Black History Month is an important time for elementary school students to celebrate and learn about the rich contributions of African Americans throughout history. Teaching kids about the achievements, struggles, and cultural impact of influencial leaders of color fosters a sense of belonging for students who might not always feel this way in our schools. This observance promotes diversity, empathy, and understanding, and helps develop well-rounded individuals. It goes beyond textbooks, instilling pride, and breaking stereotypes. By acknowledging Black history, students gain a broader perspective on the tapestry of our nation. Parents, please engage with your child in this learning, and reinforce the significance of Black History Month to help foster a more comprehensive and appreciative worldview.

There are several reading-related activities planned for the month of February. Here's a sneak peak at a few of them:

Weekly Dress Up Days

Week 1: February 7 - Wearable Words - Wear clothing with words on it.

Week 2: February 13 - Color Coded Genre - Choose your favorite book genre and wear the color that matches.

Red - Nonfiction

Orange - Historical Fiction

Yellow - Science Fiction

Green - Realistic Fiction

Blue - Graphic Novels

Purple - Fantasy

Black - Mystery

Week 3: February 20 - Pajamas- Wear your pajamas to cozy up, read, and enjoy a snack from home during today’s “Drop Everything and Read”

Week 4: February 28 - Book Character - Dress up as your favorite book character.

Weekly Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)

One day each week will be a “Drop Everything and Read” day. When the announcement is made on the intercom, students will stop whatever they are doing and read for a time determined by their teacher. Times will be given to teachers in advance for planning purposes, but we will keep them a secret from students so it's a surprise.

400 Club Bookmark Grade Level Competition

Teachers will keep track of the 400 Club bookmarks turned in each week. On Friday of each week, teachers will add the total bookmarks for that week. We will use these totals to determine a grade level winner. The grade level that reads the most minutes will get to choose a reward to be given by their teacher.

Other Prizes

- Students can earn "space themed" prizes as they turn in 400 Club bookmarks.

- The PTO has also donated Scholastic gift certificates that teachers will use to reward a few lucky students for their participation in I Love to Read activities.

As we continue to prioritize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for our students, we are reaching out to families for support with reusable materials for students to build and construct.

Here is a list of items we are looking for:

• Fabric Scraps

• Empty Water Bottles

• Plastic Bottles

• Tissue Boxes

• Small Wood Scraps

If you have any reusable items to spare, please drop them off at our school office by Friday, February 9. Look for the STEM Reusable Box. Thank you for your support in fostering a love for STEM education among our students.

The Cognitive Abilities (CogAt) Screener testing window will be open from February 5th through the 15th. The screener will be given to all 2nd grade students and new-to-district students in grades 3-5 who have not yet taken the CogAt.

This assessment provides insight into students’ abilities and guides educators in making appropriate educational decisions for students. Mankato Area Public Schools use the CogAt in the following ways:

• to help educators differentiate instruction for the needs and abilities of individual students;

• to understand discrepancies between a student’s ability and achievement; and

• to use as a measure in identifying students for placement in Talent Development Services, including Cluster and Rising Scholar classrooms.

In grade 2, the CogAt is untimed. Students in a typical 2nd grade class generally take less than one hour to complete the CogAt, In grades 3-5, the CogAt will take approximately 45 minutes. The CogAt has three sections: verbal analogies, quantitative analogies, and nonverbal matrices. There will be short breaks between sections.

If you do NOT want your child to take the Cognitive Abilities Screening Form, please contact your school no later than Friday, February 2nd.

Volunteers are needed to teach Junior Achievement lessons in Franklin Elementary classrooms! We have 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade spots still vacant. Volunteers have all lesson materials provided and receive a short training from Junior Achievement staff. This commitment is about 5 hours in the classroom. To sign up or get more information, email Skyler at skyler.carlson@janorth.org.

Are you, or is someone you know, looking for a way to earn some extra money or looking for a rewarding job working with students? If so, check out the links below to explore opportunities to work as a paraprofessional, lunch/recess supervisor, or ACES staff member. We have multiple openings right here at Franklin, and we'd love to have Franklin family members as part of our school staff. If you have questions specific to any open positions, please call the Franklin office at: 507-345-4287.

Culver's PTO Family Night Fundraiser

- It was great to see so many Franklin families and teachers with their families at the Franklin PTO Culver's Night. There were many smiles as teachers and their families helped serve food, and many of our students and their families got a chance to hang out and enjoy some delicious food with friends. Plus, it's an easy way for us to earn a few hundred dollars for our school. Thanks, everyone!

Check out the next exciting PTO sponsored event, linked below.

We always appreciate your partnership in supporting our school!

• All of February - Black History Month
• All of February - I Love to Read Month
• Feb. 5 - School Counselors' Week (take some time to thank Mrs. Berg)
• Feb. 7 - Wearable Words (Dress up Day)
• Feb. 8 - PTO BINGO (6:00 - 7:00 PM in the Auditorium) *Use Door 9 off Lafayette St.*
• Feb. 12 - PTO Meeting (6:30 PM in the Media Center)
• Feb. 13 - Color Coded Genre (Dress up Day)
• Feb. 14 - 2 Hour Early Release
• Feb. 20 - Wear Pajamas (Dress up Day)
• Feb. 28 - Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character (Dress up Day)