FPS District Newsletter #3 11/20/25

Metals & Machining Instructor Noel Bisog and Saber Manufacturing students, including Seymour Saber, at the FHS Groundbreaking Ceremony.

This District Newsletter brings much celebration! Not only have we completed the first quarter of the school year, we are nearing the end of the first trimester for our elementary families. So much learning taking place and so many opportunities to meet with your child(ren)’s educators through conferences and open houses this first part of the school year! As always, if there are any concerns, please reach out to your child(ren)'s educator or principal to open lines of communication so we collaborate to ensure a wonderful year of learning and growth for everyone.

Last Wednesday, we celebrated the Groundbreaking at Franklin High School for the addition and renovations taking place as a result of the successful November 2024 referendum. While we have shared the celebrations of the new playgrounds at two elementary schools and capital improvement maintenance taking place in the elementary schools due to the support of our community through the referendum, in this newsletter we share the pictures from the Groundbreaking at Franklin High School. We also share a Saber Roar student news segment from Senior John Akgun that shot and edited together the story in the video below that captures some of the event:

FHS Teachers, Administrators and Students representing our student body at the FHS Groundbreaking Ceremony

While the pool has already been demolished along with a few classrooms, the groundbreaking will occur as the first phase of work begins, the construction of the Natatorium and Field House among other physical education spaces. At that phase's completion, we will raze the existing physical education space, weight room and some classrooms, to completely renovate or rebuild our Career and Technical Education Space along with Special Education, Science, Math and World Language. You can see a more thorough timeline of the phases of construction at the high school below, to be completed in the Fall of 2028. Below the timeline is also a Project Phasing video that highlights the main points of demolition and construction.

Last Tuesday evening we were able to share with our Board the first video of the renderings for the complete FHS project. This video (below) walks through the new halls and classrooms from a learner's perspective. Our Franklin Forward website will continue to be the ‘go to’ place for updates of photos, videos, and stories. Please share with neighbors and friends in Franklin so they can join in this celebration. There is a lot to celebrate in FPS!

Last week, across all seven of our Franklin schools, moments of gratitude to our Veterans were demonstrated as we invited veterans to our classrooms, hallways, assemblies and meals. Many schools also created bulletin boards with images of family members of learners or staff in the school that have/had served. We put together a slideshow (below) to outline the gratitude shown for our past, current and future veterans across the district. You will also see pictures throughout this newsletter highlighting our students showing appreciation for our veterans. Thank you to all of you who have served and the many of you that shared your experience and service with our learners so they can learn and grow.

Thank you for taking the time to share in these moments across Franklin Public Schools!

With much gratitude,

Dr. Annalee Bennin

District Calendars: 2025-26

All dates integrated in the District Calendar page here.

• Tues, Nov 25th: End of T1 (Elementary)
• Wed, Nov 26th through Fri, Nov 28th: No School - Thanksgiving Break

• Wed, Dec 3rd @ 6pm: FPS School Board Meeting at ECC District Office

• Thurs, Dec 4th @ 10am: Community Education & Recreation Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

• Fri, Dec 12th & Sat, Dec 13th: Christmas With the Choristers at Saber Center (Tickets Here)

• Mon, Dec 22nd - Fri, Jan 2nd: Winter Break (No School)

• Mon, Jan 5th: All FPS Schools Resume
• Wed, Jan 14th @ 6pm: FPS School Board Meeting at ECC District Office
• Fri, Jan 16th: Alex Zerbe - The Zaniac (more here)
• Sat, Jan 17th: FPMS Drama Club Presents: "It's A Madhouse" (more here)
• Mon, Jan 19th: Martin Luther King, Jr Day / Staff Professional Development Day - No School
• Fri, Jan 23rd: End of Q2/S1 (FPMS & FHS)
• Mon, Jan 26th: Records Day - No School for Students
• Fri, Jan 30th - Sun, Feb 1st: Forte Theatre Presents: "Shrek, Jr. - A Musical" (more here)

Wisconsin / Federal

• MONTH OF NOV: Native American Heritage Month
• Mon, Nov 17th - Fri, Nov 21st: American Education Week
• Wed, Nov 19th: Education Support Professionals Day
• Thurs, Nov 27th: Thanksgiving
• Thurs, Dec 25th: Christmas Day

• Thurs, Jan 1st: New Year's Day

• Fri, Jan 9th: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

• Mon, Jan 19th: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Last Tuesday, November 11th, the Wisconsin Department of Instruction released the 2024-25 State Report Cards for all public schools and districts, publicly funded charter schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program. DPI has shared this “What’s New for the 2024-2025 School and District Report Cards?” resource to support understanding of the latest updates.

