9/3/24

Today we welcome all of our new Sabers to Franklin! There are few more exciting things than the first day of school!

We know that every moment we have and everything we do, matters. We are here to ensure our students learn and grow in ways they would not if not for our school. When we do this, our students know they belong at FHS and our students will engage, invest, and achieve at high levels. As we go through this year, we share aspects of our annual goals, celebrations, and work to be better every single day.

As we do every year, this week we begin and develop routines and new habits while also continuing proud traditions at Franklin High School. The first Wednesday of every month is “Blue Shirt Day” at FHS. Our shirts are decorated around the simple yet powerful idea to “Be Kind.” We invite our students and community to wear blue Wednesday, September 4 and on the first Wednesday of every month of the year and to choose kindness every day.

With Saber Pride,

Mr. Vuolo

Franklin High School's Open House Revamp - Wednesday, September 11th from 5:45 - 8:00 - Now with parent/guardian engagement sessions!

The night will begin with all families and students gathering in the Saber Center from 5:45 - 6:00. After this, attendees are welcome to visit classrooms and teachers as they see fit. There will be no bell schedule this year (as in year's past) and this will function as a true open house. You will have the chance to meet briefly with staff and learn about the coursework your students will engage in this year. In addition, there will be parent/guardian engagement sessions running throughout the night. You can find a full list here. Translator services are also available. If needed, please reach out to CJ Davis at CJ.Davis@franklin.k12.wi.us. We hope to see you there!

This year, Franklin Public Schools is partnering with various other organizations to put together a “Parent Series” of topics that may be of interest for parents in our community to learn about. The first event focuses on “Artificial Intelligence” and will take place on Thursday, September 19th from 5pm-8pm in partnership with the Indian Community School. You can see the flyer below and click here or on the flyer to pre-register. Dinner is provided by That’s Amore for anyone who pre-registers. Childcare will be available for non-school aged children and a supervised Open Gym is available for students in 4K-2nd Grade. Keep an eye out in future newsletters for our October and later events!

Pre-SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Franklin HIgh School sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT test on Tuesday, October 15th beginning at 7:15am at Franklin High School. The cost for this optional test is $18. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. This year’s test is digital/online (only format offered from PSAT).

Deadline to sign up for the PSAT is September 17th!

What is the PSAT (Pre-SAT) / NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)?

An on line test that:

• Assesses academic skill levels and college and career readiness

• Prepares students for college admissions testing

• Provides access to college planning resources

• Allows Juniors to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program

• Connects students with colleges and universities

• Offers suggestions for improvement of academic skills on college admissions tests

Students will receive more information and may sign up for this optional test by filling out the form that will be sent to their FHS email On Friday, September 6th. Registration will not be considered complete until the form is filled out and the $18 fee is turned in to the Student Services office. The required fee can be cash or check made payable to Franklin High School and turned in no later than September 17th. If your child qualifies for Free/Reduced lunch please reach out to Student Services for a fee waiver.

Please check out the PSAT/NMSQT website or contact your child’s school counselor for additional information about the test.

The AP exam ordering process for May 2025 exams at FHS is underway and involves two important steps. All AP students should have received the two-page electronic handout found here in their AP courses. Please read this document carefully for details, including the exam schedule on the second page. Note that AP exams will be administered digitally (some hybrid digitally) this school year. All AP Students should also join the FHS AP Students Google Classroom with the code given to them from teachers or found on the handout. A brief informational video can also be found here regarding the My AP site and exam ordering procedures.

Note that there are 2 required steps before a student's exam order can be processed:

STEP 1. Students must login to their My AP account (myap.collegeboard.org), join the appropriate course section with the join code given to them by their AP teacher(s), and MUST opt-in to ordering each exam, if they wish to do so, in My AP for each class by September 26.

STEP 2. Exam fees will then be added to the student's online FHS student fee account on RevTrak/PowerSchool by October 2 (same system used to pay school fees) and must be paid online (preferable) or in FHS/Student Services Office by October 11.

