Franklin Special District

09/12/2026

We’re not saying the therapy dogs are the most popular staff members in FSD… but we’re not saying they’re NOT.

09/11/2026

In honor of Patriot Day, Johnson Elementary second graders visited their neighbors at the Franklin Fire Department on Highway 96 West to thank the firefighters for their service.

Students delivered handmade cards and treats to show their gratitude for the first responders who serve and protect our community. In turn, the firefighters showed the students around the station, demonstrated some equipment, and answered questions (lots). Shout out to former Johnson Tiger, Lt. Daniel Smotherman, whose third-grade teacher was current Johnson principal Tosha Robinson Baugh!

We are honored to remember those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001, and to help the next generation recognize the courage of first responders and understand the importance of service.

09/10/2026

Congratulations to Ms. Katie Gowisnock of Freedom Intermediate School on being named a Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year finalist!

Ms. Gowisnock, a 6th-grade math teacher, brings a genuine passion for mathematics and a deep commitment to student learning. Through purposeful questions and real-world examples, she helps students make meaningful connections, think critically, and take pride in their progress.

Principal Dr. Joel Hoag praised Ms. Gowisnock’s commitment to building strong relationships, collaborating with families and colleagues, reflecting on student data, and continually strengthening her teaching. "Her students display strong social connectedness among their peers in her classroom, and they consistently demonstrate confident levels of growth and high levels of achievement in standardized tests."

We are proud to see Ms. Gowisnock recognized as one of Tennessee’s outstanding novice educators!

09/09/2026

These two district social workers are the dynamic duo that ensures our families receive the very best care and support at any hour of the day or night. We are grateful for them and for our very close partnership with The NOOK! Their dedicated volunteers make sure every need is met on a moment's notice.

09/09/2026

The FSD is fortunate to have Mr. Golden on our leadership staff. His expertise in so many areas is already benefiting our families, schools, and employees.

Golden assumes role as FSD Associate Director of Schools for Finance, Administration and Legal Services

https://www.williamsonherald.com/news/local_news/golden-assumes-role-as-fsd-associate-director-of-schools-for-finance-administration-and-legal-services/article_d4f8bc1e-9d19-43fb-8177-e60b47c64fc9.html

Franklin Special District

09/04/2026

FSD administrators and teachers gathered at the Central Office to prepare for this year’s instructional rounds. During this collaborative, non-evaluative process, teams visit classrooms to observe instruction and identify patterns connected to a school’s specific “problem of practice.”
The goal is not to evaluate individual teachers. It is to help school leaders better understand what is happening across classrooms, determine effective next steps and strengthen teaching and learning throughout Franklin Special District.

09/04/2026

Franklin Elementary School received a generous $2,500 donation today during the grand opening celebration for Bob’s Discount Furniture’s new CoolSprings store.

“At Bob's Discount Furniture, we believe in fully participating in and supporting the communities where our stores are located,” said Steve Linn, Regional Sales Director for Bob’s Discount Furniture. “We are proud to partner with Franklin Elementary School as part of our broader commitment to giving back and making a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Franklin Elementary Principal April Carrigan shared that the donation will support academic activities and student programs, including the Franklin Farmers Club, therapy dog supplies, and the school's student leadership clubs. Assistant Principal Lauren Simpson was also there to thank the furniture store executives for designating their school the recipient of its generosity.

“We have all kinds of programs to support our students, and we are very grateful,” Dr. Carrigan said. “This is huge for us. Our school was so excited when we shared the news this morning.”

Thank you to Bob’s Discount Furniture for beginning its time in Franklin as an engaged and generous community partner. Welcome to Franklin!

09/03/2026

Congratulations to Freedom Intermediate School 6th-grade math teacher Katie Gowisnock, a Tennessee Department of Education Novice Teacher of the Year!

We're excited to announce the Novice Teacher of the Year Finalists, who represent each of the eight Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) areas in the state, as well as the Memphis/Shelby County-Municipals area. This year’s applications
were incredibly strong and showed the commitment and talents of our educators across the state.

We look forward to recognizing the awardees at the Excellence in Education Event on October 1.



Germantown Municipal School District, Houston Middle School, Tipton County Schools of Tennessee, Covington High Chargers, Milan Special School District, Franklin County, TN School District, Cowan Elementary School, Cannon County Elementary School News, Franklin Special District, Freedom Intermediate School, Kingsport City Schools, Anderson County Schools TN, Grand Oaks Elementary School, Hamilton County Schools, and Sale Creek Middle High School

09/02/2026

Mrs. Wright leads first graders every day. On October 24, the breast cancer survivor will lead her community as one of three special grand marshals of the Franklin Cancer Walk.

First-grade teacher and breast cancer survivor Rochelle Wright was surprised by family, friends and colleagues as she was named a grand marshal of the 10th Annual Franklin Cancer Walk.

Join her October 24 at Poplar Grove School as Franklin walks in support of local families facing cancer. Learn more at franklincancerwalk.org.

09/02/2026

The people who stood beside first-grade teacher Rochelle Wright during her cancer journey gathered once again, this time to crown her a grand marshal.

Poplar Grove School teacher and breast cancer survivor Mrs. Wright received a surprise fit for a queen when a large group of family members, friends, colleagues and community supporters gathered this morning at her school to crown her one of three special grand marshals of the 10th Annual Franklin Cancer Walk.

While the walk organizer, Samantha Shepherd, brought a crown and a host of goodies for Mrs. Wright, her most important gift was a message for Rochelle and all cancer survivors: Whenever life feels difficult or complicated, remember that you are surrounded by a community ready to offer love, compassion, and support.

That same spirit is at the heart of the Franklin Cancer Walk, which builds community and raises funds to help local families facing cancer with transportation to medical appointments, utilities, rent, food and other practical needs.

The walk will begin and end at Poplar Grove School, where Mrs. Wright teaches first graders every day. On October 24, she will lead a much larger classroom in a lesson about hope, compassion and the power of showing up for one another.

For more information, go to www.franklincancerwalk.org.