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FPS Newsletter Vol 7 #04 10/15/26

Franklin District Newsletters 2026-27

Key Communicators meeting at CERC. People sitting at tables facing a person speaking.
FPS NewsletterVol 7 #04 10/15/26Franklin District Newsletters 2026-27

Our first "Key Communicators" meeting occurred this week where district stakeholders heard about updated metrics from the district 2024-27 Coherence Plan and provided feedback for the next plan.

2026-27 Vol 7 Issue #04 2026-27 Vol 7 Issue #04

10/15/26 10/15/26

Banner: From the Superintendent, Dr. Annalee Bennin
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Top Hits In the Last Month

There are exciting things happening in Franklin Public Schools everyday! When I get the opportunity to sit down and write to you, our biggest group we find pride in serving, it is hard to narrow down the top items to showcase.


Here we go with some top hits in the last month:

students cheering at homecoming pep rally
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1. Homecoming: Homecoming was a week of celebrating Franklin: past, present and future. Shoutout to Athletic Director Cordell Smith for his dedication to ensuring our activities, athletics and extra activities that come with Homecoming took place in a safe and exciting environment. We have welcomed 3 class reunions this year, with one in attendance at the Homecoming Football game. You can see more photos in our Homecoming Week Activities album.
Dr. Bennin speaking in front of a group at Key Communicators
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2. Key Communicators: This past week we held our first of three Key Communicators meetings. This is a group that is composed of approximately 75 participants that are a cross-cut of our community: parents, students, educators, leaders, business owners, clergy, city officials, fire and police department…to name a few! The important work this week was capturing areas we are celebrating and have room to grow in regards to our District Coherence Plan. This session gave our Board time to gain valuable feedback to consider as they develop the 4th iteration of the District Coherence Plan. If you want to join this group, reach out.
students playing on playground
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3. Our Learners: They range in age from three to twenty one. There is a great deal of brain development that happens during that time, not to mention the research to say the brain is not fully developed until about 26 years of age. Our learners make 1,000s of amazing decisions each day, that we do not showcase, but rather, almost take for granted as expected. In reality, it is because we have set expectations and we hold our learners and each other accountable to those expectations. As I say to my 11-year-old, choices have consequences, that can be celebratory or a learning opportunity. That is not different any given day in our schools. Our learners are doing just that, learning, and they make choices that sometimes lead to consequences which we have clearly laid out in the Behavior Matrix. We enact those consequences in privacy, involving only those necessary, as none of us should be judged in our worst moments. We do not turn an eye to behaviors that do not meet our expectations. Why do I call this out here? I get feedback from third parties that our amazing staff turn an eye to choices that do not align. If you feel that way, reach out to the person closest to the concern to learn more and resolve the concern. Please do not take to social media to find facts of fiction, let us be a part of the conversation.
This is My Crew - Milwaukee Brewers
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Whether a Brewer fan, bandwagon fan, or not interested at all, I feel confident most of us feel Wisconsin rallying around something in common and that is a great feeling! In the moments of Brewer team reflection either pre-game or post-game, there is a constant theme of team, of unity, of having each other’s back. When one player doesn’t hit their peak performance, they do not collapse, they energize, mobilize and the next player steps up. Due to that approach, they have found success most often, but also reflection on where to improve.


We are Franklin Public Schools, we energize, mobilize and step up to better the system. It takes all of us. I wish for all of us to continue to find positive forms of communication to celebrate or grow together with our educators, leaders and entire team.


With gratitude,

Dr. Annalee Bennin

FPS District Administrator

Banner: Upcoming Important Dates
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District Calendars: 2026-27 | 2027-28

All dates integrated in the District Calendar page here.

OCTOBER DATES OCTOBER DATES

  • Wed, October 21st @ 6pm: FPS School Board Meeting @ ECC District Office
  • Fri, October 23rd: FPS No School Day (Staff Professional Development)
  • Tues, October 27th: End of Q1 (FHS/FPMS)

*More information further down in this newsletter!

