Every day in Franklin’s schools, small moments of joy, learning, curiosity, and connection unfold—moments made possible because of people like you. For the next 12 days, we’ll highlight one way your generosity lifts up our students, empowers our teachers, and strengthens our community. These stories exist because our neighbors continue to believe in the potential of every child.
As you follow our 12 Days of Impact, if you feel inspired by the stories you see we invite you to consider making a gift to support this work. Every dollar is stretched with care and used to nurture the hearts and minds of Franklin’s students and educators.
Your donation helps us:
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spark innovation through classroom grants
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support students facing unexpected hardships
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celebrate and retain exceptional teachers
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provide scholarships that open doors
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lift up arts, science, and technology across the district
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build a stronger, more connected community
If you are able, we would be deeply grateful for your support.
CLASSROOM GRANTS
When you support classroom grants—whether for field trips, hands-on equipment, or school clubs—you’re providing students with the tools and opportunities they need to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
One recent example comes from Tony Morrissey, Pleasant View Elementary's PE teacher, who has received three Franklin Educational Foundation grants in the past few years. His projects have included a Railyard fitness obstacle course (adaptable for students of all abilities), pedometers to support wellness goals, and one of five plasma screens installed at all five elementary schools to enhance instruction.
For almost 30 years, the Foundation has provided hundreds of classroom grants to all schools in the district. To see a complete list of all the initiaitves we've supported over the years, click here.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Today we’re shining a light on one of the most meaningful ways the Franklin Educational Foundation supports our students: Scholarships for graduating seniors.
Each year, FEF proudly awards six $1,500 scholarships, each one honoring a different discipline—from engineering and education to the arts, community service, and more. These awards don’t just celebrate academic success; they recognize passion, purpose, and the bright futures our students are building.
Meet two incredible past recipients:
* Abby Martin, Engineering Scholarship — now pursuing her passion for designing solutions that make the world better.
* McKenna Kahl, Education Scholarship — inspired to become the kind of teacher who changes lives.
COMMUNITY
PARTNERS
We’re celebrating the extraordinary community partners who stand beside our students and educators all year long. These generous sponsors make so much possible—classroom grants, student scholarships, teacher support, district-wide events, and critical resources for families who need a little extra help. Their commitment strengthens not just our schools, but the heart of Franklin itself.
Pictured here: Our friends at James Bild – State Farm, one of our outstanding sponsors, with our Director Vicky Cordani as they gather gifts for their Angel Tree to ensure children in our schools experience joy this holiday season. This is community in action—and we are so grateful.
To every sponsor listed, thank you for believing in our mission and helping students soar. Your partnership fuels opportunity, inspires innovation, and uplifts the educators who shape our future.
EXCELLENT
EDUCATOR AWARDS
Each year, the Franklin Educational Foundation proudly recognizes one outstanding teacher from every school through our Excellent Educator Awards, granting each recipient a $500 classroom grant to support innovative ideas and enrich student learning.
One of this year’s awards went to Mary Piwaron at Franklin Hih School, whose passion for teaching and deep care for her students are truly inspiring. Don’t miss this video featuring Mrs. Piwaron as she shares what this recognition means to her and how it impacts her classroom.
Thanking and recognizing our teachers is a meaningful way to honor the people who shape, inspire and support students every single day. Teachers give endlessly—through their time, creativity, and care—and your contribution helps recognize their impact while providing resources that make their work brighter and more sustainable. A gift to celebrate teachers is a gift that uplifts an entire community.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE FUNDING
Our Student Assistance Fund exists to anonymously remove educational barriers that some students may face due to financial difficulties—whether it’s help with food items, warm clothing, school supplies or other essential needs that can keep a student from fully participating in school.
In this video, Franklin High School counselor Keith Decker shares the real impact this fund makes every day and how it provides immediate, confidential support for students when life happens.
Appeals for the Student Assistance fund are made directly to the foundation through our school counselors or social workers and principals. We often pair up with organizations like the Franklin Lions Clubs to help meet specific needs.
SUPPORTING STEM
Hands-on science and technology experiences help students move from curiosity to confidence. That’s why the Foundation prioritizes classroom grants that support innovation, problem-solving, and real-world skills—especially in spaces where students can design, build, test, and create.
In this video, Brian Deblak, who leads the high school Fabrication Lab and teaches several tech-focused classes, shares how these resources open doors for students and prepare them for future careers they may not have imagined yet.
We’re grateful to support educators who are bringing learning to life—and to our community for making these opportunities possible.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS
Art gives students a powerful way to think differently, express themselves, and build skills they’ll use everywhere—creativity, confidence, and problem-solving.
Today we’re spotlighting a recent grant supporting Forest Park Middle School’s photography program: non-digital cameras that help students slow down and truly learn the fundamentals—composition, lighting, and storytelling through images.
Watch this short video from Frank Korb, FPMS Art Teacher, sharing the impact this hands-on experience is already having on students.
ATTEND AN EVENT
More Than Fundraisers—They’re Community Events!
Franklin Educational Foundation events do more than raise important funding for students and teachers—they bring our community together in fun, meaningful ways.
We hope you’ll join us at one (or all!) of these upcoming events:
🏓 March 7 – Pickleball Tournament
🛍️ March 21 – Spring Consignment Sale
⛳ June 12 – Tee Up for Education Golf Outing
Whether you’re playing, shopping, volunteering, or cheering others on, your participation helps support opportunities for students across our schools—while enjoying time together as a community.
Save the dates and keep an eye out for more details coming soon!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As we wrap up another incredible year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Franklin Educational Foundation Board of Directors. Your dedication shows up in so many ways. From volunteering at events, to shaping our strategy, to quietly giving your time, talents, and heart to the schools and community we serve. Because of your leadership and commitment, thousands of students, educators, and families felt the impact of your work this year. Thank you for showing up, leaning in, and helping us keep Franklin’s future bright. We’re grateful for each and every one of you!
VOLUNTEERS
To our amazing volunteers—thank you for showing up, jumping in, and somehow making it all look easy.
From running events and serving on committees to answering emails, moving tables, stuffing envelopes, and doing a hundred other things no one ever sees, you keep the Franklin Educational Foundation moving forward. You bring the energy, the ideas, and often the snacks—and we couldn’t do this without you.
If you’ve ever volunteered your time, lent your talents, or said “sure, I can help with that,” please know how much we appreciate you. Our work (and our sanity) depends on you.
Thank you for being the heart—and the hustle—behind our events and impact.
VISIT US IN OUR NEW HOME
The Franklin Educational Foundation is excited to share that we now have an office in the Community Education and Recreation Center (CERC)!
Being located in the CERC allows us to be more connected than ever—to volunteers, families, educators, and community partners. It creates more opportunities to meet up, collaborate, volunteer, and support students in a space designed for community engagement.
We look forward to welcoming supporters, hosting small gatherings, and continuing our work to meet student needs in ways that extend beyond the classroom.
Stop by, say hello, and help us make this new space a hub for community impact!
