FRANKLIN
This past December, 27 teachers within their first through third year in Franklin City Public Schools took a survey. The responses, presented to the board at the recent meeting, were mostly positive.

For example, on the question, “My orientation and induction program was very meaningful and beneficial to me,” 29.63 percent strongly agreed; 37.04 agreed; 25.93 were neutral; 7.41 disagreed; and there were none who strongly disagreed with the statement.

Other questions, such as adequate safety and security or professional development were also answered in a largely positive way. The full details are available at the school’s website, www.fcpsva.org.

In other business, the board approved four purchase orders intended to  improve student learning. The first included Achieve 3000, which is a program intended to improve and accelerate literacy, The cost is $14,250, which could be used by up to 250 students at S.P. Morton Elementary School. The second order includes the same program, and would be for up to 125 students at J.P. King Jr. Middle School.

The third is for Benchmark Software ($6,606.60), which would provide assessments and analytics at both aforementioned schools. The last is for AVID membership fees totaling $10,417 for all three city schools. Advancement Via Individual Determination works to “closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and other postsecondary opportunities.”

While they were reviewing requests, the board also OK’d the Franklin High School wrestling field trip to Staunton on the weekend of Feb. 9-10, as well as for the state tournament on Feb. 15-17. The robotics competition scheduled March 9-11 at Deep Creek High School in Glen Allen also got approval. Because the snow closed schools for several days last month, adjustments were made to the calendar. Last month, for example, half-days became full days. There are still 15 days of banked time that can be used for any future inclement weather this school year.