|
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Sunday, March 10, 2024
The next Mobile Museum is March 16 at Annie Sullivan Middle School & features a dinosaur bonanza!!
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Annie Sullivan Middle School Concert - Dec 13 at 6 PM
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Annie Sullivan Middle School: Important Dates for December 2021
December Important Dates
Friday, December 3: Cookie Kit fundraiser Ends (order online)
Monday, December 6: Trimester 1 Ends
Tuesday, December 7: Trimester 2 Begins
Thursday, December 9: Cookie Kit Fundraiser Pickup at ASMS (3:15-4:00 pm)
Friday, December 10: Half Day for Students (Professional Development for staff)
Sunday, December 12: Cookie Kit Virtual Event (2:00 pm-3:30 pm)
Wednesday, December 15: Trimester 1 Grades Posted in Aspen (after school)
Friday, December 24-Friday, December 31: No School (December break)
Shared from the Annie Sullivan MS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/annie-sullivan
Annie Sullivan Middle School: Important Dates for December 2021 |
Thursday, February 11, 2021
FM #458 - School Committee Meeting (P1 of 3): Annie Sullivan segment (audio)
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 9, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a virtual format: all of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, along with the public were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the just over two hour and twenty minute meeting into three logical segments:
- *** First *** covers the opening through the Annie Sullivan presentation (approx. 41 minutes)
- Second - Discussion - Action items covering the Davis Thayer closing discussion and vote (approx. 43 mins)
- Third - from Discussion Only items through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 59 minutes)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet nor is the pool testing outline)
Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 9, 2021
Audio file = https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/fecadb3d-2ac3-40f7-9cd2-6419487489f1/fm-458-schoolcomm-mtg-20210209-p1of3.mp3
--------------
Meeting packet folder
https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/school-committee-votes-to-close-davis.html
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
FM #458 - School Committee Meeting (P1 of 3): Annie Sullivan segment (audio) |
Monday, February 8, 2021
"recommendation that the DT facility be closed for FY22"
"After completing a comprehensive closing study for the Davis Thayer School, the Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis subcommittee has voted to present this final report to the Franklin School Committee with our recommendation that the DT facility be closed for FY22.
Additionally, we also recommend that the Franklin School Committee establish a standing subcommittee focused on creating a Master Facilities Plan to address other facility needs in the district."
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Franklin Public Schools: Haunted Clocks Full Virtual Performance
"Amazing performance! Great job to ALL involved!"
Video link => https://youtu.be/WxetbNjvm2M
Friday, October 2, 2020
COVID Positive Letter to ASMS Families
October 2, 2020
Dear Franklin Families,
I am writing to inform you that a person in our Annie Sullivan Middle School community has tested positive for COVID-19. This person has not been in the school building.
Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform individuals who were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support everyone navigating this stressful experience.
Students and staff in the building have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our faculty/staff and families/students for continued efforts to monitor symptoms and stay home when not feeling well. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of transmission.
Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. As always, please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if they show any symptoms or are not feeling well.
Parents/guardians of students who were in close contact with the community member will be notified privately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of the test result. We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents/guardians whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. Staff members are to report positive test results to their supervisor. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.
To prevent transmission of the virus to staff and students, we sanitize the school with a focus on areas that are frequently touched/accessed. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place.
As noted in a previous communication regarding COVID-19, please visit the following link for more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.
You can also find a map of testing sites at
https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.
We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools
Thursday, August 6, 2020
School Committee Reopening Site Inspections - Aug 7
School Committee Reopening Site Inspections
Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”
9:00 AM Call to Order
Inspection
of Davis Thayer Elementary School Inspection of Annie Sullivan Middle School
Discussion
12:00 PM Adjourn
Read full agenda online at Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-7-20_site_inspection.pdf
Davis Thayer Elementary School |
Monday, June 1, 2020
FHS: Awards Night, Senior Parade, Commencement Broadcast Schedule
- Depart from HMMS - 2:00 PM (1:30 arrival at HMMS)
- Depart from ASMS - 2:20 PM (1:50 arrival at ASMS)
- Depart from RMS - 2:40 PM (2:10 arrival at RMS)
Horace Mann Parade Route:
|
Annie Sullivan Parade Route: |
Remington Middle School Parade Route
|
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Jazz Cafe - FHS cafeteria - Feb 7
Franklin High School Cafeteria
Friday, February 7, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Adults $10.00, Children/Students and Seniors $5.00
(Family of up to 5 guests - $25.00, all additional guests - $5.00)
Light refreshments will be served
Come join us for an evening of great music!
