The Franklin Academy
Weekly Update Newsletter - May 16 th - 20 th

Student Artwork: Ocean Life - Markell Hall
Nehchal
Dear Nehchal,
Congratulations on completing this milestone! You have worked hard to get here, and we’re very proud of you. You have always astonished us with your imagination, creativity and perception. We are looking forward to see you grow into an even more amazing individual as you enter the next chapter of your life. Best of luck!
Love,
Mom, Dad and Nanki
Chloé
Congratulations Chloé!
We hope you keep up your curiosity and thirst for challenges as you move forward and grow. We are so impressed with what you have accomplished so far and can’t wait to see what you do next. We will be there every step of the way to support you and cheer you on! We love you and we are very proud of you.
Mom and Dad
Avery
Avery,
The years have flown by! It's hard to believe you'll be in high school next year.
Never stop being you!
We love you!
Dad, Mom and Sydney
Fiona
Fiona,
Your academic success, leadership and friendships at the Franklin Academy have brought us great joy and pride. More importantly, though, we hope that you continue to embrace opportunities to be an engaged, knowledgable and thoughtful woman and leader in your community in the years ahead.
The world is your oyster. Keep on shucking!
Love,
Dad, Mom & Norah
Paige
Paige,
Continue to go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you've imagined. We are so proud of you!
Love,
Mom, Dad & Isaac.
Olivia
“Olivia,
We are so proud of you! We love you very much!
Love Mom and Dad”
Jessie
You are a bright star that lights up everyone and everything around you. We are so incredibly proud of you.
Love,
Mom and Dad
Amber
Amber,
We love you! You are Mama and Papa's angel. I still remember when you were in Kindergarten and you started hiding your homework. Seeing you being responsible and organizing things makes us proud. We love seeing you achieve your dreams. You will have hard times but remember your dreams and why you're doing it. By the way, we are waiting for the massage chairs you promised us. We love you, our dear angel!
Love,
Mom, Dad, Veer, and Ashmin
A few words from your fantastic teacher Ms. Harris:
I can not speak more highly of the Ferlin 8th grade students. They are absolutely wonderful human beings who will be greatly missed next year. Here are just a few of the reasons why they are so AWESOME!
Nehchal knows more about cars than I’ll ever know. He has become our go-to tech guy and culprit for spare motors and batteries left out in the room. He’s also mastered the art of drawing ducks… On my board, door decorations, homework, you name it.
I’m going to talk about Paige and Chloe together, because let’s be honest… when are they not together? Paige and Chloe are two of the most dedicated students I’ve ever met. Their attention to detail is beyond impressive. They soak in information like sponges.
Paige is an excellent teacher and is always willing to help her classmates in need. She’s incredibly kind and patient. She’s also very competitive, and shouldn’t be underestimated in a game of cards!
Chloé never fails to carry herself with confidence and grace. She could be thrown into a pit of snakes, and still remain calm, cool, and collected. She’s our go-to for French words and makes playing volleyball look a little too easy.
Avery is a fantastic storyteller and an amazing artist. She is the person to call if you want to sit back with a cup of tea and listen to a long, imaginative story accompanied by sketches that so accurately capture human emotions.
Fiona radiates joy and positivity. She has an energy that is unstoppable. She’s your go-to person if you need help organizing, or if you need a pick-me-up “Hey There Delilah, ” karaoke session. If I asked Fiona to make me a dress using only my classroom items, she could do it… she is incredibly crafty and up for any challenge.
Olivia is incredibly creative, and thoughtful. Out of nowhere, Olivia will say the most profound, and funny things, leaving you pensive and laughing. She’s a voracious reader and writer, and is a natural when it comes to Biology!
Jessie joined us halfway through this year, but she melded with the group instantly. She has a great sense of humor, is incredibly sarcastic, and is fiercely loyal to her friends. She’ll most definitely make you laugh, and sweat if you get into a debate with her.
Amber is extremely compassionate and kind. She’s the only student to ever ask me if she could wash the squid dissection dishes because she just loved dissections so much. She’s an incredible assistant, and definitely, the person to call if you want to sit down and have a long, thoughtful chat about life.
8th Graders Experience NatureBridge
The Franklin Academy students spent two nights and three days at NatureBridge in Olympic National Park this week.
Nature Bridge is a unique environmental science program that offered our students the opportunity to engage in inclusive, hands-on learning experiences in the foothills of the Pacific Northwest's majestic Olympic mountains.
Students explored an old growth forest, the Elwha River, and pristine Lake Crescent while challenging themselves physically, building meaningful relationships, and discovering a caring relationship with the natural world.
Below you'll find images of their many adventures, learning opportunities, and more!
Calendar OF EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
ART WALK DOWNTOWN - May 6th - 20th
Uniform Closet - online anytime: https://tfa-pals-store.square.site/
- TIPS: MAKING THE HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION - Monday, May 16th
- "NIGHT IN TOKYO" DANCE - Friday, May 20th - at Markell Hall from 6:00 - 9:00 PM
- PALS FINAL OPERATING COMMITTEE MEETING - Monday, May 23rd 6:30 PM
- LAST DAY TO CHECK OUT LIBRARY BOOKS - Thursday, May 26th
FREE DRESS DAY - Friday, May 27th
- NO SCHOOL - Monday, May 30th - Memorial Day
- HOUSE COLORS DAY - Wednesday, June 1st
- FAMILY FUN NIGHT - Friday, June 3rd! More info to come; mark your calendars!
- USED BOOK SALE - Saturday, June 4th at Holly Hall from 9-3
- ALL SCHOOL LIBRARY BOOKS DUE- Monday, June 6th
- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL- FIELD DAY! - Thursday, June 16
Tips: Making the High School Transition Meeting
On Monday, May 16th from 2:30 to 3:10 PM, The Franklin Academy is hosting an opportunity for previous students (alumni) to support our soon-to-be graduating 8th Graders by answering any of their burning transitional questions. Basically, it's an informal opportunity for previous students to provide some insight/tips/wisdom to our soon-to-be 9th Grade students.
This event is called Tips: Making the High School Transition (informal informative panel). This will be hosted outside the school in our grass field with panel members.
Upcoming Spirit Week
The end of the school year is fast approaching, House Council is working to organize our annual Spirit Week! Due to scheduling, the best week to fit this in is the Tuesday-Friday after Memorial Day. Here's what's on the agenda:
Tuesday, May 31: Character Day
Dress like your favorite character from a book or movie.
Wednesday, June 1: House Spirit Day
This is similar to House Color Day, however students are encouraged to go all out! Wigs, hair color, and additional accessories are encouraged.
Thursday, June 2: Western Day
Dress like you're in the Old West. This can include wearing jeans and flannels, cowboy hats and cowboy boots. No realistic weapons.
Friday, June 3: Summer Day
Dress up for summer fun! This day coordinates with the Family Fun Night theme of Slide Into Summer.
All of these days will count for House Points for Middle School. These are the final House points of the school year, so encourage your groups to participate to the fullest extent. I did the math, and it is still ANYBODY's game. We will tally up the final scores by Tuesday, June 7 and plan to have a pizza party for the winning House during Study Hall on Thursday, June 9. Lower School is just for fun. :)
PALS UPDATES - REQUESTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Parents Actively Lending Support (PALS) - the parent-led organization supporting The Franklin Academy. Click below to see the current volunteer needs identified by PALS.
May Morning Greeters:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C45A8AB2DA5FA7-morning5
Last Day of School - Field Day Volunteers:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C45A8AB2DA5FA7-last1
Help set up for or sell books at our used book sale in June!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C45A8AB2DA5FA7-library1
ADDITIONAL NEEDS:
PALS needs lots of small lightly used toys/fidgets/small items for preschool through 4th grade kids at Family Fun Night. Please drop them off in the bins at each building entrance. Thank you!
PALS final OC (Operating Committee) meeting in person on May 23rd at 6:30PM, Markell Hall. Everyone is invited!
SUMMER opportunities
Summer Camps
Download here: Summer Camp Registration Form
Have Questions? Please contact Violet Lord, vlord@thefranklin.academy
The Franklin Academy Summer Math Program
The Franklin Academy's Summer Math Program is back!
Dates - Saturdays:
- July 16 & 23
- August 6 & 13
Time - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
For: 4th to 8th graders
Cost: FREE! To all Franklin Academy students registered for the following year.
Please get in touch with me if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Ole Hedahl, M.Ed.
Math & Coding Instructor
ohedahl@thefranklin.academy
The Franklin Academy News
JOG-A-THON - a SUCCESS!
We look forward to sharing the results in next week's newsletter. Until then, enjoy a few photos of the event!
Ms. York's Class Celebrates Nowruz with Franklin Academy Moms

