Enrollment Applications at BFCCPS Now Open for Grade Eight

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), located in Franklin, Massachusetts, has begun accepting applications for Grade Eight for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.  BFCCPS is a regional public charter school for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight.  

The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education.  In addition to our core academic and co-curricular classes, students in Grade Six through Eight participate in weekly Classical Enrichment Courses and have word language instruction in both French and Latin. 

Middle schoolers are also eligible to participate in our Spring Musical. Students in Grades 5-8 also have the opportunity to participate in overnight field trips each spring, our Grade 8 students typically visit Washington DC the week before April Vacation.  

Round trip bus transportation is available with bus stops currently in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Norfolk, Mendon, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham. 

BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance at local public high schools as well as independent high schools. 

Please visit the school’s website at www.bfccps.org for enrollment details, including applications.  Applications for Grade Eight will be open through August 10, 2026.  Applications for all other grades are not currently available at this time.

If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Communication Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

Reflections on the 8th Grade Winter 2026 Capstone Project Presentations

I had the opportunity to witness some of the 8th grade Capstone Project presentations at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School recently. 49 presentations in about 4 hours over 2 sessions. 

Some of the 8th graders were nervous about speaking to the large gathering of parents, teachers, guests, and fellow students. Some spoke rapidly to get it over with. Some proceeded more calmly presenting on their project.

Their project topics ranged across a large variety of topics. Some close to home 

• Picnic tables for the teachers

• Flowers at the school entrances

• Animal crossing signs on a local road

• Air filters for classrooms

 

BFCCPS Capstone Project Presentation Schedule

Some issues with a broader reach

• Food insecurity

• Comfort kits for hospital patients, including children

• Support for the homeless

• Support for animal rescue

And some with an even broader reach

• Light pollution

• Marine animal health

• Genetic disorders

• Teen suicide

This selection can only highlight the breadth of the issues their projects researched.

Unlike the diversity of the projects, the student project experiences were similar. Many faced procrastination issues, and were hindered by a lack of response from key contacts at the subject organizations. Many adjusted their scope to complete the project, many learned better time management, and many built confidence from repeating the explanation of what their project was about.

A common theme I found was that a small effort can have a big impact. Some learned that better messaging could get the attention of the adults in authority at the organizations. Students also learned that while it is unfortunate, some political views do hinder making progress on really human issues.

Given that many of the students faced constraints with lack of resource time (much of it their own), a future consideration might be to enable collaboration among 2 or 3 students. Working together on their similar interests, they could perhaps accomplish more, and learn the keys to successful collaboration. This alone would be a good skill for life beyond 8th grade.

The students were not bashful in thanking all those who helped them along the way, teachers, family members, and friends. It does take a village.

Franklin Town Councilor Stephen Malloy was in one session with me and shared his reflection:

“Congratulations to the BFCCPS eight graders for completing their Capstone projects.  I was able to attend three sessions and was very impressed at the range of organizations that were helped, the resiliency shown by the students during their year plus long efforts, and the quality of the public presentations.  This is a fantastic program.  Great job everyone.”

Town Councilor Max Morrongiello shared his reflection:

"I'm impressed by Benjamin Franklin Charter Schools commitment to educating well rounded citizens. I was also impressed with the amount of students who prioritized self- improvement and self-care, which is critically important in these trying times."

State Representative Jeff Roy shared his reflection:

"It was a profound honor to witness the dignity and professionalism displayed by the 8th graders at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School during their superb Capstone presentations," said Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin). "From tackling the complexities of cancer research and suicide awareness to advocating for animal protection, food insecurity and so much more, these students addressed our world’s most pressing challenges with remarkable maturity. The depth of research and the poise with which these students presented their findings reflect the high standards of the BFCCPS community and left no doubt that they are not just future leaders, but powerful voices for change today."

Additional info on the Capstone projects was shared earlier

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html

Josh Shearer and I had a conversation about his project in November 2025. You can listen to it here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/joshua-talks-about-his-capstone-project.html

While we are at it, another project is conducting a circus show on Sunday Feb 22. More info from Nora Clement can be found here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/bfccps-capstone-project-conducts-circus.html

Franklin High School Welcomes Eighth Grade Students for Panther Pride Night

Franklin High School welcomed incoming eighth graders and their families during a recent Panther Pride Night, giving students an early look at academics, activities and student life ahead of their transition to high school this fall.

Current eighth graders and their families visited the high school to learn about course offerings, extracurricular activities and life at FHS. Middle school students toured the school and spoke with current FHS students, coaches and faculty about their future at the school.

Franklin High School Welcomes Eighth Grade Students for Panther Pride Night

Families listened to an academic scheduling presentation in the auditorium, where department leaders and the administrative team explained what to expect for course schedules.

More than 35 clubs were represented at a club and activities fair in the cafeteria, where middle school students spoke with FHS students and club advisors about the many extracurricular options available. Students also had the opportunity to meet with athletes and coaches from more than 30 athletic teams.

The evening allowed eighth grade students to learn more about the support and offerings available to them at the high school. They began to familiarize themselves with the building as well as some of the people within it as they toured the school and heard from current students.

"We were thrilled to welcome the Class of 2030 into the high school for Panther Pride Night," Principal Maria Weber said. "With the leadership of our Director of Guidance Heather McVay, students and families were able to get clear, helpful information about academics and the scheduling process at Franklin High School. We thank our middle school families for attending, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the fall."

"Panther Pride Night was a demonstration of the community we strive to foster within Franklin Public Schools," Superintendent Lucas Giguere said. "Providing the eighth grade class with an opportunity to speak with current Franklin High School students helps to alleviate some of the questions and concerns middle school students might have. Thank you to all of the high school students, faculty, staff and coaches for volunteering their time. Their willingness to share their experiences and meet the eighth grade class truly made the evening a success."

