WELCOME BACK, TIGERS!
FIRST DAY FOR STUDENTS—TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026
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Dear Franklin Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We hope your summer was filled with rest, laughter, and wonderful memories. The arrival of a new school year brings a fresh wave of energy, and our team has been working tirelessly to prepare for a safe and welcoming return to school for FES students on August 18!
If you’ve been in the Franklin community for a number of years, you know that we have "Franklin-ized" the NASD tiger mascot by putting a “Get After It” bandana on him. And you likely know that we establish annual themes and mantras around which we focus our work. Our themes are not just words on the back of a shirt, posters on a wall, or catchy phrases. Rather, these are guiding principles that inspire everything we do. Last year we were On a Mission; this year we are taking our mindset to the next level. For the 2026–2027 school year, Franklin Elementary is embracing a culture of Extreme Ownership.
What do we mean by Extreme Ownership? To put it simply: we take full responsibility for our actions, our successes, and our failures. There are no excuses, no shifting the blame, and no finger-pointing. Extreme Ownership is a call to action that changes the language from “I can’t” or “It’s THEIR fault” to “What can I do to fix this?” It is rooted in the ancient quote, “If not me, who? If not now, when?” that challenges us to accept personal responsibility for our lives, to stop waiting for someone else to step up, and to act immediately. At Franklin, we do not fear failure; rather, we embrace it and let it fuel us! We learn from mistakes made. We do not sit on the sideline and expect others to do all the work; we roll up our sleeves and get to work! For our staff, Extreme Ownership is a commitment to owning our environment, our instructional practices, our data, and the positive attitude we bring to these hallways every single day to ensure our students thrive.
| | For our students, Extreme Ownership means recognizing that they are the drivers of their own education. You have the power to make a difference, and the best time to take action is now! Don’t wait for someone else to be the leader, the friend, or the hardest worker. This is your year to step up! In the process, we fully understand and expect that students will make mistakes this year. Mistakes are a natural part of growing up! We don't want our students to hide from them. Rather, we encourage students to take ownership of those mistakes, lean into those mistakes, look at them honestly, and learn from them to build true grit and resilience. | | | |
Parents...this is a shared journey, and your involvement, encouragement, and support are vital to your child’s success. We invite you to partner with us in cultivating this mindset of Extreme Ownership—encouraging your children to take responsibility for their schoolwork, their choices, their actions, and their growth. We will celebrate their victories; we will celebrate their effort; we will celebrate their leadership. And when they stumble, we will work together to help them own it, fix it, and move forward in fierce fashion.
As leaders of this fine school, we are supremely proud of what we continue to accomplish academically. However, we are even more proud of the qualities we instill in our students to help them develop into the strong, tough, resilient, empathetic, and courageous future leaders of society. We simply cannot wait to GET AFTER IT with all of you this school year. We thank you in advance for your support, collaboration, and dedication to helping us maximize your child’s elementary school experience.
~ Mr. Jeff Anderchak, Principal
~ Mrs. Audra Meehan, Assistant Principal
| | We are incredibly proud of our Franklin FIERCE PBIS (positive behavior intervention system) framework. This framework, within which students earn Tiger Tickets for their FIERCE behaviors, outlines the building-wide behavioral expectations for students and staff in a meaningful and empowering manner. In this framework, we embrace the motto, “We are Franklin FIERCE.” | | FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK | | |
The Franklin Elementary School (FES) Handbook is designed to provide you with the information you need about our school’s procedures, programs, and activities. Please use this handbook for guidance and reference throughout the academic year. Once you read through the information, please contact the school’s office if you have any specific questions.
A handbook and code of conduct sign-off form will be available the week of August 3 in PowerSchool. Please sign off that you have reviewed and understand the handbook and NASD Code of Conduct. Completing this PowerSchool form will ensure that you have access to PowerSchool to view schedules on the release date.
| | KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION REMINDER | |
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
AM KG: 9:30 AM | PM KG: 1:00 PM
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We are so excited to meet our incoming kindergarten students who will make up the NASD Graduating Class of 2039!
More specific information about Kindergarten Orientation was emailed to incoming kindergarten families. If you have not received that correspondence, please contact the FES Main Office at (412) 366-9663.
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Thursday, August 6, 2026
10:00 AM
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We are so excited to meet the newest members of our Franklin Family!
We invite all NEW students in Grades 1-5 to attend an informal New Student/Parent Orientation Session on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM in our school cafeteria. The session will last approximately one hour. At that time, school personnel will answer any questions you may have and take you on a short building tour. You will have the opportunity to see a few classroom spaces and confirm your classroom assignment.
