In an effort to ensure that all families receive school communications, please visit this section. Email blasts and helpful resources will also be housed here.

May 18, 2022

Good morning everyone!

I wanted to provide a very quick update regarding CAASPP state testing.  Our students are working tirelessly on these tests and making excellent progress!  We are following our timeline and have entered into the make-up portion of the testing.  We will work with students who may have missed any portion of the tests due to absences or the need for extra time this week and early next week.

Please note that if a student misses testing due to COVID, do not worry.  There are conditional codes that I can enter into the testing system which address these situations.
We are all doing our best to keep the anxiety around testing as low as possible.  This has been a year of heightened emotion and we want our students to continue to feel safe, confident, and successful.

Thank you for all of the support that you have given as we travel into the final weeks of the school year!

Warmly,
Mrs. Hynding

May 13, 2022

Good Afternoon Franklin Family,

I hope this message finds you well.  I’m still in awe of the fact that we are approaching the end of yet another school year!  2021-2022, with all that it has brought us, joy, excitement, exhaustion, and so much more, we have continuously pushed through together.  I can honestly say, this is my testimony for the 5 years I have been a part of the Franklin community, as your Assistant Principal, and for the past 3 years, as your Principal.  Your love, encouragement, sound advice, constructive feedback, and willingness to support our school as a whole in any and every capacity, has carried me through.  Words can never adequately express what you have all been to me and for me.

With this said, it is with a heavy heart that I announce this will be my last school year at Franklin Elementary.  I was offered and have decided to return my heart to Olympic High School, where I will be the Principal. Prior to joining Franklin, all of my 20 years of professional experience was at the secondary level,10 of which were on Olympic’s campus, and my spirit is yearning to return.  My goal is to continue fostering the leadership skills you have all helped me to develop and nurturing the passion within me to love and support our students with all of my being.  

Please know that our district, SMMUSD, is committed to filling this principal position with the most highly-qualified individual.  The search will soon begin and I am confident that my office will be occupied by someone who also puts your children first and is dedicated to keeping the Franklin tradition of academic excellence moving forward.

Again, thank you for everything and I look forward to ending this school year with my students, staff, and families as strong as we started and have maintained.
 
Your Loving Principal,

Mrs. Cynthia McGregory

May 6, 2022

It is unbelievable how quickly these weeks are flying by! We are diligently working to finish the year as strongly as we started it!  Important information regarding our upcoming Open House and grade level changes for next school year is below.

Please join us on Thursday, May 26th, for our first in-person Open House since spring 2019! The schedule is as follows:
6:00pm - 6:45pm Grades K through 2
7:00pm - 7:45pm Grades 3 through 5
For safety reasons, please visit your child(ren)'s classroom(s) only. I am also asking for everyone, out of an abundance of caution, to strongly consider wearing a face mask while in-doors.

As you all know, this is the time we begin planning for the new school year. The 2022-2023 school year will bring a few changes to Franklin.  There will be a total of four classes in each grade (now there are five in grades 2 and 3) and three of our current teachers will be joining new grade level teams next year:
Ms. Jennifer Brossoit to 3rd Grade
Mrs. Beth Helphand to 5th Grade
Mrs. Kristen Mowry to 2nd Grade

In addition, two tenured SMMUSD teachers will be joining our 4th grade team next year as well.  More details will be provided as they are solidified. Also, please complete the Parent Input Form if you have not done so already.  This form is for parents of current K-4 students only. If your child is not returning to Franklin for the 2022-2023 school year (besides 5th graders), complete this form. 

Yes, change is coming and I am confident that our wonderful school will continue blossoming in every way. Please enjoy your weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all of our amazing Mothers and Caregivers!

Your Loving Principal,
Mrs. Cynthia McGregory

March 20, 2022

Happy First Day of Spring!! Hoping everyone's enjoying this beautiful weather! As we approach the “two-week mark before spring break”, I wanted to send this message with an update and a reminder.

1. Beginning tomorrow, Monday, 3/21, students in grades 1-5 will be able to be discharged from the front office at 3:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and at 1:30pm on Wednesdays. We are hoping this extra dismissal area will help with crowding at the back gates and safety around the parameters of campus. Parents, please communicate with your students if you'd like for them to leave through the front instead of the back Idaho gates starting tomorrow.
   
   
1. Parents who do not have office business will wait outside for students to walk out. Please do not block the front entrance. 
2. All 1st and 2nd graders will still walk to the back Idaho East gate when they are dismissed at 2:45pm. If you wish for them to wait for the 3:00pm front office dismissal, please instruct them to wait with school staff who will be there at their normal back Idaho East gate. At 2:55 p.m., staff will walk those waiting students to the front office and will dismiss them when the 3:00pm bell rings.
3. Parents of 3rd-5th grade students, please instruct your student(s) to let their teacher know you'd like them to now dismiss them through the front office at 3:00pm.
4. On Wednesdays and on all minimum days, 1st - 5th graders can be dismissed from the front office when the 1:30pm bell rings.
   
