Franklin Elementary Handbook
Franklin Elementary School Handbook
Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year at Franklin Elementary!
Dear Franklin Families,
Welcome to another exciting year at Franklin Elementary School!
On behalf of our exceptional staff, I am thrilled to welcome both new and returning families to the 2026–2027 school year. Franklin is more than a school—it is a place where students are known, valued, challenged, and celebrated every day. We are proud to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Franklin, we believe that every student has unique strengths, talents, and perspectives that enrich our school community. Our dedicated educators work tirelessly to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and encourage students to reach their full potential. We foster collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and a growth mindset while honoring the individuality and cultural backgrounds of every child.
One of the things that makes Franklin special is the strong sense of community that exists within our school. Students have opportunities to connect, lead, and grow through a variety of extracurricular activities, including Fox Council (Community Service and Spirit), Chess Club, and Garden Club. Through partnerships with community organizations and our outstanding PTA, we are able to offer enriching experiences for students and families before, during, and after the school day. These partnerships help create the welcoming, family-centered culture that makes Franklin such a remarkable place to learn and grow.
Here at Franklin, we have developed core cultural beliefs as a commitment to you and our students. Our core belief is that “Every Fox is Our Fox.”
What does that mean? It means that every student belongs, every student matters, and every student is supported by every adult in our building. Whether a staff member is a classroom teacher, specialist, office professional, paraeducator, custodian, or bus driver, we share responsibility for the success and well-being of every Franklin Fox.
Stemming from this belief, we are committed as a staff to our core values:
- Each Franklin Fox can learn and grow with MY support.
- We believe all students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally with the tools we provide.
- We are a staff that learns, grows, and supports one another.
- We are here for ALL of you and our students.
Belonging is at the heart of everything we do. We want every child and every family to feel welcomed, connected, and proud to be part of our Franklin Fox Family.
We deeply value the partnership between home and school and recognize that student success is strongest when families and educators work together. We encourage parents and guardians to remain actively involved in school activities, provide input, volunteer when possible, and help us continue building a vibrant learning community. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Michelle Dunlap in the office or visit our website for more information.
As we begin this new school year, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue to make Franklin Elementary a place where students feel inspired to learn, empowered to grow, and supported every step of the way.
Thank you for being part of the Franklin Fox Family. We look forward to an outstanding year with you!
Thank you,
Cameron Grow
Every Fox is Our Fox!
(509) 334-5641
Franklin Elementary Staff
School Arrival & Departure
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Students should not arrive on the grounds before 8:05 am. Our school doors do not open to students until 8:05. Students will enter through the lunchroom doors or front doors.
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We have two student drop-off and pick-up areas. One is located in the front of the building off of Klemgard (following the loop around the flagpole). The second is in the back of the building off of Carolstar (another pick up loop).
When picking up or dropping off, please follow these safety guidelines…
- Do not double park or stop in the left lane of either pick up loop.
- Find a spot that is empty and fully park on the right side of the loop.
- Drive very slowly and cautiously. Our pick-up areas are very congested with students.
- If you need to enter the building, please move your car to a safe area and park. NEVER leave smaller children or students unoccupied in your vehicle. We will contact the Pullman police department if we see any unsupervised small children left in unoccupied vehicles.
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Many of our students walk home within the immediate Pioneer Hill neighborhood. All students must abide by general safety rules when walking home. Crossing guards are provided on several busy corners around Franklin School (contact main school for specific corner information). We ask all Franklin students, parents, and Lincoln Middle School students to respect our safety patrol members and follow their directions when walking home.
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Franklin has two bike racks for parking student bicycles. We recommend a bike lock for securing your bicycle (one that is easy for a child to operate).
We have several safety policies for bike riders.
- Bike riders must always wear a helmet.
- Always obey general traffic and safety rules.
- Listen to staff and safety patrol members and follow directions.
- Walk your bike on school grounds and sidewalks where pedestrians are present.
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These rules were prepared by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction with the advice of the Chief of the Washington State Patrol and Director of Highways for the State of Washington.
When on the bus, please follow these safety guidelines…
- Students need to follow instructions and directions of the driver. They are in charge of the bus and the student riders.
- General classroom conduct and behavior must be observed.
