September Flying By

Can you believe that October is almost here already? That means we've been at school for nearly a month in our adjusted school calendar, and the students and staff are really starting to "get in the groove". It also means that our students are adjusting to the increase in academic rigor and heightened expectations from our teachers and staff. While Franklin has earned a strong reputation for helping our students achieve high levels of academic success, the high expectations we have for all kids are occasionally met with resistance by some of them. Another really important characteristic of Franklin School is that we never give up on kids. Whether it's through academic struggles, or behavioral challenges, we will continue to work with students and their families to help them achieve great things. Thank you, families, for partnering with us as we strive to get the very best from each and every Franklin Falcon.

Franklin students will have several opportunities next week (Sept. 29 - Oct. 3) to show their school spirit and participate in Homecoming Spirit Week dress-up days. See the calendar of dress-up days linked below.

The annual Franklin PTO Fundraiser Walk-a-Thon is right around the corner, and our students are sure excited for this yearly event. It's a highly-anticipated day for MANY reasons. It's a great opportunity for families to join their kids for a little fresh air and exercise. It's an awesome way to raise money for our school without asking students to sell and distribute "products". It's a day full of Franklin Falcon spirit and energy. And, for many students, the most exciting aspect is the opportunity to see their principal participate in some sort of crazy activity. This year will be no different, in any of those areas, and there's a noticeable increase in the level of energy around this year's "principal activity". If we make our building fundraiser goal of $12,000, Principal Johnson will have to spend a night sleeping on the Franklin roof! Thank you, in advance, to all who donate to our school and make the impactful work of our PTO possible. Let's get that principal on the roof!!!

Donations can be made with checks written to the "Franklin PTO" or by using the Venmo app

@Franklin-Falcons-Mankato

In the November '24 SMORE newsletter we highlighted the importance of regular attendance for all students. Many families have also received more frequent electronic communication and letters in the mail, specific to them, related to attendance concerns. Why all this communication around attendance?

The Minnesota Dept. of Education pays very close attention to one particular aspect of student attendance that they label "Consistent Attendance". What is consistent attendance in the eyes of the state? Consistent attendance means the student is present for 90% or more of the school days for which they are enrolled. At Franklin, we continue to have consistent attendance concerns. Over the past several years, we have a significantly lower percentage of our students who have been present for 90% or more of our school days compared to other elementary schools in our district. Because of that, we are implementing several strategies that we hope will positively impact student attendance. We want to work WITH families to improve attendance, not work against them.

What steps are we taking to meet our attendance goals? We have students tracking their own attendance every day on attendance calendars that will be shared with families at conferences, we are celebrating attendance successes, we are implementing positive incentives for improved attendance, and we are communicating early, and clearly, with families when attendance concerns arise. Many of you will be receiving electronic communication and / or phone calls from the principal, social worker, or other school staff to emphasize the importance of your child(ren) attending school consistently. There may be some challenging conversations ahead as we attempt to limit the number of students we have who are not meeting this bar set for us by the state. Please feel free to connect with Principal Johnson if you have additional questions around this issue.

• The purpose of Title I, Part A, under the Federal ESEA Act is to supplement services to students to help them learn what they need to know to be successful on high academic standards. Franklin Elementary is a Title I school, meaning we receive additional funding to provide supplemental interventions or services to students. Franklin uses this additional funding specifically to provide additional reading support and social emotional support to students, purchase literature and other materials to support classroom instruction, and to purchase other materials that enhance the learning environment here at Franklin.

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

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.

- Please reach out to a PTO member (or get contact information by calling the Franklin office), if you are interested and willing to help at the Walk-a-Thon. (details above and flyer below)

• Friday, Oct. 3 - Franklin Walk-a-Thon (1:00 PM- 2:00 PM)
• Wednesday, Oct. 8 - 2 Hour Early Release
• Monday, Oct. 13 - NO SCHOOL, Indigenous People's Day
• Thursday, Oct. 16 and Friday Oct. 17 - NO SCHOOL, Education MN Convention