Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts
Showing posts with label schools. Show all posts

Friday, February 16, 2024

Franklin Public Schools Announce Upcoming Musical Performances, Highlights Music Program


Franklin Public Schools

Superintendent Lucas Giguere,
355 East Central St.
Franklin, MA 02038
Franklin

Franklin Public Schools Announce Upcoming Musical Performances, Highlights Music Program

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    FHS orchestra students. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

    FRANKLIN — Superintendent Lucas Giguere and K-12 Music Director Diane Plouffe are pleased to share information about the Franklin Public Schools Performing Arts program and upcoming musical performances.

    The FHS music program provides a variety of musical and theatrical opportunities to all students in grades K-12. Students gain a strong foundation through singing and playing recorders and ukuleles beginning in fourth and fifth grade. Beginning in the sixth grade, all students are offered the opportunity to learn to play a band or orchestra instrument, or sing in the chorus.

    Students participating in a school ensemble have three performance cycles per year: December, March and May/June. Students are currently preparing for the upcoming Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) State Music Festival.  

    "The MICCA Concert Festival encourages the improvement of an ensemble's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified judges," said Plouffe. "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."

    Prior to the festival, on Tuesday, March 12, 200 students will perform in the upcoming All Town Chorus and Orchestra concert. On the following Wednesday, March 13, the All Town Band concert will take place, featuring over 250 students. Both concerts begin at 6 p.m. at the FHS Auditorium. Admission for both shows is $5 at the door and all proceeds will go to Franklin Music Boosters.

    FHS students also recently auditioned for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA). There were 17 FHS students in the music program who were accepted into the Central District Honor Ensembles and 21 middle school students accepted into the Junior Festival.

    Music students attend one state festival per year, consistently earning silver and gold medals. Additionally, students who are looking for more performance opportunities may elect to perform in chamber music recitals, jazz band concerts, community service performances, musical theatre performances or audition for honor ensembles such as the Central District and All State Music Festivals.

    In addition to in-school classes, the tuition based Lifelong Music Academy is an after school music program offering private lessons and jazz band at each middle school and the "Footlighters," which is a middle school musical theater club.

    FHS has a full schedule of performance and non-performance musical opportunities for students throughout the year. Non-performance classes include: Music Production I, II, III, Podcasting, Music Theory I, AP Music Theory, Guitar, Piano, History of Rock and Rock Band. All students who elect to participate in the wind ensemble, concert band, orchestra or chorus perform in three main concert cycles; one in December, March and May. 

    "Our schools' music program is a journey of exploration and expression for our students." Plouffe said. "Through engaging lessons, ensemble rehearsals, and community performances, we are fostering a love for music and nurturing the next generation of musicians." 

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    FHS students performing in a jazz combo at a recent concert. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

    A message from Franklin Public Schools

    John Guilfoil Public Relations, P.O. Box 22, Georgetown, MA 01833, United States, (617) 993-0003

    Thursday, February 8, 2024

    Franklin's Three Middle Schools Receive Grant to Support STEM Career Learning

     

    Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to announce that the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School and Annie Sullivan Middle School recently received grant funds from the One8 Foundation to offer an expanded curricular program from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to support STEM career learning.

    The One8 Foundation collaborates with partners to identify, support and scale high impact programs, like PLTW, to help schools and teachers prepare students for success.

    PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through coursework in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. Franklin's three middle schools join more than 12,000 schools across the country offering PLTW programs to millions of students.

    “Receiving these grants gives us the opportunity to realize what we imagine for our students," said Director of Curriculum STEM Eric Stark. "By expanding our partnership with the One8 Foundation, our computer science and STEM teachers will join a nationwide community of educators, and our students will gain access to an engaging and rigorous curriculum and high-quality instructional materials."

    The grant funds will be used to implement three PLTW Gateway units for the first time in Franklin Public Schools. In the first unit offered, Design and Modeling, students will discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They will be challenged to use and apply what they have learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

    "We are so excited to be a part of this partnership with Project Lead the Way for the first time,” Superintendent Giguere said. "We are looking forward to seeing our students participate in these programs and how they can apply their skills across the computer sciences, shaping them for real-world experiences."
    The second unit that will be offered is Computer Science for Innovators and Makers. Students will discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible and shareable projects. Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life.

