandschneider (Country Dale), Becky Uciechowski (Robinwood), Brenda Bart (Ben Franklin), Jenna Rosienski (FPMS), Abby Gardner (Southwood Glen), and Jennifer Pursko (Pleasant View).

This week marks a special milestone amongst the staff and students at Franklin High School. Peggie (Arlene) Watson, affectionately known as “P.WATS”, has been an educational assistant at Franklin High School since 1999, which makes this the 25th year for her at FHS. In her position, P.WATS helps to supervise students during arrival, dismissal, lunch and passing times and she oversees traffic as well. This is her final week at FHS as she is retiring before winter break.

Every Wednesday, Peggie does a special “What’s Up With P.WATS” segment during the morning announcements where she shares positive messaging with students and staff about gratitude, remembering the small things and just being good stewards in our community. While part of her role at times may include helping to address and de-escalate conflicts amongst students, the one thing that she spoke about in her final announcement was thanking everyone for their level of respect over the years. “It's been an awesome 25 years here for me,” Peggie shared, “I couldn’t have done it without your respect and support, and for that I am truly grateful!”

The staff and students wouldn’t let her just walk off into the sunset though. Typically when FHS honors special accolades at Franklin High School, those being recognized take part in a “Gold Walk” through the halls. For this special occasion, staff schemed behind-the-scenes and put together a chariot-throne-cart for Peggie’s “Gold Ride” through the halls which included her donning a golden cloak, crown and “Stop Sign” scepter! Students and staff lined the halls to shout many well wishes including “We love you, P.WATS!” and a few even asked for her autograph. The SABER ROAR student news crew also put together a special video in her honor which you can see here.

Thank you to Peggie Watson for all her years of service and for helping to maintain a positive and safe learning environment at Franklin High School.

HS Teacher Erin McCarthy was selected as one of over 150 volunteers chosen from 1000 applicants to help decorate The White House for the holidays. As part of this honor, she was asked to bring along Franklin student portraits, drawn by the students, to display on the trees that sit next to the official portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

“My role in decorating the White House was actually even more exciting than expected because I decorated the West Wing on the one team of 15 people who had that special opportunity,” shared Ms. McCarthy. “I shared with my students last week about what I saw in the Oval Office, Cabinet Room and Vice President's office and how amazing it was to be in the spaces and places where history happened. The First Lady spoke about the importance of bringing more American voices into the White House, which is really the people's house. Now Franklin High School students are part of that story and have a spot in history in the people's house. Photos of their drawn portraits, along with students from across the country, have been shared on social media, TV stations and newspapers around the United States.”

Congratulations to Erin for this esteemed honor and for helping to showcase Franklin students as part of her volunteer work! Click here to see more of Erin's photos from her time in the White House!

Wednesday we shared with FHS Seniors, their families and HS staff details about the 2025 Graduation Ceremony. We are pleased to once again partner with American Family Field to host our ceremony. You can see the announcement here with all date, time and known details at this point.

Spectrum News 1 came out and did story last week about the FHS Construction II class building a home in the community. Hear from our students and from instructor Andrew Mente in this piece by clicking through to their website below.

Forest Park Middle School will be hosting the 4th annual Festival of Bands for grades 6-12 on Saturday, January 11th. Students will have the opportunity to work with renowned clinician Rick Tengowski throughout the day, culminating in a showcase performance demonstrating the progression from beginning band to advanced wind ensemble. Please join us at 4pm in the gym to celebrate the musicianship of the 6-12 grade band program! Students participating should look for information from your band teachers on practice schedule prior to 4pm.

As shared in the building newsletters before Thanksgiving, in the event we have inclement weather, we have detailed information on our website at this page that is helpful for parents and students to understand in regards to FPS School closures. Information covered on this page includes how closures are determined, how families & staff can expect to receive information about closures and the impact of closures on school days for the rest of the year.

Paying attention to your child’s emotional well-being is a focus of the student services staff of Franklin Public Schools.

• For elementary aged children, more information on mental health is HERE.

• For middle & high school students, developing the awareness of the impact of emotions on functioning is a valuable skill to create overall health and wellness.

If you feel your student is struggling with difficulty managing their emotions such as; anxiety, stress, depressed mood, consider finding some support. Therapy can provide tools to help them better deal with the complications that can come along with this challenging time of life.

If you feel your child might benefit from further support, FPS has partnered with Clinical Psychology Associates (CPA), who has established counseling clinics in Franklin High School, Forest Park Middle School, Pleasant View Elementary and Country Dale Elementary. These clinics are available to provide further support and establish a process of therapy. All children in Franklin elementary schools have access to these services. For more information, please see our website. Appointments are scheduled directly with CPA staff by calling or texting (262) 251-1112.

The Franklin Public School District is proud to continue to partner with Advocate Aurora Health Care to offer a Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP). The SFAP is available to ALL students and members of their households within our district AT NO COST and offers up to (4) free one-hour sessions with a licensed counselor per issue on a variety of topics related to mental health. The program also provides other services and benefits, including legal and financial consultation.

• Information about this program is parked on our website here.
• Click here for a Franklin Public Schools Plan Flier with a description of this program along with contact information to get started with accessing these services.
• Click here for examples of the types of services Aurora can offer
• Click here for a video which provides a comprehensive overview of the program.

Call 1-800-236-3231 between 8am to 5pm M-F to schedule an appointment to talk to a counselor.

The streets of Victorian England spring to life in this adaptation of the classic novel, with memorable characters including Oliver, Fagin, Bill Sykes and Nancy. You will recognize some of the most beloved songs to ever grace the stage, including "Consider Yourself", "Food Glorious Food", and “Pick A Pocket Or Two.” Experience a family-friendly adaptation of a true theatrical classic!

Part of Forte’s Youth Production series, Oliver! Junior will be performed by 6-12th graders from Franklin Public Schools and the greater Milwaukee area.

Friday, January 31 - 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 1 - 7:00 pm with pre-show dinner option

Sunday, February 2 - 2:00 pm

Runs approximately 1 hour without intermission and is appropriate for all ages

Tickets $12-$15

GET TICKETS HERE

• Thurs, December 19th @ 7pm: FHS Orchestra Winter Concert

• Fri, January 31st - Sunday February 2nd: Forte Theatre Youth Production of "Oliver, Jr"

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

As of December 3rd, the Winter-Spring program registration is OPEN for Franklin residents! Check our website here to see the guide and to register!

District Administrator Annalee Bennin shared the following:

• The stoplight installation at FHS has seen delays due to parts being on backorder.

• Due to cooperating weather, the Community Education & Recreation Department (CERC) building crews have been able to begin clearing and preparing the land to begin building in late winter when weather permits. A groundbreaking will be planned after the deep frost of the winter.

• The Health Clinic will also be built simultaneously. The staff health clinic is set to open in January 2026. Communication to staff continues to run through the Better Place to Work Task force for professional and support staff.

• Andy Chromy and Laura Lancour will present health insurance updates or changes at the March Board meetings.

Franklin Forward Updates

• Gratitude to the Board to allow our community to cast their vote for this work.
• The first stage of design will be for the field house, while keeping in mind the whole scope of the referendum work.
• Andy Daniels (Director of Buildings & Grounds) and our consultants have also been working diligently to adjust the Franklin Forward long-range facility planning now that we have support from our community to complete a portion of this list.
• Incorporating staff voice for the spaces that will be addressed has begun. The timeline for the scope of this four year project has been shared with staff through our staff newsletter and with the School Board.
• Mike Hacker of Cadence Consulting and Annalee Bennin will present more detailed updates in January, April, July, and October while Annalee Bennin will give updates in the opposite months in her District Administrator update.
• Andy Daniels will present the Building and Grounds update and Franklin Forward long-range facility planning at the May Board meetings.

Board Agenda Items

• Pleasant View Elementary Ashley Imperiale (Principal), Carly Gordy (Instructional Coach) and 5th Grade students Avery M. and Lexy W. presented how PV is implementing "Engagement" from the FPS Coherence Plan.

• Dr. Jessica Moe (Assistant Superintendent for Continuous Improvement) presented the Friends of Franklin Recognition to Mason DeWitt from Anodyne Coffee, and FHS Teachers, Grace Barr and Dana Niedziejko along with her 18-21 students, James L., and Collin M.

• Debbie Larson, School Board Clerk presented the 2025 Election Notice.

• The Annual Health Report was presented by Leo Eckman (Director of Student Services). Mr. Eckman also introduced Laura Plautz as the new FPS District Nurse.

• The 2023-24 Financial Audit Report was presented by Andy Chromy (Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations) along with David Minich from Kerber Rose.

• The 2025-26 School Calendar was approved by the Board.

• Laura Lancour (Director of Human Resources) presented the Open Enrollment Seat counts available for 25-26.

• Dr. Jessica Moe presented the Mid-Year Coherence Plan update.

• Mike Spragg (Board Present) and the Board discussed Board Goal Setting.

These are not official Board minutes. 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, January 15, 2025 at the ECC District Office @ 6pm. Current agenda items include:

• Friends of Franklin Presentation

• Ben Franklin School Presentation

• Review & Discussion of WASB Proposed Resolutions

• Open Enrollment Seats - Laura Lancour

• 2025-26 Preliminary Budget At A Glance - Andy Chromy

• 2023-24 Financial Audit Report - Andy Chromy

• Franklin Forward Update -- Annalee Bennin & Mike Hacker (Cadence Consulting)

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.)