This year, each AP exam costs $102 (AP Seminar and AP Research are $150). Fee waivers are available for students who receive free/reduced lunch - see details on handout and in video. Students who may need accommodations on AP exams per an IEP, IHP, or 504 Plan should see Mrs. Oost in Student Services this fall. Please see Mrs. Oost or Ms. Maldonado in Student Services if you have questions at any time. We wish you the best in your AP classes this year!

As we shared in our final newsletters in June, going into the 2024-25 School Year, our Food Service platform has transitioned to a new platform called SchoolCafe. Please note that all remaining balances from last school year have been moved over to SchoolCafe for this year! $$$

Below are (2) handouts that explain the following:

1. Handout 1 (1 page) - Get the App for your smartphone so you can deposit money in your child(ren)'s account(s)

2. Handout 2 (2 pages) Directions on how to create accounts for your students so you can add money, set up automatic payments, and set up low balance alerts.

You can get started with creating your account by going to https://family.schoolcafe.com/FPS and utilize the directions linked above or pictured below.

If after following the directions above, you have any questions, please contact:

Jessica Christensen, Food Service Manager

jessica.christensen@franklin.k12.wi.us

(414)-423-4656

As shared above, Franklin Public Schools now utilizes School Cafe for lunch purchases, menu planning and free/reduced applications. We have updated our website HERE with all of the Free & Reduced Lunch information for the 2024-25 details and that information is also below and this specific spot on our Lunch page explains what to do for Free & Reduced Lunch

All Free and Reduced Lunch applications must be submitted online after August 1st for the upcoming school year. Any families that qualified for free/reduced lunch in the 2023-24 school year (last school year) should apply for new benefits yearly. Last year’s benefits will expire after October 16, 2024. Once approved, you will be notified. Please direct any questions regarding free/reduced lunch or fee waivers to FPS Auxiliary Services Coordinator Heidi Engel (414-525-7634) or heidi.engel@franklin.k12.wi.us Please note that the district office will be closed on Fridays through August 30th.

All SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS for next year are all updated and on our website here.

Over the summer, Franklin Public Schools communicated a few times about the Franklin School Board’s decision to move forward with putting a referendum question on the November 5th general election ballot. The recent Summer District Newsletter here has lots of information and updates to review including results from the spring Community Survey, the adjusted scope of the $145M referendum, project focus, October community sharing sessions and tours at FHS, financial information including tax impact, voting information and a phasing video of the projects planned for FHS if the referendum passes.

All of this information is housed on our Franklin Forward website here. Thank you for being informed and please plan to vote on November 5th!

If your child will require ANY (over the counter or prescription) medication for the upcoming school year, please fill out the Request to Administer Medication form found on our district website and have it signed by your healthcare provider.

This form can either be:

1. scanned and emailed to nurses@franklin.k12.wi.us

2. This form can be turned into your school's main office.

In addition, all medication can be dropped off at school in its original container.

Please see the chart below for the state required immunizations for your child(ren) as they enter the grade levels listed.

• The Student Immunization Law requires that all students through grade 12 meet a minimum number of required immunizations prior to school entrance. To remain compliant with the law, the student immunization record must be completed by either claiming a waiver (Step 1, Step 4, and Step 5) or providing the dates of the required immunizations (Step 1, Step 2, and Step 5). Please email, fax, or drop off the completed waiver/record to your school's front office. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to nurses@franklin.k12.wi.us

Homecoming week will be here before we know it! Here's a preview so you can mark your calendars!

Monday, 9/23
- Powderpuff Semis- 3:15- Seniors v. Freshmen & Sophomores v. Juniors

Wednesday, 9/25
- Saber Parade-5:30pm
- Powderpuff Final- 6:15 pm

Thursday, 9/26
- FHS Pep Rally (closed to the public) during the school day

Friday, 9/27
- Student Section Pizza Party- 5:30 pm
- Homecoming Football Game vs. Racine Horlick - 7:00 pm

Saturday 9/28

- Dance at FPMS- 7:30 pm-10 pm

Gold Passes will be sold in the office Monday through Thursday, 8am to noon, in August, and at the Football games.

