Head Start Enrolling Now!
To register your child for the Head Start program please call 414-252-0350.
Family Welcome Letter for the 2021-22 School Year
August 13, 2021
Dear Franklin Families:
Welcome to the 2021-22 school year! I hope you enjoyed a safe summer and had opportunities for fun and building memories with friends and families. The staff and I are thrilled to welcome all of you back to a new school year of in-person learning, academic achievement and personal growth. I am extremely grateful to be starting my 5th year as the proud Principal at Franklin and am honored to lead this amazing staff of professionals to support the students, families and community as we grow together and build long-lasting bonds. Together, we are the village that will make the difference for the young people we serve. The Playground Redevelopment is on track and you will be learning more about the project this year. We have new teachers and classroom assistants to welcome to the Franklin Family and new, exciting curriculum to present to our students.
One of our school goals this year is to increase our attendance rate. Did you know just missing two days a month, or about 18 days in the year, means your child misses 10% of the school year? Please help us to reach our school goal of 95% attendance by having your child attend each and every day.
I want to personally invite you to attend our Back-to-School Picnic on Tuesday, August 31st from 3:15– 5:30PM on the school playground. This will be a great time for you to strengthen our Franklin community, meet other families, and learn about the upcoming school year. There will be games and activities for the children to engage in and parents will be able to pick up their child’s uniform shirt, backpack and packet of school information. Students are asked to wear their uniform shirt and khaki or black bottoms along with closed-toe shoes to school daily. No body-hugging shorts or leggings should be worn to school. More information on the Dress Code is located in the Family Manual. **If you are unable to attend the Back-to-School Picnic, you may pick up your child’s uniform shirt, backpack and packet of information on Wednesday, September 1st from 12:15 – 3:00PM. Please come to the Main Entrance. **
The first day for student attendance is Thursday, September 2nd. The school day begins at 7:20 AM and students are asked to be on the playground at that time. They should line up behind their classroom number on the playground. Staff members will be on the playground to direct you, or your child, if there are questions about which classroom your child is registered for. Look for busing information to arrive in the mail from the Transportation Department at MPS Central Services.
As always, please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns. You can reach the Main Office at (414) 875-4400. Thank you for your continued support and belief in Benjamin Franklin School.
Yours in Education,
Sara Hmielewski
Principal – Benjamin Franklin School
Returning to In-Person Learning
Hello MPS Parent/Guardian, On March 23, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors approved the return of students to in-person learning in schools.
We need your help to plan a safe return to schools and classrooms.
Students will return on the following schedule.
Wednesday, April 14 Students in K3 – Grade 3
Monday, April 19 Students in Grades 4 – 8
Monday, April 26 High school seniors and students in danger of failing Please indicate your choice for your child to return to school in person or remain virtual for the remainder of the school year.
The last day of school for the traditional calendar is June 11th.
The last day of school for the early start calendar is May 26th
MPS will follow public health guidance related to safe in-person learning. The district will require face coverings for all students and staff during in-person learning and on the bus. Your response must be your final decision for your child’s learning preference for the remainder of the school year; families will not be allowed to change their learning format. Reply online by Thursday, April 1, 2021. Contact your child’s school for questions or for written copies of this survey.
Survey link:
https://tinyurl.com/MPS-School-Reopening
Enrolling Now!!
See Headstart enrollment information: Headstart Enrollment Flyer
Benjamin Franklin School is currently enrolling students in Head Start → 8th grades for the 2020-2021 school year. Stop in to register your child(ren) between the hours of 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM weekdays. You may also register online through the MPS Homepage.
To register your child for the Head Start program please call 414-252-0350.
Principal’s Message:
August 2020
Dear Benjamin Franklin Parents/Guardians,
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” Charles Dickens opened Great Expectations with this famous line which seems quite appropriate to our current situation. Although there are many reasons to be anxious and upset, the current situation has forced families and communities to come together to support those most in need. There is also hope that the social unrest we are experiencing leads to social justice improvements that are long overdue. As educators, we are called to provide hope and a sense of normalcy, predictability and routine to our students’ lives. There is a lot to learn for all of us, and at times it can feel overwhelming. We are fortunate that Franklin has a strong community of families and staff willing to do what it takes for every student to succeed. Although we are not together in the building, we are together in spirit.