    The third unit that will be offered is called App Creators. This unit will expose students to computer science by computationally analyzing and developing solutions to authentic problems through mobile app development, and will convey the positive impact of the application of computer science to other disciplines and to society. Students will customize their experience by choosing a problem that interests them in the areas of health, environment, emergency preparedness, education, community service and school culture.

    Funds from the grant will also support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in PLTW courses. In addition, as a school with PLTW programming in Massachusetts, each school will have access to a regular set of teacher professional learning opportunities, student project showcases, and connections to industry professionals offered by the Mass Learning Project and the One8 Applied Learning Hub.

    “Students are hungry for experiences that allow them to apply what they are learning to solve real-world, meaningful problems," said One8 Foundation President Joanna Jacobson. "Providing equitable access to hands-on applied learning programs that deliver academic gains while building critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills ensures students are engaged and interested in school and prepared for success in this ever-changing world."


    About Project Lead The Way
    Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the country. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW's teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning.


    Sunday, December 17, 2023

    Samples from the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase - Dec 13, 2023


    Catching up to sharing more of the photos of the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase which was held in a short period from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the FHS Library/Media Center on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023.

    I had shared a sample initially on Wednesday via Instagram.  What I wrote then is still good upon review today:
    "Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school from around the district. I wish there was more space to share these works, and more time for folks to come & see. The variety and quality is amazing!"
    The link to the Instagram post -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zx9MVxhXH

    The album with all the photos I captured on Wednesday. Please take time to review them, the work being showcased is amazing.  



    Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school
    Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school

    Sunday, December 10, 2023

    Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

    Finance Committee Meeting
    Agenda & Meeting Packet
    Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM


    Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
    2nd floor, Council Chambers
    355 East Central Street

    Agenda

    1. Call to Order

    2. Public Comment

    3. State budget update
    a. FY23 Supplemental Budget and FY24 budget revenue projections

    4. Future Agenda Items & 2024 Meeting Schedule

    5. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series
    a. Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department
    i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budget
    ii. List of Town Owned Buildings
    iii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditions
    iv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysis
    v. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommittee
    vi. 10-year Capital Facilities Plan
    b. Grants discussion
    i. Ten-year municipal grants history
    ii. Ten-year school grants history

    6. Recurring Business:
    a. Approval of Minutes
    i. September 13, 2023
    ii. November 08, 2023
    b. Stabilization Account Balance

    7. Adjourn

    The agenda doc includes supporting materials and covers 38 pages (also includes remote participation info) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dec_13_2023_fin_com_agenda.pdf

    Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023
    Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

    Thursday, November 16, 2023

    Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

    Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

    In accordance with MGL c. 30B, §6, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin, to retain the services of a consultant for the development of a comprehensive facilities assessment and master plan for the Franklin Public Schools all located in Franklin, MA. 

    Additional Information:  Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

    Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-comprehensive-school-facilities-assessmen

    Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment
    Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

    Thursday, October 5, 2023

    Investigation on school shooting hoax calls continues

    Over the past year, more than 500 schools in the United States have been subjected to a coordinated campaign of fear that exploits the all-too-real American danger of school shootings, according to a review of media reports and dozens of public records requests. The Washington Post examined police reports, emergency call recordings, body-camera footage or call logs in connection with incidents in 24 states.

    The calls are being investigated by the FBI and have generated an aggressive response by local law enforcement — particularly after officers in Uvalde, Tex., came under criticism for waiting more than an hour to confront the gunman during the May 2022 elementary school massacre.

    In state after state, heavily armed officers have entered schools prepared for the worst. Students have hidden in toilets, closets, nurse’s offices. They’ve barricaded doors with desks and refrigerators. Medical helicopters have been placed on standby while trauma centers have paused surgeries, anticipating possible victims. Terrified parents have converged on schools, not knowing if their children are safe.
    Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)
    https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/10/04/school-swatting-hoax-active-shooter/

    Note: The data includes incidents where multiple schools were targeted and situations where  calls were linked to a broader pattern of hoaxes.  HANNA ZAKHARENKO/THE WASHINGTON POST
    Note: The data includes incidents where multiple schools were targeted and situations where  calls were linked to a broader pattern of hoaxes.  HANNA ZAKHARENKO/THE WASHINGTON POST


    Sunday, October 1, 2023

    Franklin Public School lunch improvements to highlight

    Via the Franklin Public School's Facebook page, we share a couple of recent posts to highlight how creative the delivery of school lunch can be within the budget. Delivering healthy, locally sourced, and cost effective meals to students.

    "Don't mind us, we're just reminiscing on last week's delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice. Our Food Services team sources beef locally to ensure the highest quality is available to our students. This steak was sourced from MeatWorks out of Westport, MA.
    The farms were Twin Willow Farm (Westport, MA), Howard’s Farm (West Bridgewater, MA), and Sunny Knoll Farm (Westminster, MA)"
    delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice
    delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice


    "The Food Service team does it again! Yesterday’s lunch at every school featured local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA. The fisherman was Captain Scott MacAllister on his boat, the Carol Marie fishing vessel. Thank you Red’s Best for the great traceability!

    You can read more about Captain Macallister in this article: https://capecodfishermen.org/a-young-man-carving-out-a.../"

    local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA
    local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA

    Monday, September 25, 2023

    Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School Monday, Sep 25; half-day Tuesday, Sep 26

    "All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 25th, 2023 in observance of Yom Kippur. 
    Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023." 

     

    "Reminder: All Franklin Public Schools will operate on a HALF DAY schedule Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 to accommodate for staff professional development, with the exception of the Early Childhood Development Center which will have no school on half days. "

    https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1706035863694537036

    Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School Monday, Sep 25; half-day Tuesday, Sep 26
    Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School Monday, Sep 25; half-day Tuesday, Sep 26

    Thursday, August 31, 2023

    Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School on Friday, Sep 1 - Schools Reopen on Tuesday, Sep 5

    "All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED Friday, September 1st, 2023  as well as Monday, September 4th, 2023 (Labor Day). 
    We will reopen on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023."

    Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1696961436541505678

    Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School on Friday, Schools Reopen on Tuesday, Sep 5
    Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School on Friday, Schools Reopen on Tuesday, Sep 5

    Wednesday, August 30, 2023

    In this conversation with Supt Giguere we talk of the prep for the new school year and much more (audio)

    FM #1051 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1051 in the series. 


    This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person at Franklin High School on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 


    At a high level our topics were:

    • School year prep

    • One year anniversary as Superintendent

    • State funded free lunch

    • District hiring status

    • Budget analysis per Joint Budget Cmte underway

    • Comprehensive School Facility Planning about to begin process

    • Reminder on communications and when to escalate

    The recording runs about 32 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation our school Superintendent Lucas Giguere. Audi file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1051-fps-supt-lucas-giguere-08-23-23


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    Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent 


    Free lunch notification ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-public-schools-letter-to.html 


    Back to School Letter & checklist -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/backtoschool_family_letter_2023-24.pdf 


    School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 


    EduSpeak glossary -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/eduspeak-glossary-educational-terms-acronyms 


    Communication guidelines -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/families/pages/communication-guidelines-fps-families 



    --------------


    We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


    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/ or www.franklin.news/


    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"


    Franklin (MA) School Supt L Giguere
    Franklin (MA) School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

    Friday, July 28, 2023

    School Committee approves "Comprehensive School Facility Planning" effort (audio)

    The School Committee met on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 as scheduled and completed business without student updates (school vacation) or any presentations (summer time) with a brief Executive Session and the total was within an hour. A rare but worthy accomplishment.

