Keller Connections
Family Update - March 31
Principal's Note
Dear Keller Families,
This week begins MCAS testing in grades 3-5, with fourth graders engaging in English Language Arts testing on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System is designed to assist with determining where students, schools, and districts are meeting expectations and to identify areas for continued growth. While this is one data point, we as educators value this measure and encourage students to take their time, persevere, do their best, and show what they know! We are so proud of our students and their achievements.
In addition to quality instruction each day, teachers help to prepare students for MCAS testing by designing opportunities allowing them to engage with the digital assessment platform, practicing and familiarizing themselves with tools within the TestNav system. In order to support your child, please reassure them that like any other assessment, we ask that they try their best and reassure them that we have confidence in their abilities and know they can do it.
A good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast to start the day are key! On testing days, snacks that are neat to eat during a quick mid-morning break are best: apple slices, pretzels, granola bars, crackers, etc.
If a student arrives late to school after testing begins, they will complete that session on a make-up day to allow for ample time as each session needs to be completed within one school day. Once students arrive and get settled in, testing will begin promptly at 8:50AM.
Thank you for your support as we let our Keller Kids know . . . they've got this, and thank you for your partnership on behalf of your child.
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
Author & Illustrator Renee Kurilla
Kindergarten FACE Program
Discovery Science Force & Magnetism Workshop
Grade 3 FACE Program
Brook Street Culvert Expansion Project
Grade 5 Visit
Derek Adams, Town of Franklin, Department of Public Works, and Breeka Li Goodlander, Town of Franklin, Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager, visited with students in grade 5 to explain an upcoming project right around the corner from our school and how this impacts our ecosystems!
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System MCAS 2024
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
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: 3/12, 3/28, 4/23, 5/6, 5/31
Grades 3-5: 3/14, 3/27, 4/12, 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 Night at Polar Park!
The PCC is excited about the 2nd Annual Spring Keller Family Sporting Outing. We are planning a fun night with the Worcester Red Sox "WooSox" at Polar Park for the Saturday June 8th game @ 4:05 PM. Tickets will be $27 each.
Each ticket includes $2 of Loaded Value (ballpark credit) per ticket which is redeemable at most concession stands and the Team Store!
As a bonus, bring your gloves and ball and stay after the game for Sunset Catch on the Field.
Tickets will be issued on a first come first serve basis so don't miss out.
Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/KellerWooSox to reserve your tickets.
Please send a check addressed to "Keller PCC" or cash to the school in an envelope within 3 days of requesting your ticket(s).
Please include the following on the envelope:
- Keller PCC WooSox Event
- The name listed on your request form
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
Bus Expectations
We are continuing to engage in conversations with students and revisiting expectations for behavior in the hallway, cafeteria, playground, bathroom, and on the bus.
As it pertains to bus expectations, we appreciate your continued partnership and ask that you take some time to review the following with your child/children.
Sit while riding (do not move seats)
Hold personal items
Talk quietly
Listen to driver
Watch for the stop, disembark at the correct stop, and check in with a family member before meeting up with friends
We also ask parents/guardians/caregivers to report bus incidents to us promptly.
In addition to reviewing bus expectations, we are:
Communicating daily with bus drivers/transportation department
Working with drivers to assign/adjust seats
Reviewing bus videos
Having individual conversations with students regarding unsafe/disrespectful behavior
Emailing/calling parents/guardians around behaviors and responses
Our goal is to reinforce expectations, hold students accountable for their behavior, and intervene in ways that allow them to learn from their mistakes. Incidents of unsafe/disrespectful behavior may include short/long-term seat changes or removal from the bus.
Again, thank you for your partnership and please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions or concerns.
Kindergarten Registration is Open for 2024-2025!
Health Office - Postural Screenings
Franklin Public School nurses will be conducting 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.
Save the Date! 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 Madeley, Teagan, and Tori 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 April 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
12 - Early Release Day - Dismissal @ 11:45 AM
15 - 19 - No School - April Break
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)
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