NOVEMBER DATES NOVEMBER DATES

  • Tues, Nov 11th: Veteran's Day
    @ 6pm: FPS School Board Meeting at ECC District Office
  • Thurs, Nov 12th - Sun, Nov 15th: Arsenic & Old Lace at the Saber Center for the Performing Arts

  • Tues, Nov 17th: End of T1 (Elementary)

  • Wed, Nov 25th - Fri, Nov 27th: Thanksgiving Break - No School

  • Mon, Nov 30th: No School (Staff Professional Development Day)

FPS recognizes National School Lunch Week Oct 12-16. The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children every school day. President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom.
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Student artwork celebrating National School Bus Safety Week. "National School Bus Safety Week brings together school transportation professionals, students, families, educators, motorists, and communities nationwide to reinforce one shared priority: keeping students safe on and around the school bus.  Displayed is this year’s student national poster contest winner."
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UPCOMING OBSERVANCES UPCOMING OBSERVANCES

Wisconsin / Federal

  • MONTH 9/15 TO OCT 10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Mon, Oct 12th - Fri, Oct 16th: National School Lunch Week

  • Mon, Oct 19th - Fri, Oct 2rd: National Bus Safety Week
  • Fri, Oct 23rd - Sat, Oct 31st: Red Ribbon Week

  • MONTH OF NOV: Native American Heritage Month
  • Mon, Nov 9th - Fri, Nov 13th: National School Psychologist Week

  • Tues, Nov 11th: Veteran's Day

  • Mon, Nov 16th - Fri, Nov 20th: American Education Week

  • Wed, Nov 18th: Education Support Professionals Day

  • Thurs, Nov 26th: Thanksgiving

Banner: Franklin Forward Project Updates
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During Homecoming Week, we were able to tour some of our students through the FHS Phase One Construction site where they could stop for a moment and share their dreams about what they will get to do in those spaces! Check out the video below...

FPS Learner Guided Construction Update (Oct 2026)

FPS School Board Tours FHS Phase One Construction

Prior to the October 7th School Board meeting, FPS Board members, district leadership, and project partners from C.D. Smith Construction, Plunkett-Raysich Architects, and Cadence Consulting stepped onto the construction site at Franklin High School for a guided tour of Phase One, the Physical Education & Athletic Spaces.


Walking through the rising structures, the group got a firsthand look at the progress being made on our November 2024 referendum project.


Highlights from the Walkthrough:

Members on the tour stand inside the construction site with girders raised up
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Feeling the Scale

Walking inside the new footprint, board members commented on truly experiencing the impressive scale and open design of the spaces created to serve our learners.

6 school board members stand with a beam they signed.
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Signing a Piece of History

In a special tradition, board members signed a structural steel beam that will be permanently installed as part of the building's framework.

Members on the tour stand inside the construction site with girders raised up
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Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Standing in the future physical education and athletic areas, the group discussed how these versatile spaces will elevate student wellness, physical growth, and Saber Pride for all FPS learners.

6 school board members stand with a beam they signed.
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Recent Science Renovations

As part of the tour, the team also visited the recently renovated FHS Science Classrooms that were completed in under 10 weeks this summer.

Throughout the tour, there was incredible excitement about the new opportunities, healthy habits, and Saber Pride these state-of-the-art facilities will inspire for generations of learners to come!

Group of board members, partners, staff standing in construction protective gear in front of the Multipurpose Window that faces the football field.
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Banner: District News
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new Saber mascot head
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Kyle Werra standing with original Saber design for the FHS Saber logo.
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Honoring Tradition & Moving Forward: An Update to Our FHS Saber Logo

As Franklin High School (FHS) grows with our new campus additions, Franklin Public Schools is excited to share a slight, modernized refresh of our beloved Saber mascot logo! Designed in partnership with the logo’s original 1999 student creator—local graphic designer and FPS parent Kyle Werra—this update honors our rich history while preparing our branding for the future.


Please visit the new "Saber Logo History" webpage to read more details and to view the evolution of our mascot from 1962 to today!

two boys high fiving after a play
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Adaptive Sports Launches at FHS!

This year, we joined the Southeastern WI Adaptive Sports League to create opportunities for all students at FHS. The first adaptive soccer match was held earlier this week and it was a huge success!


True sportsmanship was shared between teams as the Oak Creek Knights "shared" a player to our Sabers to ensure we had enough participants for the game. Each team showed hustle, preservision and pride as both sides scored multiple goals. The fan attendance was huge! From grandparents, to moms, dads, aunts, cousins and classmates -- they all shared their enjoyment of the game as cheering for all athletes was a theme throughout the game.

