9/9/24

We continue to renew, revisit, and establish habits and routines. During Advisory this week, all of our students will revisit our safety procedures, protocols, and expectations.

As we share with our students, 1700 people come to our school every day. All of us have a job. That job is to engage in, promote, or support student learning. We all play a role in the safety and security of our campus. I cannot say it enough. We need to have a school community where everyone who is concerned about someone, says something. If you see anyone or anything that does not seem ok, say something.

Shared in this newsletter is a longer update regarding our safety drills and protocols.

If you or anyone in your family needs to talk to anyone, please do so. Our Student Services staff are here during the school day and provide support to students.

Below are additional available options for you and your family.

• Aurora Student and Family Assistance Program 1.800.236.3231 (between 8:00 - 5:00, M-F)

This service is available to ALL students and members of their household within our district at no cost and offers up to (4) free one-hour sessions with a licensed counselor per issues on a variety of topics related to mental health.

• Clinical Psychology Associates: Onsite Counseling Clinics at Franklin Public Schools 262.975.0012

Multiple locations including inside Franklin Public Schools

• Community and Crisis Resources
  
  

• Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers from National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) guides caregivers as they reaffirm a sense of safety and wellbeing for youth.

Remember, we all play a role in the well-being, safety, and security of our school and community. We need to have a school community where everyone who is concerned about someone, says something. If you see anyone or anything that does not seem ok, say something. You can always share concerns with a trusted adult, staff member, local law enforcement, or via our tipline, SpeakUp SpeakOut form online.

Make it it a great day, make it a better tomorrow, and Go Sabers,

Mr. Vuolo

As we move toward the November 5th referendum vote, we are offering the opportunities below to visit Franklin High School to see the spaces of need.

In addition, we are offering the following COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS in October where you can hear from district leaders about the path to the referendum and also tour FHS following the presentation.

Can't make one of the dates above? Check out our "virtual tour" of the FHS spaces by clicking on the map below! Short videos are clickable at each location right from your phone and will better explain the areas we hope to address through the referendum.

Earlier this summer, all families completed Back-To-School Online Check-in. During that process, students and families signed off on our elementary, middle and high school Student/Family Handbooks. These Handbooks contain policies and procedures that families and students must understand and agree to while attending Franklin Public Schools.

During the summer, there were some updates to Board Policy. Consequently, updates to the Student/Family Handbooks needed to be made. We will need students/families to sign-off on the updated versions of Handbooks for 2024-25 again to make sure we are in compliance with new policy updates.

Sometime this week, all parents/guardians will receive an email and text message ONCE PER CHILD to complete the Handbook sign off form. In order to complete the form, you will need your child’s 6-digit ID# and Birthdate. We thank you for taking the time to complete this again.

If you have any questions, please contact your school principal.

As we work to provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff, we are preparing regular safety drills to continue to develop higher levels of building security. The school safety drills include the following as indicated in our District Crisis Response Guidelines and the Wisconsin State Statutes: fire, security, severe weather/tornado and medical. Our goal is to continue to help all students, staff, and families be and feel safe in our school.

The third week of school, September , we will be conducting a “Lockdown Drill.” Prior to the drill, our staff will share age appropriate procedures and expectations with our students. During this lockdown drill, an announcement will be made and students will remain in their classrooms with the doors shut and locked while practicing moving to a safe area in their rooms. Later this month, we will also practice another crisis response, specifically an Evacuation/Safe Haven drill. During the evacuation drill, students will evacuate the building and then travel to another location to practice our procedures should there be a circumstance where we could not immediately return to the building.

For the remainder of this school year we will be conducting one safety drill each month. In addition, these drills will all be announced to our staff. Our goal is to create a culture of safety where announcements and alarms that are safety related without being known in advance trigger us to respond as if there were a true emergency. The only drills that will remain unannounced are the emergency medical drills that primarily involve staff and “holds.” We put the building on “hold” to ensure we can respond to a given situation and all students and staff are in classrooms conducting business as usual until the hold is lifted.

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

On September 11th from 5:45 - 8:00, we are looking forward to welcoming students and families to Franklin High School for Open House. After a brief principal welcome in the Saber Center, guests will have the opportunity to meet with staff that will be working with their student and learn from our staff in our family engagement sessions (new this year). There will be no set bell schedule to follow and it will be a true open house which will allow families to use the time to meet their needs. Our engagement sessions will be led by our community engagement team members with help from key staff. You can find a full list of those options here and anyone is welcome to join any session. If you have any questions, please reach out to Associate Principal Joey Jonas. Looking forward to seeing you there!

At Franklin, we know we have the best educators in the state. One way to show your appreciation for and recognition of the educators who have impacted your students, is to nominate a teacher or principal for a Kohl Fellowship/Award. The nomination is limited to 50 words or less! You can learn more about the program and submit nominations here.

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.

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

The 23/24 Yearbooks are here and will be distributed this week as follows:

• Current 12th graders will have books distributed during advisory on Monday 9/9.
  
• Current 11th graders will have books distributed during advisory on Tuesday 9/10.
  
• Current 10th graders will have books distributed during advisory on Wednesday 9/11.

Students who were unable to attend the school picture days in August will be able to take their photos on our Make-Up day scheduled for October 21st. Mark your calendars!

Mark your calendars, the Wisconsin Education Fair is coming to FHS on Tuesday, October 15th, from 6-8pm in the FHS cafeteria. The Wisconsin Education Fair is a college fair where students, families and school counselors get an opportunity to meet with representatives from colleges, universities, military branches and specialty schools. We hope to see you there!

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

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)

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! Join us on Friday, September 20, for a night of clean, Southern-style, Saber Center comedy featuring Etta May, winner of the prestigious American Comedy Award "Female Comic of the Year," and Carollynn Xavier, better known as the viral sensation the "Recovering Californian."

• Etta May with special guest Carollynn Xavier

• Friday, September 20 | 7 p.m.

• Purchase tickets: https://www.franklin.k12.wi.us/ticket-purchasing-information

• Group discounts are available!

Are you interested in learning to fly a plane, engineering, science, leadership, or community service? Civil Air Patrol is a voluntary auxiliary branch of the Air Force and offers these opportunities to students 12-21 years old. Milwaukee Composite Squadron 5 will have an Open House this Thursday, September 12th at the National Guard Armory at 8520 South Howell Avenue in Oak Creek. A presentation will be led by cadets, starting at 7pm followed by snacks and stations to ask questions until 8:30pm. Please feel free to bring the whole family and learn more. https://www.milwaukee5cap.org/

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 10/14 & Tues 10/15 (NEW DATES) 6-8pm (please sign up for one 15 min time slot)

• Audition location: FHS Choir Room

• Callbacks: Sat 10/19 12p-5p (NEW DATE & TIME)

• 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

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!

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