Published November 2, 2021

This week, the Schools of the Week spotlight is on Mill Creek Elementary and Franklin High. We asked the principals of both schools to share a few things that make their schools special.

Mill Creek Elementary

• Mill Creek Elementary's Mainstage Theater Troupe gives third, fourth and fifth grade students the opportunity to audition for creative dramatic activities, including a final spring production.
• The school's Hope Squad helps create a safe school culture by promoting connectedness, supporting bullying prevention and encouraging mental wellness.
• Mill Creek Elementary is on a unique campus that includes an elementary, middle and high school within walking distance of each other. The setting adds to the community spirit of the Nolensville residents.

Students at Mill Creek Elementary are getting to flex their creative muscles and learn about the economy at the same time.

On Friday, October 29, second grade students set up shop in the cafeteria to sell their handmade products to classmates during Market Day. Using fake money, students had to decide how much their product would cost. Throughout the morning, they had to adjust their prices depending on how many items they were selling.

“You get to make a storefront and advertisements,” said MCES student Mollie Pomerantz. “I made these things called Little Friends. They’re basically little animals that you make out of egg cartons. A lot of people have liked them. I like being able to make things, and I think Market Day is a lot of fun.”

Franklin High

• Franklin High is celebrating its 111th year, making it the oldest public high school in the county.
• The school has two new programs: Pre-Law and Biomedical Technologies.
• Franklin High had the first International Baccalaureate program in Tennessee.

Students at Franklin High started celebrating Halloween early with the return of a special tradition October 29.

Each year, the FHS Early Childhood Education class embraces the Halloween spirit and goes trick-or-treating around the school. The children, dressed as dragons, superheroes and more, visit classrooms to collect candy. The longtime tradition has been going on for more than 20 years.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out and about,” said FHS College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) teacher Angie Cathey. “People love to see our children, especially when they’re dressed up like this. It’s fun for the high school students, the faculty, the staff, the children and everybody. It’s just a really great day.”

The CCTE Early Childhood Education classes are designed to prepare high school students for the field of teacher education.