2024-25 #06 11/14/24
Franklin District Newsletter
Thank You, Franklin!
Last week, when visiting Robinwood for my weekly school visit, I had the opportunity to read “What do You do with A Problem?” to the third grade class. As the third graders and I had dialogue about how they would turn a problem into an opportunity, I found myself reflecting on that same question in the context of our work as a district. Two years ago we were faced with the opportunity to complete a full review of our facilities and begin the opportunistic work of creating Franklin Forward, our long-range facility planning.
That opportunity led to the School Board reviewing our Community Survey in May and adjusting the scope of work in their final referendum decision in June as a first step in our Franklin Forward work. The community engaged in our work and were able to cast their voice in regards to the opportunities and direction for the future of Franklin Public Schools. THANK YOU to our community for voting ‘YES’ to go ahead with the next step in the Franklin Forward work.
We now have the opportunity to begin designing and phasing the work of the addition of a field house, pool, Career and Technical Education Spaces, special education classrooms, and science classrooms and planning for the maintenance work across all five elementary schools and FHS. We look forward to keeping our students, staff, families and communities updated as the work begins and ensuring that great learning continues through our construction phases.
FHS Play: "Almost, Maine" THIS WEEKEND!
The FHS Fall Play is HERE! Shows take place beginning TONIGHT, Thurs 11/14, through this Sun 11/17. For tickets and show information, please visit the Saber Center website here.
Show Description: Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream.
FHS Named To 2024 AP School Honor Roll
Congratulations to Franklin High School which was named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP (Advanced Placement) program is delivering results and broadening access for students.
Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on their ability to increase their school’s college-going culture, to provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximize college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
For 2024, FHS had 569 students who took at least one AP exam, with 1,131 total AP exams given. Of all those exams, 441 (78%) of total AP students scored 3 or more on the exams. With these accomplishments, Franklin High School is considered a GOLD member of the Honor Roll! This is a step up from last year when FHS was rated as Silver.
“We are incredibly proud of every student who takes on the rigor of a college-level course while they are in high school,” shared FHS Principal Mike Vuolo. “Advanced Placement courses offer students the opportunity and experience to get a jumpstart on their college education and do so with the support of the tremendous educators here at FHS. More students choosing to take on the rigor of AP courses and exams, is a point of pride for our entire school community.”
Last school year alone, FHS offered 23 AP Courses. This school year is on pace for a record number of AP test-takers with the newest AP course addition, AP Pre-Calculus, having the largest number of test-takers!
Honoring Veterans Day
ROBINWOOD ELEMENTARY HONORS VETERANS AT ASSEMBLY
🇺🇸 This Monday, Robinwood Elementary School held a special Veterans Day assembly. Members of the local Boy Scouts presented and removed the flag for the ceremony. Students at all grade levels sang short patriotic songs, including a song for each branch of the military. Taps was played by a few students on the recorder. Local veterans joined the assembly and shared how appreciative they were for everything the students did to recognize their time in the service. Thank you to all who helped to set up the assembly and to our veterans for your service to our country! #BetterCommunity 🇺🇸
SOUTHWOOD GLEN 3rd GRADE HONORS VET
Mrs. Greer's 3rd-grade class celebrated Veterans Day in a special way this year. They learned about the significance of the day and honored Mrs. Greer's father-in-law, Harley Larson, a Vietnam veteran. The class created an American flag and wrote heartfelt letters to thank him for his service. Harley was deeply moved by the students' gestures and visited the class to express his gratitude in person. He brought his Purple Heart and a photo from his time in the military during the 1960s. The students asked him thoughtful questions, which he answered with emotion, touched by their sincere appreciation and gratitude. It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved!
FHS Construction II Holds Pre-Drywall Gathering
Our Franklin High School Construction II course, in partnership with Tim O'Brien Homes, held a "Pre-Drywall Gathering" for family and friends last Saturday morning at the home build construction site in the new Cape Crossing subdivision in southwest Franklin! This gathering represents the middle of the project where framing is all complete and soon drywall will be going up. Students report to the site each morning and work alongside contractors, learning how to work on all aspects of the home build. The home is expected to be complete in late January or early February. #BetterPlaceToLearn #BetterCommunity
FHS Quarter 1 Saber Pride Winner
Each week Franklin High School staff members can nominate students for showing Saber Pride (being respectful, responsible, and engaged). Those students receive rewards such as Saber Pride stickers and bracelets, Fast Passes for Lunch, Prefered Parking, a Saber Pride trophy, and Free Ice Cream from Culver's. From those that are selected weekly, each quarter, one lucky nominee will be randomly selected for a $25 Amazon gift card!
Our Quarter 1 winner is… junior Landon Krause, who was nominated by Mrs. Powalisz in the Main Office. Mrs. Powalisz wrote: Landon always stops in the office to check how my morning is going and how my day has been. He also helped me with after school buses when I was filling in for that role. Landon always has a very positive attitude and goes the extra mile to give support!
Congratulations Landon!
On-Site Therapy Clinics Available To Students
School is underway and kids are learning, growing and adjusting to a new routine and expectations. Paying attention to your child’s emotional well-being is a focus of the student services staff of Franklin Public Schools.
For elementary aged children, more information on mental health is HERE.
For middle & high school students, developing the awareness of the impact of emotions on functioning is a valuable skill to create overall health and wellness.
If you feel your student is struggling with difficulty managing their emotions such as; anxiety, stress, depressed mood, consider finding some support. Therapy can provide tools to help them better deal with the complications that can come along with this challenging time of life.
The Founding - A Celtic Christmas, Wed 12/11 @ 7pm
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Board Briefs
- Andy Daniels, Director of Buildings & Grounds, recognized Friends of Franklin Gerald Young for his dedication to the U.S. Flags for Kids Program. The program was piloted at Pleasant View Elementary 3rd graders in November 2023 and expanded to all elementary buildings this year. The program is an educational opportunity for our students to learn interesting facts about the U.S. flag, ask questions, and learn how to properly lower the flag at the flag poles.
- The City of Waukesha & District Fiber Infrastructure MOU was approved.
- Leo Eckman, Director of Student Services presented the At Risk Report. The reason for the At Risk report is to identify students At Risk of not graduating.
- The 2025-26 School Calendar was presented by Laura Lancour, Director of Human Resources. Final approval will be presented at the December 11th School Board Meeting.
- The Theater Pathway, Teacher Pathway New Courses was approved.
These are not official Board minutes. Find more details, official minutes & videos at www.franklin.k12.wi.us → ABOUT US → BOARD OF EDUCATION
Make Your Mark As a Substitute in FPS
Apply now at teachersoncall.com/talent/apply-now so you are ready to begin working in our schools! No experience necessary for our entry level roles! Contact our Teachers On Call Recruiter, Megan Gibson, with any questions. megan.gibson@teachersoncall.com | (800) 713.4439 ext. 18777
Want To Work With FPS?
We are always looking for people to join our amazing support systems for students! We are currently looking for a part-time district bus driver (see post here), educational assistants, coaches, food service staff, custodial staff, and more.
Click here to see all of our current SUPPORT STAFF LISTINGS on WECAN for more details and please apply through WECAN.
