Franklin Elementary School

This past week, we participated in the Welcoming Walkthrough, a statewide initiative designed to bring together families, students, staff, and community partners. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how our school environment fosters a strong sense of belonging for all. Together with central office staff and facilitators from the State Department of Education, our team examined key components of the “Welcoming Initiative,” including written materials, the physical environment, welcoming staff, and school policies.

It was heartwarming to hear participants’ perspectives on our school’s welcoming atmosphere. The facilitator shared overwhelmingly positive feedback—especially highlighting how caring and inclusive our school community feels. I was particularly proud of our student leaders and the important role they played in spotlighting opportunities to strengthen school connectedness. This experience allowed us to celebrate what’s going well while thoughtfully reflecting on areas for continued growth.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Bernard, Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. Gonzalez for representing our families. Your voices and insights are incredibly valuable, and we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership. We look forward to building on this important work together!