Dear Franklin Families,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! As I begin my 11th year as principal, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the opportunity to continue serving this incredible community. It is truly an honor to work alongside such dedicated educators, supportive families, and, most importantly, our amazing students.

This year, we are excited to build on our tradition of excellence, guided by our shared values and the mission that drives us to help each student reach their fullest potential. In this newsletter, you will find important safety information that highlights our shared responsibility in keeping our school community safe and secure.

Your continued support and partnership are vital to ensuring a successful and safe school year. Together, we will make this year one of growth, achievement, and memorable experiences for all our students.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Franklin Academy family. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Warm regards,

Elena Diaz, M .Ed.

Principal

At Franklin Academy, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure environment, we have implemented a comprehensive School Safety Plan that includes the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This protocol encompasses five key actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. These actions are designed to ensure a quick and effective response to any situation that may arise on campus. In the coming sections, each of these codes is explained so you are fully informed and prepared to support our shared responsibility for safety.

"HOLD" is called when the hallways need to be kept clear, even during class changes. Examples of HOLD conditions may include a medical issue that needs attention or unfinished maintenance in a common area.

"SECURE" is called when there is something dangerous outside of the building. Students and staff are brought into the building and the outside doors will be locked. The school might display the "Building is Secured" poster on entry doors or nearby windows. Inside, it will be business as usual.

"LOCKDOWN" is called when there is something dangerous inside the building. Students and staff are trained to enter or remain in a room that can be locked and maintain strict silence. A Lockdown is only initiated when there is an active threat inside or very close to the building. Lockdown drills are conducted regularly and are monitored by law enforcement.

"EVACUATE" is called when there is a need to move people from one location to another for safety reasons. An on-site evacuation drill is conducted regularly as a "FIRE DRILL".

"SHELTER" is called when specific protective actions are needed based on severe weather or hazard. Sheltering requires that all students and staff follow response directives. Shelter safety strategies are drilled at least twice per year, or as mandated by the state.

This year, your children will be trained on the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). These drills are essential in preparing our students to respond effectively in various situations and in keeping our school a safe place to learn and work.

To ensure everyone’s safety and to maintain order during these drills, we kindly ask for your support by following these guidelines:

• Do not come to the school campus.
• Refrain from calling the school offices as they will be occupied with the drill or emergency.
• Avoid contacting students or staff via cell phone or social media; they will be engaged in the drill or emergency.
• Avoid posting on social media. Official information will be shared through our automated system as soon as possible.
• Ensure your contact information is always up to date so you can be reached promptly in an emergency.

Your cooperation is crucial in helping us create a secure and supportive environment for all our students and staff. Thank you for partnering with us in this important effort.

At Franklin Academy, we hold high expectations for student behavior to ensure a positive and respectful learning environment. The Broward County Code of Student Conduct outlines the standards we expect all students to follow, along with the Administrative Discipline Matrix, which clearly defines the consequences for any rule violations.

It is essential that all parents and students familiarize themselves with these guidelines. The Code of Conduct is available electronically on our school website. Please take the time to review it carefully. As part of our commitment to transparency and mutual understanding, all parents must sign an acknowledgment form each year, confirming their awareness of the Code of Conduct and how to access it online. This acknowledgment form is due by Friday, August 16th.

Your cooperation in reviewing and signing this form ensures that we are all working together to uphold the values and standards that make Franklin Academy a safe and supportive environment for all students.

In addition to reviewing the Code of Conduct, there are two mandatory parent courses this year: Anti-Bullying and Dating Violence Awareness. These courses are crucial in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students. Completion of these courses is required as part of our commitment to student safety.

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. All Franklin Academy students have access to FortifyFL via their Clever portal dashboard.

Building Better People, Every Day

Website: https://ppk8.franklin-academy.org/
Location: 18800 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
Phone: 954-703-2294
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinAcademyCharter
Twitter: @FranklinCharter