May 15, 2026

Two more weeks left in May...learning is still happening! FAST will be wrapping up next week with our MYP Math sessions. Beyond proud of our students' growth and our staff's commitment to their students' academic journey!

Our Foundation Team will be sending you an invitation to complete our annual Family Survey, please take some time to reflect and provide us feedback for continuous improvement! Please complete by 5/25/26.

PTO Updates: We are in need of some PTO Board members for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year! Do you have high energy and a kind heart? We'd love to have you. Please fill out if you are interested and we will reach out to you with more details. Together we can lead with love, kindness, dedication, and passion. Go Falcons! 💙💛💙 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiFHZx42sFDy2OlyojntZbsMz2c-__GMC7tTv-A47195y4aA/viewform

5/20/2026 Title 1/SAC Virtual Meeting TBA/Night of the Arts 6PM

5/21/2026 PTO General Meeting 9AM via ZOOM

5/22/2026 Early Release and Dress Down Pass

5/26/2026 Volunteer Breakfast

5/26/2026 Retirement Recognition: Ms. Shears (See Flyer)

6/01/2026 Kinder/5th/Y3 End of Year Ceremonies

6/02/2026 Sports' Banquet (See Flyer)

6/03/2026 Early Release/Dress Down Pass/Last Day of School

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 14, 2026 – During National Charter Schools Week, Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas celebrated the continued success and momentum of Florida’s charter schools, citing significant gains in student achievement from 2023-24 to 2024-25 as a clear indicator of their impact. According to the latest annual report from the Florida Department of Education, charter school students are outperforming their peers in traditional public schools across the majority of academic measures, reinforcing the strength and effectiveness of Florida’s school choice landscape.

The report also highlights remarkable growth in charter school enrollment, with more than 400,000 students now enrolled statewide. This sustained increase underscores the confidence Florida families place in charter schools and reflects a growing demand for high-quality, innovative educational options.

“These results demonstrate that Florida’s commitment to educational excellence and parental choice is delivering real outcomes for students,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “We are proud to see charter schools continuing to raise the bar and expand opportunities for families across our state.”

“Our charter schools are helping students succeed by giving families more high-quality options and empowering educators to innovate,” said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. “The continued academic progress reflected in this report shows that when parents have choices and schools are focused on student outcomes, students thrive.”

“Florida’s charter schools continue to prove that innovation, accountability, and flexibility can drive meaningful student achievement,” said MaryLynn Magar, Vice Chair of the State Board of Education. “Families are choosing charter schools because they see strong academic outcomes, safe learning environments, and opportunities tailored to their children’s needs.”

“The continued growth in charter school enrollment reflects the trust parents place in Florida’s education system and the expanding opportunities available to students,” said Luis Fuste, State Board of Education Member. “We remain committed to ensuring every family has access to a high-quality education option that best fits their child.”

The report, which analyzes statewide assessment data from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, compares student performance in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, as well as student learning gains.

Key findings include:

• Charter school students showed strong performance in English Language Arts and mathematics, with consistent advantages across multiple grade levels and student subgroups.
• Charter school students outperformed traditional public-school students in 55 of 77 achievement comparisons in 2024-25, an improvement from 2023-24 when charter schools outperformed traditional public-school students in 53 of 77 comparisons.
• In both 2023-24 and 2024-25, charters schools demonstrated higher learning gains then traditional public schools in most of the 96 comparisons across grade levels and student subgroups.
• Positive outcomes were observed across key student groups, including students from economically disadvantaged families and students with disabilities.

Florida’s charter schools remain a key component of the state’s educational choice system, providing families with innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The Student Achievement in Florida’s Charter Schools annual report is available at: https://www.fldoe.org/file/7778/SAR2023.pdf.

Our PTO General Meeting held VIRTUALLY on May 21; it is the perfect way to stay connected, get involved and hear about all the exciting things happening at our school. We invite you to learn about all of our events, end of the year happenings and share your ideas for next school year. We look forward to seeing you ON ZOOM. 🙂 💙

Thank you to our Cooper City Commissioners for inviting us for the Student Government recognition ceremony! Our SGA has worked hard this year in ensuring student voices are shared and our Franklin community is supported!

Our Franklin Academy Cooper City Chess Team has now won 11 1st place tournament trophies this year - That is truly outstanding!

The results from Saturday's campus event are as follows:

• 32 different schools competed in our campus chess event

• 142 chess students participated in our tournament.

