Dear Franklin Families,

In honor of Dr. MLK Jr.’s birthday, I hope that everyone was able to spend some thoughtful and reflective time last weekend. I wanted to share with you my message that I shared with Franklin students last Friday during my all school announcements… 

We are reminded that Dr. King’s work continues to shape our understanding of justice, empathy, and collective responsibility -  not just in January but throughout the year. We honor this extraordinary civil rights and humanitarian leader as he fought for racial equality through his peaceful activism, his commitment to nonviolence and community empowerment. He stood up for what was right even when it was hard. His vision and impact continue to remind us that everyone’s voice matters and that meaningful change begins with standing up for others. He once said; “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is; What are you doing for others?”  By bringing his legacy into our Franklin classrooms, we encourage each other to see ourselves as agents of positive change, building a more just and caring community through everyday actions of courage. One of my favorite quotes that he said was; “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in."

Last week, I was able to visit every classroom, and in honor of his famous speech, “I have a dream”, I saw many students doing their own writing and reflecting upon his powerful mission….  “I have a dream that our world is peaceful, that everyone helps each other, that we help save the trees, that people be treated equally, that people be treated kindly, that racial justice prevails over everything.” As a Franklin community and alongside your children, I encourage you to message and carry out the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr…. throughout our school and beyond. 

Warmly,

Natalie R. Burton