Showing posts with label ECDC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ECDC. Show all posts

Monday, August 31, 2026

School Committee welcomes new administrators, approves handbook changes, gets updates on hiring, transportation & facility projects (audio)

FM #1807 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1807 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 of the 7 members were present; 1 participated remotely (O'Sullivan) (hence all votes were via roll call), 1 member absent (Callaghan).



Quick recap

  • New administrators and Central office personnel were introduced and photos taken to share with the community

  • Human Resources provided a hiring update, in a better position now with 17 openings than the prior 3 years, some of the openings are in the process of being fulfilled

  • Review of the changes to the school handbooks for the high school, middle school, elementary and ECDC. Mostly minor changes at the lower levels, some key changes for the upper grades

    • Later in the meeting, the handbooks were approved so they will be distributed electronically to all the parents and families

  • Update on Transportation, only 40 on the waitlist, approx 280 had been on the waitlist, some having moved within the district or into the district but the majority simply missed the registration deadline in June

    • bus schedules and routes are posted to the Schools page  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/transportation/

    • bus passes will be distributed by the schools when they open, elementary students will get a tag for their backpacks, middle and high school will get the standard pass

  • Update on facility projects, some completed across the district some still in process, some funded but scheduled for later in the school year or next summer due to potential disruption of the school operations

  • Committee entered Executive Session not to return to open meeting


Let’s listen (approx. 2 hours & 30 minutes)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1807-school-cmte-mtg-08-25-26/


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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOqCiAbY_s4 


The agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08252026-2467


My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HWfAJ6oObFg475FYzqh8NS-TjQ3poSit/view?usp=drive_link 


Photo album of the handbook updates  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ggp9R1C5182HgZY58 


Photo album of the Transportation update

https://photos.app.goo.gl/HwiGhfnd4DcgfNQn8 


Photo album of the Facility updates

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8RnTJnVhvbCK9oMt6 


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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

  • 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"


Thursday, June 11, 2026

Franklin's Early Childhood Development Center Celebrates Creativity at Annual Pop-Art Night

The F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) recently hosted its annual Pop-Art Night, bringing together students, families, staff and community members for an evening celebrating student creativity.

This was the first year that the school partnered with the Franklin Public Library, which hosted the exhibit and event. 

The F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center recently hosted its annual Pop-Art Night at the Franklin Public Library, featuring student artwork. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)
The F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center
recently hosted its annual Pop-Art Night at the Franklin Public Library,
featuring student artwork. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)


The library was transformed into a vibrant gallery showcasing student artwork from across the ECDC program. Colorful displays featuring spring flowers, butterflies, cherry blossom paintings, textured collages, watercolor creations and nature-inspired projects highlighted the creativity and imagination of the young artists.

Families enjoyed strolling through the exhibits while admiring the students' work and artistic growth throughout the year.

The event also invited children and families to gather outside for music, bubbles, popsicles and play. Children laughed and danced while chasing bubbles on the library grounds, creating a festive atmosphere for families and staff.

"The evening was a wonderful reminder of the creativity, connection and community spirit that make ECDC such a special place for young learners," said Principal Kim Taylor.

Pop-Art Night is an annual tradition that celebrates student creativity and provides an opportunity for students and families to come together as a community.

"We are thankful to Franklin Public Library for hosting this year's event and helping create a memorable experience for students and families," said Principal Taylor.

You can find additional photos on the FPS page where this was shared from - https://www.franklinps.net/live_feeds/12527986

Friday, April 10, 2026

Registration open for new before and after care program, "Little Solutions"

Registration open for new before and after care program, "Little Solutions"
Registration open for new before and
after care program, "Little Solutions"
If your pre-schooler will be at ECDC Pond Street next year, consider signing up for the new before and after care program, "Little Solutions", from Lifelong Learning.

Go to tinyurl.com/mr3nc6pj for more information.




Sunday, March 22, 2026

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 Early Childhood Education Center. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)
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.”


Monday, January 26, 2026

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
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.




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




Friday, January 23, 2026

ECDC 2026-2027 Preschool Registration NOW Open !!!

ECDC 2026-2027 Preschool Registration NOW Open !!!
ECDC 2026-2027 Preschool
Registration NOW Open !!!
 

ECDC 2026-2027 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!






Tuesday, January 20, 2026

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/



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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

2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026

_SC Galapagos Presentation

audio segment 1635 has this portion of the meeting
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"


Saturday, January 17, 2026

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



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


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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"