Jazz Cafe - FHS cafeteria - Feb 7 |
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Author to visit the three Franklin Middle Schools in November
#VisitingAuthor has been announced! We are thrilled to welcome @LeslieConnor29 to ALL THREE Franklin middle schools in November! @HMMSLightning look for info flyer coming home with your student today @FranklinEdOrg @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/ZLiedLpZdo— Crazy Reading Ladies (@allinreading) October 8, 2019
Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AiJPm1t1wZyOB-U07wxc3RZnsLR03Bfg/view?usp=sharing
Author to visit ALL THREE Franklin middle schools in November |
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
27 Franklin Middle School Music Students to perform with Massachusetts Jr.Central District Honor Ensembles - FHS to host event
Participating in the Jr. Central District Band are Sophie Fioravanti, Sydney Lincourt, Derek Terwilliger, Joel Keller, Adithya Balagurumoortjy, Maria Zaki and Katie Zercie.
Remington Middle School |
Selected to perform with the Jr. Central District Orchestra are Nicholas Bauer, Sibi Charan Dinakaran, Vivienne Loukota and Pritam Sompally, Lola Richardson, Vignan Kamarthi, Leo Yang, Patrick O’Brien, Kyle Formato, Josalyn Mascio and Weylan O’Connell.
Singing in the Jr. Central District Chorus is Adriana Jordan, Gianni Pazvakavambwa, Kayla Durkin, Katie Hanifin and Mia Quinn
symphony band at MICCA |
For the first time, Franklin High School will be hosting this exciting event. Top musicians and educators from throughout Central Massachusetts will join together on April 27 to perform the music that has been prepared over a three rehearsal period.
The Franklin Music Boosters and the Franklin Music Staff, lead by FMB president Deborah Ryan and Director of Music, Diane Plouffe are prepared to welcome over 1000 student musicians and their families for a day of music. The day will begin with rehearsals, followed by two concerts. The Honors Chorus and Jazz Band concert will be held at 2:00 PM, while the Orchestra and Concert Band concert will be at 4:00 PM. Both performances will take place in the Franklin High School auditorium.
Following the performances guests are invited to attend the Franklin Cultural Council “Taste of ArtWeek” Festival held on our town common from 4-8 PM. This event will include a craft fair, live performances, a beer and wine garden and food trucks.
Friday, April 19, 2019
In the News: Keller-Sullivan sprinkler work underway; Gender "X" bill moving in MA Senate
Keller-Sullivan sprinkler problem fixed again
"It is often iterated at this time of year that April showers bring May flowers. But at the Helen Keller-Annie Sullivan school complex, the experience has been given new meaning this month: “Showers” coming from a burst sprinkler head on April 3 are bringing new rugs, cabinetry and paint jobs to several elementary classrooms.
Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern recently told the School Committee that repairs to the classrooms would be undertaken this week during spring break, and students will be returning to mostly fixed-up classrooms.
On April 3, nine Helen Keller School classrooms were damaged by water after a sprinkler head on the second floor burst late in the afternoon, Ahern reported at the School Committee’s April 9 meeting. Classes were temporarily displaced as the rooms were sealed off for the remainder of that week.
“Water damaged materials including carpets, drywalls and cabinets were removed,” Ahern said, noting that over the weekend of April 6 and April 7, Servicemaster worked late hours “in order to ensure that all rooms had been properly mitigated.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190418/fixes-under-way-after-water-damage-at-franklin-school
This is the third sprinkler incident at the Keller-Sullivan complex
2017 = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/they-did-remarkable-job.html
2014 = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/asms-keller-status-update.html
Keller - Sullivan Schools |
"Spilka’s ‘Gender X’ bill moving in Senate"
"The Senate plans next week to take up legislation that has become a signature priority for Senate President Karen Spilka, a bill that would allow an adult to change state identification records to reflect a gender of “X.”
The so-called “Gender X” bill would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to make a third, gender-neutral option available to applicants for a license or learner’s permit and would allow anyone over 18, an emancipated minor or the parents of a minor to request a change in the sex listed on someone’s birth certificate to male, female or X.
“This bill is very special to me,” said Spilka, D-Ashland, earlier this month during an interview on WGBH radio.
The Senate president got involved after receiving a letter from a constituent from Natick who was feeling stress as they prepared to decide which box to check on their driving learner’s permit. Spilka has since grown close to the family while working on this bill, and almost pushed it across the finish line last year."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190418/spilkas-gender-x-bill-moving-in-senate
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Franklin Music Students Find Success at MICCA Festival
Ensembles are evaluated and awarded a medal of Bronze, Silver or Gold according to the score they receive. Receiving a Bronze medal was the Remington Middle School Band and the Franklin High School Concert Band.
Receiving Silver medals were the Horace Mann Middle School Band, the combined middle schools Orchestra and Chorus, the Franklin High School Chorus, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.
Three Franklin Ensembles brought home Gold medals this year from the regional three-day festival; the Annie Sullivan Band (Pamela Butz, director), the Franklin High School Repertory Orchestra (Diane Plouffe, director) and Treble Choir (Olivia Goliger, director).
The Franklin Repertory Orchestra is an audition-based group comprised of 22 students from grades 9 to 12. The Repertory Orchestra is part of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Music Academy directed by Sheila Darcey.
