Showing posts with label Annie Sullivan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annie Sullivan. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Franklin Public Schools: Letter to Franklin Families and Faculty

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty:

We are deeply saddened to inform you that over the past week, graffiti depicting swastikas has been discovered on a playground at one of our schools (Remington/Jefferson) and in the entryway of another school (Keller/Sullivan). Following the discovery of these hateful symbols, we started our own independent investigations to determine who is responsible for these terrible acts. We also contacted the Franklin Police Department and we are fully cooperating with the police and their investigation.

Jefferson playground
Jefferson playground

We find this graffiti to be extremely disturbing, disrespectful and inconsistent with the diverse and inclusive community that makes up the Franklin Public Schools. If our investigation concludes that a school member is responsible for these acts, we will impose disciplinary consequences consistent with our student code of conduct and take other remedial measures to restore a sense of security and support for all. If the police determine which individual(s) perpetrated these behaviors there could be significant legal consequences as well.

We will continue to be vigilant in order to protect our school community with the safety and security measures that are in place continually. We will also work to remedy the negative impact of these events by working with local community partners and using our school resources to respond at both a school level and a community level.

Please know that the Franklin Public Schools is no place for hate, bias or for the disregard of the civil rights of all individuals. We work tirelessly to teach tolerance at school and will reinforce our core values in the days, weeks and years ahead. As this is a wider community issue, we are asking for your help and support to change attitudes and eliminate hateful speech and senseless depictions of symbols that hurt individuals and groups. Words and actions matter and we need to reinforce the values of tolerance and respect across all of Franklin.
Keller Sullivan school sign
Keller Sullivan school sign

If you have any information to share regarding the graffiti, please contact the Franklin Police Department at 508- 528-1212 and/or the Superintendent's Office at 508 -553-4819. If your child needs support to address these events, please contact your child's guidance counselor or an administrator at your child's school.

As we are deeply concerned about these hateful and disrespectful actions, the Franklin Public Schools has engaged with the Anti-Defamation League to establish a process for training students, faculty and administration in confronting bias in school and in the community. Teams from our three middle schools will engage in training this summer. Additionally this program will enable the training of our students to become peer leaders and trainers skilled in running anti-bias programs for other students and parents. There are plans for FHS to commit to this program as well. We anticipate this program will be impactful on all stakeholders and will propel positive change in our schools and community. You can expect to hear more about this initiative in the fall.

Thank you for supporting our school community and for your assistance in facing this issue.

Maureen Sabolinski, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools



Friday, April 14, 2017

In the News: Best Buddies walk at Sullivan; drought conditions improve

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Annie Sullivan Middle School students - garbed in blue and yellow - took part in a “Boston Strong” walk midday Thursday to honor and remember those injured and killed in the Marathon bombing four years ago. 
The event was the culmination of a “spirit week” at the school, organized by students in the “Best Buddies” program. 
School Principal Beth Witcoff said the Best Buddies program works to partner students with members of the school’s class for those with intellectual disabilities. 
“The program is introduced in sixth grade, and students apply by writing an essay,” she said. “By eighth grade, they’re allowed to choose officers and have more opportunities for one-on-one interaction.”


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170413/franklin-students-walk-for-bombing-victims



"The snow and rain during the last few months may have helped curb the arid effects of last year’s intense drought, but MetroWest and the Milford region are not in the clear yet, according to the latest figures and local officials. 
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday indicates just less than half of Massachusetts, including northern sections of Worcester and Middlesex counties, is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. 
Though the other half, which includes towns like Milford and Framingham, falls into the non-drought category, local officials say the change is not significant enough for them to roll back water restrictions in their communities. 
“I know they’re predicting a hot summer,” said Barry Smith, deputy director of Medway’s Public Works Department. “I hope we don’t (end up) in the same situation as the last year.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170413/region-drought-conditions-improve

US Drought Monitor Comparison: Oct 4, 2016 (left) vs. Apr 11, 2017 (right)

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Friday, August 7, 2015

ASMS 6-7-8th grade supply lists



August Greetings,
Please find attached the recommended Supply Lists for incoming sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. 
Be on the look out for the first edition of Sully's Salutations for the 2015-2016 School Year. 
Enjoy the rest of August!

Warm regards,

Ms. Wittcoff
ASMS Principal


Keller Sullivan school sign
Keller Sullivan school sign

6th

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczYVhvMVMxdVZMWmtLTWRYYjhYczkzdDV6Y2I4/view?usp=sharing

7th

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczaGlSRkdjcDcwQU9kOVdMdDFEVzEtcnFkdFhN/view?usp=sharing

8th

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNlFmUzlIMXhobnFMS2xNclp3a0VLZTdiSlBN/view?usp=sharing


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Movie Night at the Historical Museum

Film: The Miracle Worker (starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke) 
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2015 
Time: 6:00 PM 
Where: Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street (across from the old municipal building) 
Admission: one canned good, for the Franklin Food Pantry

image from Amzon.com
image from Amzon.com

Come join us for a showing of this Oscar Award winning film!!!

Young Helen Keller, blind, deaf, and mute since infancy, is in danger of being sent to an institution. Her inability to communicate has left her frustrated and violent. In desperation, her parents seek help from the Perkins Institute, which sends them a "half-blind Yankee schoolgirl" named Annie Sullivan. – (from www.imdb.com)

(A few years after their meeting, Helen and Annie took up residence in nearby Wrentham.)

Free popcorn and bottled water will be served!