We are very proud of the work across the district to help Franklin Public Schools as a district to be recognized as “Exceeds Expectations”!

We are also very proud that ALL schools in Franklin Public Schools were rated as “Exceeds Expectations”! For more details and to view the FPS district and school report cards, please visit this page here. Thank you to our students, staff and family/community members for their support of student learning in Franklin Public Schools.

Thank you,

Dr. Jessica Moe, Assistant Superintendent for Continuous Improvement

Franklin Public Schools

Last week, Franklin High School held a very special Veterans Day Breakfast honoring local area veterans and some of our staff. The event was organized by student George Litynski, who shared he wanted to bring back this tradition that has been missing for a few years.

Members of our high school band opened the breakfast with the playing of our National Anthem. Each veteran shared a self introduction, including where they served. George's father, Major General (Retired) Ernest Litynski shared a few words with the gathered group, including the importance of not only serving for the American people, but doing it for "our brothers and sisters in arms. Doing it for the guy or girl to your left or right, fighting for you side by side."

Students from our "Home, School and Culture" education pathway course recently watched a documentary about veterans and families and prepared discussion topics to talk with the veterans about. Thank you not only to the veterans that attended this event, but to all veterans that have served.

For all the photos from the FHS Veterans Breakfast, please CLICK HERE

Congratulations to our FHS Marching Band on their gorgeous State performance and for earning 3rd Place in Class AAAA! Students continued to break program records this season, achieving their highest-ever State score of 83.675 (within 1.325 of 1st!) and their first-ever State caption award for Best Visual Presentation in AAAA! THANK YOU to our amazing students, exceptional staff, exceedingly generous prop crew and parent volunteers, inspiring Class AAAA colleagues, and our incredible community of support for making this 2025 Beneath the Surface season so special!

Last Wednesday, Dr. Annalee Bennin was honored and recognized by the Franklin Economic Development Commission at the City of Franklin Business Appreciation Celebration. At the event, organizations were recognized in the categories of Small Business, Innovation, Leadership and Large Business. We are proud to share that Dr. Bennin was awarded "Excellence in Business Leadership" for leading Franklin Public Schools and helping to foster collaboration among organizations like the City of Franklin Health Department, Fire Department, and Volition Franklin as well as her work in helping our students and staff to be recognized at many levels. Thank you, Dr. Bennin, for all that you do to help foster positive leadership in and around the Franklin Community!

Board Members Linda Witkowski, Debbie Larson, Maqsood Khan, Angie Bier, Mike Spragg, Ann Spersky, Mary Yank and Assistant Superintendent for Continuous Improvement Dr. Jessica Moe were at the event to help celebrate Dr. Annalee Bennin and her leadership of Franklin Public Schools.

Students in Franklin High School’s Advanced Digital Art & Design and AP Art Studio classes recently partnered with the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) for a two-day workshop focused on communication design, fine art, creative research, and careers in art and design. Led by MIAD Youth & Community Engagement Coordinator and Instructor Leah Good, the sessions gave students a hands-on look at how professional designers develop ideas from initial research to polished visual concepts.

During the visit, Good introduced students to MIAD’s design process, guided them through visual research strategies, and shared insights into creative career paths. Students then applied these techniques to their own projects—exploring concept development, sketching, and digital design as they worked toward portfolio-ready pieces.

Art teacher Jean Mohr shared that the workshop brought forth “a ton of fun, energy, and meaningful conversation about design,” noting how excited students were to share their ideas and receive direct feedback from a practicing designer.

Art Teacher Paula Bausch added that “the experience was eye opening for the AP Studio artists. They were introduced to the possibility of a creative career in the arts and that Milwaukee is a growing arts community with many opportunities”

The collaboration supports Franklin High School’s commitment to real-world learning experiences and gives students an opportunity to build the creative skills and confidence needed for future work in art and design.