Ensembles receiving a Gold medal are invited to perform in the state’s “Gold Medal Showcase” at either Mechanics Hall in Worcester or at Symphony Hall in Boston. The Annie Sullivan Band will be performing at Mechanics Hall on Sunday, April 14 at 9:40 AM and the Franklin High School Treble Choir will be performing at Symphony Hall on Saturday, May 4 at 8:40 AM. These performances are free and open to the public.
FHS Repertory Orchestra (Diane Plouffe, director) Contributed Photo |
FHS Treble Choir (Olivia Goliger, director) Contributed Photo |
Annie Sullivan Band (Pamela Butz, director) Contributed Photo |
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Medals come home to Franklin from MICCA Festival
ASMS Symphony Band earns Gold medal at MICCA festival Friday night! Congrats to members & Ms Butz-your hard work paid off! @asms_band @franklinpsnews @franklinpublicma @franklinmatters.ma @mrsvasms @asmsartroom @mrs.f.asms @mrs.almeida_asms @mrszogbyasms @mahanasmspe @miss.b… pic.twitter.com/rOVE24bwKr— Sully The Husky ASMS (@sullythehusky) April 6, 2019
Today at MICCA, the General Chorus was awarded a silver medal for their excellent performance today, while the Chamber Choir was awarded a gold medal for their superior performance! This is the first gold medal for the FHS choral program, and I’m very proud of ALL the singers! 🐾 pic.twitter.com/s5r7EISnq5— FHS Choral Program (@fhs_choral) April 6, 2019
Congratulations to the FHS Symphony and Repertory orchestras for great performances at MICCA! Symphony-Silver and Repertory-Gold! @FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @PaulPeri9 pic.twitter.com/W1QIbyHhIr— Mrs. Plouffe (@FranklinHSOrch) April 6, 2019
ASMS Symphony Band earns Gold medal at MICCA festival Friday night |
Monday, March 11, 2019
Reminder: MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14
“It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor's Association (MICCA)to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature.”The Franklin Music Department is pleased to invite you to come celebrate over 500 student musicians as they perform this years MICCA programs for the public.
Two nights of performances will include Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School and Franklin High School.
Tuesday, March 12 will feature the orchestras and choruses and Thursday, March 14 will feature our Bands. Both concerts will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held at Franklin High School.
A $5 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments will be sold.
MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14 |
Monday, March 4, 2019
MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14
“It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor's Association (MICCA)to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature.”The Franklin Music Department is pleased to invite you to come celebrate over 500 student musicians as they perform this years MICCA programs for the public.
Two nights of performances will include Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School and Franklin High School.
Tuesday, March 12 will feature the orchestras and choruses and Thursday, March 14 will feature our Bands. Both concerts will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held at Franklin High School.
A $5 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments will be sold.
MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14 |
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
27 Franklin Middle School Music Students perform with the Massachusetts Jr. Central District Honor Band, Chorus and Orchestra
Participating in the Jr. Central District Band were Samantha Bilello, Christopher Botchis, Amirees Estarkhouse, Nipun Goel, Luke Jackson, Aidan Karlowicz, Joel Keller, William Olbrys, Nathan Palmer, Charlene Peng, Tyler Powderly, Kathryn Rudolph, Jacob Tennant, Derek Terwilliger and Rachael Yuan.
Performing with the Jr. CD Jazz Band was Ian Richardson.
Selected to perform with the Jr. CD Orchestra was Aadit Bhatia, Christopher Broyles, Shreya Choudhury, Chai Harsha, Colin Manocchio, Grace Newton Madison Pavao and Sarayu Vijayanagaram.
Singing in the Jr. CD Chorus was Adriana Jordan, Meghan Linkkila and Jack Pokorny.
27 Franklin Middle School Music Students perform with the Massachusetts Jr. Central District Honor Band, Chorus and Orchestra |
Thursday, March 8, 2018
“It’s about just doing good”
"Annie Sullivan Middle School student Brendan O’Leary has been chosen to represent Franklin for a statewide charity effort this year.
O’Leary will serve as the town’s ambassador for Project 351, which was started in 2011 when then Gov. Deval Patrick decided to incorporate children into the fight against poverty and homelessness.
“An eighth-grade unsung hero and quiet leader” is selected from each of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts, according to the project’s application.
Beth Wittcoff, the principal at Annie Sullivan, said with his good grades and humble nature, O’Leary was recognized by his teachers because found him to be the perfect candidate to spearhead Franklin’s part of the charity drive."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180307/franklin-student-chosen-for-project-351
for more about Project 351 visit their webpage |
https://www.project351.org/
Monday, January 22, 2018
Jazz Cafe - Feb 2
The Jazz Bands from Franklin High School, Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, and Annie Sullivan Middle School will be performing in a jazz club-themed evening.
Enjoy a comfortable, casual setting where Franklin's jazz students will set the mood. Family is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be served!
Please join us Friday February 2, 7:00 PM at the Franklin High School Cafeteria.
Tickets are sold only at the event, $10 person, $25 family. We hope to see you there!
Jazz Cafe - Feb 2 |