Franklin Academy

June 4, 2025

Dear Franklin Academy Families,

As we close out another meaningful school year, I want to extend my deepest thanks for the trust, support, and partnership you’ve shown our school community. Franklin Academy continues to be a special place for students to learn, grow, and thrive, and that’s because of you.

This year brought its share of challenges, celebrations, and powerful moments of growth for both students and staff. Whether you showed up at every event, cheered from the car line, sent an encouraging message, or asked the tough questions that helped us grow—please know we see you, we value you, and we are grateful you're part of our Franklin family.

Before we officially kick off summer, please take a moment to review the important updates and reminders listed below. We want you to head into the break feeling informed and confident about the road ahead for 2025–2026.

Thank you again for walking this journey with us. We’ll be here when you get back—ready to do it all again, together.

With gratitude,

Elena Diaz, M.Ed.
Principal

After 14 incredible years at Franklin Academy, our beloved Assistant Principal, Mrs. Vivian Bryant, will be retiring from her role this summer. Since joining Franklin in 2011, Mrs. Bryant has served in multiple capacities — as a dedicated classroom teacher, Student Interventionist, and for the last 11 years, a trusted and respected school administrator. Her commitment to excellence, compassion for students, and tireless efforts to support our school community have left an indelible mark. Mrs. Bryant will be stepping away from education to support her husband’s growing business and dedicate more time to raising their foster teenage child. We are so grateful for her leadership and the legacy she leaves behind.

We are excited to announce that Ms. Seletha Keys will be stepping into the role of Assistant Principal. Ms. Keys has been a part of the Franklin family for over a decade, having taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and Middle School before serving as our Dean of Students in recent years. Her experience, dedication, and heart for student success make her the perfect fit for this leadership role. She has worked closely with teachers, families, and students to build a strong and positive school culture, and we are confident she will continue to do so in her new position.

Additionally, we will be saying farewell to our beloved School Counselor, Mrs. Kathy Salomon, who will be retiring from her role to focus on her well-being and family. For the past seven years, Ms. Salomon has poured her heart into supporting our students with compassion, care, and unwavering dedication. She has celebrated their joys, lifted them in their struggles, and made a profound difference in countless lives. Her presence has been a gift to our school, and while we will miss her deeply, we are grateful for the love and impact she leaves behind.

Please join me in extending our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Mrs. Bryant and Mrs. Salomon, and a warm welcome to Ms. Keys as she begins this next chapter in leadership at Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines K–8.

As always, thank you for your continued support, trust, and partnership. Franklin Academy is stronger because of the incredible people who make up this community — and while change can be bittersweet, we are confident that our team will continue to lead with passion, purpose, and care.

To help prevent summer learning loss, all students will continue to have access to our digital learning programs through Clever—including IXL, HMH Waggle/Amira, and Progress Learning, depending on grade level. We recommend using these programs at least three times per week for 20 minutes per subject. A printable IXL Summer Challenge Calendar is also available by grade level. Students who complete the full calendar will receive a reward when we return to school in August! For any technical questions over the summer, reach out to our Dean of Academics, Mrs. Harriott, at harriott.marisa@franklin-academy.org.

Keep your child reading all summer long! Our suggested Summer Reading List, based on the Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) program, is now available on our school website and also linked in this newsletter. These thoughtfully selected books encourage independent reading and help students grow by exploring engaging texts at various levels. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or middle school, there's something for everyone!

Get a head start on back-to-school prep! Supply lists for all K–8 homerooms are now posted on our website: ppk8.franklin-academy.org.

Franklin Academy families can now conveniently purchase pre-packed school supplies for the upcoming school year through EPI (Elementary only). These teacher-approved kits are customized by grade level and shipped directly to your child’s classroom in time for the first day of school!

🛒 Order Deadline: Sunday, June 22
🔗 Order Online at EducationalProducts.com/shoppacks
📘 School ID: FRA193
📦 Save time, skip the crowds, and ensure your child has everything they need! For questions, contact PTO representative Barbie Caicedo at PTO-PPK8@franklin-academy.org.

Please note that construction has begun on campus this summer, and there will be no in-person assistance available during this time. Our main office will still be available to assist you by phone at (954) 703-2294, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We appreciate your patience as we continue to improve our facilities for the future.

Website: ppk8.franklin-academy.org
Location: 18800 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
Phone: 954-703-2294