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on 21 March.
The reading corner


Track and Field

Track Results
Congratulations!
400 M
2nd: Adelle Overson PR- 1:08.17
8th: Audrey Blue- 1:17.20
800M
5th Marin Lane PR- 2:53.10
1600M
5th Kasia Kmiecik PR-6:42.30
4x100M Relay
4th: Tea Lyzwinski, Adrianna Eddy, Audrey Blue, Adelle Overson - 59.60
4x200M Relay
5th: Tea Lyzwinski, Maeve Cochran, Audrey Blue, Adrianna Eddy - 2:14.60
Long Jump
3rd: Adelle Overson PR- 13'-06
6th: Adrianna Eddy PR- 13'-00
A huge thank you to Coach Danialle Segebart who guided our team!

TRack and Field Award Party
Know a Family Interested in Our School?
Our school grows with parents/guardians enthusiastically sharing our school program and community. If you know someone interested in learning more about our program or wanting to set up a virtual tour, please encourage them to reach out to:
Natalie Bennett, Admission Director
nbennett@thefranklin.academy
360.733.1750
Veritas Media produced the video above with the support of admissions from the "FOR YOUR EYES ONLY" Gala & Auction. It's a delightful reflection of our community.
Helpful information
PE Shirts
We wanted to send a reminder that all PE shirts and uniform sales are made via the link below through PALS, with all payments being made online rather than through either front desk at Robin or Markell.
https://tfa-pals-store.square.site
Anything purchased will be delivered to your child's classroom. As a reminder, the used uniforms can vary in size due to wear and shrinkage, so it's best to come in and try them on. We are working to add more uniform store availability for working families, hopefully in the evenings (by appointment).
AMAZON SMILE
If you shop at Amazon.com, this is a great opportunity to raise money for Franklin Academy. Sign up at Amazon Smile and 0.5% of your purchase price will go towards the FA Annual Fund. Here’s how:
1. Go to Amazon Smile
2. In the “pick your own charitable organization” box type in Franklin Preschool
3. Click on the Bellingham Franklin Academy (may still be listed under St. Paul’s Episcopal School through the summer)
4. Very Important! Please make sure whenever you shop on Amazon you go to the Amazon Smile webpage. If you shop on Amazon.com we won’t receive the donation.
Past newsletters
The Franklin Academy
The Franklin Academy Points of Contact
Melanie Hurley, Associate Head of School, mhurley@thefranklin.academy
Dawn Regier, Administrative Assistant Markell Hall, dregier@thefranklin.academy
Rachel Lee, Administrative Assistant Robin Hall, rlee@thefranklin.academy
Natalie Bennett, Admissions Director, nbennett@thefranklin.academy
Katie C. Dement, Development Director, kcole@thefranklin.academy
PALS (Parents Actively Lending Support) pals@thefranklin.academy
After School Care Supervisor Violet Lord vlord@thefranklin.academy