Principal Message
 Many
people consider us the "best-kept secret" in town. Franklin
Avenue is a small K-5 neighborhood school tucked away on a residential
street behind the Westfield Armory. All of our 170 students walk
to school which allows us to talk with parents and familes on an
informal level.
Yes, this is a school where you will
find natural diversity. Our children are black, white, Hispanic,
and Asian. In our hallways and on our playgrounds you will hear
English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Ukrainian.
But it is not only our natural diversity
that makes Franklin Avenue a great place to spend your days. Our
classrooms are full of exciting lessons and activities taught at
every child's level. Our lessons in reading, writing and language
arts are grouped for every child's needs. At a monthly meeting,
all teachers of each child connect to discuss the progress of that
child and any changes in his/her programming for the next month.Our
school uses the Literacy Collaborative model at all grade levels
and has been highly trained in the use of Scientifically Based Reading
Instruction
We hold high expectations in all
curriculum areas and eliminate endless practice on skills already
mastered. Children are tested on math facts in addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division as well as on mastery of application
of these concepts. When mastery is shown, each child receives a
"calculator pass" that allows him/her to use a calculator.
As children master neatness and accuracy in printing and cursive
writing, they are released from the practice of these skills and
use their time in other learning. Every child has daily use of computers
in the classroom, the library or the computer lab. From word processing
to typing skills to curriculum programs, the computers are an integrated
facet of our daily learning.
Our learning isn't only academic.
We have newsletters that keep parents informed of school happenings
and also provide parenting tips. Our PTO, School Council, Steering
Committee, Title I and SPED PACs are viable groups working to improve
the school. This year our major goal is continued improvement in
learning as shown through daily work and testing programs particularly
in reading, writing and math.. We have many parent and community
volunteers who help on a daily basis in the school. Students from
Westfield State and other area colleges work with our children in
practicum and intern programs. We are an active member of the Westfield
State College Professional Development School.
On behalf of the Franklin Avenue
School Community, if you are ever in our neighborhood, please stop
in to visit. We have much more to share than can be told in this
letter. We are proud of the strong education that is occurring at
Franklin Avenue School and would be honored to have you as a visitor
(but be prepared, we will probably put you to work!)
Warmly,
Leslie J. Clark-Yvon
Principal
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