School Committee approves handbooks, gets updates on opening, approves Horace Mann Campus name (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 26 in Council Chambers. All 7 members were participated in person.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EWVb7O-b_ag?&t=67

Meeting agenda ->  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 posted 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

Quick recap

• Excitement among the teachers and school personnel as they all make the final preparations for the redistricting to open with schools on Tuesday, Sep 2. Minor tweeks to some of the bus routes, stops will be notified shortly. 56 personnel hired this summer, 2 teacher openings, 13 ESP's openings remain and sone nonunion positions too, work is still underway attempting to fill the positions
• Handbook significant changes, only a few were discussed. There is only one elementary handbook now for the 4 schools in the 2 buildings. All the handbooks were approved unanimously in separate votes (ECDC, elementary, middle and high school)
• Voted to create a subcommittee to expand upon how to honor the legacy of Horace Mann, beyond the naming of the campus where ECDC, the Middle School and High School are now located on Oak St. The campus naming was a second vote as the two items were related and there was good discussion among the committee as to the scope and objectives of the proposed (now approved) committee. Member of the full SchCmte will notify the Chair of their interest. The Chair will confirm, the subcommittee will craft a scope and objectives doc for the full committee to approve. Members of the community including the Historical Commission and other such stakeholders will be involved.

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/14VB3GuDdCAG-U80a3pT3nIp5GSZZhUSJ/view?usp=drive_link

 

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

Franklin's Early Childhood Development Center Holds Inaugural Special Olympics Young Athletes Game Day

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Kimberly Taylor are proud to share that the F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) hosted its first-ever Special Olympics Unified Young Athletes Game Day on Friday, June 6.

The event celebrated the remarkable efforts and achievements of Franklin’s youngest Unified athletes — preschool students who have been practicing teamwork and motor skill development throughout the spring as part of the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program.

Under the guidance of ECDC Physical Therapist Jodi Klein and a dedicated team of staff coaches, these young students learned important physical and social-emotional skills while embracing the core values of inclusion and support.

"We had a wonderful group of athletes and coaches for our inaugural year of Young Athletes," said Klein. "I think Game Day represented a wide array of the skills we worked on for several months, including balance, jumping, eye-hand coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship. It is a privilege to be able to do this work with our littlest athletes and get them started with healthy habits in a positive, inclusive environment."

Franklin's Unified Young Athletes receive medals at
the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Young
Athletes Game Day on Friday, June 6.
(Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The Game Day event featured a full slate of festivities, beginning with opening ceremonies, a flag salute and a proud recitation of the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Families, classmates and staff cheered on the young athletes as they participated in a series of fun and skill-based activities, showcasing all they have learned and accomplished together.

"We are so proud of this group of students for being our first Preschool Unified Athletes Team, and can't wait to see how this program expands in the future," said Principal Taylor.

"These students have shown great determination, teamwork and joy, and it was so meaningful to watch them shine during their Game Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "This program represents the best of what we value in Franklin — inclusion, community and support for every learner."

Franklin's F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center Hosts 2nd Annual Pop Art Celebration

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Kimberly Taylor are pleased to share that the F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) hosted a Pop Art event on Thursday, May 1, celebrating the creativity and hard work of the school's preschool students.

 

The event showcased student artwork created throughout the school year as part of the district's "PreK On My Way" curriculum. Many of the art pieces stemmed from the curriculum's "Let's Create" theme, which includes a study of various artists and encourages hands-on, expressive learning through art.

 

2nd Annual Pop Art Celebration

The artwork was hung on the walls throughout the ECDC, and families also gathered on the playground on a beautiful spring evening, enjoying a chance to socialize and connect. Preschoolers proudly showed off their art, shared popsicles with their friends and interacted with classmates, teachers and family members.

 

"Smiles and excitement were everywhere as our preschoolers shared their artwork with their families and interacted with their friends and teachers," said Principal Taylor. "It truly was a heartwarming evening where our school community came together to celebrate our students."

 

"The 2nd Annual Pop Art celebration was one of the wonderful events organized by our F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center staff," Superintendent Giguere said. "The event reflected the strong sense of community at ECDC and the District's commitment to fostering creativity, expression and joy in early childhood education."

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2205192

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting - 3 part audio for ease of listening to what you want (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April  8, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Sompally). 

