Franklin Today

4 of 6 candidates no-show for TEA Party forum

Yesterday, it was discussed on here that the Wisconsin GrandSons of Liberty was hosting a candidate forum for the 6 candidates running for 2 posts on the Franklin School Board that evening. It was also mentioned that the GrandSons of Liberty is, more or less, an organization that follows similar principles to that of the national TEA Party movement. This was important to mention due to what ended up transpiring last night. Out of the 6 candidates, only 2 attended the event and answered questions.

6 candidates for School Board featured in tonight's forum

For those wishing to learn more about the candidates running for two seats on the Franklin School Board, tonight from 7-8:30pm, at the Root River Center on 74th & Rawson, the Wisconsin GrandSons of Liberty is hosting a forum for such a purpose. The GrandSons of Liberty is a Franklin-based organization which is also leading up efforts with the Verify the Recall initiative, with the intent of shedding light on how the recall process in Wisconsin has apparent flaws.

Council tables 230-foot sidewalk connecting subdivisions to FHS

Last night after a spirited debate over a variety of matters, the Common Council voted 6-0 to table a bid acceptance to construct a 230-foot sidewalk connecting subdivisions south and southeast of FHS to the school. This proposal came before the Council after months of earlier discussion that started when a homeowner wanted to build a path along the border of his property for students rather than the alternative of nothing.

Alderwoman Wilhelm sends out August e-Newsletter

Please see below for items of interest in the city. Note that several items have already passed due to delays in getting this e-Newsletter posted to the blog. My apologies for this.

Coach Hughes to be recognized for his contributions to Saber Baseball

This Friday at 4:30pm, the high school baseball diamond will be renamed after Saber Varsity Baseball Coach Jim Hughes. Hughes has a lot to recognized for, including Saber Baseball's 2010 State Championship and being the winningest baseball coach in WIAA history. Hughes has been a tremendous asset to Saber sports, and it is great to see some recognition for his coaching abilities.

Franklin High School Goes Green!

Think Green and Let’s Make Some Green!

TURN YOUR “JUNK” INTO CASH!

THIS YEAR, PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE FRANKLIN ROBOTICS CLUB!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR 3^RD ANNUAL RECYCLING EVENT

Saturday, May 14^th, 2011

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Franklin High School South Parking Lot

We’re working with Action Recyclers to save the planet. For a complete list of what is recyclable, visit www.actionrecyclers.net.

Please contact Jan Coenen at (414) 423-9725 or jcoenen@wi.rr.com with any questions. 

Alderwoman Wilhelm takes a strong stand against Ryan Creek Interceptor in recent e-newsletter

In her e-newsletter to constituents this morning, Alderwoman Kristen Wilhelm, who has questioned the Ryan Creek Interceptor Sewer project and its potential funding sources for the past several months, made some very strong remarks about the project directly to residents this morning:

FHS students hosting Japan Benefit Concert

I received the following information from a student regarding this concert, which will have proceeds going to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. The fundraising event will be taking place on Friday, May 13th from 7-9pm at the high school. Read more about the event below:

Come and enjoy a night full of great music to support Japan in its time of need!!

Tickets will be sold at lunch and at Door #3 for $5!

Donations are welcome and will go to the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund.

We will also be selling baked goods during the show and a 50/50 raffle will take place. 

Baked goods and great music. Best way to spend your Friday night! And you're making a difference. That's pretty cool too.

List of Performers (As of 4/22/11):

• FHS Jazz Ensemble
• FHS Wind Ensemble 
• Dark Vortex
• Wasted Islands
• Kim Kim and Axel Xiong
• Willie Cha
• Axel Xiong and Courtney Dlugi
• Eric Pfeiffer and Friends!

...and more to come!

Mandatory kindergarten law effective in September

Franklin Public Schools on its website is notifying parents of the new law, and provides the following information:

Beginning September 1, 2011 no School Board can enroll a child into first grade in a school district unless the child has completed a 5-year old kindergarten. This requirement was included in 2009 Wisconsin Act 41 and applies to all public schools operating 5-year-old kindergarten programs, including charter schools.

At this time, the law is relative to children needing to complete 5-year old kindergarten. It'll be interesting to see how the future unfolds in this, since 4-year old kindergarten has been in place at various private schools and is slowly entering the fold at public schools. Some parents view 4K as a positive program for young minds, while others view it as a waste of taxpayer dollars. With the state beginning to implement laws regarding mandatory 5K, did that open the door for future implementation of 4K if lawmakers view it as necessary for the education of young children? I suppose we will have to wait and see.

Congrats to Saber QB Lance Baretz!

Recently, news came out that Baretz received the honor of being one of 32 honorees who are named WIAA Scholar Athletes for 2011. This puts icing on the cake of a successful high school football career, which this past year saw the Franklin Sabers reach the WIAA Division II state semifinals. Baretz was also named the NOW Newspapers Player of the Year in football after recording the third-highest total yardage numbers in state history at 9,472 yards. He also threw a state-best 34 TDs this year and had 113 rushing and passing TDs over his three-year tenure as the Sabers Quarterback.

Baretz will be receiving a medallion and certificate at the WIAA Scholar Athlete awards ceremony, and will be taking back to Franklin a special plaque for the high school to display.

Again, congratulations to Lance and his achievements!