As summer approaches, students and staff eagerly anticipate soaking up the sun and breaking away from everyday routines. Summer creates opportunities for relaxation, making new memories, having adventures, and finding new places to explore. After a busy and exhausting school year, who deserves a vacation more than Franklin’s staff? Teachers work so hard to make the school year fun and educational and prepare students for their futures. Over the summer, staff members no longer have to worry about grading or lesson plans. Whether they’re going away to visit family, traveling to an exotic new location, or just hanging around Portland, it’s a time to reflect and live without school-related stress.
“We are going birding, exploring cultures, and seeing ruins,” says Sahnzi Moyers, who teaches biology and AP Biology. She will be spending a total of 16 days in Vietnam and Cambodia with her husband. Moyers, an avid bird watcher, has traveled extensively for research in the past but is especially excited to encounter bird species native to Asia and is looking forward to her next adventure.
Sometimes, being around family is all you need. “We’re going to Washington DC to visit my sister, and then we’re going to Colorado,” says Portia Hall, who teaches Asian American history, Law and Your Rights, and Constitutional Law.
Summer fun isn’t limited to long-distance travel. Megan Whisnand, who teaches AP Environmental Science, Marine Science, and Climate Justice, is going to guide her friends around Oregon, planning to hike, river-raft, swim, and camp. “They’re coming from Chicago, so we’re giving them the full Oregon experience,” she says. Whisnand additionally plans to move her son to college, who will be studying in Houston. It may sound like a jam-packed schedule, but she is excited for the summer to start.
Summertime can also bring big changes. Ruben Navarrete, a Spanish teacher at Franklin, is moving to Colombia this summer to start a PhD program online. “There are lots of details we are still figuring out, but we are taking steps to make this dream a reality.” Navarrete, who grew up in Venezuela, hopes his kids will learn about and become immersed in Colombian culture during their year away. Affectionately known as Mr. N, Navarrete has taught at Franklin for seven years, teaching Spanish as well as coaching sprints for the track and field team. Navarrete is known to participate in school activities — for example, he coached the senior versus staff basketball game at Franklin’s latest assembly.
“I’m going to miss all of my amazing students, coworkers, and athletes next school year, but I’m planning to come back for the 2026-2027 school year. I will keep my @spanishwithmrn Instagram account active and share about Latino and Colombian culture. So say ‘hola’ from time to time,” says Navarrete.
Summer will be different for everyone, but it seems our Franklin staff have an exciting few months ahead of them. Summer brings on lots of new experiences and adventures, but our staff will come back ready to teach and create another amazing school year for Franklin students.