- Students need to assist the driver in keeping the bus clean by not littering.
- No student shall at any time throw anything out of the bus windows or extend their head, hands, or arms out of the windows (regardless if the bus is traveling or standing still).
- Students need to remain seated while the bus is in motion. They are not to get up for a stop before the bus has securely reached a full stop.
- Students need to exit the bus in an orderly manner.
- Students must ONLY cross the street/ highway in the front of the school bus.
- No horseplay at the stop or in the roadway while waiting for a bus.
- Students that walk an extended distance on a highway must walk on the left-hand side facing on-coming traffic.
- Students must see that they have nothing in their possession that may cause injury to another (such as sticks, any type of firearms, straps, pins extending from their clothes, etc.).
- Each student must see that their books and personal belongings are kept out of the aisles.
If you have any questions about school bus transportation, please contact the Pullman transportation department at (509) 334-3911.
Serious and/or repeated offenses may lead to a student plan being put into place to address the behavior and/or loss of bus riding privileges.
The staff and parents of Franklin want your child to feel safe and secure at our school. Please consult the Pullman School District Rights and Responsibility Policy #3200 for additional information. You will find a copy of the policy on the Pullman School District website, elementary handbook, or you may request a copy from the office. We sincerely appreciate your support and assistance as we work to build a community of responsible citizens who can learn, work, and play with others throughout their lives!
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After school, students need to leave for home. Supervision ends at 3:00 pm.
In accordance with state law, students who wish to use the playground after school for free play need to report home before returning to the school grounds, no sooner than 3:20 pm
Other Important Items
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MORNING ARRIVAL
8:05 AM Enter for breakfast. 8:20 AM Classes begin. Tardy if not present. MORNING RECESS
9:30 AM-9:45 AM Grades K, 1 9:45 AM-10:00 AM Grades 2, 3, 4, 5* * optional LUNCH SCHEDULE
Grade Lunch Recess End of Recess Kindergarten 11:45 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 1st Grade 11:45 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 2nd Grade 11:45 AM 11:30 AM 11:45 AM 3rd Grade 11:25 AM 11:45 AM 12:05 PM 4th Grade 11:25 AM 11:45 AM 12:05 PM 5th Grade 11:25 AM 11:45 AM 12:05 PM AFTERNOON RECESS
1:30 PM-1:45 PM Grades K, 1, 2 1:45 PM-2:00 PM Grades 3, 4, 5 AFTERNOON DEPARTURE
2:50 PM Closing Bell 3:00 PM Supervision ends – students need to leave school grounds -
Our school district mission is "Ensuring Learning While Supporting and Challenging each Student to Achieve Full Potential”. Franklin mirrors that same mission. It is our opinion that an essential skill for persons who will live and work in the present and future world is the ability to communicate respectfully and problem-solve peacefully, even when disagreement is present.
Respectful behavior is expected of all children and adults at this school. To this end, we provide social/emotional and problem-solving learning opportunities using curricula and programs such as Second Step and DARE. We work diligently to teach expected behaviors continuously throughout the school year. Staff members engage in training opportunities and regular discussions related to this learning.
At Franklin, we stress the expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Safety through our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program. We begin each year by teaching expected behaviors school-wide and we continuously reinforce and reteach those expectations. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for students to learn these very important skills. In the interest of safety and respect, we do not allow any students to engage in fighting, rough hands-on play (like shoving, hitting, kicking, or aggressive physical contact) or in any type of bullying or harassment. We work diligently to help students learn what it looks like and feels like to function in a safe, respectful and responsible society. This continuous and intentional work assists in creating a positive and safe place for all children at Franklin Elementary.
As students are progressing through their childhood years and related developmental stages, they sometimes make mistakes. While ensuring the safety of all students, it is critically important that we help students who make mistakes learn from them, and that any relationship affected by the mistake is restored. Any consequence that a student may experience is turned into a learning opportunity so that the behavior has a lower chance of being repeated. This philosophy and our related practices are designed to ensure the social and emotional safety and well-being of all students.
When consequences become necessary, they may include:
- Recess or other free time, used to process the situation that occurred
- Lunch and/or lunch recess in the office, particularly for incidents related to those activities
- A consequence that remedies damage that may have been caused
Serious and/or repeated offenses may lead to a student plan being put into place to address the behavior.
