October 1, 2024

Programming Note: Due to the shortened week this week with the Thanksgiving break, we will not run a building bulletin newsletter next week after Thanksgiving. You can expect our next building bulletin newsletter on Monday, December 9th!

Dear Families,

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in your child’s education. Your commitment was clearly demonstrated through the excellent participation in our recent parent-teacher conferences. This collaboration plays a vital role in fostering your child’s growth and success. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to work together in creating a positive and enriching learning environment for all our students.

With gratitude,

Bridget Mowbray

On Tuesday, November 19th, the Wisconsin Department of Instruction released the 2023-24 State Report Cards for all public schools and districts, publicly funded charter schools and private schools participating in a parental choice program.

Of note for this year: There have been scoring changes made by the State to better reflect student performance. These scoring adjustments will allow for student achievement to be comparable to last year. This one year scoring change only applies to the 2023-24 Report Cards. DPI has shared this “What’s New for the 2023-2024 Report Cards” resource to support understanding of the latest updates.

Now that we have officially had our first snowfall of the season, we want to review basic bus safety rules and winter safety tips and we encourage you to review these with your children.

• Be at stop on time: Students are expected to be at their assigned stop 5 minutes prior to their assigned time. We do ask for a 5 minute window both before the student’s assigned time and after the assigned time for transportation to arrive. If we are notified that a bus will be late 10 minutes or more we will do our best to notify all families that this will affect.

• Allow enough time: When roads, walkways and driveways are slippery or snow covered, rushing to get to your stop on time can actually slow you down. Encourage your children to leave a few minutes earlier than usual and take their time to get to their stop. This can help to avoid falls on the slick pavement.

• Bundle Up: Students need to keep warm while at their stop. But they also need to be able to hear and see their surroundings. Be sure that their vision or hearing is not impeded by winter or other accessories.

• Electronic Devices, Put Away: Not looking where you are walking is dangerous whether there is snow and ice or not. Watch your step and take it slow.

Give Grace: Snow and icy roads can slow the buses down which may affect pickup and drop off times. Drivers may need to take extra time while getting to a stop so we ask for some patience and grace when waiting for a bus. This is a great reason to utilize the Here Comes the Bus app (iOS App Store or Google Play) for the Go Riteway routes! Note that the first time use code for FPS is 30112.

In the event we have inclement weather, the information below is helpful for parents and students to understand in regards to FPS School closures. This information is also housed on our website here

How are closures determined?
When inclement weather is approaching or evident, we work to make a school closure determination and communicate this to families by 6 am at the latest. When our local weather authorities begin discussing the possibility of severe weather, FPS District Administrator Annalee Bennin will consult with various sources about the impact potential weather may have on the ability to hold school. These sources include National Weather Service updates (Milwaukee/Sullivan Office), road condition reports, and conversations with other area superintendents.

If schools are closed, all after-school activities, including athletic competitions, practices and FPS Community Education & Recreation activities, will be canceled unless otherwise communicated. Please know that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will always make decisions out of caution and, at the same time, communicate with you as early as possible.

How can families and staff expect to receive information about closures?
The following are the ways we communicate the closing and where you can expect to see information:

• Parents and Staff will be sent an email, phone call and text message alert.

• Students will be sent an email at their @franklinsabers.org account (4K, 5K, & up through 12th grade)

• Closing information will be posted to our district and school webpages (in the “News” feeds).

• Closing information will be posted to our district social media channels (be sure to like or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram if you don’t already!).

• Closing information will be shared with local media outlets so that our information is included in the weather updates that occur via local news online and on TV (CBS58, FOX6, TMJ4, WISN12)

How do closures impact school days?
The state of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires a minimum number of instructional minutes during the school year. Our current school calendar allows for one School Closure day across the district. If we were to see subsequent closure days, FHS will need to adjust scheduling for the remainder of the school year in order to meet DPI requirements. If we experience more than three school closures at the elementary and middle school level we will communicate around further adjustments that may need to be made. Outlined below is what families can expect:

• Closure #1 - 4K-12 no school, no virtual learning

• Closure #2-3 - 4K-8th - No school, no virtual learning
  9-12th grade - HS will communicate adjustments to accommodate instructional minutes per DPI

• Closure #4+ - The district will communicate any further changes that may need to take place district wide

We still have a few spots available in the Franklin High School Child Development II student sponsored “Saber Pre-school” for children ages 3 to 5 on various days in December!

Saber Pre-school is designed for children ages 3 to 5 who are toilet trained and ready to experience a supportive and enriching pre-school environment. The student teachers prepare daily lesson plans that not only provide opportunities for the Little Sabers to develop socially, but also to enhance their kindergarten readiness skills. The Saber Pre-school program offers a truly excellent experience for both our big and small students.

Class time will be from 9:00 to 10:15 am and tuition is $20 to cover the cost of materials and snacks for the entire 3 weeks. Saber Pre-school will include story time, large and small group activities, free time, songs and other fun activities. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes when we hit 25 participants or by THIS Wednesday, November 27th at the latest. If you know someone who has a child ages 3-5, please help us by sharing this message to them!

CLICK HERE for the Informational Flyer | CLICK HERE to register

School is underway and kids are learning, growing and adjusting to a new routine and expectations. Paying attention to your child’s emotional well-being is a focus of the student services staff of Franklin Public Schools. For more information on mental health in children see HERE.

If you feel your child might benefit from further support, FPS has partnered with Clinical Psychology Associates (CPA), who has established counseling clinics in Pleasant View and Country Dale Elementary Schools available to provide further support and establish a process of therapy. All children in Franklin elementary schools have access to these services. For more information, please see our website. Appointments are scheduled directly with CPA staff by calling or texting (262) 251-1112.

• This is our NEW Membership hub!

• How to register:

• Go to https://swg.givebacks.com/

• Under PTA Store is where you can purchase a “Local Unit” which will donate $10 towards your membership

• Follow us on Facebook at Southwood Glen PTA.

The FHS FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club is sponsoring its THIRD annual WINTER ACTIVITY DAY for any Franklin Public Schools students in grades 4K-5th grade. The event will take place on Saturday, December 14th from 2pm-4pm in the FHS Main Commons. Need some extra time to shop? Let the kids enjoy snacks, crafts, activities and fun while you use the afternoon time to get ready for the holidays! The costs will be $15 for your first child, $10 if you have a second child and $5 for any additional children. If you are planning to have your children attend, please complete this REGISTRATION FORM before Friday, December 13th at noon. Payment (cash, check or card) will be accepted when you drop off your child(ren). If you have any questions, please reach out to student leader Kaitlyn Klinkowitz kaitlyn.klinkowitz@franklinsabers.org or advisor Lauren Zomboracz at lauren.zomboracz@franklin.k12.wi.us

The Forest Park Middle School Drama Club presents the madcap mystery-comedy “Who Killed Elvis?”

When the Verelli family holds an Elvis impersonation contest for their newly renamed business, the “Elvis Ate Here” Inn, a host of star-struck Elvis fanatics shows up with the media in tow. Just what they needed to boost profits! Unfortunately, the Verellis get more than they bargained for. Order up for one “Heartbreak Hoagie,” some “Love Me Chicken Tenders” and an “All Shook Up Shake,” but who asked for two murders?!

Friday, December 6 @ 7:00 p.m.

Saber Center for the Performing Arts

Adults $8 | Student/Child $6

Get tickets here!

Winter is almost here! Southwood Glen Families are invited to join the Ski and Snowboard Club at Crystal Ridge (formerly called The Rock Snowpark)! Registration is now open! We will meet on January 22nd, January 29th, February 5th, and February 12th (Wednesdays). Learning zones are intended for children ages 7 and up.

For more details and registration, please use the link below.

https://shop.crystalridge.com/groups/details?gc=SWGS25

Group Contact: michelle.jurvelin@gmail.com

Join Character Kids for our fun-filled After School Theater Classes at Southwood Glen! The Winter Session runs Thursdays, 4-5 pm, December 12 - March 6 (11 weeks, no class 12/26 or 1/2). Students will explore new stage skills, theater games and performance material at each session; so new and returning students are welcome! Parents are invited to a special performance on the last day of class. Focus is put on developing imagination, social skills and a positive self-image through the performing arts. Visit our website for more info or to register.

All past newsletters are stored on our website here

Email: Stephanie.genke@franklin.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.franklin.k12.wi.us/southwood-glen-elementary-school
Location: 9090 South 35th Street, Franklin, Wisconsin 53132, USA
Phone: 414-761-1181
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/SouthwoodGlenFPS/posts/