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/

FPS School Lunch Video

FPS School Lunch Video 

Click the link to check out the video on our Local Beef and Broccoli meal:
https://youtube.com/shorts/on5WBQtf2fk

Franklin's District Chef, Steve Foote, inspired this locally-sourced meal featuring slow braised tender strips of top round beef from Weatherlow Farms, in Westport, MA, alongside bright green Harvesting Good broccoli from Maine. The Savory beef and broccoli are served over a creamy, citrus-infused lemon ginger risotto.

Completing the plate is a sweet crisp Gala apple from Cooper Farms, also in Maine

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16gmdT1VYv/

Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee looking for interested community members

To all members of the Franklin, MA community,

I am writing to share with you an exciting new opportunity for civic engagement in Franklin via a role on the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee.

Horace Mann

Horace Mann was a Franklin native who is now considered the Father of Public Education due to his commitment to education reform, promoting universal public education and establishing the public education system in Massachusetts that was then adopted by most other states.

In August, the School Committee voted to create the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee as a means to guide the development of initiatives that honor the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Horace Mann. This work will focus on the following primary areas:

Horace Mann Campus Identity & Physical Recognition – Establishing a clear, consistent, and historically grounded identity for the Horace Mann Campus through visible but restrained physical and digital markers.

Community Awareness & Storytelling – Increasing public understanding of Horace Mann’s life, legacy, and connection to Franklin through educational and interpretive efforts.

Public Education Advocacy (Informational) – Supporting historical education and awareness related to public education, without engaging in lobbying or political advocacy.

We are seeking interested community members to serve as voting members of this committee! Specifically, we are seeking:

• 4 community members at-large

• 1 Franklin Middle School student representative

• 1 Franklin High School student representative

to serve alongside members from the Franklin School Committee, Historical Commission, Cultural Council, and Town Council on this 12-person subcommittee.

The subcommittee will meet monthly and is scheduled to serve until May 4, 2027 unless extended by School Committee vote.

If you are interested, please communicate your interest through the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/NjuLBgHVfQsREvRv7

All submissions will be reviewed at the next subcommittee meeting, currently scheduled for Friday, January 23, and interested parties will be contacted following this review.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at reish@franklinps.net.

• Submitted Respectfully by Reis Hansen on behalf of the Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Traffic alert for St Mary's/Town Common area on Wednesday & Thursday

Be aware:

"Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen A. LaPorta will be laid to rest Thursday after he was killed when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a driver at the site of a crash last week, officials said.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Mary Parish in Franklin followed by a private burial, State Police said in a statement. A wake is scheduled for Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. also at St. Mary Parish, according to State Police."

What does this means for Franklin?

• 

  Traffic alert for St Mary's/Town Common
  area on Wednesday & Thursday

  Franklin Public Schools have early dismissal on Wednesday

• Franklin Senior Center closes at noon on Wednesday, AND all day Thursday.

• Traffic will be stopped from using the Town Common area in front of St Mary's Church

Continue the Globe article -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/11/metro/uxbridge-police-officer-funeral/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Freshly made pizza for the kiddos !!!

Freshly made pizza for the kiddos !!!

via Franklin Public Schools

"Click the link to check this video to see how we make our freshly made pizzas

https://youtube.com/shorts/zudZkXVzfs8?feature=share

We recently purchased a new conveyor oven at the Franklin Middle School to match the one we have at the HS.

We use this oven to make our freshly made pizzas daily."

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/14R4YYQ2tLh/

Insights into Student Services, how in district programs help the students & save money (audio)

FM #1597 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1597 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Paula Marano, Asst Superintendent for Student Services. We had our discussion in a conference room at the School District Central offices on Monday, November 17, 2025.

 

Our conversation covers 

• Paula’s path to this role

• Special education as required by State and Federal law

• In district vs out of district placements

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) & Sec 504 plans and reviews

• Student services overall

The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1597-franklin-pubic-schools-insights-into-student-services-11-17-25/

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Paula’s contact info -> maranop@franklinps.net 

Franklin Public Schools Student Service page -> https://www.franklinps.net/page/student-services 

In district programs -> https://www.franklinps.net/page/in-district-programs 

Paula Marano, on the left, at a recent SchCmte meeting

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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"

Franklin High School Hosts Veteran-Led Panel During New WIN Block

Franklin High School celebrated Veterans Day by hosting a special panel discussion led by members of the district community who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Franklin High School hosted a veteran-led panel discussion on Wednesday,
Nov. 12, in honor of Veterans Day. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The event took place during the district's new WIN Block, a flexible period added to this year's schedule that provides targeted academic support, intervention, and enrichment.

For this block on Wednesday, Nov. 12, teacher and U.S. Coast Guard veteran Charles Fidler organized a panel of fellow veterans to share their experiences and answer students' questions.

