Franklin Area School District

Mr. Mark Loucks, Superintendent

40 Knights Way

Franklin, PA 16323

814-432-2121

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I apologize for the lack of introduction, but I am the new interim superintendent, Mr. Mark Loucks. The current pandemic has made formal introductions nearly impossible. Despite our current reality, I still believe we can overcome the adversity and make this experience uniquely successful for our kids!

“Adversity” refers to on-line or remote learning. Currently, the Franklin Area School District is operating under an Enrichment and Review plan. To this point, all students have been asked to participate in lessons posted on google sites. The goal has been to review and enrich previous classroom learning. Since we entered into this plan, our goal has been to transition into classroom instruction. I believe we are ready to begin the transition, which will do even more to meet the educational needs of our kids.

Starting May 4^th, Franklin Area School District will increase the expectations for all students by determining a pass/fail grade. It will be based upon effort and attendance (logging in). For any student considered to be actively engaged in the lessons posted by their teacher, and log in at least two times a week, they will earn a 100% for the 4 weeks of classroom instruction. If your child fails to put forth the effort considered appropriate and they continuously fail to log in, they will earn a 50% for the 4 weeks of classroom instruction. Your child’s teacher will determine the effort put forth and the number of times he/she has logged in. For any student, who does not make an adequate effort to complete the assignments but does log in at least two times a week, an average of 75% will be earned. This scenario could be reversed, also resulting in a 75%.

For students who are completing packets, work will be reviewed for effort to determine pass/fail. Attendance will be considered passing if the packet is returned every Friday. Once again, failure in either category will result in an average of 75%. Failure in both categories will result in a 50%.

If you have any questions at all regarding our new Classroom Instruction Plan, please reach out to your building principal or myself. While nothing can ever replicate the meaningful experience of attending a brick and mortar school, it is our hope we have found a way to provide your child with the best educational experience possible. 

Thank you for your continued support as we improve. Franklin is a community that has withstood and encountered numerous changes. Through it all, we have remained a solid and supportive community, proven capable of handling anything thrown our way. Remote learning is yet one more challenge we will face and overcome. Stay safe, remain socially distant, and remember, “It will be ok, we can do this!”

Mr. Mark Loucks