October 9, 2026

In this issue...

PTO Meeting 10/13
PTO Open Board Positions and Project Support
Grant Committee
Featured Open Board Member
Annual PTO Fundraiser
Box Tops Fundraiser
Badger Football Parking
MMSD Volunteer Approval Process
In School Volunteer Opportunities
Franklin and Randall Lunch/Recess
Additional Franklin Volunteer Opportunities
Franklin Picture Day on 10/27
Fall Costume Playdate 10/24
Franklin Randall Opportunities
Chess Club
Randall Advanced Writing Options
Parent Square for Families
Community and Afterschool Opportunities
Black Parent Summit on 10/24
Dates to Remember

PTO Meeting Reminder

Tuesday, October 13 at 5:30 pm

Franklin Elementary School Library

Please join us!

Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/qur-erhz-szi

Agenda: https://franklinrandallpto.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-13-Franklin_Randall_PTO_Agenda.pdf

September Meeting Minutes: https://franklinrandallpto.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026.09.08-PTO-Meeting-Minutes.docx.pdf

PTO Board Positions and Project Support

We need your help! The Board is lacking support in several critical areas. We are especially in need of a PTO Vice President, Fundraising Chair, Volunteer Coordinator, and Community Liaison.

Here is the link to the Board positions and Committees that are open: https://franklinrandallpto.org/pto-board/

Here is the link to the Volunteer Page with all open options: https://franklinrandallpto.org/volunteering/

Grant Committee seeks volunteers

We are currently seeking three to five Grant Committee volunteers. The Committee reviews all grant proposals, recommending to the PTO Board which to award funds. To make recommendations, Grant Committee members use a rubric and discuss applications with each other. Total time commitment is approximately 3 hours during the first week of December.

Contact email: soumya.palreddy@gmail.com

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CAAAB2AA0FCC34-65902156-2627#/

Featured Board Member Opening

Please email Kate Freedman at president@franklinrandallpto.org to learn more about Franklin-Randall PTO Board openings

We would love to find a Community Engagement Chair! This PTO Board Member would work closely with school social workers and other school staff to ensure that the PTO's work extends to our entire community. This position is a revitalized role, and projects *could* include:

*Auditing the Community Closets monthly

*Coordinating food drives as needed

*Liaising with Bayview

*Supporting Read Your Heart Out Month

*Working Closely with our Grants Coordinator

*Introducing new families to the work of the PTO, sharing ways to get involved, and supporting inclusivity at PTO events

*Finding ways to involve families with different schedules, languages, backgrounds, and access needs

*Monitoring and updating the Community Support asks on our website.

Annual PTO Fundraiser

The Annual PTO Fundraiser is one of the most important ways we support our schools—and we truly need your help! More than 25% of the PTO budget goes directly into classrooms, providing teachers with essential supplies and helping purchase software licenses used by students across both schools. The remainder of the income funds social justice programs, the grants program, community building, and more.

This year, our goal is $13,000. If each family contributed just $20 per student, we would reach it together!

HOW TO GIVE:

- Donating securely online through our PayPal account

- Mailing a check (made out to: Franklin-Randall PTO) to Franklin or Randall school

- Sending a check in an envelope with your student to school to give to their teacher

- Asking your employer to match your donation to double your impact.

Visit the PTO website to learn more.

Box Tops Fundraiser

Families - Sign up for Box Tops and support Franklin or Randall! An app makes it easy to scan receipts for qualifying groceries and other items you've already purchased. Each automatically identified item earns the school 10¢, adding up to real funds for students and teachers! Get the app here.

Badger Football Parking

Parking at Randall School for Badger Football Home Games is the largest Franklin-Randall PTO fundraiser! Without this fundraiser, the PTO could not support teacher grants, licenses for educational programs, and beloved events.

On Game Days, we need help directing parkers (volunteers new to parking will be partnered with an experienced PTO Member) and cleaning up the lot the day after game days.

**We need 1-2 Volunteers for each of the following dates:**

November 7th (time TBA)
November 27th from 3:00-6:30 p.m.

**We also need volunteers for clean up on November 28!**

Please sign up here!

*This is a great event to do with a friend!

MMSD Volunteer Approval Process

We’re excited to share several important ways you can support our school community in the coming weeks. Whether you have a little time or are looking for a more ongoing opportunity, your involvement makes a meaningful difference!

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at Franklin and Randall! Both schools ask for support at lunch and recess, in classrooms, chaperoning field trips, reading or doing math 1:1 with students, and completing special projects. All of these require prospective volunteers to get their Level 2 certification through MMSD! Here is the page and process for your information!

Have any questions about volunteering?

Please email: volunteer@franklinrandallpto.org

Lunch and Recess Volunteers Needed

Please consider supporting Franklin and Randall lunch and recess times by providing an extra pair of hands.

Franklin volunteers are needed every day from 10:45-11:30 (1st grade), 11:15-11:50 (2nd grade), and 11-12 (Kindergarten)

Franklin Volunteers: Please indicate your availability here.

Randall Volunteers sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CAAAB2AA0FCC34-65412027-2627#/

Additional Franklin Volunteer Opportunities

Franklin has a range of needs for support, including literacy volunteers, math volunteers, and special projects.

Please fill out this form to indicate your interest and receive more information!

Fresh Veggies

Last year, an incredible community member generously donated $100 worth of fresh produce each month to support our students and families. With our wonderful volunteer stepping down, we're looking for someone (or a small group!) to help keep this program going.

If you are interested in contributing financially, available weekly to transport the vegetables from Park Street to Franklin, or want to learn more about how you can support this project in other ways, please email: nsevier@madison.k12.wi.us and president@franklinrandallpto.org

Additional Randall Volunteer Opportunities

Franklin Picture Day

Tuesday, October 27, 8-1pm

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVT46XJTC. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!

Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.

Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com

Student Data Safety and Security:

As the only SOC 3 compliant partner in school photography, Lifetouch delivers unmatched protection for student and staff information - backed by third‑party verification and trusted by schools nationwide. Learn more here.

Fall Costume Playdate

Saturday, October 24, 10:30-noon

Franklin Elementary Playground

Join the Franklin-Randall PTO for a Costume Playdate*! This free event is for all Franklin and Randall students and families (including siblings).

There will be popcorn & cider, a costume parade, and fun with classmates and friends. Stay as long as you dare! Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

*Children must have a guardian present during the event. There will be no access to restrooms.

Interested in volunteering or have questions? Contact Amanda at argfranklin99@gmail.com, scan the QR code, or sign up at the link below:

https://tinyurl.com/45kkp8x9

Franklin and Randall Opportunities

Chess Club

The Chess Club has additional spaces! New this year, the Chess Club meets weekly from 2:30-3:30 on Thursdays in the Randall LMC. The Club will meet through November 5 and hopefully beyond.

Please contact Randall parent Biz Ireland at eyostireland@gmail.com if your child is interested in participating.

Randall Advanced Writing Options

Every year, students in grades 3-5 have the option of participating in advanced writing and art opportunities. Ms. Darby is presenting those to classes mid-September. Please refer to this one-page summary, and then contact her with any questions after talking with your student. For more information, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hml5OXAj5NTj4RXkdiZrZqSgbZZU8jQ-/view?usp=drive_link