Franklin Public Schools Schedule Series of Winter Concerts

Winter Concerts

The concerts are all listed on the Community & Cultural calendar.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CdZRAcQ4h/

FPS: Community Relations Subcommittee scheduled to meet November 19, 2024 at 5:30

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Subcommittee

November 19, 2024 -> 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● 2024 - 2025 Community Relations Goals

● District Website and App Updates & Improvement Plans

● 2024-2025 School Committee Newsletter

● 2024 - 2025 Communication Ideas/Opportunities

Agenda doc also has remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_comm_rel_sub_comm.pdf

FPS: Community Relations Subcommittee scheduled to meet November 19, 2024 at 5:30

Your Voice Matters: Shape the Future of Franklin Public Schools

Dear FPS Community,

As we continue to develop our school budget, we are providing an opportunity for you to provide feedback on the Franklin Public Schools budget planning development. We are excited to launch our Stakeholder Budget Survey to gather your insights through a more inclusive budget development process.

Your feedback is important in several ways:

1. It helps us understand what matters to you as a stakeholder invested in the system. By gaining insight into your perspective, we can continually refine our approach to better 

Your Voice Matters

support our students, teachers, and families. 

2. It informs our budgeting strategy for district programming as we seek to meet the needs of our students effectively.

Participating in the survey is easy and will take only about 10 minutes. However, your feedback could have a lasting impact for years to come. Simply click here to get started.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting the Franklin Public Schools!

This survey will close on Thursday, Nov 21, 2024

Take the survey here ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEZ8Fy_1dGl649hmkbd2uYI37eOZBlshQkQP71Bge82E4qVg/viewform

Shared from -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11mxUcxuu40qWp-kFi9Z8iNWrAgN9dJsh/view

Three Franklin Middle School Science Teachers Present at Open SciEd Community Day

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and PreK-12 Director of Curriculum STEM Eric Stark are pleased to share that three Franklin middle school science teachers recently presented during an Open SciEd (OSE) Community Day, provided by the One8 Applied Learning Hub.

Franklin Public Schools is in its third year of implementing the OSE curriculum. As part of the district's partnership with the One8 Applied Learning Hub, teachers are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences implementing the OSE curriculum in their own classrooms. Teachers also attend these community days to learn and share best practices.

Franklin Middle School science teacher Jessica Ternullo presenting at an Open SciEd Community Day on Oct. 9. (Photo courtesy One8 Applied Learning Hub)

On Oct. 9, Franklin science teachers Jessica Ternullo, Emily Laliberte, and Danny Kelley facilitated two sessions at the One8 Applied Learning Hub Community Day event in Norwood.

The three teachers shared best practices with over 100 Massachusetts science middle school teachers whose districts implement the Open SciEd curriculum.

Ternullo and Laliberte facilitated a session on supporting all students in an Open SciEd classroom. Throughout their discussion, Ternullo and Laliberte discussed ways for teachers to make the curriculum accessible for all students. They included new strategies that can be incorporated into classroom routines, as well as different accommodations and assessments to utilize.

Franklin Middle School science teacher Danny Kelley presenting at an OpenSciEd curriculum training on Oct. 9. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Kelley and Ternullo held a session on strategies to support the use of driving question boards. They discussed the different strategies they have implemented in their science classrooms to enhance the use of driving question boards.

"I would like to thank all three of the Franklin teachers who presented for contributing to the Open SciEd community and for sharing ideas that will help the more than 40,000 students accessing OSE in Massachusetts become more thoughtful scientists, listeners, and creators," said One8 Applied Learning Hub Teaching and Learning Manager Heather Haines.

“I love community days because I always leave with awesome strategies and tools,” Kelley said. “The strategies I gain help me as a teacher with planning and curriculum design, and more importantly, they help me elevate students’ experiences.” 

“I feel as though the professional development I have received from OSE and the One8 Applied Learning Hub over the past three years is some of the most valuable and applicable that I have ever participated in,” Ternullo said. “It was such a joy to feel like I was giving back to that same community.”

“It was an honor to get to share some of the things that I do each day to make science accessible for my students,” Laliberte said.

Learn more about Open SciEd here.

