On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is coming to the United States. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the Continental U.S. until 2044. Though Franklin is not in the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be viewable and our area will experience the greatest coverage at 2:02 p.m. The FSSD will provide solar eclipse glasses so that students may safely view the solar eclipse on April 8. Only students who return the signed release sent home in student folders on March 25 are permitted to participate in viewing the solar eclipse. We look forward to a great day of learning together.
Always learning,
Alisha Erickson
Novice Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to our Novice Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Marcela Tycksen. She is a calming force for students, always positive, and so eager to help everyone. A true professional and an incredible educator. What an honor it is to have her represent our school in this new state recognition category.
The weather in April can be tricky to dress for so please help your student come to school dressed and prepared for the cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. If your student is sensitive to the sun or heading out on one of the great field trips planned this month, please apply sunblock prior to school and avoid sleeveless tops.
If you are registering an incoming pre-K, Kindergarten, or older student who is new to FSSD, please supply us with a completed Tennessee Certificate of Immunization and proof of a physical examination dated within one year of the start of school this fall. If you have questions, please feel free to call Nurse B at 615-472-3906.
This month we will be discussing how to cope with problems that come our way. We will look at steps we can take to problem solve. Students will also be discussing how to cope with the stress that comes when problems arise. Teaching children how to cope with stress begins with helping them identify and express how they feel and then helping them think of strategies to relieve some of the stress while trying to resolve a problem. A good article on strategies for helping children cope with stress and problems can be found at: https://www.verywellfamily.com/coping-skills-for-kids-4586871. It has been an amazing experience being at PGES this year! I am honored to be able to serve your children!
Used Book Sale
Our Used Book Sale was a tremendous success for our PGS media centers. We raised $2,003.99! Thank you to everyone who donated used books, shopped the great sale, and volunteered time to make it happen.
Thank you for Registering for the 2024-2025 School Year
If you have not yet completed your Registration please do that ASAP by going to www.FSSD.org and click on “registration”.
We need 1 NEW Proof of Residency dated February 2024 or later.
Documents may be uploaded, brought to the office, or emailed to brownkri@fssd.org
If you need additional help or information call our attendance secretary, Kristen Brown @ 615-790-4720
If your student will NOT be returning to PGES, PLEASE let us know ASAP.
You will soon have a Poplar Grove Middle Schooler! There is an upcoming event that may be of interest to you.
April 29th - Virtual Honors Meeting for all Rising 5th - 8th Grades. Make plans to attend to ensure a smooth transition to PGMS for your child.
There may be some other upcoming events as well so we encourage you to join the PGMS social media accounts so you can stay up-to-date.
If you know of a student who may be interested in attending PGES next year who is currently being homeschooled, in private school, new to the district, or who may be interested in becoming a tuition student at PGES please have them reach out. We would love to talk with them about PGES. Contact Dr. Erickson at ericksonali@fssd.org or call the school at 615-790-4720.
Voluntary Pre-K is a state funded program for families who meet income qualifying guidelines.
Families who have children who were born on or between August 16, 2020 and August 15, 2021 are eligible to apply.
Consideration will also be given for children born on or before October 15, 2021.
Classes meet Monday-Friday, 8:00-2:00, in FSSD schools.
PLEASE COMPETE A VOLUNTARY PRE-K APPLICATION ONLINE AT https://www.fssd.org/students-families/registration
The Young Scholars Institute, is a summer enrichment program sponsored by the FSSD which offers challenging, exploratory classes that are designed for independent and highly motivated learners. The courses are academically and artistically challenging. A class brochure is available to view online and Registration is open NOW and can be done by clicking the following link https://www.fssd.org/students-families/campssummer-programs and selecting the "Online Registration" tab. Scholarships are available so reach out to your classroom teacher if you are interested and in need.
Kindergarten Kickoff
Kindergarten Kickoff is here!
We would also like to invite you to join us at PGES on Friday, April 12.
Pop by anytime between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM
to tour the school, meet some of our staff,
and receive a small welcome gift.
Once you complete the online registration (www.fssd.org) we will call you to set up a screening time for July.
Kindergartners must be 5 years old on or before August 15 to enroll.
Franklin Special School District 2024 TCAP Testing Schedule for Grades 3 & 4
April 16 - ELA Part 1 (Writing) - 80 minutes
April 17 - ELA Part 2 and 3 - 70 minutes total
April 18 - ELA Part 4 and Science - 80 minutes total
April 19 - Make-up tests only
April 22 - Math, Part 1 (no calculators) - 50 minutes
April 23 - Math, Part 2 and 3 (calculators) - 60 minutes total
April 24 & 25 - Make-up tests only
Since a good bit of April is taken up by TCAP, there is A LOT happening in May. Here are lots of dates you may want to save on your calendar:
3 4th Natchez Trace Field Trip
6 Music Club Concert
6-10 Staff Appreciation
7 Bike/Walk to school Day
9 Kindergarten Zoo Field Trip
10 Last Pride Time
10 4th TN State Capitol Field Trip
10 Mother/Son Dodge Ball
16 4th Grade Promotion 8:00 in
PAC
22 Senior Graduation Walk 9:30 am
23 Field Day & End of Year Parties
25 Last 2 hour day/report card
pick up
May 6-10, 2024, PGS Staff Appreciation!
Your Poplar Grove PTO is excited to announce we will have an entire week of nourishing our staff by filling their cups with rejuvenating experiences. We have events planned every day during the week look for more details to come home soon.
In the meantime, if you would like to donate for this event, here is how you can help:
Send a check to the school made out to PGS and make a note that it is for Staff Appreciation.
Send in a gift card in any amount. There will be a drop box in the Elementary Office or you can send it in with your student. Please put it in an envelope and designate it for Staff Appreciation.
We want to make it SUPER EASY.... we will be sending a GroupVine message closer to time for ways you can send an electronic payment and 100% of these funds will be used to purchase gift cards for the staff.
Thank you for your support and the ways you love our amazing staff!
Contact Us
1030 Excellence Way
Franklin, TN 37069
615.790.4720