Virtual Learning Landing Page

August 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

On behalf of the entire Franklin Staff, I would like to welcome you to the 2020-2021 school year. Whether you are a returning family or new to Franklin, we want to provide you with a few updates to start the year.

My name is Sylla Zarov, and I am beginning my 6th year as the principal at Franklin. The students call me Mrs. Z. , but please feel free to call me Sylla (syllable without the-ble). I am so lucky to be joined by Kory Wood (Mr. Wood), who is our principal intern this year. He is currently getting his law and ed leadership degree from UW-Madison. WOW!!!

We are excited to provide your child with an authentic, welcoming, and rigorous virtual learning experience and are committed to partnering with you to make that happen. The first day of school for all students will be Tuesday September 8th. You will receive specific log in information plus a lot of other information in the next few weeks from your classroom teacher and from school. Anything that we email you will also be on our Franklin 411 Virtual Learning Landing Page. Please note that the second day of school, Wednesday, September 9th, is an asynchronous day of instruction. There will be no live lessons taught during this time, but your child will still have work to do independently.

Please join me in welcoming these amazing folks to our Franklin School community this year:

• Natalie Hanson, First Grade Teacher

• Maria Loy, Social Worker and Culture and Climate Coach

• Gabby Potter, Speech and Language

• Kenny Lee, .1 Physical Education

• Kory Wood, Principal Intern

We also have some staff who have switched roles for this upcoming school year:

• Beth Loheide, First Grade Teacher

• Tori Wenthe, Instructional Coach

As you prepare for the start of the school year, here are a few things you should know:

School Supplies

The school supply list can be found on our school’s website. You should determine what supplies will best support your child during virtual learning. We are awaiting word from MMSD about home learning supply kits that will be available for all families and also about a materials distribution day that will happen during the first weeks of school.

If you are in need of assistance with school supplies for your child, please fill out this google form to indicate what supplies you need.

First Day of School

The first day of school for all students is Tuesday September 8th. We will start virtually. Look for a letter from me and your child’s homeroom teacher regarding specifics to virtual learning and the online platform we will be using.

Here is the K-2 Daily Schedule for virtual learning:

Monday-Friday Start of Instructional Day: 8:30 am

Monday-Friday End of Instructional Day: 3:30 pm

Click here if you have questions about this schedule

Franklin’s Supplemental Guide to the District’s School Policy

Take a moment to read and go over Franklin’s supplemental guide to the district’s school policy. In this policy guide, we discuss expectations around teaching and learning, behavior, and daily operations.

Breakfast & Lunch

MMSD will be offering curbside meal service at 40 school sites starting the week of September 8, 2020. Each site will have pickup one day per week for family convenience. Students will receive a meal box with all of the components for 5 balanced breakfast and lunch meals that meet the requirements for the National School Lunch & Breakfast Programs.

• Pickup times and locations are being finalized and will be shared soon.

• Each 5 day box is about 12"X 9"X 9" in size and weighs just under 10 pounds.

• Milk will be available as an option.

• A pre-order button and instructions on how to order will be available on our website as the start of school approaches.

• Students or parents will need to provide the student name and student ID number at the time of pickup.

• Full pay and reduced eligible students should have funds in their account to cover the cost of the meal pickup. The account will be charged at the time of pickup.

• Please remember to apply for free & reduced meal benefits during enrollment this year. You need to apply each school year.

Stay tuned for more information on our website and in this newsletter as we continue our planning process to ensure students have access to nutritious meals during our virtual learning environment.

Additional Supports

We are here to welcome, serve, and assist you in starting your child off on a great start to the new school year. If we can be of assistance to you, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Here are some key people you can reach out to for more information or assistance. If you do not see a phone number next to a staff person’s name, we recommend that you reach out via email due to them being part time employees at Franklin and not working from school during virtual learning.

Principal: Sylla Zarov, szarov@madison.k12.wi.us 608-204-2305

Principal Intern: Kory Wood, kswood@madison.k12.wi.us

Secretary: Diane Kopan, dkopan@madison.k12.wi.us, 608-204-2293

Social Worker: Maria Loy, mgloy@madison.k12.wi.us 608-960-8350

Psychologist: Saycha Basken, smbasken@madison.k12.wi.us

Nurse: Amber Smid,agsmid@madison.k12.wi.us

We look forward to a great year at Franklin! Take care and we will see you soon.

Respectfully,

Sylla Zarov

Principal, Franklin Elementary