Middle school program on Technology/Social Media at Horace Mann, Mar 26 at 6 PM

Technology/Social Media

"For parents of middle schoolers at HMMS (and I’m sure they’re happy to have all middle school parents interested).

Technology/Social Media Info Night with Officer Ayer, Tuesday 3/26 at 6pm

Officer Ayer and Principal Motte will be hosting an evening event for HMMS parents/guardians to learn more about the impacts of technology and social media on the lives of the middle school student. We will provide some information on what we are seeing in our roles as Principal and School Resource Officer, and will provide resources for parents to stay informed. 

We hope this can be an opportunity to share our experiences, raise awareness, and identify ways we can work together to help our middle schoolers live healthy lives. This event will take place in the HMMS Library."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/dnxX8qFYeLEVBi74/

Franklin Public Schools Announce Upcoming Musical Performances, Highlights Music Program

Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere, 355 East Central St. Franklin, MA 02038 Franklin Public Schools Announce Upcoming Musical Performances, Highlights Music Program FHS orchestra students. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools) FRANKLIN — Superintendent Lucas Giguere and K-12 Music Director Diane Plouffe are pleased to share information about the Franklin Public Schools Performing Arts program and upcoming musical performances. The FHS music program provides a variety of musical and theatrical opportunities to all students in grades K-12. Students gain a strong foundation through singing and playing recorders and ukuleles beginning in fourth and fifth grade. Beginning in the sixth grade, all students are offered the opportunity to learn to play a band or orchestra instrument, or sing in the chorus. Students participating in a school ensemble have three performance cycles per year: December, March and May/June. Students are currently preparing for the upcoming Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) State Music Festival.   "The MICCA Concert Festival encourages the improvement of an ensemble's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified judges," said Plouffe. "Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature." Prior to the festival, on Tuesday, March 12, 200 students will perform in the upcoming All Town Chorus and Orchestra concert. On the following Wednesday, March 13, the All Town Band concert will take place, featuring over 250 students. Both concerts begin at 6 p.m. at the FHS Auditorium. Admission for both shows is $5 at the door and all proceeds will go to Franklin Music Boosters. FHS students also recently auditioned for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA). There were 17 FHS students in the music program who were accepted into the Central District Honor Ensembles and 21 middle school students accepted into the Junior Festival. Music students attend one state festival per year, consistently earning silver and gold medals. Additionally, students who are looking for more performance opportunities may elect to perform in chamber music recitals, jazz band concerts, community service performances, musical theatre performances or audition for honor ensembles such as the Central District and All State Music Festivals. In addition to in-school classes, the tuition based Lifelong Music Academy is an after school music program offering private lessons and jazz band at each middle school and the "Footlighters," which is a middle school musical theater club. FHS has a full schedule of performance and non-performance musical opportunities for students throughout the year. Non-performance classes include: Music Production I, II, III, Podcasting, Music Theory I, AP Music Theory, Guitar, Piano, History of Rock and Rock Band. All students who elect to participate in the wind ensemble, concert band, orchestra or chorus perform in three main concert cycles; one in December, March and May.  "Our schools' music program is a journey of exploration and expression for our students." Plouffe said. "Through engaging lessons, ensemble rehearsals, and community performances, we are fostering a love for music and nurturing the next generation of musicians."  FHS students performing in a jazz combo at a recent concert. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools) A message from Franklin Public Schools John Guilfoil Public Relations, P.O. Box 22, Georgetown, MA 01833, United States, (617) 993-0003

Franklin's Three Middle Schools Receive Grant to Support STEM Career Learning

 

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to announce that the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School and Annie Sullivan Middle School recently received grant funds from the One8 Foundation to offer an expanded curricular program from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to support STEM career learning.

The One8 Foundation collaborates with partners to identify, support and scale high impact programs, like PLTW, to help schools and teachers prepare students for success.

PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through coursework in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. Franklin's three middle schools join more than 12,000 schools across the country offering PLTW programs to millions of students.

“Receiving these grants gives us the opportunity to realize what we imagine for our students," said Director of Curriculum STEM Eric Stark. "By expanding our partnership with the One8 Foundation, our computer science and STEM teachers will join a nationwide community of educators, and our students will gain access to an engaging and rigorous curriculum and high-quality instructional materials."