   
2. As per Superintendent Drati's message on 3/10/2022, all staff and students are asked to take a home antigen test the morning of Monday, April 18th (which is the first Monday after our two-week spring break) and show a negative result prior to entering campus. Antigen testing kits will be sent home with students next Monday, 3/28. I will be sending another message this coming Friday with more detailed information.

I know we are all excited about the many positive changes that have happened over the last few weeks and look forward to things continuing to get brighter for our students. Let's continue to remain diligent, positive, and supportive of each other.

February 22, 2022
Good Morning Franklin Family!

I hope this message finds you all well!  We are very happy to know things are moving forward and want to continue to remain diligent and safe. Thank you all for your continued support!

Covid Screening Testing:
We have 1 positive result from Monday's screening. Staff and parents of students impacted have been notified.  At the present time, no outside positive results have been reported, but please remember this can change at anytime. Please note: Next week's screening testing will take place on Thursday, 2/24, because Monday, 2/21 (our normal testing day) is a school holiday.  

Outdoor Masking:
As per Superintendent Drati's message last night, outdoor mask requirements for schools have been lifted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. So effective today, our SMMUSD School Board has lifted the requirement for outdoor masking at all of our district schools with some exceptions.  I've included his entire message below but please note a few important points:

• Staff and students may voluntarily continue to wear masks outdoors if they so desire.  We are asking for everyone to please be respectful of individual choices and decisions.  This is a huge change for all of our students and many need time to adjust.
• Staff and students who are quarantined while on campus due to exposure of a positive case, will be required to continue wearing masks both indoors and outdoors during the course of their quarantine.  Families of any exposed students will be notified and staff will monitor this requirement as closely as possible.
• Masking indoors is unchanged and still required for all students and staff at this time. 

Playground Zones
We are also pleased to announce the relaxing of playground zones during morning and lunch recesses. Students will no longer be required to remain in classroom assigned zones and will be allowed to play with other students in their grade level while outside during those times. PE will continue to take place with an assigned coach and in assigned classroom areas.  Mrs. Hynding and I have met with students in all of our classrooms, reviewed safety protocols, and behavioral expectations. We ask that you please help us and remind students of the importance of engaging in fun, safe play while in the yard.  Remember, this change will happen next Tuesday,

Again, thank you all for your continued diligence and support for our entire school community.  We are a strong community and we greatly depend on each other to keep things moving forward.  We got this!!

Have a wonderful day!

Your Loving Principal,

Mrs. Cynthia McGregory

January 2022

Dear Franklin Families,
I hope this message finds you well. You may be aware that last week the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health updated the quarantine and isolation guidelines. This update allows school districts the option to shorten the quarantine for asymptomatic, unvaccinated, exposed students from 10 days to 5 days (with a negative antigen test on Day 5) for a return to school on the 6th day after exposure.

Our management team, which includes district and school site administrators and the nursing staff, have been working tirelessly to ensure our transition to this 5-day quarantine protocol is implemented smoothly, effectively, and as soon as is practicable. While there are a few schools in SMMUSD that will be piloting this new protocol this week, the majority of the schools in the District will tentatively enact the shortened quarantine protocol the week of January 18th, just after the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The following will apply:

• Any student that was required to quarantine last week will continue to follow the 10-day quarantine and may return to school on the date listed on their COVID exposure notification letter, as long as they are symptom-free and have not had any additional COVID exposures.
• Students that are required to quarantine this week will not be eligible for a shortened quarantine. They will be required to quarantine for 10 days.
• Any exposed students who have submitted proof of full vaccination may return to school after an exposure as long as they do not have any symptoms associated with COVID and they pass the screening. *For elementary students, full-vaccination is two weeks after their last COVID shot.
• Fully vaccinated, asymptomatic students who have a COVID positive household member are not required to quarantine. However, we strongly recommend these students stay home until the COVID positive household member is out of isolation.
• This week, Superintendent Drati will provide further details of the new quarantine protocols.

While we know there is a desire to have all of our schools implement the new protocols immediately, we believe that a thoughtful and coherent plan will ensure the safety of all of the members of our learning community. Additionally, many of our schools have yet to receive the results of last week’s PCR testing because testing labs are extremely impacted by this latest COVID surge and we feel that data is valuable to implementing these new plans. We will notify you when all of the results are in but we ask you to please check your email inbox for your child’s results. Some of our families, out of an abundance of caution, have kept their children home since the winter break. If you are not comfortable with your child returning to school prior to receiving this week’s test results, we will count this absence as excused.  I will follow up with another message regarding tomorrow's screening.

