Keller Connections
Family Update - April 21
Principal's Note
Dear Keller Families,
I am excited to welcome students back to school tomorrow! We are in the final stretch of the school year which is always a very busy and exciting time of year! There are many experiences awaiting our Keller Kids in these upcoming weeks: FACE field trips and curriculum program visits, Night of the Arts, spirit days, and field day.
On April 26, we celebrate JIJI Day and our school's accomplishment of passing 1,000,000 ST Math Puzzles completed this year! Nice job Keller Kids! Students are invited to celebrate this day by wearing black, white, yellow or anything penguin or math related!
This week students will complete MCAS English Language Arts make-ups (Grades 3-5), then shift to begin testing in the areas of Mathematics (Grades 3-5) and Science (Grade 5) in early May. We thank you for your support and reinforcing positive "You've got this!" messages with your children. Students have arrived ready to go and have been giving it their all. We are so proud of them for their perseverance!
Included in this Keller Connection, please find information regarding the 2024-2025 placement process and the opportunity for families to share optional input to be considered when placement begins in May. Please note the deadline to submit input is Friday, May 3.
Warm Regards,
Keri
Keller Connection - Translations
凯勒连接翻译
Keller Connection Traduções
Tradiksyon Koneksyon Keller
Keller Connection Traducciones
Keller ترجمه های Connection
Click “Translate” on the top of this update and select your preferred language.
单击此更新顶部的“翻译”,然后选择您的首选语言。
Clique em "Traduzir" na parte superior desta atualização e selecione seu idioma preferido.
Klike sou "Tradui" sou tèt aktyalizasyon sa a epi chwazi lang ou pi pito ou.
Haga clic en "Traducir" en la parte superior de esta actualización y seleccione su idioma preferido.
Telling Our Story
High Tech High Touch Hands-On Science
Grades 2 & 5 FACE Program
In early April, High Tech High Touch scientists visited Keller and met with students in Grades 2 & 5. Check out what they learned about!
2nd: Survive and Thrive: (2-LS2-3, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2) From stinky skunks to flying frogs, we explore the amazing ways animals, mammals, and plants adapt and survive in their habitats. Are you predator or are you prey?
5th: Edisons Workshop or Power of Light: (4-ESS3-1, 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4) Explore the amazing world of electricity. Learn what’s “static” and “current” as you make hair rise and water bend. Transfer energy, generate electricity, touch lightning and get all the electrifying facts! Make an electromagnet as we uncover all the “attractive” and “repulsive” facts.
LOVE Keller Day - April 12!
Keller classrooms reconnected on the April 12 early release day to celebrate National Board Game Day (April 11). Keller Kids had so much fun playing some of their favorite games with their partner classrooms - Trouble, Uno, Candyland and MORE!
Kindergarten Visit - Incoming Class of 2037
Recently, Mrs. Marano, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services shared that there will be no school for our current kindergarten students on Friday, May 17. This is to allow the incoming kindergarten students (Fall 2024) to visit our schools and meet staff as they transition into
elementary school.
Students in Grades 1-12 do have a regular day of school. This missed day for kindergarten students does not need to be made up at the end of the school year.
End of Year Dates:
- The last day for Kindergarten students will be Friday, June 14.
- The last day for students in Grades 1-5 will be a half-day on June 17, 11:45 AM dismissal.
Optional Placement Input 2024-25
As we look to May, Keller Staff will begin a multi-step process to guide student placement and the development of class lists for the 2024-25 school year. Together, teams comprised of classroom teachers, special educators, related service providers, curriculum specialists, multilingual teachers, and administrators will engage in the placement process. We are deeply committed to ensuring that each student’s placement addresses their social, emotional, and academic needs, and creating balanced classrooms is an important part of this process.
Below is an overview of our approach to the classroom placement process:
Develop heterogeneous classrooms considering the social, emotional, academic, and developmental needs of all learners while striving to achieve balance when considering a range of factors (special education and multilingual services, 504 and BCAP accommodations, instructional interventionist support, teacher-student match, student relationships, learning styles, etc.).
Invite parents/guardians/caregivers to share optional input.
Identify classroom structures that take into account identified student supports.
Draft classroom rosters.
Review and revise classroom rosters.
As part of this process, we would like to provide parents, guardians, and caregivers, with an opportunity to share any information you feel is important for us to know or be reminded of that would contribute to classroom placement. Placement input may include information to recall/consider in order to support students socially, emotionally, and/or academically. We ask that parents/guardians/caregivers recognize that requests for specific teachers cannot be accommodated and input should not include specific teacher names. Sharing input is optional and not required as part of this process. Please be assured that our team works thoughtfully to place all students in a classroom in which they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
If you choose to share input, please do so by completing this Placement Input Form by Friday, May 3. Please note that your input will be shared with the placement team, which includes both sending and receiving grade-level teachers and other staff members who were referenced as part of the placement process.
Thank you in advance for your understanding as we work to develop classroom cohorts as well as the best collective overall grade-level structures to support all students.
New IEP Form - Parent Workshop
On May 9, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM there will be a parent workshop to introduce the New IEP Form. The meeting will be hosted virtually (Zoom) and in person (FHS Auditorium).
Please click here to register.
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System MCAS 2024
ELEMENTARY
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
Franklin Music - Community Performance
TEACHERS/COMMUNITY/ALUMNI SIDE BY SIDE PERFORMANCE
All are welcome, No matter your level!
