Franklin School Gives Back to Its Community

Since its inception in 2022, service has been a core value of Franklin School. Our emphasis on service, oftentimes fueled by curriculum, ensures that students have opportunities to work towards bettering their community. A few recent student-run projects of note include a clothing drive, a daily necessity drive, and a food drive created by our Student Council to benefit Triangle Park Community Center.

Recent Service Days arranged by the school benefitted two local organizations. Grade 9 made a visit to Community FoodBank of New Jersey, where they helped pack non-perishable food for families in need. After learning about the 50-year history of the organization, they got to work bagging pasta to be distributed throughout New Jersey. After only two hours, they were able to bag 1,571 bags. Grade 10 went to the Community FoodBank the following day, packing an impressive 2,034 bags of pasta. Grades 11 and 12 went to God’s Love we Deliver in SoHo, an organization serving ill people in need and their children and caregivers.

Director of Curriculum Chris Barnes said, “Ninth graders have been learning about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly ‘Ending World Hunger.’ With these lessons ringing in their ears, they threw themselves into every task at the FoodBank. I have never seen them work so hard and so willingly. Many are now motivated to continue this journey on their weekends, afternoons, and even through their Capstone Projects.”

One heartwarming story of where the service journey continues comes from the day before Thanksgiving Break, a traditional time for families to gather and give thanks, when we had our third annual Franklin Feast. Families brought dishes and drinks from their culture for all to share. It was an incredible afternoon, with lots of leftovers. Two juniors suggested we bring the leftovers to Hoboken Food Shelter, and within an hour, the food was dropped off.

We are so proud of the effort and achievements of our students within the community, making a positive impact on our neighbors.

Franklin’s Public Speaking Program Showcased on New York City’s PIX11

Click the image below to see the video of Mina in action!

Recently, Franklin student Mina ’26 was interviewed on New York City’s PIX11 alongside GK Training CEO Michael Chad Hoeppner for a feature on “Helping Students Communicate Better.” Mina spoke eloquently about her time working with GK Training at Franklin, showing poise and confidence.

Franklin students engage in a four-year communication development program delivered by GK Training. Students focus on speaking, presenting, and all forms of oral communication through this program. GK Training’s clients include Presidential candidates, top global financial firms, major professional sports leagues, and more industry leaders.