3 girls smiling
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Elementary Fun Runs & Events!

All of our elementary buildings held their Fun Run/Events over the last few weeks:

  • The Ben Franklin Bobcat Bolt!
  • The Country Dale Cougar Chase!
  • The Robinwood Jaguar Jamboree!
  • The Southwood Glen Lappin With The Lions!
  • The Pleasant View Panther Prowl!
two boys playing a game
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group of students starting a run
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students running
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students walking on balance beam
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Thank you to our PTO/A groups that help to put these events on and to our Phy Ed staff and countless volunteers for helping to make this day special for our students! See more pics in this album here.

student cutting wood and another student holding the plank
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8th Annual Student Home Build Underway!

Our Franklin High School Construction II students are back on-site for our 8th annual student home build! Guided by Mr. Andrew Mente, Saber students work on the home during morning classes before passing the hammer to Oak Creek High School Knight Construction students in the afternoons.


We're so proud of our learners for gaining real-world trade skills and building a home in the local area!

Construction II students posing at home site with teacher Andrew Mente
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Banner: Saber Center for the Performing Arts
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Arsenic & Old Lace poster
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FHS Saber Theater Presents: Arsenic and Old Lace!

Show description: Poisoners never go out of style – this timeless hit tells the story of two otherwise charming elderly ladies determined to get rid of all their lonely lodgers in the name of mercy. Combined with a tale of three brothers, young love, hijinks, and whodunnit, Arsenic and Old Lace is one you don't want to miss!


Come support our incredibly talented student cast and crew as they bring this fast-paced, witty, and brilliantly macabre story to life.


Show Dates & Times:

  • Thurs 11/12 @ 6pm
  • Fri 11/13 @ 7pm
  • Sat 11/14 @ 7pm
  • Sun 11/15 @ 2pm


Location:
Saber Center for the Performing Arts

Tickets: All Ticket Information is online here!


Don't miss out on a killer comedy event!

Banner: Community Education & Recreation
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Screenshot of Community Ed & Rec Newsletter Header
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Community Ed & Rec Roundup - October

Here is our October Community Ed & Rec Monthly Roundup! Check it out for all the latest news and updates from our Community Education & Recreation Department.

2026 Fall Activity Guide Registration Is Open. Aug 5th in District. Aug 12th Out of District. Questions, Call 414-423-4646. Cover of the new fall Rec Guide with 5 students smiling at viewer.
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2026 Fall Activity Guide Registration Is Open!. Aug 5th in District. Aug 12th Out of District. Questions, Call 414-423-4646. Visit franklin.arux.app for all details and to register!

Banner: Board of Education Updates
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Board Briefs logo
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Board Briefs - Wednesday, October 7, 2026

FPS District Administrator Dr. Annalee Bennin shared the following:

  • Dr. Bennin thanked FPMS Leadership & Staff for their presentation tonight.

  • Prior to tonight's October 7th Board Meeting, FPS School Members along with district leaders and partners from CD Smith Construction, Plunkett-Raysich Architects and Cadence Consulting, engaged in the Franklin Forward High School Tour. This consisted of:
    • Exploring the newly completed Science labs and small group rooms within FHS.
    • Touring Phase One of FHS construction (Athletics & Physical Education spaces)
    • The FHS construction project continues to be on schedule, on budget and injury free.


  • The Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Business Honor Roll recognizes local businesses and organizations for exceptional support to public school districts. This year FPS is honored to present this award to the following business partners who are currently working with FHS students:
    • CD Smith - Construction Manager for the 2024 referendum work; hired a Youth Apprentice, and worked with our Construction II students to build dugouts and demonstrate other construction aspects on the active site at FHS.
    • Hayat Pharmacy - Hired two youth apprentices and looking to add more.
    • Edge Electric - hired two youth apprentices in electrical.
    • Lee Mechanical - hired a youth apprentice
  • As a new part of the recognition this school year, Andy Thompson and Tom Hermann, along with Dr. Annalee Bennin and any available Board members will soon visit each business at their business location and present them with this honor.
Board Members, FPMS Leadership and Staff posing for a smiling picture.
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Forest Park Middle School Presentation

Jenna Taylor (FPMS Principal), Brian Karolewicz (Associate Principal), Austin Karraker (Associate Principal), Haleigh Keske (7th gr. ELA Social Studies Teacher), Emily Singer (8th gr. Math Teacher), Hope Stadel (EL Teacher), Sasha McGilton (Art Teacher), and Beth Ricco (8th gr. Math Teacher) presented successes at FPMS. Intentional Use of Technology. Launch and Closure. Launch with Intentional Use of Technology and Closure is Daily Must Do/May Do.