Franklin Middle School science teachers Jessica Ternullo and Emily Laliberte presenting at an OpenSciEd curriculum training on Oct. 9. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

View in browser Franklin Public Schools Shares Update on 2024-25 District Reorganization Plan FRANKLIN — Superintendent Lucas Giguere wishes to share an update on Franklin Public Schools' 2024-25 District Reorganization Plan. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Franklin School Committee voted unanimously to create a boundary line determining students' assignments to elementary schools. To increase equity across all schools, Franklin is developing a new boundary line, establishing two new school communities located in the north and south within reasonable proximity to the Town's school complex locations This Pre-K-to-8 reorganization, which will take effect for the 2025-26 school year, is based on the recommendation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report. This plan includes creating a central unified middle school, consolidating five elementary schools into four schools in two complexes (each K-2 & 3-5), one early childhood school (Pre-K), and anticipated expansion at the existing Pond Street building as part of a broader plan to establish a childcare center for staff, etc. This will occur in phases over time. The new boundary line promotes more equitable learning environments, balances class sizes, and optimizes the District's resources to meet enrollment needs. The Master Plan recommendations align with Franklin's long-term vision to provide the best educational experiences for every student in the District. The reorganization is necessary due to declining enrollment over the last 20 years and the closure of Davis Thayer Elementary School in 2021. The Master Plan aims to provide learning environments that support high-quality educational experiences for all students, appropriate physical spaces to meet program and enrollment needs now and in the future, and phased implementation of short-, mid-, and long-term improvement strategies. Franklin Public Schools conducted a redistricting analysis in previous years, which served as a foundation for the decisions made in 2024. This reorganization will allow Franklin to put students and staff in the District's most modernized facilities. The new boundary line for 2025-26 will place 1,027 students in the north elementary zone and 904 students in the south zone, which provides sustainability and consideration for future population shifts. "This reorganization provides incredible opportunities for our community. This change is about more than just balancing enrollment numbers — it's about creating new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and learning," Superintendent Giguere said. "By adjusting our boundaries, we are fostering a more inclusive and diverse student body, allowing our children to expand their social networks and learn alongside peers from different neighborhoods and backgrounds. This will also allow us to strategically invest in the facilities we already have in a fiscally responsible manner while ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed." Anyone with questions can email district-reorganization@franklinps.net. ### A message from Franklin Public Schools John Guilfoil Public Relations, P.O. Box 22, Georgetown, MA 01833, United States, (617) 993-0003

District Reorganization Community Forum - Sep 30 at 7 PM at FHS (no remote participation)

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

School Committee Special Meeting

District Reorganization Community Forum

September 30, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM

FHS Media Center

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be

discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact, be discussed, and other

items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by

District Reorganization Community Forum

law."

●  Meet the Future Elementary and Middle School Administrative Teams

●  Invite community member input on the PreK-8 Reorganization and Elementary

Attendance Areas.

Agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4873426/SC_Community_Forum_-_9_30_24.pdf

Franklin Public Schools, MA: new app for Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) posted Fri, Sep 20, 2024:

We're thrilled to announce the new app for Franklin Public Schools! It's everything Franklin Public Schools, in your pocket.

Download for Android https://t.co/IgJgmt5RYF
Download for iPhone https://t.co/iSnUpDQ9bG

new app for Franklin Public Schools

Shared from -> https://t.co/tGvdubeCF9

Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

"Franklin Public Schools is excited to share a link to view a story map introducing you to the 2025-26 district configuration.  This map will show the upcoming recommendation for the school boundary line between the North and South Elementary Schools. There is a search-by-address feature located on the top left side of the map where an address can be searched to find the elementary zone associated with that address.  

This story map will also provide a brief introduction to each school in the new district configuration, including the in-district specialized programs at each building, projected enrollment, and full administrative team."

Find the storymap -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ef906f094b35486490d41d43ef2c24dc

The School Committee meeting scheduled for Sep 24 will include a presentation and discussion on the redistricting process. This is the proposal and may get adjusted before voting on the "final: alignment at a future School Committee meeting in October. 

If you missed the audio recap with the 2 Dave's we did discuss this topic and timeline -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/dave-dave-recap-school-committee-and.html

Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

The disappearing Franklin Public Schools Music Department

Thanks to Jamie Barrett, local musician and teacher, for sharing these photos. A picture sometimes makes the case better than words.