As we approach colder temperatures in Wisconsin, families can expect that we will continue to follow the procedures outlined on this page of our website in regards to school closings when needed.

Franklin Public Schools was recently honored with three Spectrum Awards of Merit from the Wisconsin School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) for excellence in school communications. Awards were presented at WSPRA’s annual conference, held November 12–14.

The Spectrum Awards recognize high-quality communication and engagement efforts by Wisconsin school districts. Nearly 100 districts and CESAs were honored this year, with entries judged by more than 50 school PR professionals from across the country.

FPS received awards for:

• Referendum Campaign: Franklin Forward Campaign (Overall Scope)

• Video, Short: “Thank You” Video

• Annual Report / Publication: Franklin Focal Point #6

Congratulations to the FPS on this achievement!

Diverse Grounds Coffee Shop, our student-run business created by Franklin's Transition Services (students with disabilities who are 18-21 years old in district), is back again for all your coffee needs! Need a gift for this holiday season? We got you!

We are offering two different kinds of Anodyne coffee:

1. Our Diverse Grounds Blend, which is a medium to dark roast
   -AND-
2. Our All In(clusive) Blend which is a house blend

Both are available in 2 oz bags or 12 oz bags! 2 oz bags are $5.00 and 12 oz bags are $16.00. You can pay by cash or check! All proceeds go back into Franklin's Transition Services for community outings.

Click Here for the Coffee Bag Order Form

Please use the order form linked above to put your order in by End of Day on Tuesday, November 25th. This will guarantee your order will be delivered the week of December 8th! You may be able to order after this date but the delivery will not be guaranteed to arrive before December 8th (most likely would be the last week of December). You will pick up your order at your school or the ECC District Office when it comes in. Please reach out to Grace Barr if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!

As we celebrate the season of gratitude, we want to share practical ways to help children appreciate the good around them. Gratitude is more than saying “thank you” - it’s a way of living that helps kids recognize kindness, value relationships and build empathy. The attached flyer shares tips which encourage families to set a positive example, point out acts of generosity, and find creative ways for children to express appreciation.

By consistently acknowledging children’s grateful behaviors and helping them put things in perspective, families can nurture lasting appreciation and empathy.

For more ideas or support, please reach out to your Student & Family Assistance Program at 800-236-3231 or visit aah.org/sfap. These tips are adapted from the Child Mind Institute and offer simple, everyday ways to help children thrive.

Your SFAP offers free, confidential assistance for your schools’ students and family members. While SFAP services are not a replacement for outpatient therapy and cannot prescribe medicine, we take a parent centered, family approach, providing brief, solution-focused services to assist the well-being of students and families.

Franklin Public Schools, in partnership with our partners at Cadence Consulting, Plunkett Raysich Architects (PRA), and VJS Construction are proud to announce the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Community Education & Recreation Center (CERC) located at 8355 West Forest Hill Avenue, adjacent to the ECC District Office.

• WHO: Community & Public are welcome to attend (event will be inside)

• WHAT: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for CERC, followed by light refreshments

• WHEN: Thursday, December 4th @ 10am

• WHERE: Community Education & Recreation Center (CERC) - 8355 West Forest Hill Avenue, Franklin. Enter off Forest Hill into the new parking lot.

• This event, including post-ceremony refreshments, will be inside. If there are to be any changes to the ceremony, we will update details at tinyurl.com/fpscerc

Please contact Chad Kafka, FPS Communications Specialist if you have any questions at chad.kafka@franklin.k12.wi.us or 414-525-7603

Click here or on the image below to see the new Community Ed & Rec Monthly Roundup for this month so you can be in the know about recreation happenings in the community!

The Rec Guide is online and all registration occurs via our website at: https://franklin.arux.app

We are excited to kick off our annual 12 Days of Giving celebration — a meaningful showcase of the impact our Foundation has had across Franklin Public Schools this past year. Each day, from December 1–12, we’ll be highlighting REAL stories of teachers who inspire, students who thrive, grants that spark innovation, and community partners who help make it all possible.

