Dear Franklin Family,

As educators and parents, we are united by one mission: to keep our children safe, healthy, and prepared for a successful future. Today, I want to address an urgent and growing concern—the rise of vaping among students, especially vaping THC (the psychoactive component in marijuana), which is being seen in children as young as middle school.

This is not a high school issue. It is not just a peer pressure issue. It is a community issue—and it demands all of us to be vigilant, proactive, and united in our response.

🚨 The Alarming Reality

Vaping devices are small, discreet, and often disguised to look like everyday objects—USB drives, pens, or even candy wrappers. Many students are introduced to vaping through peers, social media, or even at home, without fully understanding the risks.

THC vapes, in particular, are dangerous. They can lead to:

• Impaired brain development in adolescents

• Increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns

• Long-term academic, social, and behavioral issues

• Physical harm, including lung injury and damage

What’s most disturbing is the ease with which these substances are being accessed by middle and high school students.

🛑 Prevention Starts with Awareness

We cannot rely solely on school rules or policies to prevent this issue. This takes a whole-school, whole-community approach. Every adult in a child’s life—parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, mentors, neighbors—has a role to play.

✅ What Families Can Do

Here are a few key steps families can take:

• Talk early and often: Open the conversation about vaping with your child. Ask what they’ve seen, what they know, and how they feel about it. Keep the door open for honest dialogue.

• Be informed: Learn about vaping devices and how to recognize them. Many look harmless at first glance.

• Set clear expectations: Make your family’s position on vaping clear. Teens who know their parents disapprove are less likely to engage.

• Monitor social media use: Many students are exposed to vaping content through TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Stay engaged in what your child is seeing online.

• Watch for warning signs: Sudden mood changes, secrecy, unusual smells, or unfamiliar devices may be red flags.

• Work with us: If you suspect your child or a student may be vaping or struggling, please reach out. We are here to support, not punish. Our counselors and administrators are ready to help.

🤝 United for Prevention

At Franklin Academy, we are committed to education, prevention, and early intervention. But we need your partnership. Together, we can create a culture where students feel empowered to make healthy choices and supported when they struggle.

Let us all remain alert, compassionate, and committed. This is how we protect our children—not with fear, but with love, vigilance, and action.

Warmly,
Sergio Delgado
Principal, Franklin Academy

This time, we are proud to recognize Ms. Jessica Fernandez, our incredible K-8 School Counselor, as our Staff in the Spotlight. Although Ms. Fernandez joined us this school year, it feels as though she’s been part of our family for much longer. From day one, she has made a meaningful impact on our campus with her calm demeanor, compassionate heart, and unwavering commitment to student well-being.

Whether she's meeting with students one-on-one, supporting families, or lending a listening ear to staff, Ms. Fernandez is always present, approachable, and ready to help. Her ability to connect with our students and provide them with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and socially is truly inspiring.

Thank you, Ms. Fernandez, for your dedication, warmth, and the positive energy you bring to our school community every day. We are so fortunate to have you as part of our team! 💙

As agreed to by all Parents/Guardians and defined in the Parent School Contract, Franklin Academy families must complete service hours each academic year. Franklin Academy’s family service hour agreement states that Franklin families will be required to perform eight (8) hours of service for the academic year regardless of the number of students enrolled.

Families are required to complete 8 hours by June 30th, we highly recommend completing them as soon as possible. Families can check Raptor to ensure hours are accurately recorded. The hours in Raptor will roll over into PowerSchool about a week after each quarter ends. If you notice any issues, please email Mr. Carnaggie at Carnaggie.Christopher@franklin-academy.org.

Our goal is for 100 percent of our families to complete their required hours and ensure no student loses their seat.

Dear High School Families,

Please review our 2025 Spring testing calendar. Any changes or adjustments made will be communicated. Please note that the AP/ DP testing dates will not change.

We will have Super Testing Days on May 1, May 2, May 6, May 13, & May 14. Super Testing Days are designated days when only students who are participating in state testing or assessments attend school. On these days, the school typically has a reduced number of students on campus, as only those scheduled to take the tests are present.

Key Points about Super Testing Days:

· Purpose: The main goal is to create a focused environment for students who are taking important assessments, minimizing distractions from non-testing students.

· Logistics: Schools often adjust their schedules, ensuring that testing students have the necessary resources and support available.

· Impact on Attendance: Non-testing students will engage in alternative learning activities at home, providing flexibility in the school schedule.

· Attendance: Their attendance will be marked as "L" for school activity.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email sunday.jennifer@franklin-academy.org.

Fall Dual Enrollment Deadline is April 23rd.

https://www.broward.edu/academics/dual-enrollment/

Broward College Dual Enrollment Video

April 17th:

• One Act

May 5th:

• Theater 1 One Act Plays

May 14th:

• The Play That Goes Wrong

May 23rd:

• Career Day

May 29th:

• Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony at 9:00 AM
• 5th Grade Bridging Ceremony at 11:00 AM

May 30th:

• 8th Grade Promotional Ceremony at 9:00 AM
• 8th Grade Formal "A Star was Born Hollywood Glam"

May 31st:

• Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony at 9:00 AM in Los Segadores de Vida

April 24th:

• Take your child to work

FortifyFL is a suspicious activity reporting tool that allows you to instantly relay information to appropriate law enforcement agencies and school officials. All Franklin Academy students have access to FortifyFL via their Clever portal dashboard.

Building Better People, Everyday

Location: 5000 SW 207th Terrace, Pembroke Pines, USA

Phone: (954) 315-0770

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinAcademyCharter/

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