The Franklin Public School Music Department 2 years ago

Music Department 2 years ago: 2022-2023

The Franklin Public School Music Department last year

Music Department this year: 2023-2024

The Franklin Public School Music Department this year

Music Department this year: 2024-2025

Franklin Public Schools (FPS): 2024-25 Back to School Welcome and Checklist

screenshot of phone app item

Yes, the Franklin School District has a new website and a new Mobile app (iPhone & Android only - not optimized for tablets). 

School district info is being added, adjusted, and updated as we write this. There will be growing pains, that is inevitable with any webpage. Trust me, I've been involved in more than a few and lived with this one for 18+ years.

Key item: There is a new update to be aware of:  2024-25 Back to School Welcome and Checklist

Find the update directly here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IHqoHQ9eixoJUiv8yJSXPRgrDHESgPU3/view

Two Franklin Public Schools Employees Receive Awards

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to share that two Franklin Public Schools employees, Carlos Rebelo and Colin Boisvert have recently received awards for their work in the District.

"We are very fortunate to have both Carlos and Colin as part of our Franklin Public Schools community," said Superintendent Giguere. "Congratulations to both on their well deserved recognitions!"

Carlos Rebelo - Highway and Grounds Superintendent

Rebelo received the Professional Manager of the Year for Facilities and Grounds award from the American Public Works Association. Rebelo has worked for the Town, serving the Franklin Public Schools for 15 years. Rebelo oversees all school grounds, including turfs, fields, hardscapes and landscapes.

"I have been fortunate throughout my years to be surrounded by just a great group of professionals that I also consider my work family," said Rebelo.

Colin Boisvert - Food Service Director

Boisvert received the Food Service Director of the Year award from the School Nutrition Association. The Director of the Year award recognizes school nutrition directors for the contributions they have made throughout their school nutrition careers. Boisvert has served in his current role as Food Service Director since 2016 in the Franklin Public Schools. He has grown the program and has an extremely talented staff that is willing to try new products and ideas with the students.

"I am so honored to have been awarded Director of the Year for the State of Massachusetts," said Boisvert. "It is such rewarding work to provide nutritious meals for students. I am so proud of our program and the dedicated staff that work hard everyday to ensure every student has a meal."

 

 

Two Franklin Public Schools Employees Receive Award

Franklin School District names the principals for the new Elementary and Middle Schools

“Dear FPS Community,

I am writing with three important updates related to the implementation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan for the 2025-26 school year.  As previously shared, we conducted an selection process of internal candidate for the purposes of appointing principals for the 2025-26 school year. These changes do not apply to the 2024-25 school year.  

 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the following principals to their new positions for the 2025-26 school year:

North K-5 Complex- Lincoln Street

• Mrs. Keri Busavage has been appointed as the principal of K-2 North Elementary
• Mr. Brad Hendrixson has been appointed as the principal of 3-5 North Elementary

South K-5 Complex - Washington Street

• Mrs. Stefani Wasik has been appointed as the principal of K-2 South Elementary
• Mr. Evan Chelman has been appointed as the principal of 3-5 South Elementary

Central 6-8 Middle School - Oak Street

• Mr. Craig Williams has been appointed as the principal of 6-8 Central Middle School

Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. We are confident in their abilities to unify our newly established school communities, develop school culture, foster positive learning environments, inspire a vision for academic success, and support the well-being of our students, staff, and families.  Please join us in congratulating our new principals and extending our gratitude to all our leaders for their dedication and hard work. 

Please find more information about the Phase I, June 2024 School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Implementation Status Update. You will find information about completed, ongoing, and pending work here. We will continue to share updates as they become available.

We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to create the best possible educational environment for our students with the resources we have available.

  
Respectfully,
Franklin Public Schools”

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aSpWHYBjnWvUQbD/

Franklin School District names the principals for the new Elementary and Middle Schools

Franklin Public Schools Message on Override Outcome 6/11/24

Dear Franklin Community,

Thank you to the Franklin voters who took the time to vote today. Unfortunately, the requested Proposition 2 ½ override did not pass, and we must implement program and service cuts as previously communicated.

While this outcome presents significant challenges, we remain dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. We will continue to prioritize our resources and make the most of the approved budget to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed.

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent

Franklin Public Schools

If you didn't hear about the results, they can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/unofficial-results-franklin-ma-special.html

Franklin Public Schools Message on Override Outcome 6/11/24

A failed override vote on June 11 will lead to Cuts to the Music Program

A failed override vote on June 11 will lead to Cuts to the Music Program

VOTE YES!

