Thursday, April 4, 2019

MEDIA ADVISORY from the San Diego Unified School District

                                   

 

 

Thursday, April 4, 2019

MEDIA ADVISORY: Franklin Elementary Celebrates 90th Anniversary Ahead of Major Renovation

 

WHAT:  Franklin Elementary to Celebrate 90th Anniversary with former students, faculty, principals, and staff.

WHEN:  Saturday, April 6 2019, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet School, 4481 Copeland Avenue San Diego CA 92116

DETAILS:     1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.          WELCOME HOUR (Inner Courtyard)

                        2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.          PROGRAM (Auditorium)

Franklin Elementary Memories DVD

Invocation: Rev. Darryl Kistler, Kensington Community Church

Flag Dedication/Pledge of Allegiance

Welcome Remarks by Principal Don Whisman

Introduction of Dignitaries: Congresswoman Susan Davis, San Diego Unified Board President Sharon Whitehurst-Payne

Guest of Honor: former Teacher Bob Holmes

Recognition of Alums and Staff

                        3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.          Social Hour (franklin Campus)

VISUALS:  Current and former students, faculty, principals, and staff interacting and touring the school; open classrooms; student art displays; historical exhibits; gardens

Guest Speakers/Interviews:  Principal Don Whisman, Board President Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Congresswoman Susan Davis, former Teacher/Guest of Honor Bob Holmes

Background:  Franklin Elementary has deep roots in the city, serving generations of San Diegans from in and around Kensington and City Heights since 1929. Franklin became a San Diego Unified School District STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Arts & Mathematics) magnet school in 2013. Students at Franklin are involved in project-based STEAM learning throughout the year during school hours and there are many extracurricular STEAM activities for students after school including robotics, drama, Science Olympiad, violin, and math/chess club.

Magnet schools offer students a unique opportunity for in-depth studies in specific areas of interest, and attract a wide range of students. Options include: communications and community leadership, creative, visual, and performing arts, global citizenship, international studies, and language enrichment.

Though renovation planning is still in the design phase, the current plan for Franklin Elementary is to replace the old steel windows, repair interior and exterior finishes, and renovate restrooms. New building systems will include a public address system and repair or replacement of deteriorating plumbing where needed. The campus will also be improved by repairing sidewalks and ramps, modifying the existing security fence, and installing additional fencing.

Construction is estimated to begin in November 2020. Estimated cost is $35 million.  

San Diego Unified’s capital projects are funded by San Diego Unified’s Propositions S and Z, which are local bond measures approved by San Diego voters to repair, renovate and revitalize neighborhood schools. In addition to renovation and replacement, bond projects include classroom technology, facilities to support College, Career and Technical Education, classroom air conditioning, safety and security upgrades, and other facilities improvements at traditional and public charter schools throughout San Diego Unified.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Maureen Magee, Communications Director, 619-381-7930

Please confirm attendance in advance.

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