    • Getting ready to report on the School Committee meeting at 7 PM follow along with the agenda #schcom0726  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-25-23.pdf
    • Chair Spencer opens meeting, gets right to the Supt Giguere report on the activity this summer. Administrator pretreat the day after school ended to close and reflect on the past school year. #schcom0725 retreat next week, 3 days, asst and principals together
    • Planning and strategic planning key topic, to be held at Dean College; MSAA executive institute for Lucas, Paula & Tina at the Cape recently, how to move from striving to thriving, budget development also a key topic #schcom0725
    • Elementary literacy materials arrived, being distributed to the schools, 30 openings currently but a moving # as candidates are in process, HS experience, new teacher orientation, professional development before schools starts, report and dates coming in writing
    • Clarification q, 2 asst principals open at this time. No presentations, now discussion action items
    • Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee - I recommend that the School Committee dissolve the Space Needs & Facilities Assessment Sub Committee as detailed motion to approve, second, passes 7-0
    • School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee - I recommend that the School Committee establish a School Facilities Master Planning Subcommittee as detailed motion to approve, second, Amended to be Comprehensive School Facility Planning Subcmte, passes 7-0; Second vote to pass formation of committee as amended, passes 7-0
    • Off-site/retreat working on an overall calendar for meetings and subcommittee meetings to make them as predictable as possible, likely ready in a couple of weeks #schcom0725
    • Consent agenda recommended to be approved, moved, second, passes 7-0
    • Order for Committee comments, Callaghan advises participating in Joint Budget Subcmte meeting Aug 2
    • Motion to executive session, to return to open meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call We will hang out for this one, not supposed to be a long session. Stay tuned!
    • Ok, about to return to open session
    • Called back to order, motion to adjourn, via roll call passes 7-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!
    My notes captured via Twitter can also be downloaded in one PDF ->

    Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C-AM9cmYqSU



    Thursday, June 15, 2023

    Franklin Public Schools, MA: bus registration info

    Pay-to-Ride registration is ongoing through the Aspen Parent Portal. While the deadline for a guaranteed spot has passed, we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible if transportation is needed. 
    Full payment is due July 10, 2023 via Unibank's website. https://t.co/pYItSGGL3n  or ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation 

    Shared from -> https://t.co/tUGkEx70ZV



    Franklin Public Schools, MA: bus registration info
    Franklin Public Schools, MA: bus registration info

    Friday, June 9, 2023

    Jefferson Elementary Students ‘Tackle’ Public Art with New "Traveling School of Fish” Installation at the Franklin Sculpture Park.

    On June 7, 2023, Jefferson students, family, staff and the greater Franklin community gathered for a rededication ceremony at the Franklin Sculpture Park. The park first opened in 2014, the installation "The School of Fish", previously donated by the (now closed) Franklin Art Center, had appeared weathered due to time. 

    Seeing an opportunity to refresh the installation and involve the community, local artist and Jefferson parent, Amy Adams partnered with Franklin Public Schools Art Director, Adam Gooder, Jefferson Art Teacher Caroline Whelan, Jefferson Principal Stefani Wasik and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen to re-imagine the installation.

    Adams worked to clear and prepare each individual fish, Jefferson staff then worked with students to create the new art. The refreshed installation, retitled "Traveling School of Fish", will be updated yearly by new students within the district. During the dedication, Adams spoke with the students and encouraged "all of the little artists here to keep shining your lights. They are beautiful and bright."

    This new initiative aims to nurture the artistic talents of our youth, while showcasing their work with the greater Franklin community through public art. FPS Art Director Gooder notes, "Any time students of any age get a chance to show their work publicly, it motivates them to do their best. Art is meant to be seen; this initiative gives students an opportunity to see how people react and how their artistic voice can make a positive impact on others." 

    The "Traveling School of Fish" installation is available to the public at the Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way in Franklin, MA next to the Franklin Police Station.


    Traveling School of Fish 1
    Traveling School of Fish 1

    Traveling School of Fish 2
    Traveling School of Fish 2

    Monday, May 8, 2023

    Finance Committee - second of 3 budget hearings - May 10, 2023 at 7 PM

    Finance Committee Meeting
    Agenda & Meeting Packet
    Wednesday, May 10, 2023 = 7:00 PM

    Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
    2nd floor, Council Chambers
    355 East Central Street


    Agenda
    1. Call to Order

    2. Public Comments

    3. FY24 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing Continued...
    FY24 Town Administrator Budget Materials website   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials
    a. Education:
    i. 395 Norfolk County Agricultural School  FY 2024 budget -> 
    https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY24%20Norfolk%20County%20Budget%20V3%204-12-23.1.pdf
    ii. 390 Tri-County Regional Vocational School District  FY 2023 budget ->  https://tri-county.us/budgets-financial-documents/
    iii. 300 Franklin Public School District  -> FY 2024 -> 
    https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget
    4. Future Agenda Items

    5. Adjourn

    Finance Committee - second of 3 budget hearings - May 10, 2023 at 7 PM
    Finance Committee - second of 3 budget hearings - May 10, 2023 at 7 PM