We would like to invite the community, teachers and alumni of the Franklin Music Program to join us in our performance of "God Bless America" at the Franklin Porchfest on Saturday, June 1st on the Town Common. (Rain Date, June 2nd) Anyone who has played an instrument or sung in a chorus at some point in their life, is welcome to perform side by side with our talented Franklin High School Symphony Orchestra, Band and Chorus.
There will be two rehearsals for this event: Wednesday, May 15th 6-7PM & Wednesday, May 29th from 6-7PM. If the 2nd rehearsal is not needed, we will cancel. Both rehearsals will take place at FHS in room 131. The group will be conducted by Diane Plouffe.
If you are interested, please fill out THIS FORM. Mrs. Plouffe will be in touch with all final details.
FHS National Art Honors Society Presents . . .
School Savings with DEAN Bank!
Banking is rolling! Students are very excited to bank and make their deposits.
If you have any questions, or would like to enroll your child in the program, please reach out to the Keller PCC (helenkellerpcc@gmail.com) or Denise Pearson (dpearson@deanbank.com) at Dean Bank.
Upcoming Keller Banking Dates:
Grades K-2: 4/23, 5/6, 5/31
Grades 3-5: 4/29, 5/13
2023-2024 FACE Events
As a school community, we are extremely appreciative of the dedicated efforts of our Parent Communication Council and FACE Committee to enrich students' educational experiences by fully funding field trips for all students and providing cultural enrichment assemblies. These experiences are made possible through fundraisers, events, and activities all supported by our Keller families - thank you!
In-school enrichment programs will be starting in the next few weeks. Each grade will have a visit from the Discovery Museum or High Touch High Tech Hands-On Science. Below is a list of grade level programs for the 23-24 school year!
As field trips approach, grade level teachers will reach out to share more information!
Be sure to complete your CORI form if you have interest in chaperoning one of the following field trips. CORI's are now active for 3 years and will be linked to ASPEN accounts.
Keller Parent Communication Council
Yearbook Reminder:
Yearbooks need to be ordered on or before Wednesday, May 1. Yearbooks are $25 each using the following link. Yearbook Order Form.
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
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.
Summer Programming Information from Ms. Crosby!
Brittany Crosby, MSW
District Social Worker
FHS Peer Leaders Club Advisor
Franklin Public Schools
(508) 613-1408
Franklin Parks and Recreation
The Franklin Recreation Department offers several local sports programs, art programs, and summer camps from Preschool - 15 years old. Please see the Franklin Recreation 2024 Summer Brochure for more information as to what is offered.
Scholarships are available upon inquiry and supportive documentation.
Franklin Recreation Camps Summer 2024 Brochure
Franklin Recreation Department
275 Beaver Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 613-1666
Franklin Public Library
Franklin Library Summer Programming
Franklin Public Library
118 Main Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520-4941
Hockomock Area YMCA Summer Camps
Few environments are as special as summer camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities. Our commitment to inclusion provides a fun summer experience for kids with and without disabilities, teaching empathy and acceptance among all campers.
Scholarships are available upon inquiry and registration. Please contact the direct branch for more information.
https://www.hockymca.org/camp/
FOXBORO - 67 Mechanic Street - Foxboro, MA 02035 508.543.2523
FRANKLIN - 45 Forge Hill Road - Franklin, MA 02038 508.528.8708
NORTH ATTLEBORO - 300 Elmwood Street - North Attleboro, MA 02760 508.695.7001
MANSFIELD - 40 Balcom Street - Mansfield, MA 02048 508.339.3066
Health Office - Postural Screenings
Franklin Public School nurses continue to conduct postural screening on all students in Grades 5-9 this spring per Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c.71, s.57) . The purpose is to detect early signs of possible spinal problems in children. It is not a diagnostic service but a program to identify those who should have further medical evaluation. If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take your child to a physician. The majority of students exhibit no findings. If nothing unusual is found, we will not be contacting you again until the screening next year.
School Nurses are required to perform these screenings annually regardless of whether or not a child has been screened by their provider. Parents may choose to opt-out of their child's school screening by providing a written statement (M.G.L. c71, s57). If choosing to opt your child out of the school screening, please forward a copy of your child's most recent postural (scoliosis) screening to your child's school nurse.
If you would prefer your student not be screened for scoliosis at school this year, please complete this Google Form.
Night of the Arts - May 29, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
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 Avery, Braden, Olivia, Rosalee, and Zoe 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!
FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2024 -2025 Calendar
Revised 3/19/24
Recently there were two adjustments made to the 2024-25 calendar.
Rosh Hashanah moved to Thursday, October 3.
Spring conferences moved to Tues/Wed, March 11 & 12. (Ash Wednesday is March 5, the original date.)
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.
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 May 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 are now active for three years and will be connected to your ASPEN account. Prior to volunteering in the building or chaperoning a field trip, please be sure your CORI form is complete and up to date. 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!
April
26 - JIJI ST Math Day!
May
9 - PCC Meeting - 7:30 PM (LINK)
17 - No School for Current Keller Kindergarteners - Incoming Kindergarten Visit Class of 2037!
27 - No School - Memorial Day
29 - Night of the Arts @ 5:30 - 7:00 PM
June
7 - Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
8 - 2nd Annual Spring Keller Family Sporting Outing - Woo Sox!
11 - Field Day K-5 (Rain Date June 12)
14 - Last day for Kindergarten Students
17 - Last day for students in Grades 1-5, Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
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