April 19th was an emotional day here at Franklin as our students performed the Spring Music Concert. Our kids put on three amazing shows, and our families packed the auditorium. It was good therapy for our Franklin Family as we worked through some very sad news. There are many people to thank for the finished product we enjoyed, but the two most responsible for what we saw and heard are Mr. Shevy and Mrs. Baty. The fact that Mr. Shevy prepared our students to the level they were prepared while also tending to the needs of his family is beyond remarkable. Speaking of remarkable, we owe an incredible debt of gratitude to Mrs. Baty for stepping in to ensure the concert performance moved ahead as planned. Her ability to step into a situation where she had no previous relationship with 99% of the students, and help them prepare for and perform an extraordinary concert, saved the day for Franklin. Thank you, Mrs. Baty!

National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6 - May 10. It's a week designated to recognizing the efforts of teachers across the country, and a time for us to show appreciation for the incredible teaching staff here at Franklin. I am continually amazed by the commitment, dedication, compassion, and patience our teachers display every day. We are so fortunate to have such talented educators in Mankato and specifically here at Franklin. A quick google search yields many ways you can show appreciation for teachers, and I encourage anyone who appreciates the work our teachers do to find a way to share that appreciation. Linked below is one article that offers a few simple suggestions for doing so.

Mayo Clinic Health System is once again partnering with Mankato Area Public Schools to bring Wellness Week to our students

April 29 - May 3!

The goal of Wellness Week is to reinforce and build on the health and wellness information that students are receiving at school and home. Please read the attached information below to see what will be happening at school and how you can participate at home.

Families, educators, and students (grades 8–12): Do you have ideas about how the statewide assessment results, like the MCA, could be shared with the public and school and district staff?

MDE is beginning the process of redesigning the statewide assessment reports. This includes evaluating how student results are organized and communicated (including the labels like "does not meet” or “exceeds" the standards, and what the reports will look like for new academic standards). The redesigned reports will be seen for the first time in summer and fall 2025.

Please take the survey to share your experience. It should take no longer than 15 minutes. The survey is now open for submissions until May 19. Responses are completely anonymous.

tinyurl.com/state-testing-survey

Your voice is important to this process. We appreciate your time and consideration.

Please reach out to mde.testing@state.mn.us with any questions or concerns about the survey or feedback process.

Franklin Walk-a-Thon

The excitement grows as we get closer and closer to our annual Walk-A-Thon on Friday, May 10! The Walk-A-Thon is our only donation seeking fundraiser of the year. May 3rd is the final day to collect donations towards our goal of raising more than $10,000 again this year!

Donations can be collected as cash, check, or via Venmo. (@Franklin-Falcons)

Checks can be made out to "Franklin PTO"

We would love to have parents involved during the event! If you have questions around how you might be able to help, please contact the PTO at: F r a n k l i n m a n k a t o p t o @ g m a i l . c o m

**Spectators are also welcome the day of the event. Wear comfy shoes so you can join your Walk-A-Thon participants, or bring a lawn chair you can set up somewhere along the route and cheer all our students as they walk.**

• April 29 - May 3 - Wellness Week
• May 1 - Start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
• May 1 - Bike or Walk to School Day
• May 1 - 5th Grade Wax Museum
• May 6 - May 10 - National Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 10 - Walk-a-Thon
• May 13 - PTO Meeting
• May 20 - American Indian Education Celebration
• May 20 - May 24 - Track and Field Week
• May 23 - PTO Cookie Social
• May 27 - NO SCHOOL
• June 6 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL