Keller Connections
Family Update - February 11
Principal's Note
Dear Keller Families,
Since the last Keller Connection, Keller Kids have been busy engaging in community activities. This week, we also reached an important milestone as we celebrated the 100th Day of School! We have enjoyed 100 amazing days together - we have learned so much and have grown in many ways!
Together, we also continue to celebrate Black History Month as we honor Black Americans who have led efforts for equity and justice for all. As we celebrate the stories and voices of Black Americans, it is important to share how actions and words have power and can lead to change. It is also essential that conversations around equity for all are at the center of our teaching each day in our classrooms.
The Center for Racial Justice in Education shares the following resources as ways families can engage in conversations and support teaching their children about Black History Month:
- 45 Books to Teach Children About Black History Month - The Culture
- 25 Must-Read Children's Books for Black History Month - Family Education
- 8 Black History Month Books and Resources for Kids - Justice Jones
- How to Talk to Your Child About Black History Month (A script) - Mama Knows it All
Students are encouraged to borrow picture books shared in classrooms and other titles in our school library as well.
I would like to thank members of Keller's Student Council for participating in our K-2 and 3-5 Morning Meetings! It was an opportunity for us as a community to share highlights from our year to date, review our core values, and share upcoming events.
Keller Kids created Valentines for Veterans which were shared in our community. Students also created Hearts of Kindness in Art with Mrs. Caezza. These hearts will join others when they are displayed on the Franklin Town Common. I can't wait to drive by and see the many expressions of kindness created by Franklin students. We will also spread kindness by displaying hearts in our Keller entryway as students arrive on February 14.
During our morning meeting, we discussed our core values of caring, respectful, inclusive, intelligent, and unique. Keller Kids shared the following examples when talking about our core values: talking with others about their interests, inviting someone to play if they are alone, considering others' perspectives, appreciating differences, and sharing our knowledge about various topics with others. Keller Staff will be on the lookout for students displaying Keller's Core Values. Watch for Keller "Caught You" Cards celebrating the ways Keller Kids display these values each day!
I also want to extend a happy National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day to Officer Daniel Smith on February 15. We appreciate your partnership and all you do for our school. Additionally, even though it falls over vacation, I want to sincerely thank our bus and van drivers, as we celebrate School Bus/Van Driver Appreciation Day on February 22. Thank you for all you do for our students each day.
Warm Regards,
Keri Busavage, Principal
Keller Connection - Translations
凯勒连接翻译
Keller Connection Traduções
Tradiksyon Koneksyon Keller
Keller Connection Traducciones
Keller ترجمه های Connection
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Telling Our Story
Keller Kids showed care and respect for our Franklin Veterans by crafting Valentines which were shared at the Veterans Coffee Hour this past week!
Shannon Nisbett, Franklin's Veteran Service Officer, stopped by to pick up the box of Valentines. She was so appreciative and moved by this act of kindness. Below are a few pictures from the Veterans Coffee Hour. Thank you teachers, students, and members of Student Council for helping to form this community partnership as we show care and respect for our Franklin Veterans.
Here are some photos from the gathering!
K-2 and 3-5 Morning Meetings!
March Book Madness & March MATHness - Coming Soon!
As a school community, we will enjoy reading our way through our tournament of books. We start with a field of sixteen and vote our way to the final two! Excitement is building, as we cheer on past winners and welcome new titles to this year's tournament.
We will also enjoy March Mathness with Jiji!
Physical Education - Footwear Reminder!
A Note from Coach Nordberg and Ms. Pepin!
Proper footwear is essential for safety during any and all types of physical activity. In PE we incorporate a large number of activities with forward and lateral movements so the proper footwear is essential. Improper shoes can cause injuries to muscles or joints, and could also cause shin splints. Shoes recommended and worn in Physical Education must be athletic cross trainers, tennis, court, or running shoes that Velcro or lace securely. These types of shoes are more shock absorbing, which will protect the knees, hips, and ankles, and will allow students to participate to their fullest ability.
All students are required to wear sneakers to participate in physical education classes.
Crocs, boots, and dress shoes are not appropriate footwear for PE as they pose a safety risk.
Please remember to pack your sneakers! 🏃♀️👟
Scholastic Book Fair - March 4-7
Lifelong Learning - Summer Programs!
Lifelong Learning Summer Programs are now open for registration! There are over 60 classes for students K-12. Go to bit.ly/3OhFVUS for details.
Winter Newsletter
Keller Spirit Week - February 12 - 16
March 5 & 6 - Conferences
On March 5 and 6, spring conferences are being held at the request of your child's classroom teacher and/or at the request of parents/guardians/caregivers. Teachers will be reaching out to families to schedule optional spring conferences in March or families can reach out to classroom teachers to set a time to discuss any specific questions or concerns they may have. Both conference days are an early release at 11:45AM.
Kindergarten Registration is Open for 2024-2025!
Keller 2023 -2024 Yearbook Orders!
The Keller Yearbook is available for purchase! Thank you to our dedicated team of parent volunteers working on this project!
Yearbooks ordered on or before Wednesday, May 1st are $25 each. Please use the QR code in the attached form, or this link to order online directly from Pixami, https://tinyurl.com/Kelleryearbook. Alternatively, orders can be made using this form.