Saturday 5/9/26 Team Tournament Winners:

• MYP K-8 – Franklin Academy Cooper City (Championship Division) - 1st place team trophy

• Elementary - K1 - 2nd place team trophy

• Elementary - K3- 2nd place team trophy

Saturday 5/9/26 Individual Tournament Winners:

• K-8 Championship Division: Terry R. - 1st place trophy

• Daniel D. - 3rd place trophy

• K-8 Romel J. - 4thr place trophy

Grand Prix 5 Game Series Winners

• K-1 - Mathew B. - 1st place tournament Grand Prix series trophy

• K-1 - Cairo. P - 3rd place tournament Grand Prix series trophy

• K-1 - Joseph A. - 4th place tournament Grand Prix series trophy

• K-1 - Donovan S. - 5th place tournament Grand Prix series trophy

Wonderful Expo Wednesday night; thank you to Ms. Snapp and Mr. Lugo for their time and effort on working through the Year 3 Community Service Project! Very impressed in the research and presentations that our student body created for us all.

Great time welcoming our NEW 26-27 Kinders to our Franklin family last night! Thank you to Ms. Centeno, Ms. Donaldson, Ms. Ramirez, and Ms. Jaka for supporting our Kinder Signing for 26-27!

Reminder to visit FOCUS for constant updates on Progress Monitoring Plans (PMPs) as well. For students on a PMP, you've already received this information already, just adding to our newsletter for all to review directions on Focus Portal.

Inquirers nurture their curiosity, develop skills for investigation and research, and enjoy learning independently and with others. They ask thoughtful questions, seek answers, and show a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

This month, we encourage both students an to model what it means to be an Inquirer by asking questions, exploring new ideas, and embracing curiosity in our daily learning and work.

Grade-Level Ideas

K-2:https://www.boganhs.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=61689

• Create a “Wonder Wall” where children post questions.
• Read nonfiction books and discuss new facts learned.
• Nature walks with observation journals.
• STEM bins for exploring how things work.
• Ask daily question starters: Why? How? What if?

3-5:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Koi9YaRwIE

https://www.boganhs.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=61689

• Inquiry journals for children's questions and reflections.
• Mini research projects on student-selected topics.
• Science experiments with predictions and conclusions.
• Socratic circles using essential questions.
• “Genius Hour” time for passion-based learning.

6-8:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Koi9YaRwIE

https://www.boganhs.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=61689

• Current events discussions with student-led questioning.
• Research debates on real-world issues.
• Design challenges that require investigation and solutions.
• Independent inquiry projects connected to content areas.
• Reflection prompts on how curiosity leads to growth.

Let’s make May a month filled with curiosity, discovery, and meaningful questions as we inspire our students to become lifelong learners.

Families:

● Support students in preparing for and reflecting on assessments

● Review results and feedback via PowerSchool and Toddle

● Communicate with teachers regarding questions or the need for support

● Encourage student ownership of learning

What is considered “medication:”

1. ANYTHING that requires a prescription

• Epi Pen

• Inhaler

• Seizure Medications

• Nasal Sprays

• Eye Drops

1. Over the counter items:

• Ibuprofen including but not limited to: Motrin, Advil, CVS/Walgreens/Publix and all generic brands, etc.

• Acetaminophen including but not limited to: Tylenol, CVS/Walgreens/Publix and all generic brands, etc.

• Nasal Spray

• Eye Drops

• Homeopathic Medications

• Vitamins

• Topical ointments including but not limited to: hydrocortisone, antibiotic ointment, etc.

What do I do if my child needs to bring medication to school (prescribed OR over the counter):

1. You MUST have the Medication Authorization Form completed and signed by the physician.

2. Once signed by the physician, the parent/guardian MUST sign as well.

3. Parent/Guardian MUST bring the medication to school to be stored in the locked medication cabinet in the clinic.

HOW to send the medication:

1. THE MEDICATION MUST BE:

1. current (NOT expired)

2. properly labeled

3. NEW (unopened)

Q. Why is this the process:

1. Dispensing medication in the school is the same as dispensing medication in a hospital or clinic setting.

2. We are REQUIRED to have signed physician orders to dispense medication.

3. We are REQUIRED to have a parent/guardian signature giving us authorization to administer medication

Q. Where is medication kept?

1. Medication is kept in the locked medication cabinet in the clinic.

2. Forms are kept in the Medication binder in the locked cabinet.

3. During field trips, medication is sent with the teacher to have if we need to use while on trip.

With the newest technology coming out each day, we need to keep up with the times.

In reviewing AI glasses with our Foundation Team, they will be treated just like smart watches and smart phones; TURNED OFF AND IN BACKPACKS while on campus. During the Broward County Principals' meeting last week, they reiterated that the AI glasses are to be treated the same as smart watches and smart phones during all state testing, TURNED OFF AND IN BACKPACKS.

Take advantage of the summer weeks to have your child complete their sports' physical.

Both forms must be completed for student to even try out for any sport.

This week you received messages from our Foundation on the CLEVER updates.

I've included the messages here as well in order to locate the CLEVER credentials for your child(ren).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7/28 student password reset has been finalized.

Incoming students:

New students will receive their credentials from their teachers during the first few days of school.

