Access to Devices for Fall 2020 School Year

As you know we started teaching remotely (Distance Learning) in March 2020.  At the end of last school year, we asked for feedback from students, parents and teachers to improve student engagement and achievement during this new way of providing instruction.  We incorporated this feedback to plan the start of the new school year with the expectation to continue Distance Learning. During the weeks of August 10^thand August 17^th, Franklin staff have been calling families and asking about your most current contact information, and inquiring about your device needs. If you have not received a phone call or other form of contact from a representative from Franklin Middle School, please call the school and leave a detailed message with your name, your students name and a phone number to reach you. We will then follow up with you to ensure we have the proper information about what access to devices or internet support you may need to be able to start the school year successfully. 

Once we have information about families that need a device(s), we will reach out to inform you of when you may come to the school to pick up devices or supplies that you may need. 

School Supplies

Below are the suggested school supplies that will help support your student(s) during the distance learning start of school year. At Franklin, we suggest you attempt to color code subject areas in an effort to support organization as follows: Science – Green, Math – Blue, Social Studies – Yellow, ELA – Red, Specialists – Purple 

Suggested School Supplies for Distance Learning

●              Headphones/Earbuds (3.5 mm jack)

●              College-Ruled Paper

●              Blank white paper

●              Notebooks (college-ruled)

●              2 pocket folders

●              Small pencil sharpener

●              Eraser

●              Pens

●              2 Composition Notebooks

●              Markers

●              Colored Pencils

●              Ruler (6” inch/cm)

●              Pencil Case

●              Packet of ¼ Graph Paper (50 pages) can be printed via document center

●              3-Ring Binder

●              Highlighter

Bell Schedule

What is Distance Learning?

It is doing school work from home, either online or through paper packets. Distance Learning is focused on:

• Learning content in each subject, not the time spent doing it.
• Choices based on how students learn, their needs, interests and abilities.
• Independent school work.
• Quality not quantity of the work the student does every day.

What if my child needs a device to do Distance Learning?

Information on how MPS is distributing devices to students who need them is available here.

What should I expect from my child’s teacher?

Your teacher should provide information such as:

• Independent reading or read-aloud time
• The times that your teacher will be online for a lesson or just for questions
• The times your teacher  may be calling or emailing you
• Suggestions for games or activities that will help understanding
• Homework that should be completed
• And don’t be surprised by a creative idea or two, or three!

Does my child have to begin and end their learning day at the same time as other students in their class?

Students are not expected to begin and end class at the same time. The time students spend doing lessons from home is not going to be the same  as the time spent at school. Each school will communicate with families about the expectation of student contact hours with their teacher.

What mental health supports are available for students and families?

If your child receives school-based mental health services when school is in session, these services are still available when school is closed. Your health care provider should have already reached out to you. If not, please call your school social worker to get reconnected.

For families, a mental health support line is available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday with support for multiple languages. Call 612.767.4158. The service will link students, families and staff to a therapist and other resources.

Find out more about mental health resources.

Distance Learning attendance guidance for MPS families

Student attendance is a responsibility shared by staff, students, and families in Minneapolis Public Schools. During Distance Learning—when students are not in their school classrooms—we will continue to adhere to MPS Policy 5100, which requires schools to record student attendance daily. Family responsibilities during Distance Learning

• Identify a space in your home for student learning.
• Encourage your child to participate in Distance Learning daily.
• Inform the teacher if something is preventing your child from participating or if you have other questions or concerns.
• Call this phone number if your child is going to be absent: 612.668.1200.
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