The Weekly Update #21
January 19th-23rd
Executive Functioning
The Franklin Staff has spent time during staff collaboration meetings exploring executive functioning, how it impacts ourselves and our students. Executive functioning refers to a set of brain-based skills that help children manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions so they can learn and function in daily life. You can think of executive functioning as the brain’s “air traffic control system”—it helps children plan, stay organized, focus, remember directions, and manage emotions.
These skills develop gradually throughout childhood and continue to grow well into young adulthood. It’s very normal for elementary-age children to still need a lot of practice and support in this area.
Key Executive Functioning Skills Include:
- Attention & Focus – staying on task and shifting attention when needed
- Working Memory – holding information in mind (like multi-step directions)
- Organization & Planning – keeping track of materials and time
- Self-Control – managing impulses and emotions
- Flexible Thinking – adapting to changes or problem-solving when something is hard
In an elementary classroom, strong executive functioning skills help children:
- Follow classroom routines
- Transition between activities
- Listen to and remember directions
- Complete assignments
- Manage frustration and emotions
- Work independently and with peers
To Learn more about Executive Functioning, please explore these resources:
Grade 3 Students
In Mrs. Coleman’s class, students shared evidence from their graphic organizers prior to writing their focusing question task. Through sharing evidence and discussing their ideas, students had the opportunity to revise and refine their work throughout the process.
Grade 2 Comparing Texts
In Mrs. Halloran’s class, students worked on a focusing question task that compared two texts they had read. Students wrote about the similarities and differences they identified in each text about John Henry.
Students who walk!
If your child walks home, they should exit the school at one of the following locations:
• Hewitt Ave
• Berkeley Road
• Andrew Circle
For safety reasons, families are not permitted to park on these streets to meet their student. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you please be respectful of our neighbors.
Important Events
January 29th- Half Day Early Dismissal
February 7th- Rock N Roll Bingo PTO Event at Salvatores
February 16th-20th- School Vacation
February 25th- Half Day Early Dismissal
Pasta Palooza- March 25th
MCAS- Dates
Grade 3 ELA- March 30-31st. Math- May 11th-12th
Grade 4- ELA - April 1-2nd. Math May 5th-6th
Grade 5 ELA- April 7th-8th. Math April 30th - May 1st STE May 14th-15th
Franklin Variety Show- April 29th
Field Day- Tuesday May 26th /Rain Date Friday 5/29
Arts and Academic Night- June 3rd
Tentative-Fifth Grade Night- June 15th
Pasta Palooza Needs Your Help!!
The 5th Grade committee is looking for parent volunteers. This annual 5th grade event is only possible when parents volunteer. Please heck out the link to see how you can support this wonderful Franklin Tradition!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4AAFA629A7F94-61276199-pasta
Kittredge School Project
Kittredge School Project
Scan this QR code for recent information on the Kittredge Elementary School Building Project. The web address is: https://sites.google.com/northandoverma.gov/kittredge
School Committee Corner!
Upcoming School Committee Meetings:
Thursday January 29, 2026, 6:30 pm at the NA Senior Center-Final Discussion and Vote
The North Andover School Committee will hold 3 Community Chats in the next few weeks. The Chats are open to all members of the North Andover community to discuss school related topics with members of the committee in an informal setting. All Chats will be held at the Stevens Library, 1st Floor Conference Room:
Monday Jan 26th - 6:00-7:00 pm
North Andover School Committee Website
Recordings and Summaries-
January 8 ( budget starts at 10:58)
December 4 ( Competency Determination, Graduation Requirements, SEPAC Presentation)
November 20 (Budget Update, ABECC dedication)
November 6 (Civics, MCAS)
Town Meeting: May 12th