We appreciate your partnership in ensuring the health and safety of all of the members of our community and for your patience and flexibility as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times. As always, please contact us if you have any questions. Take care, be well, and stay safe!

December 2021

Hello families,

I hope you’re all enjoying this festive time of year & staying safe. Please read below for reminders from the Health Office.

Vaccines
We are thrilled to hear that so many children are getting vaccinated for COVID-19. As you know, the COVID-19 vaccine is not a school requirement at this time. However, a student’s vaccine status may impact quarantine protocols as we move forward in the school year (a person is considered fully vaccinated, 2 weeks after their last dose). Once your child is fully vaccinated, please submit proof of both vaccines to the health office & we can add it to their health record. If you choose to email the vaccine record, specify the following: student name & school site.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine in children, see this link.

COVID-19 Testing after the break
It is mandatory for all children to test on campus the week after Winter Break. If they miss our testing day on 1/3/2022, you will need to provide proof of a PCR test to the health office in order to return it.

Absence/Illnesses
Email fsabsent@smmusd.org for ALL absences, EACH day of absence. If absence is due to an appointment or doctor visit- please submit proof of the visit for an excused absence.

Medical Devices
If your child is injured, has activity restrictions or needs an assistive device such as an ace wrap, brace, crutches, wheelchair etc., then we need a medical note on file. Medical forms are located on the district website.

Thank you so much for all of your cooperation! Have a happy holiday season!

School Nurse
Priscilla Guzman, RN
Franklin Elementary & Roosevelt Elementary

Franklin Health Office Specialists
Karla Madsen
Monica Aldana

October 21, 2021

Hello Franklin Families!

This year, as in other years, we are required to conduct the Great California Shake-Out earthquake disaster drill.  There are many benefits to reminding our students and families what to do in case a big shaker hits. The following are instructions on how to conduct this drill this year.

When: Thursday, October 21st at 10:20 AM
How: The Day Prior to The Earthquake Drill:

Feel free to show this Youtube video to your children
Download the recordings that have been created in English and Spanish to provide instructions during the drill (Video versions have text captions)
The Great California ShakeOut - Drill Broadcast
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills help people in homes, schools, and organizations worldwide improve preparedness and practice how to be safe during earthquakes. Register to participate in your state or country's drill

GREAT SHAKEOUT DAY:  October 21, 10:20 AM:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: DROP to the ground, take COVER under a table or desk, and HOLD ON to it as if a major earthquake were happening. (Hold on for at least 60 seconds)
• Implement your home or school plan depending on location.
• All staff members working on-site will engage in this drill.

Additionally, we will be conducting emergency drills throughout the school year to guarantee that our students become familiarized with the protocols. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and collaboration in ensuring the safety of our students, their families, and each other.

October 1, 2021

October is here!
We have so many exciting events coming up at Franklin!  Franklin Picture Day, PTA Reflections, Bike It Walk It and Go Green Month are just a few fabulous opportunities ahead.

NATIONAL PTA REFLECTIONS! Do you enjoy art, music, and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films, and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections! This year’s theme, “I Will Change the World By...,” calls for your own unique interpretation through the arts. Submissions are due by OCTOBER 8TH!
All students are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas:
Grade Divisions: Primary (Preschool -2nd); Intermediate (Grades 3-5); Special Artists (all grades).
    Dance/choreography
    Literature
    Photography
    Film production
    Music composition
    Visual arts
SEND ENTRIES ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 8th TO: SMFranklinPTAReflections@gmail.com
Only digital copies will be accepted. Take photos of hard copy artwork. If you do not receive confirmation that your submission was received, please send a separate email to the above email address without any attachments in case the file was too large. Only send safe files; ensure you have virus protection on your devices prior to sending. Artwork will be submitted to the Franklin PTA. The final artworks submitted to California State PTA by districts are then considered for Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit. Award of Excellence entries then goes on to represent California in the final National PTA judging round. Thank you for participating!

Picture Day will be October 7th.  This will be a distanced in-person opportunity and all orders are taken online. The teachers will select a time for their class and only individual pictures will be taken.  Class pictures are provided in composite form by the company. There will be a make-up day on November 4th.

Bike It Walk It Week is next week with a special emphasis on Thursday 10/7.  Let's encourage our community to walk/bike/scooter to school next week. We will tabulate all students who use these means on Thursday.  The SMMUSD school with the highest percentage of participants receives the prestigious Golden Sneaker award. Let's try to bring the sneaker to Franklin and be environmentally conscious!