If not passed, we will lose:

• Middle School Orchestra

• Middle School Chorus

• 6th Grade Band

• Franklin High School Theatre

• A total of 7 out of 12  Performing Arts Teachers

"It takes one year to kill a music program and 10 to build it back, if ever."

KEEP THE AWARD WINNING ARTS ALIVE IN FRANKLIN!

Franklin Public Schools Wellness Advisory Council Recognized for Completing MA SWITCH Program

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tina Rogers are pleased to share that Franklin Public Schools was recognized for completing the School Wellness Initiative for Thriving Community Health (SWITCH) Massachusetts Wellness Coaching Program.  

On May 21, Franklin Public Schools School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC) was recognized at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit by the Acting Commissioner of the Department of Education and Secondary Education (DESE). The District also received a large banner outlining the recognition that will be displayed on the fencing of the Oak Street Complex.

Franklin Public Schools Wellness Advisory Council Recognized for Completing MA SWITCH Program

The SWITCH program is a statewide initiative for supporting and advancing wellness efforts for Massachusetts students, schools and communities.
 
Members of the council worked to conduct a Wellness Policy Assessment, updating the policy to meet state and federal requirements, as well as action planning, prioritizing and implementing wellness initiatives and monitoring and evaluating results.

"I am very proud of our council members on this great accomplishment for our District," said Superintendent Giguere. "In our schools, we are dedicated to providing students with the top wellness practices, allowing for academic success and overall student performance."

The SWAC was created in 2013. It was established to recommend, review and help implement school district policies addressing school nutrition, nutrition education, physical activity and related issues that impact student health. The SWAC meets monthly and includes representation from students, parents, FPS staff, School Committee members and administrators from across the district developing programs that actively promote wellness in schools and maximize opportunities for grant awards.

The SWAC was selected to participate in DESE's two-year coaching model. The first year focused on evaluating and then revising Franklin's Wellness Policy using the WELLSAT Scorecard. The second year focused on implementing the policy.

Many community members have participated in SWAC over the years. Currently, the committee is chaired by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tina Rogers and members include, Director of Food Services Colin Boisvert, Director of Life Long Learning Pattie Gay, YMCA Coordinator Krystina Edens, FHS Nurse Melissa Conroy, Community Member Elise Stokes, School Committee Member KP Sompally, Public Health Nurse Alisha Deptula,  Health and Wellness Director Kristin Letendre Smith, parent Stacey Federico,  Associate Director of Franklin Food Pantry Laura Doherty and three Franklin High School students.

On behalf of SWAC, "The SWAC Committee is fortunate to have built connections with many community partners. These relationships strengthen our initiatives by expanding our reach and providing support from businesses and organizations. We are grateful to these businesses and organizations for their support of education in Franklin."

SWAC will host a table at the June 14 Franklin Farmers' Market.

Franklin Public Schools FY 2025 Budget Summary

Dear FPS Staff and Community,

As you know, on April 9th, the Franklin School Committee approved a budget representing what we have termed "Level Service Plus." A Level Service Plus Budget allows us to maintain current staffing levels and provide additional staff to maintain optimal class sizes and caseloads. On May 22nd, the Franklin Town Council approved an appropriation less than the School Committee's recommended budget.  This means there is not enough funding to support the requested budget for current services and staffing in the next year (FY25). Staff, resources, and programming reductions are required to meet this budget appropriation in case of a failed override on June 11th. 

The reductions outlined reflect the necessary adjustments to address the financial realities and constraints in the event of a final budget that is less than the requested amount required for Level Service Plus, as outlined in budget documents found on our website. 

With a less-than-level service budget, 37 positions will be eliminated, including teachers, educational support personnel, administration, and non-union staff, necessitating the district to prioritize educational needs.  Over the past two weeks, we have identified and detailed the specific reductions required below, along with associated impacts. This will lead to significant changes in various educational areas. 

The following ten budget impact areas will explain how these budget decisions will affect our schools, staff, and students.

