Franklin e-Newsletter
Friday, February 27
Do you follow us on Twitter?? @FranklinBolts
We Have School, Thursday, March 5...No School Friday, March 6
End of 2nd Trimester
PTA NEEDS YOUR HELP
Iowa Assessments
- Good night's sleep.
- Healthy breakfast at home or school.
- Arrive to school each day of the testing.
- Be on time.
Attendance is very important for the tests. With this year's testing window before spring break we'll be working hard to get any make-up tests done as soon as possible so we don't approach the spring break deadline. A special thanks to the PTA for their help in providing snacks for our students.
For information addressed in the district assessment parent letter please follow the link to the virtual backpack: http://webapps.cr.k12.ia.us/virtualbackpack/FlyerLinks.aspx?school=Franklin
Franklin First Tech Challenge Robot
On January 31 Franklin’s FTC first season came to a close with a 2nd place finish at the regional competition at Rockwell Collins. The students were able to construct the robot named “Phil” that accomplished one thing quite well…moving tubes around the competition field with laser like precision. This enabled the team to be selected for an alliance by the Kennedy high school team in the finals and rank much higher than previous competitions.
Throughout the season the team learned much. Organizing them into groups assured that all tasks were accomplished in a reasonable timeframe. Those groups were ‘builders’ who constructed the robot, ‘programmers’ who wrote the code for “Phil” and ‘communications’ who tweeted and documented the team’s progress. During competitions all students took turns driving “Phil” though. With so much knowledge gained by students and coaches, we are already aiming higher for next year’s competition.
Finally we are in the midst of a fund raising campaign with AirFX. We will be planning on a Franklin evening out in the near future and are selling raffle tickets for $5 for a prize party package for 25 (pizza, pop, tokens, etc.) Contact Mr. Kelsey or Matson to purchase.
Be Green!
Franklin Green Team
The Franklin Green Team consists of sixth graders Kira DeBrower, Liz Evans, Taliesyn James, Zelda Siegel, Marquise Snead, and Yemurai Tavaziva. The district is holding a contest challenging every building Green Team to create a 20 second video on any aspect of recycling. Our team has chosen to address the issue of Styrofoam being used in lunch rooms across the district. Based on their research, these highly motivated and creative students learned that this material cannot be recycled, is not bio-degradable, is made from oil (a non-renewable resource), can leach styrene, a toxin, into foods, and has been linked to cancer in people. During the month of April, the winning video will be broadcast on select Mediacom channels.
Congrats Math Counts
The Franklin Math Counts team placed third out of 15 teams on Saturday at Prairie Point Middle School. Members of this amazing team were: Ben Berstain, Michael Davenport, Logan Pratt, and Isaac Twedt-Ball. The team also earned the trophy for most improved team. Michael Davenport was runner-up overall in the final buzzer round just narrowly missing the overall individual championship. Overall the team was very successful.
Congratulations to the entire team and to their coach, Mr. Smith!
"Out of Bounds" Production
Our students did a wonderful job following the PARRT expectations for an assembly. We received numerous compliments from the writer and performers regarding the great behavior. We were extremely proud of our entire student body.
Check out the trailer below to get a taste of what our students saw.
2013-14 8th Grade Class Gift
Hy-Vee & Target Receipts
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. The support through receipts from Hy-Vee and Target has been incredible. Our Hy-Vee receipts have totaled over $72,000. With Franklin receiving $1 for every $200 in receipts we have received a total of $360. This is incredible. With receipts from Target from "Take Charge of Education" we have received $296.21. We appreciate your support and will continue to collect receipts in the main office. Please drop them off at school or send them with your child.
Prairie Honor Band
On Saturday, February 27, Franklin band students Natalia Garcia, Madelyn O’Brien, Lauren Krzywicki, Brenna McRae, Elizabeth Evans, and Hannah Krejci participated in the Young Musicians’ Honor Band. They rehearsed during the day with other 5th, 6th, & 7th graders from around the state and two outstanding guest conductors. The day concluded with a concert in Prairie High School’s beautiful concert hall.
Fine Arts' Concerts
February 23 featured our entire student body with the band, orchestra, and choirs. As an administrator it's great to hear the growth from one concert to the next. The students and directors have put in a lot of work and we can't wait to see the spring concerts. A big thank you to our directors, Ms. Val Shanley, Ms. Jill Fitzgerald, Ms. Nicolle Stern, Ms. Beth Davies, and Mr. Andrew Escalante.
Show Choir, Jazz Band, and Chamber Orchestra
Illumination Show Choir
Orchestra, Band, & Vocal
Franklin Middle School
Email: lptacek@cr.k12.ia.us
Website: franklin.cr.k12.ia.us
Location: 300 20th Street Northeast, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
Phone: (319) 558-2452
Twitter: @FranklinBolts