We hope you can attend, and we look forward to meeting each of you. Welcome to Franklin!
| | FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE | |
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Our school’s open house event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your student’s experience here at Franklin Elementary School.
Open House will be held for K-5 families and students on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
- 5:30-6:00 pm ~ Families in our English Language Development Program
- 6:00-6:45 pm ~ Families of students with last names A-M
- 7:00-7:45 pm ~ Families of students with last names N-Z
If any family is unable to come during their assigned time, you are welcome to come during the other time slot.
| | STUDENT HOMEROOMS & SCHEDULES | | |
We have several new staff members this year, as well as staff who are in new positions. Please join us in welcoming our new FES Staff Members:
- Mrs. Amy Kappel (Student Service Asst)
- Mr. Dale Altman (Special Ed Paraprofessional)
- Ms. Emma Libert (Student Teacher; 2A & Learning Support)
Please view the 2026–2027 FES Homeroom Teacher List.
| | CLASSROOM & SCHOOL SUPPLIES | | |
Although our District supplies many of the items that your student needs, there may be some additional items your student's teacher requests that they bring to school.
Below are the suggested supply lists by grade level. Once your student’s teacher is assigned, they may reach out with specific supply needs:
| | ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL AT FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY | | For the safety of our students, staff, and car riders, our school has specific procedures during arrival and dismissal. Please review the FES Arrival and Dismissal Plans for detailed procedures. | | |
Our Transportation Department looks forward to seeing your students return for the 2026-27 school year!
BUS ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN PowerSchool
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Student bus assignments will be available in PowerSchool on August 6, 2026, by approximately 6:00 PM.
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To locate your student’s bus assignment, log into PowerSchool, locate the navigation menu, and select the Transportation Info button (which features a yellow school bus icon). From there, you’ll be presented with your student’s transportation information, including times and address intersections.
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- Drivers are testing routes at the end of July/early August, which may result in a change to your student's bus assignment.
- If your student's transportation is provided by a non-NASD transportation company, you will be contacted separately with the bus assignment.
- If you are a late enrollment, or you have not received your bus information by Wednesday, August 12, please submit a request through the North Allegheny Transportation Help Desk to connect with our Transportation Department.
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You can submit a ticket to:
- Report on-time bus issues
- Request changes to your student's bus stop
- Report lost items left on the bus
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Access Application for Alternate Bus Stop; Bus Stop Change Request Form; Shared Custody Form
If you have questions about bus assignments, visit the NA Transportation Department website, and be sure to review the School Bus Safety Tips with your student.
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BUS TAGS
The bus tag(s) were mailed to each household. If you did not receive anything in the mail by August 12, please call the FES main office.
The colors used are:
- Kindergarten – Orange
- Grade 1 – White
- Grade 2 – Red
- Grade 3 – Green
- Grade 4 – Blue
- Grade 5 – Yellow
Please complete the bus tag and attach it to your child’s backpack. This will help us direct children to the correct homeroom or bus.
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Welcome back to FES! We hope everyone had a happy and healthy summer! Mrs. Meder will be at FES full-time this school year, ready to take care of our Franklin Family.
Medication drop-off for this school year is
Thursday, August 11, 2026
As always, you can review all forms and information on the NASD Health Services Page.
| | GRADE 5 CAMP KON-O-KWEE EXPERIENCE | | FES Grade 5 students will participate in our Camp Kon-O-Kwee outdoor educational experience on September 17 & 18. Students have the OPTION for the overnight experience OR a day-only (September 17) experience. More information will be shared by the Grade 5 team once school starts! | | |
Parents are a vital part of the Franklin community! We encourage you to join the Franklin Parent-Faculty Association (PFA).
FES PFA Executive Board
- Co-Presidents: Samantha Caruthers & Kira Posteraro
- Co-Vice Presidents: Crystal Risacher & Sara Stone
- Secretary: Surbhi Kapoor
- Treasurer: Chris Speaker
- Communications/Newsletter: Jessika Coltz
- Website/Forms: Amanda Korenoski
✉️ Contact the Franklin PFA Executive Board via Email
The Franklin PFA seeks to enhance communication among the school district administration, faculty, and parents/guardians. The PFA also funds and runs many school enrichment programs, such as assemblies, field trips, and the Back-to-School picnic. Meetings are held monthly and everyone is invited to attend. Get involved in the many activities provided for our students.
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Stay connected with NA on social media!
#NASDlearns
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