Franklin Academy
February 25th, 2018
Principal's Corner
As an educator, this week it has been a very difficult one for me. Working in a K-8 center has allowed me the opportunity to see the contrast in perspectives of our students in the elementary grade levels compared to the middle school students. I observed a sense of innocence amongst our little ones compared to a sense of reflection amongst our MYP students. All week, a feeling of sadness lingered on our campus due to the very unfortunate events that took place last week at Parkland.
As everyone knows, safety is my number one priority as a principal. I believe a student who doesn't feel safe cannot focus on learning. In order to ensure our families and students feel safe, our leadership team is reviewing some of our safety protocols on our campus. We want to make sure we do everything possible to create a safe environment. This past Friday, we practiced a Code Red drill. All our staff members and students did a phenomenal job of following the established Code Red protocol. Since we believe our students do better with practice, we will be implementing Code Red drills once a month.
I want to apologize to those parents who sent me an email this past week, as it took me more than 48 hours to respond. I am committed to responding to all parent communication within less than 48 hours, but this week I could not keep that promise to everyone and for that I am sorry.
In the Spotlight: Ms. Turay
When and why did you decide to become a school counselor? Coming from a big family, I always knew I wanted to have a job working with kids, but it took several different jobs along the way to narrow down the passion I had specifically for being a counselor. I did everything from teaching preschool and ABA therapy to waiting tables and sales. I just tried to find what I liked (or disliked) about each job until realizing I just loved to help people. I knew being a School Counselor would combine that passion and my love of working with children, so I went back to graduate school in 2009 to start my journey towards my dream job.
If you were not a guidance counselor, what would you be? That is such a tough question. I guess I sometimes I think about eventually having a private practice and working with families outside of school.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job? The hundreds of smiles, hugs, and hi’s I get to start my day, throughout my day, and to end my day. I truly love all 1376 of my kids here!
How do you deal with being our guidance counselor and a kindergarten’s parent at the same time? That’s a great question! I’m still trying to figure out that balance of giving her the space she needs and holding her to the same rules as everyone else but letting her feel loved and supported here by me too! As of now, we both love it! It’s crazy how big this school is that some days I don’t even see her until I pick her up (or is sneak into their lunch to say hi ;) Sometimes Its funny because know so much about what’s going on in the whole school and yet nothing about what went on in her classroom all week until I put my parent hat on and email her teacher or check the website.
What is your favorite memory at Franklin Academy? As of now what comes to mind is one parent night where we did a game night. We were taking turns doing the pie face game, and there was literally whipped cream EVERYWHERE but everyone was having so much fun! Even Mr Delgado and I got to play. I love getting to be silly with our students and enjoy each other’s company.
Around Franklin...
Our third edition of this classic was a huge success! Our second grade students did a great job representing the most important people in our nation and the world. The students were able to articulate the amazing life achievements of these important people. The parental involvement for this event was incredible to witness.
Our second grade students wrote letters and cards for the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who are coming back to school next Thursday. Thank you Ms. Amoedo for leading this wonderful initiative.
One of our fifth grade teachers, Ms. Galan, with the help of Coach Leonardo and Ms. Scott, led a community initiative amongst our MYP students. Our MYP students created and signed a banner to decorate the walls of Stoneman Douglas High School, in hopes to show their students we are here for them through these tough times. Thank you to all students and staff members who signed it.
This week, our campus was honored to have the City of Sunrise Police Department visit all of the K-5 students during their designated lunch time. The police officers set-up an old-fashioned lemonade stand and handed out free lemonade to all of our students. Animal cookies were also provided as a snack to accompany the lemonade. After such a difficult week in our community, students felt happy and excited to have such meaningful interactions with law enforcement. This is the 2nd year that the City of Sunrise Police Department has visited our school in order to build positive relationships with the students and staff members. Their goal is to create pathways for open dialogue with the community. We look forward to many more years of this wonderful partnership!
our sun-risers of the week
Parent: This week, we want to recognize one of our most popular parents, Ms. Lundquist. Either in the cafeteria or in our carline, Ms. Lundquist always ensures that our students are well attended to and safe.
Staff Member: This week, our Second Grade Team has participated in many of our school activities, from our Living Museum to the letters and card sent to MSD High School.
Student: Our MYP students organized a 17 minute peaceful walkout to demonstrate the respect for the 17 lives tragically taken in our community. Our students showed the highest level of maturity and a true understanding of the effects of such a horrific event.
Community: Because of their wonderful initiative of bringing lemonade to our elementary students, our Sunrise Police Department deserves our recognition this week!
we are franklin academy
Email: delgado.sergio@franklin-academy.org
Website: http://sun.franklin-academy.org/
Location: 4500 NW 103rd Ave, Sunrise, FL 33351
Phone: (754)-206-0850
Facebook: facebook.com/FranklinAcademyCharter/
Twitter: @twitter_FranklinCharter