The Franklin Academy

Weekly Update Newsletter - May 16 th - 20 th

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Student Artwork: Ocean Life - Markell Hall

“Advice from the Ocean: Be shore of yourself. Come out of your shell. Take time to coast. Avoid pier pressure. Sea life’s beauty. Don’t get so tide down on work that you miss out on life’s beautiful waves.” – Unknown

CELEBRATING 8th GRaders

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams live the life you'e imagined." Thoreau

Acknowledging the Ferlin House

The shark symbolizes authority, curiosity, efficiency, connection, guardianship, innovation, knowledge, mystery, observation, power, perception, protection, superiority, and movement - depicting many characters of the Ferlin House students.

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

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

You're welcome to download these calendars, JUST CLICK ON THEM!

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


Register for Summer Camp Now!


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!

Today, The Franklin Academy held its 20th Annual Jog - A -Thon. All K - 8th graders participated in the event.


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

Diversity and culture are honored and appreciated among The Franklin Academy community. Our inclusive community strives to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our families and students. On March 11, Ms. York's class had the privilege and opportunity to celebrate Nowruz with some Franklin Academy moms.
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What is Nowruz and why do we celebrate it? The word Nowruz (Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, Nauryz), means new day; its spelling and pronunciation may vary by country.


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

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Joke:

What is a snake's favorite subject in school?


Hissssstory.

Track and Field

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Track Results

Congratulations to all our Track and Field Athletes on a great season! The final League Championship Meet was held Tuesday and our Athletes results are in!


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!

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TRack and Field Award Party

Here are some photos from last evening's track and field party and awards. The beautiful prints that were given to Coach Danialle Segebart and Assistant- Coach Mark Whitlock were handmade by Barbara Overson. Such a special time for our middle school track team. Go Force!

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

The Franklin Academy 2022

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

A supportive community with STEM focused education in a safe, small class environment for all grades.

The Franklin Academy Points of Contact

Gretchen Bucsko, Head of School, gbucsko@thefranklin.academy

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

Track and Field

Track Results