October 23, 2026

In this issue...

Annual PTO Fundraiser
Monthly PTO Meeting
PTO Open Board Positions and Project Support
Grant Committee Members
Featured Open Board Member - Fundraising Chair
Grant Proposals due 11/27
Badger Football Parking
In School Volunteer Opportunities
Franklin and Randall Lunch/Recess
Additional Franklin Volunteer Opportunities
Fall Costume Playdate 10/24
Franklin Picture Day on 10/27
Box Tops Fundraiser
Community and Afterschool Opportunities
Chess Club
Dates to Remember

Annual PTO Fundraiser

The Annual PTO Fundraiser is one of the most important ways we support our schools. We’re off to a strong start this year - so far, we’ve raised $3766! Our goal is $13,000; if each family contributes just $20 per student, we can reach this goal together!

The money we raise helps provide teachers with essential supplies, purchase software licenses, fund social justice programs, award grants to teachers, and more.

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.

Monthly PTO Meeting

Thank you to those who were able to attend our October meeting! Our next

meeting will be on November 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the Franklin Library.

You can read about what was discussed at the October meeting in our meeting minutes.

PTO Board Positions and Project Support

Grant Committee Members

We need two more volunteers to round out our grants committee!

The Committee reviews all grant proposals, recommending to the PTO Board which to award funds. Total time commitment is approximately 3 hours during the first week of December.

Please help this important PTO initiative to provide funding directly to our schools and students!

Contact email: soumya.palreddy@gmail.com

Featured Board Member Opening - Fundraising Chair!

Our fall fundraiser is well underway! We would love to find someone to come on board to the Fundraising Chair role for the remainder of this year to learn the ropes with the goal of taking the lead in the next school year. Some of the highlights of this role include:

*Manage and lead the fall fundraiser (this work is mostly done for 26-27!)

*Provide feedback to the Franklin Playground Committee

*Provide thought leadership on future fundraising efforts

*Work closely with PTO Treasurers and Communications team to strategize

Please email Kate Freedman at president@franklinrandallpto.org to learn more.

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.

Open positions are posted on the Board positions and Committees page.

Or visit the Volunteer Page for all open volunteer opportunities.

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

Call for Grant Proposals

The Franklin-Randall PTO is excited to launch the grants program again for this year! Teachers, students, and community members are invited to submit grant proposals for projects that align with school and community needs, but do not have allocated funding from the school. The available budget for 2026-2027 is $4,000 and each individual grant can be for up to $1,000.

Grant applications will be accepted through November 27th. Applicants will be notified during the week of December 15th. Teachers, staff, students, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to apply!

The application, program details, and past funded projects can be found on the Grants page on the PTO website.

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.

Please sign up here!

Lunch and Recess Volunteers Needed

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 needed on Mondays with open shifts starting on November 9th.

Sign up here.

These require prospective volunteers to get their Level 2 certification through MMSD! Here is the page and process for your information!

NOTE: Looking to help our schools by donating materials? Check out our current needs on our Community Support page.

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

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 here.

Franklin Picture Day

Tuesday, October 27, 8am - 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.

Box Tops Fundraiser

Support the PTO with Box Tops for Education

Please join the Franklin – Randall PTO in earning cash for our schools by using the Box Tops app. It’s an easy way to make a difference. Get the app to get started.

Since July we have raised $49.80 through this program.

Kindergarten is currently winning (has the most box tops earned), followed by 3rd Grade and then 1st Grade.

Community and Afterschool 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.

Important Dates to Remember

Franklin-Randall PTO Calendar

2026/2027 MMSD School Year Calendar

Saturday 10/24 10:30-Noon Fall Costume Playdate
Tues 10/27: Franklin Picture Day
Mon 11/2 - Tues 11/3: No School
Tues 11/10: PTO Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Library
Wed 11/25 - Mon 11/30: No School (fall break)
Tues 12/8: PTO Meeting 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Library
Mon 12/21/26 - Fri 1/1/27: No School (winter break)

Franklin School Flyers

Randall School Flyers

Goals of the Franklin-Randall Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) include helping children, parents, teachers and schools build a strong and positive school community.

Have something to share? Use our web form.

PTO Website