FRANKLIN, JEFFERSON & ROOSEVELT INFORMATION

Why are Franklin, Jefferson, and Roosevelt Elementary Schools closing?

Given the ongoing challenges of lower birth rates, rising housing costs, and the resulting impact on enrollment and funding, the Board of Education authorized the consolidation of three elementary schools at a regular meeting on September 26, 2019.

When will Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt Elementary Schools close?

Classes and the normal school schedule will continue until the school year ends in May 2020. The schools will be closed starting in the 2020-2021 school year.

Where will Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt Elementary School students attend school in 2020-2021?

Parents/guardians have three options:

1. Simply register at newly designated boundary school. Every current student is guaranteed placement at their newly designated boundary school. (Franklin to Altadena; Jefferson to Longfellow; and Roosevelt to Madison).
2. Get priority placement at a school of choice through a special lottery December 9 – January 3, 2020, ahead of PUSD’s annual Open Enrollment. Current students at Franklin, Jefferson, and Roosevelt have priority for placement at other schools through the special lottery. Parents/guardians must complete an application online December 9 – January 3, 2020. This is a special lottery that is open only to Franklin, Jefferson, and Roosevelt students:  https://schoolchoicepusd.com/
3. Apply for placement through the regular PUSD Open Enrollment period in 2020 if special lottery deadline is missed. 

Will Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt Elementary students have any priority in the Open Enrollment-School Choice lottery?

Yes. Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt students will have priority for school placement through a special lottery held December 9 – January 3, 2020.

What if I don’t like the school placement I get through the special lottery?

You can register at newly designated boundary school, or remain on the waitlist for each of your preferences in hopes of receiving a higher preference.

Will there be any exceptions made for siblings of Franklin, Jefferson, and Roosevelt students?

The Special Lottery is for currently-enrolled students at Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt, who would be continuing at those sites if they were still open. Siblings of Franklin, Jefferson, and Roosevelt students who will be in kindergarten in 2020-2021 will be guaranteed placement at their newly designated boundary school. Parents will need to register all students at the same time. Students who receive placement through the special lottery and have a kindergarten sibling will be accommodated through the Office of Enrollment. Parents will need to come into the office and complete the paperwork during the registration period. Since fifth grade students will be transitioning to middle school next year, they will follow the regular Open Enrollment-School Choice schedule.

Can I move my child this school year to the receiving school or to another school of my choice?

No, you cannot change schools this year. Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt students will have priority for the 2020-2021 school year.

What is the new school for the attendance area for the Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt area?

Every current Franklin student is guaranteed placement at Altadena Arts Magnet Elementary School, located at 743 E. Calaveras Street, Altadena 91001.

Every current Jefferson student is guaranteed placement at Longfellow Elementary School, located at 1065 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena 91103

Every current Roosevelt student is guaranteed placement at Madison Elementary School, located at 515 Ashtabula St., Pasadena

Note: Students with IEPs may apply via special lottery; however, students will be placed in consultation with SPED based upon services needed.

What will happen at Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt Elementary this year?

Instruction and school schedules will continue as normal.  Tours and field trips to the new school will be scheduled so that students will have an opportunity to see their new school, meet faculty and staff, and begin transitioning to their new campus. Receiving schools will plan activities to welcome new students and their families. The schools will close in June 2020.

Will any special “last year” activities be held for 5th graders?

Yes. It’s important that we mark the last year of Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt and celebrate the legacy and achievements of its students, faculty, and staff with “last year” activities.

Is my student going to be able to get the same services at the new school?

Yes, instruction at all PUSD schools follows the California State Standards for learning and the curriculum will remain the same. Magnet schools or schools with signature programs focus on science, the arts, or dual languages. After-school programs are offered through LEARNs and other programs specific to the campus.

How will my student’s special needs or Individual Education Plan (IEP) be addressed?

Services for students with special needs follow the child, in accordance with their IEP. School and district staff will work with caregivers to make the transition to a new campus as seamless as possible.

Will transportation be provided to the receiving school?

Transportation for special education services stipulated in the IEP will continue.  However, PUSD does not offer general education busing.

How will students at Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt and the receiving school be integrated?

To ensure that Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt students feel welcome at their new school, look for upcoming dates for school visits and exchange days that bring students together before the new school year begins.

What is the plan to address any behavioral or disciplinary issues that may arise from combining two school communities?

Any adjustment issues due to transition may be addressed in groups by a team of social workers. If behaviors manifest themselves in the form of psychosomatic symptoms, we will bring in nurses as part of the support.

What is going to happen to the Franklin, Jefferson and Roosevelt site?

The campuses will be retained as a District property. The District is exploring various educational and community-based uses for the site.