What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, August 24, 2025 ??

Sunday, August 24

11am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1pm Sunday Fundays (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

1pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free) 

7pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Number of School Committee and Town Council candidates for Biennial Elections from 2003 to this year (as of 8/22/25)

Tabulating the total number of candidates for Town Council and School Committee via the PDF Annual Reports available from the Town of Franklin web page reveals the following information:

• Currently the most candidates for Town Council is found this year (with nomination paper data as of 8/22/25)
• The School Committee has the most variation in number of candidates from a negative 1 (6 for 7 spots) in 2005 to a plus 5 (12 for 7 spots) in 2021 to a current plus 3 (as of 8/22/25)
• There were 4 elections where all you needed was to get on the ballot to get elected to the School Committee vs. the Town Council where in 2 elections there were 10 candidates and at the end one was left out

Town Council - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

Town Council - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

School Committee - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

School Committee - chart of candidates plus or minus by year since 2003

The PDF Annual Reports can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=39

The data table, compiled from the PDF copies, that drove the charts can be found ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jWlQaxx40GKbSTSY2-81Jgfpm6isnqXp/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda for meeting August 28, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

August 26, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/New Presentations

A. New Hires Update

B. 2025-26 Family Handbooks Presentations

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   2025-26 ECDC Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 ECDC Family Handbook as discussed.

B.   2025-26 Elementary Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Elementary Family Handbook as discussed.

C.   2025-26 Middle School Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26 Middle School Family Handbook as discussed.

D.   2025-26 FHS Family Handbook Approval

I recommend approval of the 2025-26FHS Family Handbook as discussed.

E. Horace Mann Campus Naming

I recommend that the Franklin School Committee designate the school land located on Oak Street and Panther Way encompassing the Early Childhood Development Center, Franklin Middle School, and Franklin High School as the Horace Mann Campus as discussed.

F. Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee creation

I recommend the creation of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. None

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 12, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

School Committee agenda for
meeting August 28, 2025

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

X. Adjournment

Meeting agenda (includes remote participation info) ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5979277/SCAGENDA_8-26-25.pdf

Meeting packet folder (items released for the meeting, in some cases, a day or two after the meeting) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-26%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/846929

The Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) is enrolling

The Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) is enrolling

For more info and to enroll -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/ecdc/page/now-enrolling

You can help Brielle raise money for the Franklin Food Pantry for her capstone project

You can help Brielle raise money for the
Franklin Food Pantry for her capstone project

Brielle, a junior member of the Berry Insurance Family, needs your help!

For her 8th grade capstone project, she’s raising funds for the Franklin Food Pantry, a cause very close to her heart. Her goal is to raise $1,000 to help provide food and support to families in our community.

If you’d like to support Brielle’s efforts, scan the QR code in the photo or follow the link -> https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=34&cfifid=1006&fbclid=IwY2xjawMUS0pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSR1d3cnQ5SEtMaUdGU0hOAR5mbueM6_mbrnQWwOBDY26h2SdZjJrsHac0KUW0CXnwSi31Rd2HHvLsQ-X6vQ_aem_RHnR9NAmvetvyWphzj26mA

Thank you for helping to make a difference, Brielle, we’re so proud of you!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1A64LKUiLn/

MBTA Update: Starting Monday (8/25/25) Note there is a Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change

Effective Monday, August 25, further schedule adjustments will be implemented on the Franklin/Foxboro Line reflecting the progress made by Amtrak repairs.

Train service returns to Forge Park/495. View PDF Timetable on the MBTA website -> (schedule) https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/line   or PDF    https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2025-06-02-cr-franklin-foxboro-spring-summer-schedule_0.pdf

Train service will resume between Forge Park/495 station and Franklin Station, with inbound trains originating at Forge Park as previously scheduled.

Foxboro Line trains 1765 and 1770 will now complete their trips to Foxboro Station.

MBTA Update: Starting Monday (8/25/25) Note
there is a Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change

Franklin/Foxboro outbound trains will operate closer to a regular schedule with minor adjustments to allow four trains to make an additional stop at Hyde Park Station, adding approximately three minutes to the schedule and an additional five minutes to the last stop of all outbound trains.

Franklin/Foxboro inbound trains will continue to run via the Fairmount Line and will not stop at Ruggles or Back Bay Station. An additional five minutes will be added to the last stop of some inbound evening Franklin/Foxboro trains.

Mid-day busing between Walpole and Foxboro will continue, as will the cancellation of the mid-day Foxboro trains.

Train 744 (1:59PM Readville) will have a minor schedule adjustment with a three-minute later departure time and three-minute later arrival time, as a result of the changes to the Franklin/Foxboro Line.

The Fairmount Line schedule will be adjusted to accommodate a midday Franklin/Foxboro train (train 744) running as a local via the Fairmount Line.

Shuttle buses will continue to replace service between Foxboro and Walpole on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to allow for construction of a permanent, accessible platform at Foxboro Station. Special event trains for concerts and Patriots games at Gillette Stadium will continue to operate during construction.

Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vImo2cwqQwLiUzzj_yeq_0eqpLHGncJh/view?usp=sharing

Last Updated: Aug 23 2025 11:47 AM

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (8/25) through Friday (8/29)

BEAVER STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Continuing on Monday (8/25) thru Wednesday (8/27), Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between 7am to 4pm.  Those needing to access 242-290 Beaver Street will be able to do so using Rt. 140 only. This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. 

Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St. 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

Starting Thursday (8/28) thru Friday (8/29) the Construction crew will be working off the road on Fisher Street. Limited to no traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation. 

UPCOMING LANE CLOSURE ON RT 140 (West Central Street)

Starting Tuesday, September 2nd, the Contractor will start the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

For additional information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Help Metacomet Land Trust Observe 1,000 Species by Year's End!

Need an excuse to get outside?

Help Metacomet Observe 1,000 Species by Year's End!

Thanks to our amazing community of nature lovers, 804 different species have been spotted on Metacomet Land Trust properties using the iNaturaIist app (App Store or Google Play) — from birds and butterflies to fungi and frogs!

Now, we're setting a new goal: Help us reach 1,000 species before the end of 2025!

Help Metacomet Land Trust Observe 1,000 Species by Year's End!

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just curious about what's out there, all you need is a cell phone and a pair of binoculars to join the fun. To start, visit one of our most accessible conservation areas:

• Stevens Pond (Sutton)
• Hop Brook Preserve (Blackstone)
• Szerlag Farm (Northbridge)

Download the free iNaturaIist app, snap photos of what you see, and contribute to real community science that helps us steward our lands.

Together, we can learn more about the rich biodiversity protected by your local land trust!l

Want to see if you've found a new species? Head to the project page and see for yourself. -> https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/metacomet-biodiversity-adventure

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1J2QevfdSp/

Franklin Recreation: Preschool Programs Are Back! Registration is Open !!!

We’re so excited to offer a wide variety of preschool classes this fall — perfect for curious little learners, active kids, and budding artists!

• Young Artists & Little Science Seekers – creative fun + hands-on learning
• First Friends & More Fun with Friends – great first steps into independence and play

• 

  https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx

  Themed Drop-Off Classes – crafts, songs, games, and seasonal fun each week
• Sports for Tots (NEW!) – try a different sport every week in a supportive, active setting
• Tykes Hikes (NEW!) – outdoor adventures, story strolls, and animal fun on the trails

Spots are limited — don’t wait!

Register now at https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx

Monthly payment plan options are available

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EoCAyKViX/

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, Aug 24, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday