Monday, June, 20th 2005

FRANKLIN CHARTER SCHOOL HAS 1ST GRADUATION

Steaming weather did not dampen Franklin Career Academy’s first graduation, June 9th. Nearly 75 people were present to support the new graduates. Teachers and parents hummed with achievement stories and praise for students and the school. The 4 graduates were radiant in green and gold caps and gowns.

“This is a big day for our graduates, the community, and our school,” said Bill Grimm. “You’ve set an example for the students who will follow you.” Grimm then gave the crowd an overview of the school’s history: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy,” he said. “But we had no idea!”

Board member Margo Bartz expressed her amazement at the level of community volunteerism in support of the charter school. Community members have provided tutoring, job internships, and mentoring for historical research.

“I never had any doubt we’d be celebrating your achievement today. There are no
shallow or thoughtless individuals in this group—you’ve been tenacious and you’ve
all done a remarkable job,” said Carol Sideris, FCA’s school director. “You’ve earned your diplomas and we are proud of you.”

Franklin Career Academy was the first charter school approved and opened in New
Hampshire. Its charter is dedicated to having a college-prep academic standard, individual program adjustments, and career planning for each student. This is a school where students who admitted to rarely reading have averaged 10, 200-page books each for independent reading.

Tasha Morin, class valedictorian, was described as a committed student, determined to complete her high school requirements. She was recognized for volunteer fire fighting in Danbury and for a year-long project cataloguing City of Franklin’s historical buildings. She has been accepted to college to pursue a science degree in radiology.

Dan Fife, a longtime community member who helped found the school, spoke to the audience. “Kids sometime need a different alternative and we wanted to help area students. We’ve proven we had a good idea and we will prove our idea is worthy of a long life.”

Bill Grimm thanked Director Sideris for showing perseverance and energy. He recognized history teacher Alex Gomez-del-Moral for bringing history to life through outstanding story telling. Teacher Stephen Kelsey was thanked for finding ways to individualize science and math curriculum for all grades and students. And teacher Maura Ambuter was recognized for remarkable student improvements in English and reading—gains referred to as ‘spectacular.’

‘ It’s important for people to understand some of the special things that have happened at this school this year. We’ve had all kinds of complications, but no one here has given up, because our school is all about the kids.” The four Franklin Career Academy graduates will now go on to pursue goals for college, business, and theatre.

WEBSITE UPDATES

Complete Listing of Schools and Projects: Separate Links for Each School

How To Start An Approved Charter School

Legislation Page: Includes Membership of House & Senate Finance and Education Committees

Technical Assistance Page: Funding Charter Schools May 2005

Sample Charter School Finance Policies

The publication on financial management and policy has been divided into four sections for ease of downloading and printing.

For more information about NHCSR and school projects, please visit www.nhschoolreform.org.

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