The Go Green monthly challenge is here! Click THIS LINK and/or read the attachment for more information - more info at https://www.smmusd.org/GoGreen. The challenges are super engaging and fun!

October looks fabulous! Indeed! Please continue to stay healthy and safe.

September 21, 2021
We have so many exciting events coming up at Franklin!  Franklin Picture Day is approaching on October 7th and we are so happy to offer the PTA Reflections opportunity to our students as well.

NATIONAL PTA REFLECTIONS! Do you enjoy art, music, and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films, and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Reflections! This year’s theme, “I Will Change the World By...,” calls for your own unique interpretation through the arts. Submissions are due by OCTOBER 8TH!
All students are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas:
Grade Divisions: Primary (Preschool -2nd); Intermediate (Grades 3-5); Special Artists (all grades).
    Dance/choreography
    Literature
    Photography
    Film production
    Music composition
    Visual arts
SEND ENTRIES ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 8th TO: SMFranklinPTAReflections@gmail.com
Only digital copies will be accepted. Take photos of hard copy artwork. If you do not receive confirmation that your submission was received, please send a separate email to the above email address without any attachments in case the file was too large. Only send safe files; ensure you have virus protection on your devices prior to sending them. Artwork will be submitted to the Franklin PTA. The final artworks submitted to California State PTA by districts are then considered for Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit. Award of Excellence entries then go on to represent California in the final National PTA judging round. Thank you for participating!

Picture Day will be October 7th.  This will be a distanced in-person opportunity and all orders are taken online. More information will be coming as well as a Picture Retake Day.

Order from Rosti Wednesday from 11-9!  It's a Franklin fundraiser where a portion of their proceeds will be given to our school. What a delicious opportunity!

September 13, 2021
Superintendent’s Message: COVID-19 Testing and FAQ Update

September 12, 2021
GENERAL NOTIFICATION OF COVID-19 AT SCHOOL

September 10, 2021
Reminders from the Health Office - 09/10/21

September 2, 2021
Dear Franklin Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you and your families well. As you may be aware, the SMMUSD Board of Education has authorized mandatory COVID-19 testing once per week of all students and staff. Superintendent Drati recently messaged the community that this testing would begin this week. I am writing to you to inform you that we will begin this mandatory testing at Franklin School this Friday, September 3rd, from 8:30am – 2:30pm and will continue every Friday thereafter. As stated in Superintendent Drati’s message:

• All students must be registered in order to participate in testing.  If you have not registered your child(ren), please do so as soon as possible. To register, visit this site and click Franklin Elementary.
• Non-registered families will be contacted and/or will receive a separate message by September 3rd. After September 3, students who have not been registered, not agreed to provide weekly PCR tests or have had an exemption denied, will not be allowed on campus for in-person instruction or activities, starting Sept 8, 2021. Our district’s Independent Study Program will be provided and fulfils our responsibility to provide a free, appropriate public education for all students.
• Malibu Medical, the company performing COVID testing at Franklin, will be offering both the nasal swab and saliva tests. Malibu Medical and the SMMUSD Nursing team strongly encourage students to be tested with the nasal swab as that test is more accurate than the saliva test. We understand that it would be best to test some of our youngest students and some students with special needs with the saliva test at this time.

The process for testing on Friday will be very simple. Classes will be walked to the testing area during their scheduled time where the student will perform a self-administered test under the guidance of the certified Malibu Medical team. Students will then be walked back to class or to their PE zone. The whole process should take about 10 minutes. Results will be available between 24 and 48 hours after our testing day.  As was mentioned in previous messaging, parents will only receive a message if their child receives a positive test result.  If this is the case, then further instructions will be relayed to the parents from Mrs. Priscilla Guzman, our school nurse, and from Mrs. McGregory or Mrs. Hynding.  Please know all staff will begin testing on Friday as well.

Our hope, of course is for zero positive cases. However, we are prepared to support students and/or classrooms requiring quarantine as deemed necessary by our district and site nursing staff and administrative team.  If this is the case, families of students needing to quarantine will be contacted and provided further instructions.  It is imperative that parents check email messages at least twice a day so that any pertinent information is not missed.

Our mission as a Franklin Family is to ensure the safety of all members of our learning community and this is just one more step in achieving this goal.  WE have demonstrated a strong ability to successfully work together during this challenging time in our history. I believe we will continue this effort until we reach the other side of this pandemic.

As always, please email me should you have any questions. Please find Superintendent Drati’s message from August 31st below for your convenience.  I ask that you please read it in its entirety if you have not done so already.  Have a wonderful night!

August 25, 2021
Covid-19 Testing FAQ

August 22, 2021
Franklin Covid-19 Testing Registration Letter

August 19, 2021
Franklin Facilities Improvement Projects Update