The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening

Part 1 - #1426 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 43 minutes)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1426-school-cmte-mtg-beginending-04-08-25-p1-of-3/

Part 2 - #1427 = the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) update (approx. 52 Minutes)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1427-school-cmte-mtg-04-08-25-p2-of-3-ecdc-update/

Part 3 - #1428 = the Elementary schools redistricting update (approx. 1 hour & 16 minutes)

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1428-school-cmte-mtg-04-08-25-p3-of-3-elementary-schools-update/

Quick recap:

ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6 

Elementary update ->

       grade level                  3-5                K-2

Washington                 Even Chalman         Stefani Wasik

Lincoln                             Brad Hendrixson        Keri Busavage

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cd9aV25fJ3eYrB8Z7 

Discussion/ actions items -

School Choice Vote - I recommend to not accept School Choice students for the 2025-2026 School Year as discussed. For this year with redistricting underway, not at this time, open for more a stabile world; So moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0

Foreign Exchange Student Vote - I recommend to not accept Foreign Exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year as discussed. Not the same as school choice; so moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0

Policy- 2nd Reading - Adoption/Elimination I recommend adoption / elimination of the following policies as discussed: 2nd Reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex- Based Harassment Per president executive orders; Via roll call 6-1 (Griffith - no)

ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

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

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100 

The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/april-8%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/784309 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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. 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"

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

This Chalkboard Chat condenses both the April 8 Policy Subcmte & full School Cmte meetings (audio)

FM #1425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1425 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Studio on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the Policy Subcommittee and School Committee meetings of April 8, 2025. 

 

We cover 

Policy Subcmte mtg - All About Horace

School Cmte Mtg

ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

Elementary update -> 

          grade level                      3-5                    K-2

Washington                     Even Chalman             Stefani Wasik

Lincoln                                    Brad Hendrixson                Keri Busavage

Discussion/ actions items -

School Choice Vote 

Foreign Exchange Student Vote 

Policy- 2nd Reading 

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1425-chalkboard-chat-04-09-25/

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

Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   

Policy Subcmte Mtg

Policy Subcmte meeting audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/school-committee-policy-subcommittee.html 

The Policy Subcmte meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1668 

The Town Council memo as discussed -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CCDx8c4zn4ZVUr0EYQy1snpygRVLzxHO/view?usp=drive_link 

My full set of notes taken during the Policy Subcmte meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14gUGQ0N6s5bMiGwhbHegsRcxfkZUCirY/view?usp=drive_link 

School Committee Meeting Info

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100

The meeting agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669 

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/april-8%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/784309 

My notes captured in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/view?usp=drive_link

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

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. 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"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses both the April 8 Policy Subcmte & full School Cmte meetings (audio)

Check out "Little Solutions" at ECDC Pond Street beginning in September 2025

Check out "Little Solutions" at ECDC Pond Street

Lifelong Learning (@FPSLearning) posted on Thu, Apr 10, 2025:

 

"New from Lifelong Learning! "Little Solutions" at ECDC Pond Street for 2025-2026.

We'll care for your pre-K student before and after their ECDC school day.

Go to https://t.co/2vc70vKiXg for details. "

 

Shared from -> https://x.com/FPSLearning/status/1910374136213360806

Early Childhood Development Center now enrolling for September 2025

From the ECDC Principal, Kimberly Taylor:

 

Early Childhood Development Center now enrolling for September 2025

 

Visit the ECDC web page for more info and to enroll ->

https://www.franklinps.net/o/ecdc/page/now-enrolling

 

School Committee gets update on ECDC and Elementary Redistricting progress (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:04 PM. All 7 members participating, 6 in Chambers, one remnote (Sompally) hence a roll call required for all votes.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100

The meeting agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669 

Quick recap:

• ECDC update - Kimberly Taylor, Principal

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYDXR58de1BmRCaa6

• Elementary update ->

          grade level                      3-5                    K-2

Washington                     Even Chalman             Stefani Wasik

Lincoln                                    Brad Hendrixson                Keri Busavage

Photos of the slides as presented -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cd9aV25fJ3eYrB8Z7

Discussion/ actions items -

• School Choice Vote - I recommend to not accept School Choice students for the 2025-2026 School Year as discussed. For this year with redistricting underway, not at this time, open for more a stabile world; So moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Foreign Exchange Student Vote - I recommend to not accept Foreign Exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year as discussed. Not the same as school choice; so moved, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Policy- 2nd Reading - Adoption/Elimination I recommend adoption / elimination of the following policies as discussed: 2nd Reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex- Based Harassment Per president executive orders; Via roll call 6-1 (Griffith - no)

My full set of notes taken during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QCIHgtiYGE6hjPEpDLKBhP2B1oYReHbu/view?usp=drive_link