You’ll see snapshots of classroom projects brought to life through Foundation funding, local businesses going above and beyond, and students whose learning experiences have been enriched because of your generosity and support. These stories reflect the power of a community that believes in lifting each other up.

How to Follow Along:

• Check our website and social media daily December 1–12
• Be inspired by the impact you help create!
• Share, comment, and help spread the spirit of giving!

The Saber Center for the Performing Arts is very pleased to host "Christmas With the Choristers" for two shows on Friday, December 12th & Saturday, December 13th at 7:30pm. Get your tickets now at this link. Provided below are details about the show and a video from a previous event:

Comprised of more than 75 Southeastern Wisconsin musicians from all walks of life, the Choristers provide their members and audiences rich and diverse musical experiences anchored in the best of the choral repertory. The chorus has grown and prospered since November 1933 when nearly 20 graduates of Milwaukee’s Riverside High School A Cappella Choir decided to continue singing under the direction of their high school conductor, Ellen Sargeant. Dr. James B. Kinchen, Jr. assumed the podium in 1993 to become the Choristers’ eighth music director. Dr. Kinchen is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at UW-Parkside.

Mark Your Calendars! Check out tinyurl.com/scpatix for all ticket information for upcoming shows!

District Administrator Dr. Annalee Bennin presented the following:

• Wednesday, November 12th @ 10am at Franklin High School, we will hold the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the referendum work taking place at Franklin High School! Third time is a charm as this is the third time we have rescheduled this celebration.

• Community Education and Recreation Center – Ribbon Cutting: December 4th, 10am.

• FHS Saber Theatre opens the play “FRONT” this Thursday, November 13th through the weekend at the Saber Center. This show includes approximately 50 students as they are either acting, creating sets, running lights, or the variety of other roles.

• In honor of the Board Meeting taking place on Veterans Day, Dr. Bennin shared a pictorial journey of recognition for our veterans that took place across our seven schools (video at top of newsletter). Dr. Bennin thanked our administrators, educators and families for contributing to such signs of gratitude across Franklin Public Schools and also shared gratitude to all of our staff and families who are veterans.

Urban Heating & Cooling (Ryan & Elly Sopa) was nominated by Franklin Educational Foundation Executive Director Vicky Cordani for the “Friends of Franklin” recognition for their continued support of Franklin Public Schools and the Franklin Educational Foundation.

• Dr. Annalee Bennin, District Administrator, shared the first look at the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 School Calendars. The DPI approved an early start for the 2026-2027 school year. This ensures we meet the state required instructional minutes, district contract days, and allow the maximum amount of time for our construction teams to to be on site to complete referendum work in the summer of 2027. Final Board approval will take place on December 3, 2025.

• Dr. Annalee Bennin, District Administrator asked if there were any questions on the New Course options that were presented at the October 22, 2025 Board meeting. The Board approved the New Course options.

• The Social Studies Pathway Update was approved by the School Board.

• Dr. Annalee Bennin, Mike Hacker (Cadence Consulting), Devin Kack and Nick Kent (PRA), and Phil Jaskolski (C.D. Smith) presented “Franklin Forward Update #6” to the Board and shared an updated timeline and visuals related to the Franklin High School construction project.

• Board Policies - Students 5000’s were approved as presented by the Board.

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, December 3, 2025 at the ECC District Office @ 6pm.

• Friends of Franklin Presentation

• Pleasant View School Presentation

• Coherence Plan Mid-year Report and Assessment Report - Dr. Jessica Moe, Assistant Supt for Continuous Improvement

• Board Clerk's Report - Election Notice

• Open Enrollment Seats - Laura Lancour, Director of Human Resources

• 2026-27 & 2027-2028 School Calendar - Laura Lancour, Director of Human Resources

• Financial Audit Report - Andy Chromy, Assistant Supt of Business & Operations

• Board Review of Meeting Feedback and Action Steps -- President Mike Spragg

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.

When a department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle, his case gets taken all the way to the Supreme Court, and a little girl’s belief makes the difference in the ‘miracle.’ With live Foley effects and a score of holiday carols, Miracle on 34th Street is a beloved musical that will melt even the most cynical of hearts. Click here for tickets for shows December 13th through 22nd!

Click here or on any flyer below to see more details about the events being shared!

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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.)