Additional pix available - https://41518511.hs-sites.com/franklin-high-school-welcomes-eighth-grade-students-for-panther-pride-night

Registration for this year's High School Experience Franklin will open soon (video)

HSE Franklin (@HseFranklin) posted on Tue, Jan 21, 2025:

High School Experience (HSE) for FHS Class of 2029 will be August 5 & 6. Registration will open soon. https://t.co/Ia4nsVWE4o

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOOosJD4sI4

 

@RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @FranklinHS @FPSLearning  @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FPSHealthPE

Shared from -> https://x.com/HseFranklin/status/1881780290735284308

Hey 8th Graders, got plans for Jan 30? No. Good, that is Panther Pride Night at FHS. Be there!

PANTHER PRIDE NIGHT = Thursday, January 30, 2025

We invite incoming Grade 9 Students and their families to come and learn about FHS!

Academic Scheduling Presentation - Auditorium

Hey 8th Graders, got plans for Jan 30

Please plan to attend as follows:

• Families A-K at 6:15 PM (last names beginning with A-K)
• Families L-Z at 7:15 PM (last names beginning with L-Z)

Building Tours - Ongoing from 6:00 - 7:30 PM, leaving from the Library

Extracurricular Fair - Ongoing from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the Cafeteria

Shared from -> https://t.co/FAluEuzB1E

Direct link to FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/article/1946892

School Committee moves forward with redistricting plan by 5-2 vote (audio)

FM #1204 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1204 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• 8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip highlights shared with video (the musical soundtrack accompanying the video was removed from broadcast to avoid copyright issues)

• 8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip approved for next school year 

• Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation reviewed with a presentation providing some updates to outstanding questions, and the timeline for which other questions would be answered. Committee approved by a 5-2 vote (Griffith, Sompally). Based upon their comments, the 2 no’s were more about the timing of the decision and not the proposal itself

• At the end of the discussion when it was clear, there wasn’t going to be public comment, one angry resident shouted and threatens committee and superintendent as he leaves not wanting to wait for citizens comment period at the end of the meeting agenda

• Recommendation not to accept Foreign Exchange Student for the 2024-2025 School year as discussed per policy JFABB was approved by 7-0 vote

• Appointment of Supt Giguere as the district representative to the BICO & ACCEPT Collaboratives were both approved by 7-0 votes

• The Consent Agenda was approved as detailed by a 7-0 vote

• Motion to enter into executive session, to return, voted to do so, 7-0

• Returned about 5 minutes later to formally adjourn the meeting by a 7-0 vote

The recording runs about 3 hours & 8 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1204-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-14-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/Z_VS764gV7I 

Agenda doc  ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-14-24.pdf 

Presentation document -> https://www.canva.com/design/DAGEwcyeRSE/So6vIujJUIxoF7237YIYRQ/view 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_9miqWTxMmpUP1B2Lh27BqexDQZG8xb/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/jkazREcUCkXHJ6gS9

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

School Committee moves forward with redistricting plan by 5-2 vote (audio)

Franklin 8th Grader Recognized by National Council of Teachers of English as "Promising Young Writer"

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to announce that 8th grader Molly McKinnon has been recognized as a 2024 Promising Young Writer by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

McKinnon, who attends Annie Sullivan Middle School, was one of 177 students nominated to participate in the Promising Young Writers Program.

Her submission was a short story that captures the devastating results of teen depression when it is not addressed, according to Middle School English Language Arts teacher Jackye Hughes, who submitted McKinnon's work to the program. Written from the first-person point of view, the tone and mood of the story pull the reader in immediately, Hughes said.

Judges gave McKinnon's short story a "Superior" rating.

"Writing is an important skill and art form that needs to be nourished and encouraged," Superintendent Giguere said. "Congratulations to Molly for this recognition and I look forward to reading what she writes next."

The Promising Young Writers Program is part of NCTE’s commitment to stimulating and recognizing the writing talents of 8th-grade students across the country. The school-based writing program was established in 1985 to stimulate and recognize talented 8th-grade writers, as well as to emphasize the importance of writing skills among all 8th-grade students.

Schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, Canada, and American schools abroad are eligible to nominate students. This year, students were nominated from 33 states and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada and South Africa. Each submission is evaluated holistically by two to three independent judges who consider content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style.

In the past five years, seven students from Annie Sullivan Middle School have been recognized through the Promising Young Writers Program, according to Hughes. 

For more information about the Promising Young Writers Program, see http://www.ncte.org/awards/promising-young-writers/

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is the nation’s most comprehensive literacy organization, supporting more than 25,000 teachers across the Pre-K through college spectrum. Through the expertise of its members, NCTE has served at the forefront of every major improvement in the teaching and learning of English and the language arts since 1911.

Franklin 8th Grader Recognized by National Council of Teachers of English as "Promising Young Writer"

Reminder: Virtual Youth Town Hall on Monday Night, Nov 12 scheduled by Senator Rausch

View this email in your browser A quick reminder for 8th grade and high school students to please join me and my team at our virtual Youth Town Hall this coming Monday, November 13 at 7pm.  This Youth Town Hall is a unique opportunity for young people in our district to discuss their top-of-mind issues directly with me and my staff. This not only provides a real opportunity for youth to engage in the democratic process, but also helps to inform my legislative work.   When: Monday, November 13, 2023 at 7pm Where: Zoom | REGISTER HERE This event is open exclusively to 8th grade and high school students living or studying in Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, Sherborn, and Wrentham. Know any students interested in politics or community engagement? Please invite them! If you have any questions, please email Aidan Doherty, District Director, at aidan.doherty@masenate.gov Yours in service,  ​   Senator Becca Rausch    Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 215 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133