Journalism in July (JIJ) has been helping aspiring high school journalists expand their knowledge in the profession at the University of Texas at El Paso summer program for the past eight years. First year director Nick Miller sees the program as a learning experience for both mentors and students as they face the changes in technology.

As of Wed. May 26, Franklin seniors have earned $13,815,749 in university monies, surpassing last year’s total amount. Furthermore, this amount is projected to increase.

When sophomore David Morales moved to Franklin from North Quincy High School in Boston, he almost immediately saw the need to start an organization—a new chapter of the Gay Straight Alliance.

Sharing the spotlight with Sandra Bullock in the May 10 issue of People magazine, the El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra (EPSYOs), along with several other groups is featured in an advertisement.

Six months ago, EPSYOs was awarded a $10,000 grant from the “Power a Bright Future” program hosted by Clorox through Facebook.

Every dollar collected helped friends get one step closer to their goal of $3,800—money collected to assist with the funeral expenses for their friend, Sergio Villa, a graduate of 2009.

Because of the success of the spring blood drive, approximately 1,200 lives can be saved from the 409 units collected on April 16.
The school also maintained its status hosting the largest high school blood drive in the country. Part of the reason for the school’s success is due to the maturity level of the students and the belief of the necessity of blood, Student Activities Director Lisa Thompson said.

Thanks to new funding provided by the Texas State Legislature, juniors across Texas can now obtain a voucher for a free SAT or ACT test. According to Princeton Review SAT Prep Teacher and Master Trainer Michelle Bury, this marks the first time waivers are available for standardized tests regardless of financial status.

This fall, the school will achieve Title I status for the first time since its inception. According to Principal Carla Gasway, Title I is a source of aid for schools with underprivileged students. “This funding has been around since 1965 to ensure all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a high-quality education.”

Preparing to take a firm stance against State Board of Education members, professors and cultural experts will meet in Austin on May 21 to reach a final decision concerning revisions to the social studies curriculum.

If all goes as expected with TAKS scores, Franklin should once again be named as a TEA Recognized school.

To maintain this distinction, the district implemented three weeks of TAKS review for an entire period of core classes. However, the school chose to use half of the period for TAKS and the other half for the traditional curriculum.