Connections
A NEWSLETTER CONNECTING THE FSSD COMMUNITY TO ITS RESOURCES
Resources for Support
This month's newsletter will highlight two initiatives that were created to support the students and their families in Franklin Special School District. Read below to see how a new resource center and a free event is helping support the basic necessities of our students so that they can come to school ready to learn.
About the NOOK
The NOOK is a resource center started by the members of the PTO of the Franklin Special School District to provide new clothing essentials (things like coats, shoes, socks, underwear, shirts, pants) to students in the district on demand at the request of a school’s nurse, counselor or social worker.
Mission of the NOOK
Our mission is to support school staff in the Franklin Special School District and the schools of Williamson County as they work to ensure that all students enter the classroom ready to learn and succeed by achieving their individual potential. When a family is in crisis, it takes time for our teachers, counselors, nurses and staff to get those families to agencies that can help. The NOOK is designed to help school staff immediately respond to crisis with basic essentials for the child (and food and gas money for the family if needed) so that the child can focus as much energy as possible on achieving in the classroom. We are solely focused on partnering with school staff to eliminate barriers to education for kids in crisis.
How does it work?
There are Volunteers on Call (VOCs) during every school day. Counselors and nurses can text a request for resources in the app and the VOC will deliver the needed items to the school. If you see a need, please reach out to your school’s counselor, social worker, or nurse.
What does the NOOK provide?
The NOOK can respond to a child’s crisis at school with a package that includes any/all of the following:
- Coat or light jacket
- Underwear and socks
- A pair of pants/shorts and a shirt
- A pair of athletic shoes
Additionally, if the situation warrants, the NOOK can deliver a $20 gift card for fuel and emergency food boxes provided by our partner, One Generation Away.
How can I help?
By thinking of us when you’d like to give to our community! We’d love to be the beneficiary of your family’s giving, birthday parties, office drives, Girl Scout troop service projects, church giving, etc. Other than cash of course, we accept donations of only NEW clothing items and $20 gift cards to Kroger, Goodwill and Old Navy.
Saturday, March 10th at 9AM to 12PM
Freedom Middle School
Franklin Special School District's 2018 Health and Safety Fair is quickly approaching! The goal of the Health and Safety Fair is to offer an educational and interactive event to help individuals engage with their community to learn how to help their families stay healthy and safe. The event is free and will have door prizes and fun games for the kids!
Informational & Interactive
- Free Physicals (Insurance Info Needed)
- Interactive Martial Arts Exhibit
- Vendors
- Car Seat Demonstration
- Social Services
- Free Health Screenings
- Public Safety
Performances and Entertainment
- Jump Rope (MES, FES)
- Psagi (FIS)
- Dance Routine (LES)
- Line Dance (PGES)
- Hip Hop Dance (JES)
- Cheer Squad (PGMS)
- Hands on CPR training (FMS)
Ways to Help
(2) Spread the word: We created flyers to go home with the students, but would love your encouragement to families as well to make sure they are aware/ reminded.
(3) Attend: We would love to see you there as well! It is a great way to show support and also get some helpful health and safety information!
(4) Vendor: We have a limited amount of spots available to have a table/display. If you or someone you know would be interested in tabling at the event please contact Lisa Chatman for more information.
For more information contact Lisa Chatman at (615) 472-3847
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!
Ashley Franklin, LMSW
FSSD Social Worker
615-472-3005
Amanda Fisher, BSW
The University of Tennessee
Nashville Campus
The College of Social Work
MSW Program, Graduate Student
FSSD Intern