The grant funds will be used to implement three PLTW Gateway units for the first time in Franklin Public Schools. In the first unit offered, Design and Modeling, students will discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They will be challenged to use and apply what they have learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy.

"We are so excited to be a part of this partnership with Project Lead the Way for the first time,” Superintendent Giguere said. "We are looking forward to seeing our students participate in these programs and how they can apply their skills across the computer sciences, shaping them for real-world experiences."

The second unit that will be offered is Computer Science for Innovators and Makers. Students will discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible and shareable projects. Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life.

The third unit that will be offered is called App Creators. This unit will expose students to computer science by computationally analyzing and developing solutions to authentic problems through mobile app development, and will convey the positive impact of the application of computer science to other disciplines and to society. Students will customize their experience by choosing a problem that interests them in the areas of health, environment, emergency preparedness, education, community service and school culture.

Funds from the grant will also support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in PLTW courses. In addition, as a school with PLTW programming in Massachusetts, each school will have access to a regular set of teacher professional learning opportunities, student project showcases, and connections to industry professionals offered by the Mass Learning Project and the One8 Applied Learning Hub.

“Students are hungry for experiences that allow them to apply what they are learning to solve real-world, meaningful problems," said One8 Foundation President Joanna Jacobson. "Providing equitable access to hands-on applied learning programs that deliver academic gains while building critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills ensures students are engaged and interested in school and prepared for success in this ever-changing world."

About Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the country. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW's teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning.

Giguere, Rogers, Stark & Frazier talk about teaching & learning, and the curriculum review program (audio)

FM #1125 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1125 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning; Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum STEM; and Dr Tim Frazier, Director of Curriculum ELA & SS. We had our conversation in person at FPS Central Offices on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. 

At a high level our topics were:

• Instructional design

• Emphasis on professional learning

• Universal design for learning

• Capturing & analyzing the Data 

• MCAS just one data point, use of summative & formative 

• Curriculum review program

The recording runs about 38 minutes so let’s listen to our conversation on teaching and learning in the Franklin School District. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1125-franklin-public-schools-teaching-learning-discussion-12-13-23

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

Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent 

Teaching & Learning page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/office-teaching-and-learning 

Teaching & Learning update to School Committee as referenced ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/november_28_2023_otl_assessment_presentation.pdf

EduSpeak glossary -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/eduspeak-glossary-educational-terms-acronyms 

School Committee meeting recap of 11/28/23 session -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/school-committee-hears-from-parmenter.html 

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

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!

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

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

Giguere, Rogers, Stark & Frazier talk about teaching & learning, and the curriculum review program (audio)

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Winter break extends to Jan 2, 2024

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) posted Fri, Dec 22, 2023:

All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED December 25th- 29th, 2023 (Winter Break) through January 1st, 2024 (New Year's Day). 

Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. https://t.co/Sej13NRHFQ

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1738288737501549030

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Winter break extends to Jan 2, 2024

Samples from the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase - Dec 13, 2023

Catching up to sharing more of the photos of the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase which was held in a short period from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the FHS Library/Media Center on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023.

I had shared a sample initially on Wednesday via Instagram.  What I wrote then is still good upon review today:

"Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school from around the district. I wish there was more space to share these works, and more time for folks to come & see. The variety and quality is amazing!"

The link to the Instagram post -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zx9MVxhXH

The album with all the photos I captured on Wednesday. Please take time to review them, the work being showcased is amazing.  

Link to album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/5HpymGQqAJMds4dz7

Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school

"Diary of a Dreamer" by Fatima Wojohat - Dec 1, from 3 to 5 PM

Dean College, Franklin Public Schools and The Franklin Public Library present "Diary of a Dreamer" by Fatima Wojohat. 

An artistic experience featuring a collaboration of artists in poetry, music, dance and visual art on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 3 - 5 PM.

This is to be held at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

"Diary of a Dreamer" by Fatima Wojohat - Dec 1, from 3 to 5 PM

Who is Fatima Wojohat?

From the Uncensored Gallery we find: 

Fatima Wojohat was 19 when the Taliban retook Afghanistan. After the Taliban imposed restrictions on women she started creating artwork on her smartphone, she is self-taught, and now works with the ArtLords' artivist movement.