We welcome parents and guardians to be involved in all aspects of their students’ education. Thank you for choosing Benjamin Franklin and for your support of the staff, students and program. I look forward to seeing everyone soon, whether virtually or in-person.
If you have any questions, please call me at (414) 875-4400 or email me at hmielese@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Respectfully yours,
Sara E. Hmielewski
Principal
Virtual Learning
During Phase I of the MPS Reopening Plan, students will be 100% virtual. We are aware that while this ensures we are keeping our Franklin families safest, this can place additional stress on families that depend on in-person schooling for education, as well as childcare, socialization, and meals. Our staff is committed to working with each family to provide the instruction that each student deserves, and we will be as flexible as we can to make the virtual experience work for all.
Partners in Learning:
Franklin teachers are excited about building strong relationships with families of our students. We love your child, and we know you want the absolute best for them. Teachers will be reaching out to families via several methods, and we’ll identify what works best for each family, whether that be phone calls, text messages, email, or video chat. Additionally, keep an eye out for a Franklin Facebook page that we’ll use as an informal way to connect with one another!
Academic Rigor with a Hefty Dose of Patience
We know that we’re embarking on challenges we haven’t seen previously. Some students will find virtual learning works well for them, and they may benefit from being away from the distractions of their peers. Some students will struggle to stay focused or find it difficult to stay organized. Just like in the classroom, teachers will work hard to get to know each student to find out what works best for them and teach the specific skills that are needed for virtual learning. We still expect to hold our students to high academic standards, while also acknowledging that, in many ways, this is uncharted territory. While there will likely be some bumps along the way, together we will find our groove.
School Schedule
Officially the school day will begin at 7:20AM and dismiss at 2:20PM. Your child’s teacher will communicate to you what their daily schedule will look like. We know that for a multitude of reasons, your child may need more flexibility around scheduling, and we will be making school lessons available outside of the official school day.
Online Platforms
Students in K-3 through 2nd Grade will be using Seesaw. Students in 4th through 8th Grade will be using Google Classroom. All students will be using Google Meet for live meetings. The Chromebooks offered by Franklin come pre-loaded with these apps. (Class Dojo & Remind, too)
Open House
Following these dates, we will be hosting a Virtual Open House where you will get to know your child’s teachers and have any questions answered. This will take place on Thursday, August 27th from 3:30 – 5:30 PM. Mr. Turner has been working his creative muscles on organizing this — come and say hello! (Check back for a Virtual Invite!)
Important Dates:
- Tuesday, September 1: First day of school!
- K3-K5 will be staggered start – please refer to letter mailed to your home to determine your child’s first day of school
- No school on Friday, September 4 or Monday, September 7! Happy Labor Day!
Uniforms
During Virtual Learning, students are encouraged to wear the Benjamin Franklin School Uniform, but may wear any school-appropriate clothing.
Benjamin Franklin is a UNIFORM SCHOOL. The uniform consists of a royal blue polo shirt with an orange Benjamin Franklin logo and khaki pants.
Each student at Benjamin Franklin School will be issued one uniform polo top and one pair of khaki pants free of charge. Uniforms will be distributed when the district enters the Phase II part of the Reopening Plan.
Additional Benjamin Franklin School Uniform Polo Shirt: $10 each (2XL and 3XL $12 each). Order at Benjamin Franklin School. Payment must accompany order.
Administrative Policy 8.20: Uniforms and Student Dress Code
Attendance:
PHASE I VIRTUAL LEARNING:
Students will be marked “present” if they participate in any part of the school day (and have direct contact with their teacher). This is designed to accommodate a variety of circumstances for students and their families.
Parents we need YOU… to help your child STRIVE FOR FIVE!
Please ensure your child is in school and on time daily.
Testing Dates can be found here.
