The Bridge Newsletter

September 21st, 2023

Classroom Highlight: Cascade

By Ashlee Bednar

My name is Ashlee and I am the new teacher in Lower School's Cascade Falls Classroom. I'm excited about our social studies and science curricula. We're starting our social studies class by learning about Minnesota. Through interactive google classroom pages, we will go on a scavenger hunt for information about Minnesota, use Google Earth to learn about the geography of Minnesota, and do many more fun activities! We will then create our own state that we'll use in an election unit. In science, we'll focus on Earth and Space. I am very excited for all of the fun learning opportunities we are going to have this year, as well as getting the chance to learn more about each student!

Franklin Center Playground Open

At Franklin Center, we are sincere in our promise to foster social/emotional relationships. Opening the playground to our families during non-school hours is an opportunity to support this goal.

The playground will be open from 5:00- 8:00 pm weekdays and 8:00 am- 8:00 pm weekends. If you plan to use the playground, please fill out the waiver attached below. If you have any questions, contact the Donna Grubka at dgrubka@gmail.com

Owl's Nest Update

Owl's Nest is a before and after school program available Monday-Friday. The program provides a safe, fun and productive environment for Franklin Academy students while their parents are at work.

This year, we are introducing the Yearbook Club during Owl's Nest. Starting Wednesday, September 13th, students that are registered for Owl's Nest have the option to develop photography skills, design skills, and editing skills in Yearbook Club. To register, please review the form below:

Owl's Nest Registration Form

If you have any questions regarding Yearbook Club, please contact Chloe at chloe.herzog@franklinmn.org

Session One Clubs Registration Deadline

Clubs are a way for Franklin students to explore new interests, meet like- minded individuals, and engage in various activities. Registration deadline for Session One is Wednesday, September 27th. To register, log into your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. Clubs that are crossed out on the flyer are full. If a club is cancelled, you will be notified by Wednesday, September 27th. Review our updated club list below!

Activity Days Announced

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Activity Days! We've planned an array of exciting activities to keep students entertained and engaged on days with no school. To register, log into your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. Please note: More details to come for 2024 winter/ spring Activity Days. Learn more in the flyer below:



If you have any questions related to after-school activities or Activity Days, please contact Chloe at chloe.herzog@franklinmn.org

Kim Snow, Executive Director

Happy Fall!

We are just finishing our first four weeks of school and love having our students back in the building. It got rather quiet over the summer, so it is good to have the energy and enthusiasm your students bring back in our walls.

This year also represents our 20th year as an organization and school. The Whole Learning School was founded in 2003 by a group of parents that needed a place for their special children. It has been quite a journey as what started as a small school for a handful of parents has evolved into the Franklin Center with 5 program areas that work together to transform lives each and every day. 

We want to celebrate this milestone throughout the school year both at in-person events and through our marketing and social media efforts. Kelsey Goth is working on several different ways to share our story; you will hear more from her in the next few weeks.What makes our story special is your story, so we are hoping you will share your stories as part of our 20th Anniversary celebration. More to come…

I am honored to be leading our organization after 20 years and look forward to continuing to grow and thrive as we plan for the 20 years ahead.

All my best,

Kim

Donna Grubka

Parent Connections

donna.grubka@franklinmn.org

Kim Snow

Executive Director

kim.snow@franklinmn.org

Kim Strandemo

Academy Principal

kim.strandemo@franklinmn.org