What is the procedure for morning drop off?

Morning drop off for Franklin School students begins at 8:00. From 8:00-8:15 drivers may enter the circle to drop students off. When dropping off children in the morning, please stay in line. Do not pass another car or bus. Children should exit the car on the passenger side. Children should be prepared to exit the car when they reach the circle area. It would be most helpful if they had backpacks, lunches, etc. ready to take when it is their turn to exit the vehicle. All drop off vehicles should exit via the gate at Hewitt Ave. Only the busses are allowed to exit via the main driveway.

Preschool drop off begins at 8:25. If you arrive after 8:25 you can either park in the parking lot and walk your child into school or continue in line with the preschool parents and drop off your child off at the door. Please do not pass the preschool parents. Children must walk around the right side of the school on the pavement to the rear playground. At no time are children allowed to cross the parking lot or driveway unattended. Cars are not permitted in the rear of the school at any time during the school day.

What is the policy for absences and tardiness?

The school day officially begins at 8:25 a.m. Any child who arrives after 8:25 a.m. is recorded as tardy. When a child is absent, parents should notify the school of the absence between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. The school will usually call the parent if a child is absent and no notification is given. Children must bring a written note explaining the reason for the absence when they return to school.

If I take my child out of school during the day, what procedures must I follow?

Any time a student leaves the building, we must record that information in the office. In the event early dismissal is necessary, a note should be sent with the student in the morning. If an emergency should arise during the school day, a parent of guardian should call the school office to arrange for dismissal, The child will be waiting at the designated time at the front office. Parents or guardians must come to the front office to meet their child and sign her/him out, NOT to the child's classroom.

Is there a morning snack?

The children may have a working snack in the morning. We encourage parents to send a nutritious snack that can be eaten easily in the classroom.

What is the schedule for lunch and recess?

Kindergarten and first grade children have lunch at 11:30 a.m. and recess from 11:55-12:15 p.m. Second and third grade children have lunch at 12:05p.m. and recess from 12:30-12:50 p.m. Fourth and fifth grade children have lunch at 12:40 p.m. and recess from 1:05-1:25 p.m.

After children have finished their lunch and returned their trays, they are brought out for recess. They have a chance to return their lunch boxes to their lockers and get their coats on the way out. It is important that children come dressed for the weather in winter because all children go out for recess. On rainy or extremely cold days, the children have recess in their classrooms. Following recess, they return to their classrooms for the afternoon session.

Can lunch be purchased through the school?

Students have the option of buying a hot lunch or bag lunch for $2.25, enhanced lunch for $3.00 or bringing a lunch from home. Children may also buy milk only for $.60 or $.85. Menus are sent home each month with the students and are available each week in the North Andover Citizen, and online at North Andover Public Schools Lunch Program web site.

Students who walk home assemble at specific spots in the school and leave the school in patrols. At this time there are three patrols, one that crosses the back yard Berkeley Street, one that goes over to Hewitt Avenue, and one that goes down to Andover Street. The children who are being picked up by parents at the end of the day wait on the rear porch for their ride. The children who are being picked up by parents at the end of the day wait on the rear porch for their ride. Parents who are picking children up after school line up along the right hand side of the driveway from Andover St. At 2:30 parents may drive slowly to the rear of the building where the children board, six or seven cars at a time. Children must be dismissed by the teacher on duty and may not run to waiting vehicles. A sign indicating your child’s last name should be placed by your windshield so that it is visible to teacher. Once loaded, cars continue around the school and exit via the Hewitt Avenue gate.

Please refrain for talking on your cell phone when dropping off or picking up your child/children.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping all our children safe!

What should I do if I need to change my child's normal school dismissal plans?

Send in a note to your child's teacher if you need to make alternate pick up plans. If plans change during the course of the school day, please call the office as soon as possible.

What time is dismissal on half-days?

Dismissal on half-days is at 11:40 a.m. This includes AM kindergarten.

Is there a dress code at Franklin School?

Students at Franklin must be dressed in a suitable fashion for school clothes should be neat and clean and suited to the weather conditions of the day. Clothing should also be tasteful and should not detract from learning in the classroom, nor cause disruption among other students.

Are bicycles allowed at Franklin school?

Students are allowed to ride bicycles to school with written parental permission. Permission forms are available in the school office. Parents assume responsibility for safety to and from school. When traveling to and from school, students must obey all traffic regulations and the Massachusetts Bicycle Helmet Law. The school assumes no responsibility for bicycles. However, provisions have been made to safeguard bikes by requiring them to be properly parked and locked in the school bicycle racks. Bicycles are never to be ridden on school grounds.

How will students be informed of school closings due to inclement weather?

When school is cancelled due to inclement weather, announcements will be made by 6:30 a.m. on the following media outlets:

• Radio: WRKO (680 AM), WCCM (800 AM), WBZ (1030 AM)
• TV: Channels 4, 5, and 7 and local channel 10
• Online at theBostonChannel.com

How do I drop off something my child forgot?

The main entrance door is locked after 9 a.m. for security reasons. All other doors are locked from the outside. All doors are able to be opened from the inside by pushing on the exit handles.

To enter the building after 9 a.m. press the buzzer on the left side of the main entrance door. When dropping off items to your child please deliver them to the office and your child will be called.

Who supervises the students during lunch and recess?

Noon attendants supervise lunch breaks and recess.

Are there procedures I must follow in order to volunteer at Franklin?

• All volunteers must fill out a background check (CORI) form before they are allowed to assist at school.
• When you are visiting the classrooms, you must check in with the office first and obtain a visitors badge.

Where can I find Franklin’s MCAS scores?

Franklin's MCAS scores can be found on the district web site.