Returning students:

• How to Access the New Credentials: Updated login credentials will be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. [ps.franklin-academy.org]
  
• Clever Badge Updates: For students who use Clever badges (typically in elementary grades), all current badges will be deactivated as part of this security update. New badges will be issued by your child’s teacher during the first week of school.

____________________________________

Dear Franklin Academy Families,

As part of our ongoing commitment to student data privacy and account security, we are implementing a system-wide reset of all student login credentials for the 2025–2026 school year.

What You Need to Know:

• Password Reset Date: All returning student passwords will be reset on or about Monday, July 28.
  
• Why This Is Happening: Our school system experiences daily cyberattack attempts targeting student accounts. Resetting passwords annually is a key measure in strengthening our cybersecurity posture and protecting your child's personal information.
  
• How to Access the New Credentials: Once passwords have been updated, families will receive a notification via email and text. Updated login credentials will be available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
  
• Clever Badge Updates: For students who use Clever badges (typically in elementary grades), all current badges will be deactivated as part of this security update. New badges will be issued by your child’s teacher during the first week of school.

We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to enhance the safety and security of our digital learning environment. If you have questions or need assistance accessing the PowerSchool Parent Portal, please contact your school’s front office.

Thank you for your continued support.

Families now have the ability to view the FAST Portal Access Code in their PowerSchool Parent Portal on the same screen as their student ID and Clever login information page. This view also provides a direct link in their portal to the FAST Family Portal login and Clever.

As we continue to gear up for our first day of school, we are working towards being present

with our staff that has returned to school to get ready; being intentional in the trainings and

sessions to ensure everyone's time is valued; and being consistent in our message, support,

and expectations. We are looking forward to sharing this message with our students and

families during orientations and our first week of school.

We open the front doors at 6:45AM as a courtesy to our K-5 families that need to drop off before 7AM. Drop off takes place in carline, NOT THE BUS LOOP. There is no staff on duty at that location until after 7AM. YOU MAY NOT USE THE BUS LOOP UNLESS A STAFF MEMBER DIRECTS YOU TO DROP OFF AT THAT LOCATION. This week we had multiple cars drop off and block buses that are authorized to use the bus loop.

MYP FAMILIES: please remember that if your MYP child doesn't have an elementary sibling, their arrival time is at 8AM. I have students wait outside and call you to return and retrieve them. With 1,340 students in K-8 arrivals/dismissals are staggered for students and staff. MYP staff arrives at 8 in order to support MYP arrival.

PTO President: Holli McGee

PTO Vice President: Daniely Millan

PTO Vice President: Yairis Arenas

PTO Secretary: Erin Stone

PTO Treasurer: Nadirah Phillip

PTO Volunteer Coordinator: Erika Shannon

PTO Event Coordinator: Mary Renderer

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows students to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials.

QUICK AND EASY SAFETY TIP SUBMISSION

By accessing FortifyFL, students can provide a description of the threat, share pics, and videos and optionally submit their contact information. Submissions can be anonymous or non-anonymous. Submitting a tip is quick and easy using our mobile app or website.

All Franklin Academy students have access to FortifyFL via their Clever portal dashboard.

https://www.franklin-academy.org/fortifyfl

Assistant Principal over PowerSchool/Academic Concerns: Ms. Vazquez - vazquez.emilia@franklin-academy.org

Assistant Principal over Curriculum/Academic Concerns: Ms. Carrizo- carrizo.cassandra@franklin-academy.org

Service Hours/Raptor/Carline/All NON-Instructional aspects: Mr. Williams - williams.demon@franklin-academy.org

School Fees/Balances: Ms. Yepez - businessmanager-cc@franklin-academy.org

Registration/School Records: Ms. Cabrera - cabrera.elizabeth@franklin-academy.org

Health/Clinic: Nurse Schwam - cc-nurse@franklin-academy.org

Service Hour Forms: Ms. N. Gonzalez - gonzalez.nancy@franklin-academy.org; conatser.amy@franklin-academy.org

Attendance Inquiries: Ms. D. Gonzalez - attendance-cc@franklin-academy.org; gonzalez.diana@franklin-academy.org; conatser.amy@franklin-academy.org

Placards: Ms. Conatser -conatser.amy@franklin-academy.org

Title 1 Liaison: Ms. Carrizo - carrizo.cassandra@franklin-academy.org

Special Programs Coordinator (ESE, IEPs, Gifted 504 Plans): Ms. Hackworth- hackworth.taryn@franklin-academy.org CURRENTLY ON FMLA, contact Carrizo (above)

ESOL Coordinator: Ms. Ordonez- ordonez.gracy@franklin-academy.org

Athletic Director: cc-athletics@franklin-academy.org

Email: fox.alexandra@franklin-academy.org
Website: franklin-academy.org
Location: 6301 South Flamingo Road, Cooper City, FL, USA
Phone: 954 780 5533
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinAcademyCharter/