Robert Spat, Principal

About Our School

Franklin School is a Pre-Kindergarten to Eighth Grade school located in the North Ward section of the city of Newark. We are a member of the North Region of the Newark Public School. Built in 1889, Franklin School is located in a predominantly Hispanic community. We house one of the largest Bilingual Education in the district with the majority of our students coming from homes where Spanish is the first language.

Our Vision and Mission

Welcome Parents

Dear Franklin Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 25-26 school year! I am Principal Robert Spat, and I am honored to begin my second year as principal of Franklin Elementary School. I hope this message finds you safe, healthy, and enjoying a well-deserved summer break. As we look ahead to the 2025–26 school year, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our school community.

I'm also thrilled to share that Ms. Lauren Herrmann will be returning for her second year as our Vice Principal, supervising grades 6–8. Ms. Theresa Finkelstein continues her outstanding work with grades Pre-K–2, and Dr. Caitlin Scanlon-Ramos remains dedicated to our students in grades 3–5. With this strong leadership team, we are excited to build on the tremendous momentum we established last year.

Our focus this year is clear: we aim to raise the bar in student achievement, increase student attendance, foster a safe and inclusive environment, and strengthen family engagement. We are committed to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student, and we will continue to work collaboratively to help all learners thrive.

As we embark on this new school year, know that my door is always open. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to our partnership.

Warm regards,

Robert Spat, Principal
Franklin Elementary School

Bienvenidos Padres

En español

Queridas familias de la Escuela Franklin:

¡Bienvenidos al año escolar 2025–2026! Soy el director Robert Spat y tengo el honor de comenzar mi segundo año como director de la Escuela Primaria Franklin. Espero que este mensaje los encuentre bien, con buena salud y disfrutando de unas merecidas vacaciones de verano. Al mirar hacia el nuevo año escolar, quiero agradecerles por su continuo apoyo y compromiso con nuestra comunidad escolar.

También me complace compartir que la Sra. Lauren Herrmann regresará para su segundo año como subdirectora, supervisando los grados 6 a 8. La Sra. Theresa Finkelstein continúa con su excelente labor en los grados Pre-K a 2, y la Dra. Caitlin Scanlon-Ramos sigue dedicada a nuestros estudiantes de los grados 3 a 5. Con este sólido equipo de liderazgo, estamos entusiasmados por continuar construyendo sobre el gran impulso que logramos el año pasado.

Nuestro enfoque este año es claro: buscamos elevar el nivel del rendimiento estudiantil, aumentar la asistencia, fomentar un ambiente seguro e inclusivo y fortalecer la participación de las familias. Estamos comprometidos a satisfacer las necesidades académicas, sociales y emocionales de cada estudiante, y continuaremos trabajando en colaboración para que todos los estudiantes prosperen.

A partir de este nuevo año escolar, quiero que sepan que mi puerta siempre estará abierta y por favor no duden en comunicarse si tienen preguntas o inquietudes. Así que con mucho esmero e interés espero su valiosa e incondicional colaboración.

Un cordial saludo,

Robert Spat
Director
Escuela Franklin

Our School in the News

Students Compete In District’s Fourth Annual Robotics Competition

January 15, 2026

Lafayette Street School earns top-honors; District IT Chief announces 3-D printers to be provided to every robotics team NEWARK, N.J. – Big ideas, innovation, and teamwork took center stage Saturday as Newark Public Schools hosted its fourth annual Districtwide Robotics Competition at Newark Vocational High School. The event, presented by the District’s Office of Educational […]

Students Compete In District’s Third Annual Robotics Competition

January 13, 2025

Ridge Street School earns top-honors; District IT Chief announces laptops and tables to be provided to every robotics team NEWARK, N.J. – It was a big day of big ideas on Saturday at the District’s third-annual Robotics Competition, presented by the District’s Office of Educational Technology at Newark Vocational High School. Working within the First […]

The Newark Board of Education Appoints New Principals for the 2024-25 School Year

July 1, 2024

Newark, NJ – Superintendent León proudly introduced the new principals for the 2024-25 school year, stating, “With their passion and perseverance, these principals exemplify how leadership and learning are inseparable.” Superintendent León met with the new cohort of principals, reiterating the importance of effective leadership, such as how informed decision-making impacts student achievement, excellent organizational […]

Newark Board of Education Hosts Thrilling Elementary Basketball Event

June 17, 2024

Excitement filled the air at Weequahic High School on Thursday, May 22nd, as the Newark Board of Education hosted an exhilarating elementary basketball event. The atmosphere was electric as the girls’ game unfolded, with Mount Vernon emerging victorious in a hard-fought battle against Elliot Street School. Meanwhile, in the boys’ game, Avon Avenue School narrowly […]

Reading Is A Ticket To Adventure

March 19, 2024

Principal Daniel Guerra was delighted to host and commemorate “Read Across America” at Luis Muñoz Marín Elementary School on March 7, 2024. The theme for this year, “Reading is a Ticket to Adventure,” truly came alive as district and community leaders graciously accepted invitations to share their love for reading and pleasantly surprised students by […]