Franklin 411

Dear Franklin Families,

We had another successful and well attended Multicultural Night! Thank you to the PTO for organizing this wonderful event. It is quickly becoming a beloved Franklin tradition. Thank you to all the families who showcased a country or culture. There was so much delicious food and the students learned a little something about each country as they traveled with their "passports."

The staff had a little secret fun this past week with our Undercover Spirit Week. Each day, the teachers and aides dressed up according to a theme and the students had to guess what it was. Many students learned the word, monochromatic, for our theme on Thursday!

Tomorrow, we will have an author visit by Sylvia Chen. See below for Mrs. Mill's library news for more information. Just a gentle reminder that if you have an overdue lunch balance, students will not be allowed to purchase a 2nd slice of pizza, ice cream or snacks until the balance is brought up to date. Students will not be denied their first meal if the account is in arrears.

Friday, January 31 is a single session with dismissal at 12:30 pm.

Have a marvelous week!

With Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Loor

On Monday, Franklin will host local author, Sylvia Chen, creator of Tricky Chopsticks. We are excited to host this breakout writer! Ms. Chen has other books in the publication pipeline, due to be released later in the year. She will meet with all classes to share her writing journey and give inspiration to Franklin’s budding authors.

We are partnering with [words] bookstore in Maplewood to order signed copies of Tricky Chopsticks. The link is open until Friday, February 7th. After all orders are placed and received, Ms. Chen will personalize and sign the books, which will then be delivered to students after winter break. Please select “Franklin Elementary Delivery” when ordering. In addition to your details, you will be prompted to add your student’s name so books can be distributed.

If you have any questions, please email Jill Mills jmills@summit.k12.nj.us.

Franklin Falcon, Katie Bachman, researched hurricanes for her passion project as part of the IDEAS program. She created a website to teach others about hurricanes, and is going to have a jewelry sale on Monday, January 27, 2025, to support hurricane relief efforts. As part of this project, she learned about what hurricanes are, how they form, what they do, and more!

All proceeds from the jewelry sale will go to helping the victims of recent Hurricane Helene. She will be donating to a Black Mountain, NC elementary and primary school fundraiser focused on rebuilding, and to the North Carolina Community Foundation. She would love for you to stop by her stand during pickup on Monday, January 27, 2025 to buy a bracelet or make a donation.

You can visit her website to learn more about hurricanes.

National School Counseling Week is the first week of February. Let's have some fun with a spirit week!

For any questions regarding our counseling program, please contact Ms. Audino, our school counselor. Her email is laudino@summit.k12.nj.us.

“I Ran for the Chapstick”

By Ken Nesbitt

"I ran for the Chapstick mom keeps in her purse.

My lips were so chapped that they couldn’t feel worse!

I dug through her handbag and pulled it out quickly.

Then sighed in relief as I smeared it on thickly.

I felt so much better I almost rejoiced.

My painful, dry lips were now mended and moist.

My dad burst out laughing. My mom looked amused.

Her Chapstick was lost. That was lipstick I’d used!"

Now that the cold weather has arrived many students here at Franklin School are suffering from chapped lips. The skin on the lips is very thin and dehydrates quickly due to the dry winter air, wind and heating systems, resulting in redness, cracking and bleeding.

Ways to prevent chapped lips include using a lubricating lip balm, staying well hydrated and using a humidifier in your home. In addition to over the counter lip balms, coconut oil, aloe vera gel, cocoa butter and beeswax are all natural moisturizers and when applied, may help soothe sore, chapped lips.

Encourage your child to keep a lip balm in their desk or backpack for use during school hours. This allows for easy and frequent access during the school day.

If you have any medical questions or concerns never hesitate to reach out to our school nurse, Ann Zanelli. Her email is azanelli@summit.k12.nj.us. You can also visit the Summit Public Schools Virtual Health Office for additional information.

Please join the Summit Public Schools PTO Boards for a presentation of the documentary Screenagers: Growing Up In The Digital Age on Wednesday, January 29th in the Summit High School Auditorium. The movie will begin promptly at 7pm and runs about an hour. Doors open at 6:45pm.

Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston explores the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to examine the common struggles we face over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Children in grades 4 and up are welcome to attend the screening with an adult. Please register HERE.

January 31: Single Session Day, Dismissal 12:30pm

February 6: Living Wax Museum, 2:15 - 3:00pm

February 10: Single Session Day, Dismissal 12:30pm

February 17: Presidents' Day - Schools Closed

February 18: Presidents' Day - Schools Closed

February 21: Franklin School PLAY Performance #1, 7:00pm

February 22: Franklin School PLAY Performance #2, 2:00pm

February 22: Franklin School PLAY Performance #3, 7:00pm

Please bookmark and use this year's form. It is labeled 2024-2025 so you know you're in the correct one.