Across the Franklin Public School System, as the education budget thins, our children are getting the short end of the stick. Teachers are being let go, resources are being lost. Dr. Patz quotes on the district website “they have attempted to maintain positions/programs that impact students and their ability to be successful”. In another quote, he states the exact opposite by stating that “the budget eliminates positions and services that have been instrumental in our success with students”. Please consider signing this petition to send a message to the Superintendent of the Franklin Wisconsin School System and the School Board, that we as the Parents are not happy with the proposed budget cuts. Drastically reducing positions such as

Librarians Special Education Teacher Education Assistants 

And what our Kids need Most and also enjoy Guidance Counselors. When our kids need someone in addition to their parents to talk to, especially in a time of a “crisis” for them. This is not a smart decision.

There should be other ways to cut budgets! The students have had to make concessions this year with only having her there half time, (Because of the budget cut last school year) this has hurt them. The thought of having 1 counselor that travels between 5 schools is just not in the best interest of the kids.  The Board of Education Goals states, "Students are at the center of everything we do."  It also states, Student achievement is highest priority." This latest decision does not reflect that! 

The Guidance Counselors Does things for our Kids Like

The Guidance Counselors  run Student Assistance Groups Family Change, Self-Esteem, Grief & Loss, Anger Management, Social Skills and Peer Relationships (Friendship). She also does  individual counseling on an as needed basis with students- they write notes to her when they want to talk...those topics range from anything from things at school like getting along with others, bullying, name-calling, friendships issues, homework kinds of issues, organization, stress, anxiety, family/parent issues... and then she does  Developmental Classroom Guidance.  This is where she goes in every classroom K-6 twice a month for a 1/2 hour and teaches the students on a variety of topics.  Each month is a different theme...Academic Success, Diversity, Conflict Resolution, Friendship, Feelings, Wellness ( she focus on staying emotionally and physically well), Protective Behaviors (which is taught in conjunction with the Franklin Police Dept.) and Careers.  Teachers consult with her on topics that students may bring up to them in the classroom and also parents may contact her on issues they may be having with their child at home.  Also part of her job is coordinating & co-facilitating with 3 other staff members the Peer Mediation program, which is a program where a select group of students in grades 4-6 are trained to help other students in the school to solve their problems.

 She has formed strong bonds and personal relationships over time with our children. They trust her and respect what she has to say. Here’s an opportunity to voice your opinions Please lets stand up for our Children

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