Helen Keller Elementary

Reminder: There is no school on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - Professional Learning Day.

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community, Following the district's recommendation on October 22, 2024, the School Committee voted to approve the revised 2024-25 school calendar, which includes three consecutive half days for grades K-8 at the end of this school year (June 12, 13, 16th). These days are in addition to the half day on the last day of school (June 17th), which occurs annually, totaling four half days notwithstanding any school cancellations (e.g., inclement weather, snow, power outages, etc.) that would extend these dates. We intend to follow our normal half-day dismissal schedules and procedures. With the shift, the district has considered and confirmed that the instructional time-on-learning requirements will continue to be met for this academic school year. These half days were added to provide the necessary time for staff across all five elementary schools, three middle schools, and the Early Childhood Center to pack, label, and prepare their classrooms for the anticipated move in July 2025. Additionally, all supplies, program materials, and equipment—including facilities, food service items, technology, and furniture—must be fully prepared for the move by the end of the school year. We recognize the potential impact these changes may have on families. We hope that with approximately eight months to plan, there is time to make arrangements. We will help support the community efforts to explore opportunities available for children once they are released from school during these half-days. These early release days do not impact Franklin High School (9-12), which will be on the final exam schedule, or ECDC (PreK), which will have ended its school year. The Solutions Program will be open at a reduced schedule for the three added half days. The morning program will operate as usual. The afternoon program will be at dismissal from 11:45 to 3:00 p.m., giving the Solutions staff time to prepare for the move. Solutions will be closed on the last half day of school, currently June 17th. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we manage this move's unique magnitude and complexity. We greatly appreciate your support. A copy of the calendar can be found on our website at the link below. School Calendars | Franklin Public School District Sincerely, Franklin Public Schools

Join us at the Keller Pumpkin Stroll! Tuesday, October 22 Pumpkin Drop-off: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM at Keller Lower Field Pumpkin Viewing: 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM sensory half-hour, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Franklin Public Schools Shares Update on 2024-25 District Reorganization Plan FRANKLIN — Superintendent Lucas Giguere wishes to share an update on Franklin Public Schools' 2024-25 District Reorganization Plan. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Franklin School Committee voted unanimously to create a boundary line determining students' assignments to elementary schools. To increase equity across all schools, Franklin is developing a new boundary line, establishing two new school communities located in the north and south within reasonable proximity to the town's school complex locations. This Pre-K-to-8 reorganization, which will take effect for the 2025-26 school year, is based on the recommendation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report. This plan includes creating a central unified middle school, consolidating five elementary schools into four schools in two complexes (each K-2 & 3-5), one early childhood school (Pre-K), and anticipated expansion at the existing Pond Street building as part of a broader plan to establish a childcare center for staff, etc. This will occur in phases over time. The new boundary line promotes more equitable learning environments, balances class sizes, and optimizes the District's resources to meet enrollment needs. The Master Plan recommendations align with Franklin's long-term vision to provide the best educational experiences for every student in the District. The reorganization is necessary due to declining enrollment over the last twenty years and the closure of Davis Thayer Elementary School in 2021. The Master Plan aims to provide learning environments that support high-quality educational experiences for all students, appropriate physical spaces to meet program and enrollment needs now and in the future, and phased implementation of short--, mid-, and long-term improvement strategies. Franklin Public School conducted a redistricting analysis in previous years, which served as a foundation for the decisions made in 2024. This reorganization will allow Franklin to put students and staff in the District's most modernized facilities. The new boundary line for 2025-26 will place 1,027 students in the north elementary zone and 904 students in the south zone, which provides sustainability and consideration for future population shifts. "This reorganization provides incredible opportunities for our community. This change is about more than just balancing enrollment numbers — it's about creating new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and learning," Superintendent Giguere said. "By adjusting our boundaries, we are fostering a more inclusive and diverse student body, allowing our children to expand their social networks and learn alongside peers from different neighborhoods and backgrounds. This will also allow us to strategically invest in the facilities we already have in a fiscally responsible manner while ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed.

Franklin Police - Halloween Party!

October is National Principals Month, and we want to celebrate the wonderful principals who lead our school communities. Their daily efforts to improve our schools never go unnoticed, and we encourage people to recognize these contributions to the community. Principals foster positive educational environments and dedicate their time to improving the schooling experience for all. They ensure that all faculty and staff are equipped with the necessary resources to further the education of our youth community. They also serve as leaders and role models for students providing mentorship and helping them develop skills at a young age.

Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything Franklin Public Schools, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app! Download for Android https://aptg.co/L2P5J8 Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/g1zDC2

Wednesday, October 2 is an Early Release Day with an 11:45 AM dismissal for all students. Please be sure to notify your child's teacher of any dismissal changes. Thanks!

Keller PCC Dining Out Event! Let the Chateau do the cooking on Tuesday, October 1. 20% of flagged take-out and dine-in orders will go back to the Keller PCC!

We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket. Download for Android https://aptg.co/L2P5J8 Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/g1zDC2

We're thrilled to announce the new app for Franklin Public Schools! It's everything Franklin Public Schools, in your pocket. Download for Android https://aptg.co/L2P5J8 Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/g1zDC2

Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything Franklin Public Schools, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app! Download for Android https://aptg.co/L2P5J8 Download for iPhone https://aptg.co/g1zDC2

Tuesday, September 17 is an Early Release Day with an 11:45 AM dismissal for all students. Please be sure to notify your child's teacher of any dismissal changes. Thanks!

📚 The first day of school is here, Franklin! 🎉 Our hallways are buzzing with excitement as we kick off a year full of learning and growth. To our students, staff, and families: Together, we’ll make this a year to remember. Let’s embrace every moment. #WeAreFPS #BackToSchool

As we step into a new school year, we're reminded of our FPS educators' incredible impact on our students' lives. Let's make powerful connections and make every moment count!💪✨#wearefranklinpublicschools #wearefps #backtoschool2024

We look forward to welcoming students on August 28, 2024! For more back-to-school information and the superintendent's annual family checklist visit our News Feed on the main website.

We look forward to welcoming students on August 28, 2024! For more back-to-school information and the superintendent's annual family checklist, click here!

Please join the Franklin Town Council & Franklin School Committee tonight at 7:00PM in the Franklin High School Auditorium to have a public hearing on an operational override. Click this link to share questions and input: https://forms.gle/Z5wdB2F7vgB4tGWCA

MA Food Service Director of the year!! Congratulations Colin!

Today, Elementary and Middle School students were treated with the option to eat our Homemade Garlic & Herb Marinated Chicken with Creamy Risotto and Roasted Butternut Squash! Packed with flavor and nutrition, this meal was guaranteed to fuel their afternoon! Meals as always, include milk, fresh fruits and vegetables!