• Student- $50
• Adult- $60
• Family- $150

FHS Athletics is looking for founding-level sponsors for our Scoreboard Project. For more information, please contact Cordell Smith, the Athletic and Activities Director.

Sophomores with a 3.5 unweighted cumulative grade point will be invited to apply for membership in the Franklin High School National Honor Society at the end of the first semester.

More details will be provided at the time of invitation.

*It is encouraged to begin documenting your service hours as soon as possible.

Juniors interested in the National Honor Society must satisfy the same criteria and should contact Mr. Decker directly for application materials.

More information (including the Community Service Verification Form), guidelines for service hours, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Franklin High School website under Activities & Athletics, where you will find this helpful slide deck: (NHS Info)

Through our continued partnership with Forte Theatre, we are pleased to share that Forte Youth Productions is holding auditions for their next youth musical production, Oliver! Jr that will be taking place at the Saber Center for the Performing Arts in late January and early February! This adaptation of the classic novel & award-winning musical springs to life with some of the most memorable characters & songs to ever grace the stage!

• Auditions for grades 6th-12th: Mon 9/9 & Tues 9/10 6-8pm (please sign up for one 15 min time slot)

• Audition location: FHS Choir Room

• Callbacks: Thurs 9/12 5p-8p

• Rehearsals: Mon 11/25 - Thurs 1/30/25 (no rehearsals during holiday breaks)

• Performances: Fri 1/31/25 to Sun 2/2/25 at the FHS Saber Center

• More info at https://www.fortetheatrecompany.org/oliver-jr

* If you aren't available for auditions, but would still like to be considered, please contact us at randall@fortetheatrecompany.org

The 4th Annual Franklin Educational Foundations Family Fun Run was so popular last year that the event has moved to Froemming Park for this coming Saturday 9/7 and the run will begin at 9am! Come help celebrate the end of the first week of school! Enjoy treats, music, games and more and enjoy quality time with your Franklin neighbors. All registrations and donations benefit the Franklin Educational Foundation. Sign up today!

She Loves Me is part of Forte’s MAINSTAGE season, featuring adult, professional actors from throughout the Milwaukee area and we are super proud to host them at the Saber Center for the Performing Arts! Featuring a score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (“Fiddler on the Roof”) and a book by Joe Masteroff (“Cabaret”), “She Loves Me” follows two feuding clerks in a 1930s European parfumerie who unwittingly fall in love as anonymous romantic pen pals. Based on the story that led to the films Shop Around the Corner & You’ve Got Mail, "She Loves Me" is an endearing romantic comedy you won't want to miss! Tickets on Sale Now here!

Our Community Education & Recreation Department has information out for 2024-25 Before & After School Kids Club.

2024-25 BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL KIDS CLUB

CLICK HERE for all 2024-25 Kids Club Information.

• April 1-30: $35/Single; $45/Family non-refundable & guaranteed a spot.
• May 1-June 30: $50/Single; $60/Family non-refundable. Spots based on staffing projections.
• June 30-Aug 19: $70/Single; $80/Family non-refundable. Spots based on staffing projections.
• If questions, contact Shana Gagliardo at shana.gagliardo@franklin.k12.wi.us

Looking to clean out those kids' closets and earn a little cash? Register today to be a seller at our semi-annual children's consignment sale at Forest Park Middle School. This past Spring we had a record amount of sellers and buyers and are expecting similar turnouts this Fall. For more information on SELLING or VOLUNTEERING for this event, check out our website.

Below are links to some helpful student resources!

Hotsheet (scholarship info)

Community Academic & Career Planning Opportunities

Upcoming College Rep Visits

Community Resources for Families

Job Board

With all of the many activities and events happening at FHS, it is suggested that you become familiar with our website. Here are some ways you can find high school information.

Website: https://www.franklin.k12.wi.us/franklin-high-school

Location: 8222 S 51st St, Franklin, WI 53132, USA
Phone: 414-423-4640
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinHighSchoolSabers
Twitter: @franklinsabers

Instagram: @FHSSABERS