We’re pleased to see that even before school begins, the Franklin City Public School division is already taking active steps in creating both an exciting and inviting atmosphere for learning, growing and interacting.

We’re not just talking about faculty and staff doing the electric slide at Monday’s convocation, although it doesn’t hurt to bolster morale with a little music and food from time to time.

No, what stands out in our mind is the school system personnel again getting out of offices and classrooms to meet directly the stakeholders — chiefly the parents — and let them know what FCPS has achieved, and also what it intends to accomplish this coming school year.

This second annual “March for Collaborative Excellence” had teachers, for example, going from door to door to make those connections. Based on five goals, the FCPS aims to not only introduce itself, but also develop relationships with residents. These interactions have the potential to inspire participation in the Franklin school system. This could range from more parents becoming involved with their children’s education to their attending school board meetings and offering input.

On a related note, we hope to report in the months to come on any positive results of the math program available to FCPS through The College of William and Mary, Longwood University and the Virginia Mathematics Science Coalition. This recent three-year partnership has every possibility of helping educators and students improve their teaching and learning of math.

Franklin schools have the potential to be great again. The community can help make that a reality.