Franklin High interim principal details academic, cultural and religious supports including Ramadan accommodations

The interim principal of Franklin High School described a range of academic and cultural supports at the March meeting of the Franklin Township Human Relations Commission, including career-technical education partnerships, AP outreach and designated space for students who observe Ramadan.

Speaking to commissioners and members of the public, the interim principal said the school runs nearly 60 clubs and hosts career pathways such as a construction trades program at the middle school and a time‑shared advanced manufacturing program with an outside college partner (named in the transcript as “RBCC”) for upperclassmen who split time between Franklin High School and the partner campus.

The principal said the school has an AP initiative that includes an AP family night and AP ambassador events to boost enrollment and inform families about course options. “We have AP ambassadors who also connect with students, prospective students and families,” the principal said.

On hands‑on training and college credit, the principal described vocational offerings: a construction trades program, a robotics team and internships with local partners including the youth center and the animal shelter. The transcript also records the principal saying the school has “dual enrollment partnerships with RBCC and Seaton Hall,” which the principal presented as existing arrangements intended to expand college credit access for students.

The principal addressed religious accommodations for Muslim students during Ramadan: the school has identified quiet prayer spaces and a reserved “Zen Den” in the library for students who need to pray, and the Muslim Association Club and its advisor coordinate a Ramadan gratitude community‑service event tied to Elijah’s Soup Kitchen. “We have a safe space for our students who do pray and need…that quiet time. We have the library available to them,” the principal said.

On student wellbeing and discipline, the principal described a restorative practices program that brings students together to talk through conflicts and noted mental‑health resources, including on‑site therapists who provide individual counseling during the school day. Attendance interventions include home visits and meetings led by counselors and attendance officers, the principal said.

Commissioners and members of the public pressed on equity and inclusion after a question about recent publicity around executive orders on diversity, equity and inclusion. The principal said district and school programs have continued: “We continue doing what we think is best for our students, and that is, celebrating diversity,” the principal said.

The presentation included specific extracurricular highlights: hosting the Metro Classic basketball tournament for a second year, holding a first annual robotics competition and staging a spring musical, and a description that students contribute murals and other beautification projects.

The principal also described partnerships with law enforcement for the My Brother’s Keeper mentoring program; officers identified in the meeting as Belvin and Detective Gregory were said to be the main officers involved in mentoring activities.

The principal repeatedly framed these items as part of efforts to boost college and career readiness and to make the school welcoming for a diverse student body.

Less critical details discussed at the meeting included questions about charter‑school partnerships, scholarship outreach from local foundations, and how the school engages students from economically challenged neighborhoods; the principal said counselors, vice principals and the attendance officer work proactively on attendance and family outreach.

The presentation concluded with a request from commissioners to share more information and nominations for student representation when current student members graduate.