Back Again, Earlier Than Ever

Entrance Conferences are only 10 days away! If you haven't signed up for your child's conference yet, we want to help you get that scheduled ASAP. The following information was shared with all Franklin families on Monday, August 11. In case you missed it, here it is again:

Dear Franklin Families,

Today is the day!!

In order to view your child's teacher, the following steps need to be completed.

1. Create a Parent Portal Account. If you have NOT yet set-up an account, please email icsupport@isd77.org. If you already have an account, be sure you can log-in. If you do not remember your username and password, please send an email to icsupport@isd77.org.

2. Complete Census Verification. The Census Verification link in the Parent Portal will walk you through this process.

**With no Parent Portal set up, you will not be able to view your child's teacher.**

3. To find out who your student's teacher is follow these instructions:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PWFPmRDU1mbZ6TmqWW-OOMTz9BU6Ox7ZfRJtODlHFwI/edit Be sure to sign up for a conference with the teacher that is listed as "Homeroom Teacher".

4. Once you know who the homeroom teacher is, you can sign-up for an Entrance Conference here: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Franklin_elementary_5 . Once you are registered, PTCFast will email you a link to complete the process and pick your specific date and time. Note: Email sometimes does not get delivered immediately, please allow up to 15 minutes. You might also want to check your Spam folder. You must choose your child's assigned teacher and book a conference time. If your child lives in more than one household, please schedule only one conference per student.

Conference time slots are limited; please sign up at your earliest availability to ensure a slot that works in your schedule. ****SCHOOL PICTURES will be taken DURING Entrance Conferences!****

Thank you, from the Franklin Staff

The information below has been shared in previous "district level" communications, and in a Franklin newsletter last spring, but we want to share it directly with our Franklin families one last time.

The MAPS School Board adopted a revised 2025-2026 school calendar in order to provide additional time for construction projects in the summer of 2026.

Important "Items of Note" in the revised 2025-26 calendar:

• We will start the school year before Labor Day. That's right. School is starting in August!

• Entrance Conferences for elementary students will take place on Aug. 25 & 26. The first day of class for elementary students will be Wednesday, Aug. 27.

• We will have school on November 25, November 26, January 2, March 13, March 23, April 1 and April 2. (these are changes from the original calendar)

• We will hold Parent-Teacher conferences during the evenings in November and March and move the ‘no school days’ associated with conference days (teacher comp days) to the end of the school year.

• The last day of school at each level will now be:

• Elementary: Monday, May 18, 2026
• Middle: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
• High School: Thursday, May 21, 2026 (graduation TBD)

While the state of MN passed legislation which provides free meals for all public education students, there are still many reasons it's important for families to complete the form linked in this section. We will be encouraging families to complete these forms for the reasons provided below, specifically because Franklin School benefits directly from the percentage of families who qualify for Free School Meals. We receive additional funding from the state based on the number of students we serve whose families qualify for these benefits, and this funding helps us hire additional staff and provide specialized instruction to ALL our Franklin students. Please consider completing the form, even if you don't think your family will qualify.

Benefits for Families:

Families who qualify for free or reduced-price meals may also be eligible for other benefits like reduced fees for transportation, athletic programs, academic or extracurricular activities, and potentially discounted internet service.

Benefits for Schools:
Increased Funding:
The Application for Educational Benefits helps schools secure funding through various state and federal programs, including additional funding for schools that meet severe need criteria.
Support for All Students:
This funding can be used to improve the quality of education for all students, even those who don't qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Access to Additional Programs:
The data from the applications can help schools qualify for additional federal nutrition programs and other resources.

If you believe your household may qualify, please complete and return the Application for Educational Benefits to the nutrition services office or to your child’s school. You can also apply in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal by clicking on the "More" tab, then the "Meal Benefits" tab.

If you need a separate electronic copy follow this link:
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1753105907/isd77org/tjwxryjjobr7q3yywo3h/EducationalBenefitsApplication.pdf

Morning recess is back again! Students who aren't eating breakfast at school will have an opportunity to get some morning exercise on the playground before class begins every day, weather permitting. From 7:35 - 7:50 each morning, adult supervision will be provided on the playground. Please do not allow your students to walk to school before 7:35, and do not drop them off at school before 7:35, because there won't be adult supervision before that time.

Students who eat breakfast at school should line up at Door 1 as soon as they arrive. An adult will allow them into the building when it's time for breakfast to be served. (between 7:35-7:40)

Classroom teachers will share more details around our AM procedures when you meet with them at Entrance Conferences.

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.

- Our fabulous PTO continues to bring the same dedication to providing high-quality school experiences for Franklin students and families, and they are always looking for more parents willing to help.

- Visit the PTO table during Entrance Conferences to learn more about how you can participate as a PTO member, volunteer at events, and/or donate to the cause.

• Monday, Aug. 25 and Tuesday, Aug. 26 - Entrance Conferences
• Wednesday, Aug. 27 - First Day of School for K-5 Students