The illustration focuses on issues surrounding Qatar's hosting of the World Cup, including suppression of workers' and womens' rights. 

There is hope though. She says, "The purpose of drawing hearts in my artworks is to be a light in the darkness. I dream my dream my beautiful world because I am a dreamer."

Shared from ->   https://www.indexoncensorship.org/uncensoredgallery/

A longer article on Fatima can be found here ->   https://thediplomat.com/2022/07/understanding-the-talibans-war-on-women/

Who is Fatima Wojohat?

Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

In accordance with MGL c. 30B, §6, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin, to retain the services of a consultant for the development of a comprehensive facilities assessment and master plan for the Franklin Public Schools all located in Franklin, MA. 

Additional Information:  Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-comprehensive-school-facilities-assessmen

Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Half day scheduled for Oct 18 for Professional Development

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) posted Mon, Oct 16, 2023:

Reminder: All Franklin Public Schools will operate on a HALF DAY schedule Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 to accommodate for staff professional development, with the exception of the Early Childhood Development Center which will have no school on half days. 

See the list of early release days for 2023-2024 ->   https://t.co/G6XfCFdAfe  or   https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/95576

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Half day scheduled for Oct 18 for Professional Development

A Message from Franklin Public Schools

A Message from Franklin Public Schools

Dear Franklin Families,

This week, we have witnessed significant events unfold. We want to express our sadness and heartbreak for those who lost their lives and those impacted by the recent attacks in Israel, and we strongly condemn acts of terrorism. We know that this devastating violence has directly or indirectly affected members of our community. Also, the coverage in mainstream media often contains graphic content that is disturbing for all, particularly for children.

As a public school, we remain focused on educating and supporting all of our students. We believe in the importance of structure, routine, and support to help ensure a sense of safety for our students and staff. FPS administrators and staff have been available all week for students who need additional support. If you have concerns about your child, please contact their school-based team. We remain committed to assisting our students during these difficult times.

Respectfully,

Franklin Public Schools

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/723957848435496/permalink/1542917979872808/?mibextid=Nif5oz

A Message from Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Employment Opportunities for ESP's, substitute teachers, & interventionists

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community!

Franklin Public Schools is seeking applicants for several positions, and we wanted to share those opportunities with you.  Please read below for more information on how you are someone you know could join our team!

Education Support Professionals (ESP's)

• Provide student support in the classroom
• Full workday aligns with the school schedule
• Flexible workday options available
• Compensation: Starting at $22.36/hour
• Health/Dental insurance available (if working 20+ hours/week)

Daily Substitute Teachers

• Ensure students receive the required instruction according to the curriculum
• Make your own weekly schedule
• Compensation: $118.75/day (with teaching license), $105.00/day (without teaching license)

Elementary Instructional Interventionist

• Provide targeted instruction to students
• 5 hours/day (approximate)
• Compensation:  $26.52/hour
• Health/Dental insurance available (if working 20+ hours/week)

Experience working with children or adolescents for all positions is preferred.  If you are interested in any of these positions, please visit https://www.franklinps.net/district/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities

If you have questions about job qualifications, our competitive wages flexible scheduling, etc., please send an email to recruit@franklinps.net. 

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/fps-employment-opportunities

Franklin Public Schools: Employment Opportunities for ESP's, substitute teachers, & interventionists

Superintendent Giguere talks about the improvement plans, budget work, the Thanksgiving game, and fan behavior (audio)

FM #1069 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1069 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin Municipal Bldg on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. 

At a high level our topics were:

• School improvement plans

• Future session with Dr Tina Rogers

• Learning styles

• Budget work started at meeting before the School Cmte

• Future session with Dr Dutch

• Update on Thanksgiving game at Fenway and reminder on good sporting behavior  

The recording runs about 33 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with our school superintendent, Lucas Giguere. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1069-fps-superintendent-lucas-giguere-09-27-23

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

Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent 

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

District Communications -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/district-communications-2023-2024 

Fan expectation reminder -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/9_26_23_fan_expectations_reminder_to_families.pdf 

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

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!

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

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

Franklin (MA) School Superintendent Lucas Giguere