Friday, November 14, 2014

In the News: "covered by the town’s insurance"

The Milford Daily News reports on the sprinkler outage at the Keller Sullivan complex.
“The town has been working closely with ServiceMaster, which has had about 30 staff in the building. All personnel have had CORI checks so we are not concerned about student safety,” Sabolinski said. “The town has engaged an environmental agency to check air quality and testing has been ongoing.” 
The school hosted an information night for parents on Thursday to address questions about the sprinkler break. 
Annie Sullivan students will need to make up the three days of school they missed at the end of the academic year. The state requires students to be in school for 180 days, and Monday, though truncated, counted as one day. Tuesday was the Veterans Day holiday.
You can read the full article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141114/NEWS/141117849/1994/NEWS

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

ASMS - KELLER status update

Keller and Sullivan parents should have received notifications on Monday and since the initial incident about their school status.

For those who may not be aware, I have the following summary including an email exchange from Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski to share.
As you have heard there was a sprinkler malfunction at 7:40 AM Monday at Annie Sullivan Middle School (ASMS). Students were sent to Oak St/Horace Mann and dismissed from there. 
  • Keller is set to open Wednesday. 
  • ASMS will be closed for the rest of the week. 
The sprinkler malfunction started on the 3rd floor and the water traveled down to affect all three floors. All the building systems are confirmed operational and running but the damage to some walls and floors require more drying out time. 
Monday counted as a school day so that one does not need to be made up. The rest of the week (3 days) will need to be made up. The School Dept will seek input from DESE but "they are unrelenting." 

Keller - Sullivan Schools
Keller - Sullivan Schools

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Lincoln St construction update

On my walk last weekend (8/24), I finally got out to check on the Lincoln St construction. The paving had been delayed starting and based upon the view last week is close to getting finished.

There will be islands put in to help calm the traffic and improve the safety around the Keller Sullivan schools. I confirmed this in a brief conversation with DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi at the recent Sculpture Parking opening.

Looking towards downtown on Lincoln St (Keller Sullivan to the right)

cones in the middle indicate where the islands will be
cones in the middle indicate where the islands will be

single lane restriction for culvert work
single lane restriction for culvert work

one of the new culverts from stream side
one of the new culverts from stream side

culvert work near Winterberry
culvert work near Winterberry

Monday, August 25, 2014

Keller Sullivan getting new sidewalks

As part of the Lincoln St road work, the Keller Sullivan schools are getting new sidewalks. I managed to get out for a visit this weekend to grab some photos.

from Lincoln St looking up to the schools
from Lincoln St looking up to the schools

part of the way up looking back down the entrance
part of the way up looking back down the entrance 

Keller Sullivan sign
Keller Sullivan sign

sidewalk on Lincoln St at entrance
sidewalk on Lincoln St at entrance


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

"when I’m running it feels like my disability disappears"


Dick and Rick Hoyt, the father-son team that has competed in more than 1,100 marathons and triathlons, on Monday brought their message of determination in the face of overwhelming adversity to Annie Sullivan Middle School. 
"Yes you can," Dick Hoyt told nearly 500 middle-schoolers before he described how Rick, though bound to a wheelchair and unable to speak, has managed to graduate both high school and college and race in 31 Boston Marathons.

Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140304/NEWS/140309056


Monday, May 13, 2013

In the News: school orchestras take gold



Franklin orchestras win gold at festival


The Franklin Middle Schools Combined String Orchestra and the Franklin Repertory String Orchestra both took home gold medals from the regional three-day Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) festival.


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Reminder: Tour of Keller and Sullivan - Mar 7 - 6:00 PM


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

Please join the administration and School Committee for a tour of the Helen Keller Elementary School and Annie Sullivan Middle School.

Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

All community members invited - please meet in Keller lobby (on the left).
Address: 500 Lincoln Street.

If school is closed  due to inclement weather, the tour will be rescheduled.
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Keller Sullivan School Tour - Mar 7, 6:00 PM

The next stop on the tour of the school facilities here is Franklin is the Keller Sullivan complex on Lincoln St.

Join the principals, members of the School Committee and Central Office on the tour. This is a good opportunity to see inside the building, visit classrooms, and have questions answered along the way.


The Helen Keller Elementary School entrance

Franklin_hk-entrance

The Keller school webpage can be found here http://kellerelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index


The Annie Sullivan Middle School entrance

Franklin_as_entrance


The Sullivan school webpage can be found here  http://sullivanmiddle.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Respond to the event invite on Facebook here
http://www.facebook.com/events/468882659832077/


Sunday, October 7, 2012

Annie Sullivan MS - School Improvement Plan

The School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the Annie Sullivan Middle School is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 9.





The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct.html

Friday, March 4, 2011

"I hope that you welcome them"

The hourlong assembly was organized by the school's Best Buddies chapter, which seeks to develop friendships between students with developmental disabilities and their peers. 
Friends of Best Buddies Franklin, a nonprofit organization that supports the program at several schools, provided a $1,100 grant to bring the Maiers to Annie Sullivan. 
The Maiers perform at schools throughout the country in the hopes of increasing awareness of people with disabilities, growing friendships between disabled students and others and demonstrating that someone with a disability can achieve remarkable feats. 
"I think it's just a gift from God," Maier said, adding there's no scientific explanation for her daughter's musical ability. "And we want to share that gift and inspire people around the world."

Read more: Blind, autistic pianist Brittany Maier impresses Franklin students The Milford Daily News

Related post:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/in-news-brittany-maier-zoning-workshop.html


Franklin, MA