Forest Park staff member talking at board table with board members and leaders
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Board members working on an activity as part of the FPMS presentation
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Matt Gomez shares the Community Ed & Rec Update. Sitting at table with microphones facing Board Members
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FPS School Board Meeting Briefs

  • Volume 35-2 policies were approved by the School Board.


  • The School Board of Education was thanked for all they do during this WI School Board Recognition Week.

  • Matt Gomez (Director of the Community & Education Recreation Center) presented and discussed the 25-26 annual report.

  • The preliminary budget review was presented by Andy Chromy (Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations).

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

Next Board Meeting Wed 10/21/2026

The next FPS School Board Meeting is on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at the ECC District Office at 6pm.


Current agenda items for this meeting:
  • Pleasant View School Presentation
  • New Courses

  • Spring 2026 Early College Credit & Start College Now Request Approvals
  • 2027-2028 Calendar Adjustments; 2028-2029 School Calendar
  • Budget Approval & Tax Levy
  • FHS Student Travel

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.

Banner: Announcements
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Bucks Flyer
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Save The Date: Franklin Bucks Night Fri 1/15

Join Franklin family and friends at Fiserv Forum to watch your Milwaukee Bucks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday, January 15th at 7:00pm!

When purchasing through our ticket link,

  • (15) kids ages 6-15 will be randomly selected to participate in the Courtside Kids fan experience!

  • (12) kids ages 6-15 will be randomly selected to participate in the Starting Lineup Experience!


Make sure to purchase tickets through our ticket link! Purchase DEADLINE is December 15th! Lets GO BUCKS!!!

Screenshot of sample flyers with "Click to see this week's flyers" displayed
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Current Flyers & Community Happenings

Current Flyers & Community Happenings

We invite you to take a look at the Community Events / Virtual Backpack page on our website for all the flyers around events and happenings within the community!


This week's flyers featured on the webpage are:

  • UMPS Culver’s Day Hales Corners Thurs 10/15
  • Wehr Halloween Haunts Thurs 10/15 - Sat 10/17

  • FHS Dance Kids Clinic Fri 10/16

  • 5K-5th Sticker Symphony @ FPL Mon 10/19

  • DYW Culver's Night Wed 10/21

  • FHS Tennis Culvers Night Thurs 10/22

  • FPL Teen Events Sept-Dec (Posted to 10/23)

  • Warm Coats/Snowpants Drive by Fri 10/23

  • Doll-O-Ween @ FPL Sat 10/24

  • Lioness Lions Club Annual Fall Craft Fair Sat 10/24

  • UMPS Cinnamon & Cider Craft Fair Sat 10/24

  • Teen Anime Halloween @ FPL Tu 10/27

  • 5K-5th Spooky Slime @ FPL Wed 10/28

  • Teens Decorate Sugar Skulls Wed 11/4

  • Free Lacrosse Clinic Wed 11/4

  • Teen Service @ FPL Sat 11/7

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SUBSCRIBE!

Parents, Guardians, and Staff are set to automatically receive our District and Building Newsletters. If you are a community member that would like to receive any of our newsletters, please complete our SUBSCRIBE FORM.

(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.)


FPS Communications
www.franklin.k12.wi.us

District Newsletter Archive Page

FPS Testing During School Year

Email: communications@franklin.k12.wi.us

Website: http://www.franklin.k12.wi.us

Location: 8255 West Forest Hill Avenue, Franklin, WI, USA

Phone: 414-529-8220

Facebook: facebook.com/franklinpublicschools

Twitter: @fpsdistrictwi

Instagram: @fpsdistrictwi

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