Franklin's F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Education Center Celebrates Read Across America Week

F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Education Center is pleased to share that students recently celebrated Read Across America Week with a visit from guest readers.

On March 6, special guests from across Franklin Public Schools and the community visited the Pond Street and Oak Street Early Childhood Education Center locations to continue the annual tradition of reading to Franklin’s youngest learners during Read Across America Week. This yearly event is a memorable experience for students that fosters a love of reading through shared stories across the Franklin community.

Students gathered on classroom rugs as educators, administrators and community members read their favorite children’s books. Students met different members of the Franklin Public Schools community and connected over stories. Read alongs and conversations about favorite books reinforced the importance of early literacy in an engaging and exciting way.

The list of guest readers included the following school and community role models: 

• Craig Williams, Franklin Middle School (FMS) Principal
• Paula Marano, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
• Evan Chelman, Washington St. 3-5 Elementary School Principal
• Matt LaFleur, Franklin Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic
• Beckie Motte, FMS Associate Principal
• Keri Busavage, Lincoln St. K-2 Elementary Principal
• Eric Stark, PreK-12 STEM Coordinator
• Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
• Lizzie Morrison, PreK-12 Humanities Coordinator
• Lucas Giguere, Franklin Public Schools Superintendent
• Becky Lavergne, Administrative Assistant
• Caleigh Keating, Franklin Public Library
• Officer Amanda Ayer, Franklin Police Department

Read Across America Week, held March 2 through 6 this year, is an annual nationwide celebration organized by the National Education Association that celebrates literacy and encourages children to develop a lifelong love of reading. 

Franklin community members, including a four-legged friend,
shared their love of reading with the EarlyChildhood
Education Center. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

“Read Across America Week offers a special opportunity for the Franklin Public Schools community to come together and connect over a love of books,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. “Thank you to all of the guest readers who visited the Early Childhood Education Center. This tradition is a fun day for both the students and adults who participate, and it is always wonderful to see the excitement it brings to our schools.”

Shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11766457

Tri-County will have a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, 1/27/26; Franklin & BFCCPS are closed

Franklin Public Schools will have
a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, 1/27/26

The Franklin Public Schools will be closed today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.  Due to the additional overnight snowfall and current conditions in our parking lots and school walkways, it is not yet suitable to safely receive students and staff.  At this time all after school and evening activities are scheduled as planned.

https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11207977

Franklin Public Schools will be closed have a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, 1/27/26. 

• Emergency busing will be in effect
• ECDC AM session canceled
• Solutions delayed by 2 hours

In addition, the Tri-County RVTHS is going with a 2 hour delayed start.

FPS shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#11207977

BFCCPS shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ab1hvxkXb/  Updated 10:15 PM - BFCCPS has canceled school instead of their initial 2 hour delay.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/bfccps-cancels-school-for-tuesday-jan.html

Tri-County RVTHS -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1CmqbkRJ5q/

ECDC 2026-2027 Preschool Registration NOW Open !!!

ECDC 2026-2027 Preschool
Registration NOW Open !!! 

ECDC 2026-2027 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!

Please visit the ECDC website:  https://www.franklinps.net/o/ecdc/page/now-enrolling

Audio recording of the January 13, 2026 Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting in 3 parts (audio)

FM #1635-36-37 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1635-36-37 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

• 1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except  (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)

• FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636) 

• Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637)  

• 1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins)  

• 1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion  (approx. 2 hrs. 3 mins)

  

Audio 1635 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1635-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1636 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1636-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p2-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1637 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1637-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-01-13-26/

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

Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-approves-trip-program.html 

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

_SC Galapagos Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

audio segment 1635 has this portion of the meeting

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Chalkboard chat condenses the 4 hour Jan 13, 2026 School Cmte meeting to an hour (video & audio)

FM #1627 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1627 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, January 16, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 13, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Early insights on role as school committee member

Subcommittee work on Policy & Horace Mann Legacy

Meeting recap

Recognition of cheerleaders

FHS trip to Galapagos for 2027 was approved

FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update

how courses are added, selection by students  

Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation

The role of teaching & learning

The use of data to provide support and interventions as needed

MCAS still used just not a requirements for graduation

Franklin Childcare Presentation

The planning underway for initial opening for 9 student with 2 teachers

For school dept personnel first, then Town employees

Further expansion possible for community over time

Can provide revenue to sustain program 

We close with a discussion on screen time and use of technology in the classroom

    based upon a resident comment

Our conversation runs about 72 minutes. Let’s listen

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnBKBSydGU4

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1627-chalkboard-chat-01-16-26/

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

School Committee page (with contact info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI 

Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Meeting packet folder (copies of the presentation are not yet available, once posted they should be in this folder) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180 

Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7 

The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66 

Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9 

Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26 

 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

School Committee approves trip, program of studies, & hears updates on Teaching Learning, childcare (video)

The Franklin School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 with all 7 members present in Council Chambers to cover a very full agenda in almost 4 1/2 hours.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI

Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Superintendent's Report

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip

 _SC Galapagos Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber

 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

 

Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

• The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7
• The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66
• Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9
• Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26

Meeting packet folder for all docs released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - Wednesday, Jan 21

Do you live in Franklin?

Are you looking for a preschool program for your child? 

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - Wednesday, Jan 21

Is your child going to be 3 or 4 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2026?

Parents and children are invited to join us at ECDC for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program!

Wednesday, January 21st 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM

If you are unable to attend the OPEN HOUSE, you can contact Julie Felton to schedule a tour:

• Email: feltonj@franklinps.net Phone: 508-541-8166

PLEASE SCAN HERE to register

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoTiHKDmX-HoBFhMlFlD0delCoaigPsG5949tZyv45cgT8Zw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=104200494800821663212

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vfZQQqAgzDJAxffqqTaJ74C_XWrRZ_5x/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, October 17, 2025 ??

Friday, October 17

Library & Senior Center events

ECDC 3-year old placements available (Franklin ECDC - FX O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center)

8:00am Early Voting (Town Clerk's Office)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Sheroes Luncheon (355 E Central St)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

1:00pm Library Book sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Cory Mc Lane (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Pumpkin Patch (St John's Episcopal Church)

7:30pm The Wolves (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Annie (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

What's happening in Franklin, MA

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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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