1. Elementary and Middle School — Reducing elementary classroom teachers will result in increased class sizes, with multiple sections at or over recommended guidelines and sections at or above 24 students. Reductions in curriculum specialists will impact elementary tier 2 support for math and literacy, curriculum and assessment development, and classroom support. Middle school tier 2 reading support will be reduced.  Reducing library support will result in limited access to elementary and middle school libraries, with school libraries being closed on certain days of the week.
2. High School Offerings — Reducing high school teachers will increase class sizes with sections at or above 26 students. Courses that are graduation requirements will be prioritized over elective offerings in all subject areas, resulting in elective offerings being reduced or eliminated. These elective reductions and eliminations include, but are not limited to, courses such as Creative Writing, Computer Science, Astronomy, Robotics, Botany, Forensics, Early Childhood Education, Kinesiology, and AP offerings in all subject areas. Juniors and seniors will have priority in AP course selections, displacing and potentially eliminating sophomore AP experiences. 

Fewer elective options will result in more students being placed in classes they did not select to fill their schedule or directed studies. The number of lab experiences in lab science courses will be reduced. 

1. Support Services — Reductions in counselors and social worker support services affect student caseloads, leading to reduced counseling staff intervention, prioritizing those with the most needs, and impacting our ability to support students and families proactively.
2. World Language Programs — Reductions in World Language programming at the middle school will reduce students' early exposure to Spanish, consequently impacting students' opportunities to take higher-level Spanish classes in high school. Latin one and AP Latin will be eliminated, leading to the eventual elimination of Latin as a language option in future years.
3. Music and Arts Programs — Reductions in music and arts programs will eliminate orchestra and chorus in middle schools. The middle school band will be significantly reduced, limiting the number of students accessing the program. Participation in competitions and festivals will be significantly reduced and may be eliminated altogether. High school theater courses will be eliminated. There is a possibility of offering theater after school, but this will limit the opportunity for students to participate in festivals. Art electives at the high school will also be reduced.
4. Wellness and Physical Education Programs — Reductions in physical education programs will increase class sizes in wellness and physical education. Freshmen and sophomores will be restricted from taking wellness/PE electives, and athlete access to PE electives will be limited. 
5. Extracurricular Activities — In addition to the previously cut middle school extracurricular activities, many high school extracurricular activities will also be eliminated or reduced.  
6. Administrators and non-union staff — Reducing two administrators, redistributing responsibilities of current administrators among schools, and reductions to central office non-union staff.
7. Operational Adjustments — Increasing all fee and tuition-based programs, self-funding athletics, and reducing all school supply budgets by 25%, reducing the Office of Teaching and Learning budget to reduce professional learning opportunities for educators, curriculum resources for students, and curriculum committees, educational software, and stipends. Reducing activity monitors and educational Interventionists decreases time supporting students.  
8. Staff Transfers — Staff transfers due to eliminated positions can create a cascading effect on less senior staff members at various grade levels based on seniority.  

We will continue to navigate these challenges while remaining committed to providing the best possible education for our community with the resources we have. However, these reductions will significantly impact our students, staff, and the overall quality of education. 

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools FY 2025 Budget Summary

FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report

May 10, 2024

 

Dear FPS Community,

 

This is a follow-up to the FPS Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation presented to the School Committee on April 30th. Based on the questions we received from the community, we created a Comprehensive School Facilities Recommendation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) linked to the FPS website to answer as many questions as possible at this time. 

 

Thank you to all who submitted your questions. The FAQ is categorized under the following topics:

1. Process

2. Community

3. Student Support

4. Transportation/Traffic

5. Budget

6. Facilities

7. Human Resources

8. Other

We will continue to update the FAQ with additional responses and provide more information as it becomes available.  As previously shared, some information can only be determined if the recommendation from the architectural firm and master planner is approved.  In addition to the FAQ, please find the FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report linked on our FPS website. 

 

We recognize these options result in significant change within the district.  The recommendations from the architectural firm and master planner were put forth with great respect and consideration for the educational experience of all Franklin students. Our goal is to ensure a balanced and equitable distribution of enrollment, resources, and opportunities while striving for the most modern facilities to support our students' growth and development.

 

Maintaining students' connectedness to school and community remains paramount. Should the school committee vote to approve the recommendation, you can anticipate routine updates regarding the next steps and future community engagement opportunities throughout the process. The district is also drafting a preliminary implementation framework that expands upon the recommended timeline guided by master plan recommendations.   

 

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Facility Master Plan Report ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_public_schools_school_facilities_and_educational_master_plan_report_redacted11.pdf

FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report