District Newsletter - December 2020
The School Committee recently adopted the skills, descriptors, and the graphical representation of the District's Portrait of a Graduate. The Portrait of a Graduate represents the community’s consensus of five essential skills each student practices and develops, individually and collaboratively through teamwork throughout all grades in Franklin Public Schools. Understanding that the development of these skills is a lifelong process, FPS looks to provide a foundation for graduates’ future learning, growth, fulfillment, and success.

  • Confident & Self-Aware Individual
  • Empathetic & Productive Citizen
  • Reflective & Innovative Problem-Solver
  • Curious & Creative Thinker
  • Effective Communicator & Collaborator

Additional language that describes the skills in more detail can be found HERE.
In order to keep our FPS Community informed of the most recent data related to COVID-19 in our schools and the community, we have developed a COVID-19 Dashboard. It is updated weekly with the latest available information. You can find this dashboard on our website and also on the reopening website.
As we enter another winter season, please make note of our Inclement Weather & School Closing Information. There are unique emergency plans for the 20-21 school year.
In the event of school closure due to weather, FPS Food services will not be holding meal pick-ups at FHS. Every attempt will be made to plan for this in advance and distribute multiple meals prior to a forecasted storm.
The FHS ceramics classes have been working hard to create pieces of art remotely, picking up clay and other materials consistently since September! Ms. Brenna Johnson, one of the art teachers at FHS, recently shared how they are making it all work, along with some examples of the beautiful pieces being created by our talented students! Some of the logistical challenges that she describes are certainly unique to ceramics, however, they are representative of the type of coordination and distribution that is happening district-wide. To read more about the ceramics program and to see some photos of the creation process and student work, click the link below.
Listen to our latest podcast with the FPS Nurses! Topics covered include:

  • FPS Dismissal Procedures
  • Reporting of Absences for both confirmed or suspected Covid-19 and non-covid related scenarios
  • Testing and Timelines
  • Travel Information
  • Over the Counter Medicine
  • Where to find information!
Join SWAC's "Give 2020 the Boot (Camp) December Fitness Challenge! Plus: Tips on Healthy Choices in Times of Stress.
It is never too late to start a healthy habit!
Join SWAC (School Wellness Advisory Council) in giving 2020 the BOOT by participating in the December Fitness Challenge! Find a curated list of exercises and activities to get you through the month and into a brighter and healthier 2021! There are many ways to participate. Click on the link to find details, including links to exercises and a printable calendar to keep track of your progress!

While this time of year is often filled with excitement and fun, it can be a time of stress for our families as well. Please see the attached graphic which outlines tips for making healthy choices during times of stress.
Two FHS DECA students, Rachael Yuan and Rania Alshawabkeh, have curated a series of newsletters aimed at encouraging student financial literacy. These newsletters were created as part of a DECA project and each one focusses on age-appropriate topics. Find them linked HERE! Great job!
Franklin Public Schools