Franklin Flier
July 27th, 2020
Integrity * Respect * Excellence * Adaptability * Responsibility * Engagement * Collaboration
What's New: Updates and Information
Hello, Franklin Elementary Families.
I hope the summer has been relaxing for you and your family. As we await decisions about the upcoming school year, know that we have been planning for three different scenarios. They are: in-person learning; hybrid learning with required social distancing and capacity limits; and distance learning only.
MAPS staff is working closely with MDE, and we expect to receive information on which scenario will start the school year by the end of July. Once MDE announces the learning delivery model, MAPS will share its plan to meet state guidelines. Also, a MAPS survey will be sent to parents to collect specific information about their intentions for the fall. Classes are scheduled to begin in September.
At this time, it's important for you to know that distance learning will be an option for MAPS families regardless of what learning delivery method is selected by the state. Plans will be in place for those who prefer to keep their children home for medical reasons or are simply uncomfortable with sending them to school.
While MAPS is doing everything possible to prepare for the new school year, the COVID-19 pandemic may cause any of the options to change at any time throughout the school year, and we will continue to keep families informed. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to create the best possible learning environment for ALL of our Franklin students!
Tiered Busing Plan Continues
On December 16, 2019 the school board approved a transportation plan that will establish a tired busing system for the 2020-21 school year. Since that time, the district’s tiered busing implementation team has been working diligently to establish the new routes and other details for implementation. While we do not know for sure how school will be delivered in September, we do know that we will continue the implementation plan for tiered busing that was approved in December 2019. We will send you more information in August, once the start of school is more clearly defined.
Bus Registration Reminder
If your child is eligible for busing (Live at least 1.0 mile from school for grades K through 5 and 2.0 miles from school for grades 6 through 12), and plan to use bus services, please email tbaumg1@isd77.org the following information:
Student(s) name
Student's home address
Student's school beginning September 2020
Student's grade
Parent name
Parent phone number
One email listing all eligible students in your family will successfully register the students for busing.
Continuing Our Own Learning Around Race and Equity
When I consider the challenges we face as a community, state, and country related to racial equity and social justice, I can't help but think of our Franklin Elementary family. We strive to create a space where all families feel welcome, differences are embraced and seen as strengths, and healthy relationships between staff, students, and families create a culture of collaboration, creative thinking, and high expectations for all. While we strive for these things, we also know we sometimes fall short. We don't have all the answers to challenging questions around the different experiences students and families have in our school. However, just because we don't have all the answers, that doesn't mean we should stop asking ourselves tough questions.
I want all of our families to know that the Franklin staff is committed to breaking down barriers for students and families. This work is in the heart and mind of our staff. Like most important work, there isn't a quick fix or a simple solution. It starts with learning and taking action. Learning the narrative of our students and families and your lived experiences is vital to developing our strong relationship. We value this discussion and will help us live our shared vision to ensure ALL students have access to rigorous learning opportunities, will be supported in developing positive and lasting relationships, and forming a school wide environment where ALL can be supported and successful.
What can Franklin do to support change? It might start with learning for many of us. Pick up a book or read articles related to the impact of race in our everyday lives, or explore some of the resources linked here: Anti-Racism Resources Have tough conversations with your friends and neighbors. Have conversations with people who don't look like you, or who have different lived experiences than you. This may be uncomfortable work, however, it is vital to learning the narrative of the people within our community and world.
Finally, now more than ever, it is important to have conversations with your children about the world around them. Staying silent does not equip our children to be independent thinkers who are empowered to change the world. Linked below are a few resources for families interested in engaging their children in tough conversations.
Tips For Talking With Children About Race
How to Talk to Kids About Race: Books and Resources That Can Help
How to Talk to Kids About Race and Racism
Thank you families, for all you do to make Franklin the great school we are now, and for everything you are willing to do to make us even better. We miss all our Franklin Falcons and we hope to see them soon. Until then, enjoy summer!
Mr. G.
Phone Numbers
Office
507.345.4287
- 0 for secretary
- 1 for health office
Palmer Bus
507.386.0210
Yaeger Bus (from ExCEL)
507.345.5470
District Helpline
507.386.4777
School Hours
7:30 Office opens
7:30 Breakfast begins
8:00 2nd bell classes begin
2:30 School ends
3:30 Office closes
Quick links to...
Have a child in need of Preschool?
Mankato-Register for Mankato Area Public Schools' Preschool Program 2020 to 2021 afternoon programs offered at:
- Early Childhood Center, 2077 Lookout Drive, North Mankato
- Family Learning Center, 820 Hubbell Avenue
- Franklin Elementary School, 1000 North Broad Street
- Rosa Parks Elementary School, 1001 Heron Drive
This child-centered program is based on early learning standards and designed to help children build kindergarten readiness, additionally:
- has a four-star Parent Aware rating,
- provides a high staff to student ratio and
- encourages parent involvement because it’s key to children’s learning success.
Families can register online. Scholarships available for qualifying families.
For more information contact staff at 507-625-4620.
Have you registered you child(ren) who will be in kindergarten next fall?
Use this link to access the district web page.
If you need help, you can call or email Central Registration staff for assistance.
Phone: 507-387-2125 or centralregistration@isd77.org
Knowing which students will be attending Franklin in the fall helps us in our planning process, thanks in advance to taking care of this.
* The current Stay at Home order and school closure will mean that Kindergarten Round Up will have to happen later than the scheduled date of April 16. Stay tuned for information about when we can hold Kindergarten Round Up.
Have questions about Mankato Area Public Schools COVID-19 prevention efforts?
Welcome to 2019-20 school year from Franklin Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). As a parent, legal guardian,or staff of students enrolled at Franklin Elementary School, you are a member!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
About Us
Safety First
Our Responsibility
Always Try Your Best
Respect Yourself and Others
Email: bgrens1@isd77.org
Website: http://www.fe.isd77.org/
Location: 1000 North Broad Street, Mankato, MN, United States
Phone: (507) 345.4287