The staff and parents of Franklin want your child to feel safe and secure at our school. Please consult the Pullman School District Rights and Responsibility Policy #3200 for additional information. You will find a copy of the policy on the Pullman School District website or you may request a copy from the office. We sincerely appreciate your support and assistance as we work to build a community of responsible citizens who can learn, work, and play with others throughout their lives.
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Old Capitol Building
PO Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
k12.wa.us
IMPLEMENTING STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICIES & PROCEDURES: RESARCH-BASED PRINCIPLES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS
In response to significant changes to OSPI discipline rules under Chapter 392-400 WAC, ,LOOK AT POLICY school districts are in the process of revising discipline policies and procedures at the local level. The following principles highlight the major policy areas educators need to be aware of to meet state requirements, and the research supporting why implementation is critical for improving equity and fairness in the administration of school discipline. ​​​​​​​
Engage Families, Students, and Staff in Discipline Decisions
- Research highlights the benefits of inclusive decision-making processes and family engagement
- OSPI rules provide multiple opportunities for meaningful parent and family communication
- School districts must consult with staff, students, and families about discipline policies
Eliminate Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies and Practices
- Research finds punitive practices can produce negative and racially disproportionate outcomes
- OSPI rules prohibit school districts from administering mandatory exclusionary discipline
- School districts may no longer immediately suspend a student for “exceptional misconduct”
Adopt Positive and Instructional Approaches to Behavior
- Research demonstrates restorative discipline approaches can mitigate disparities
- OSPI rules require district policies to identify best practices to support student behavior
- Educators must attempt or consider best practices before exclusionary discipline
Disrupt Inequitable Discipline Decision-Making Processes
- Research promotes strategies for neutralizing implicit bias in discipline decision-making
- OSPI rules establish procedures intended to slow down discipline decision-making processes
- Educators must consider individual circumstances, context of behavior, and school safety
Focus on the Classroom Context and Data-Informed Decision-Making
- Research shows disproportionality in discipline starts at the classroom level
- OSPI rules provide procedures for classroom exclusion and using disaggregated discipline data
- School administrators and teachers must collaboratively review building discipline standards
Resources and Contact Information
The following resources are available on OSPI’s Student Discipline website:
- Student Discipline Rules Q&A: A Technical Guide
- Behavior Menu of Best Practices and Strategies
- Discipline training content on Classroom Procedures and Administrative Procedures
For technical assistance and training contact:
Joshua Lynch, Student Discipline and Behavior Program Supervisor
joshua.lynch@k12.wa.us | 360-725-4969
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Dear Parents and Guardians:
In an effort to best meet the needs of all students, our district recently revised our policy related to food in classrooms. We have students in each of our schools diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies and others with food sensitivities. The changes made to our policy are intended to better care for our students and are the result of a recommendation from our district Wellness Committee. The Wellness Committee is comprised of school administrators, district employees, community members, and parents. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
We will no longer serve food on individual student birthdays. We will allow for activities involving food up to once a month in each classroom, at the teacher's discretion. Individual teachers will create their own classroom birthday recognition practices, which often include learning components on the student's special day. These events may have different themes and purposes at each grade level and may take the form of a combined monthly birthday celebration. In all cases, families will have prior notice of the events, including information about what types of food will be available, so that parents may plan alternative food options for their child if needed.
Food practices in individual classrooms will be mindful of life-threatening allergies, food sensitivities, health, and the potential for disruption, and will be communicated by individual classroom teachers. There are many occasions when we wish to recognize accomplishments of students, and we will continue to explore and implement strategies unrelated to food. We hope to create a safer, healthier environment, and minimize loss of instructional time throughout the school year. In order to move forward, we appreciate your help.
A list of approved snacks will be available in the school office and on our website. Please do not bring food to school unless pre-arranged with the school and/or classroom teacher. Instead of bringing food, please consider bringing stickers, pencils, erasers, etc. for birthday celebrations.
For further guidance see Pullman School District Administrative Procedure 6700P.
Thank you for your help and consideration in this matter. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have questions.
Sincerely,
Cameron Grow
Cameron Grow, Principal
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