All yearbooks will be delivered to students in June.
A limited number of yearbooks will be available after May 1st.
Yearbooks ordered after 5/1 are $35 each while supplies last.
5th Grade Photos!
Please click this link for translations.
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System MCAS 2024
Below are dates for Franklin Spring 2024 MCAS testing.
ELEMENTARY
April 2 and 3, 2024- Grade 4 ELA
April 8 and 9, 2024- Grade 3 ELA
April 10 and 11, 2024- Grade 5 ELA
April 30 and May 1, 2024- Grade 3 Math
May 7 and 8, 2024- Grade 4 Math
May 9 and 10, 2024- Grade 5 STE
May 15 and 16, 2024- Grade 5 Math
KELLER KIDS ARE UNIQUE!
Thank you Keller Kids for sharing the ways you are unique!
Our interests and hobbies remind us that we can connect with others around the things we have in common and bring us joy!
Thank you to Amelia, Avery, Kendall, and Reese for sharing how you are UNIQUE!
As a school community, we continue to grow opportunities for students to experience Keller’s Core Values of caring, inclusive, intelligent, respectful, and unique. We look forward to welcoming more Keller Kids to participate and share their interests.
If your Keller Student would like to participate, please sign up using this link. We invite Keller Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students to sign up!
How it works . . .
Every Friday at 2 o’clock, students signed up for that week, will meet with principals to set up their display in the main hallway. Students will also pick up their collection from the previous week.
Each student will have half a shelf to display their items
Bring a name tag to be displayed (folded index card, piece of paper, etc.)
Bring 5-7 items to display that tell your story!
Keller Parent Communication Council
As always, if you have any questions please reach out to us at: helenkellerpcc@gmail.com
~ Hayley Doucette, President
~ Lianne Chelman, Vice President
~Thea Charles, Treasurer
~ Ali McDonald, Corresponding Secretary
~ Jennifer Micalone, Recording Secretary
~ Ally Bowser, FACE Coordinator
Unified Arts - 6 Day Schedule
In addition, here is the full SY 23-24 Franklin Public Schools, 6-Day Elementary Calendar linked here. In the event of a school closing, the cycle days remain as identified on the calendar.
Health Office - Cold Weather Update!
Winter weather is here!
This is a friendly reminder that students need to come to school properly dressed for the weather.
As the weather gets colder, students need to have the following items: winter hat, mittens/gloves, scarf/neck warmer, winter boots, snow pants and a proper winter jacket.Despite the cold weather, we will be going outside at recess for 20 minutes, unless the guidance states it is too cold.
Please remember to:
* LABEL EVERYTHING!
* Send in an extra pair of pants and socks in your child’s backpack.
Lunch Volunteers!
Thank you to our lunch volunteers for giving your time and assisting in the cafeteria!
If you are interested and would like to volunteer in the lunch room please click the March Link which will bring you to the Sign-Up Genius.
Lunch volunteers help students with opening food packaging/drinks, wiping tables between grade-level lunches, and sweeping floors if needed.
Please remember that a CORI Form must be completed before volunteering.
Thank you to Mrs. Doenges for assisting with the creation of sign-ups!
CORI Forms
Many have stopped by the office to complete their CORI form paperwork - thank you!
CORI forms need to be completed annually and prior to volunteering in the building or chaperoning a field trip. If you are chaperoning an upcoming field trip, please be sure to stop by the Keller Office to complete a form.
Completing a CORI form can be done at any time. Just bring this completed form to the Keller Office, or fill one out when you arrive. Also, please have with you one form of photo identification.
Lunch Menu
The elementary lunch menus are linked here. Students do not need to pre-order lunches but should be aware if they are getting breakfast and/or lunch at school, or if they are bringing lunch from home.
Students should come to school with a snack and water bottle.
Weekend Backpack Program
Franklin Public Schools has partnered with the Franklin Food Pantry to provide food to students who might benefit from this support. Together, we will gather, package, and provide bags of food for students during the school year to take home over the weekend. Students who participate in this program are kept confidential to appropriate school personnel. Names are not shared with food pantry personnel. Packaged food is sent home on Fridays throughout the year. This is a free program for all participating families. The backpacks will contain a variety of child-friendly foods. Some examples are snacks, canned fruits, and macaroni and cheese. Backpacks will be distributed to students in a discreet and caring manner.
If you are interested in receiving the Backpack or have questions about the program, please call the Keller Health Office, at (508) 553 -0322, Ext. 3609 or 3421. You may also print and sign this letter and return it to the School Nurse.
Upcoming Dates! MORE to Come!
February
15 - PCC Meeting @ 7:30 PM (LINK)
12 - 16 FUN-bruary Spirit Week
19 - 23 - No School - February Break
28 - Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
March
5 - Early Release Day - Conferences - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
6 - Early Release Day - Conferences - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
28 - Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
29 - No School - Good Friday
April
12 - Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
15 - 19 - No School - April Break
Go Hawk News!
You will find archived Keller Connections and related school information.
Contact Information
Ellen Trott, Assistant Principal - trotte@franklinps.net
Kathy Dacey, Secretary - daceyk@franklinps.net
Website: https://www.franklinps.net/helenkeller
Location: 500 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA, USA
Phone: 508-553-0322