The panel included:

• Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Sergeant, United States Marine Corps — TOW Platoon, 25th Marine Regiment, mobilized during Operation Enduring Freedom
• Charles Fidler, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Science Technician — Port security, counter-terrorism, and drug interdiction missions during the Global War on Terror
• Mark Terra-Thomas, Army National Guard — Civil Affairs (1993-99)
• Christopher Kelly, United States Army, Military Police Corps — 64th Military Police Detachment, Bremerhaven, Germany (1979-81); current Franklin High School history teacher
• Colonel Ryan Levesque (Ret.), United States Army — Field Artillery, 26 years of service across the U.S. and abroad, including Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait
• Officer Paul Guarino, United States Army — Military Police; current Franklin School Resource Officer

Most panelists are current Franklin Public Schools staff members. Colonel Levesque participated as a district parent.

Students heard stories from each veteran and engaged in a wide-ranging question-and-answer session. The program also included recognition of students who plan to enter military service after graduation.

"Our goal was to honor Veterans Day in a meaningful way and give students an open space to learn directly from those who have served," said Fidler, who organized the event. "Their engagement and thoughtful questions made the event a powerful experience for everyone in the room."

Franklin Public School video of the Thanksgiving Dinner served last Thursday, Nov 20

via Franklin Public Schools Food Service:

"Click the Link to Check out our video for Thanksgiving Dinner.

https://youtube.com/shorts/laaTAj-m80o?feature=share

On Thursday Nov. 20th all the Franklin Public School Kitchens served fresh roasted turkey breast and scratch made stuffing, with mashed potatoes and gravy!"

Franklin Public School video of the Thanksgiving Dinner served last Thursday, Nov 20

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/17gisaZsR7/

Audio recording of the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg - Nov 3, 2025 (audio)

FM #1575 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1575 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin Public Schools Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte Mtg held on Monday, Nov 3, 205 at 6:00 PM. Meeting chaired by School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan. Members Ruthann O’Sullivan and KP Sompally participated remotely. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Operations Colin Boisvert participated.

 

QUick recap

• Draft doc for scope and mission of the subcmte being reviewed

• Overall question is how do we engage the entire community to understand, appreciate and honor his legacy with an education focus. But acknowledge that he did have other interests in his career

• Goals around three arenas: 

• The named campus, the physical presence

• Education 

• Advocacy

• Discussion on guardrails to keep subcmte from wandering off the tasks

• Discussion on composition of committee, representation from various stakeholder groups; final decision up to full School Committee

• Draft doc to be updated based upon discussion and used by next committee

• Motion to adjourn 

The meeting runs about 1 hour and 8 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1575-fps-horace-mann-legacy-subcmte-mtg-11-03-25/

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Horace Mann Legacy Subcmte

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11032025-1988 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D9Xt-u6fNJ-Tm36qwcYo2ywfj-2A-uC8/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 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"

Check out the FPS Food Service video for Local Beef Nachos

"Click the Link to Check out our video for Local Beef Nachos.

https://youtube.com/shorts/-5L0YL7jHa0

On Wednesday October 29th all the Franklin Public School kitchens served Local MA Grass-Fed Beef Nachos from Weatherlow Farm, in Westport, MA.

We served it with all the fixings. The kids went crazy over it!"

Shared from -> 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JXww7z7iF/

Chicken Tikka Masala prepared and served Thursday, Oct 23 in Franklin Public Schools

Chicken Tikka Masala video

Click the link to check out our video for Chicken Tikka Masala video https://youtube.com/shorts/0IvnZ4fBoFA

On Thursday October 23rd we served Chicken Tikka Masala with our new fresh chicken thighs made from scratch by our District Chef Steve Foote.

The meal was served with chickpeas, jasmine rice, roasted spiced cauliflower, and naan bread.

https://www.facebook.com/share/176Pt3ooWq/

Governor’s Supplemental Budget – Education Earmark Awards for Franklin Public Schools

via Superintendent Lucas Giguere

"I am excited to share that Franklin has been awarded two education earmarks under the Fair Share Supplemental Budget. Governor Healey’s Supplemental Budget, signed on June 24, 2025, invests in education and transportation across the Commonwealth, with funding directed toward projects that support students at every level.

The first earmark, $75,000, will support the replacement of a specialized transportation van. This funding enables us to continue updating our aging fleet, ensuring that students who require these services have access to safe and reliable transportation. Special thanks go to State Representative Jeff Roy for his advocacy in securing this important support.

specialized transportation van

The second earmark, $100,000, will support the first phase of improvements within our school courtyards, transforming them into outdoor learning environments and engaging spaces for students. These redesigned areas will enhance the interior spaces within the school footprint, creating safe, flexible, and inspiring environments for hands-on learning and social interaction. Special thanks to State Senator Rebecca Rausch for her advocacy in securing these important funds.

Details on the earmarks statewide can be found on the state’s website:

👉 Fair Share Supplemental Budget – Education Earmarks

We are deeply grateful for this recognition and support. Thank you to our legislators and community partners for their continued advocacy on behalf of Franklin Public Schools.

FY26 MIIA Safety Grant

I would like to thank the Town of Franklin and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and his staff for supporting Franklin Public Schools in submitting our proposal for additional two-way radios for our schools. The proposal was awarded in the amount of $9,945. These two-way radios help to support a safe learning environment for students and staff, and ensure quick and efficient communication throughout each school day and in the event of an emergency.

Shared from the FPS Page -> https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#10203952

Franklin Public School District is hiring - maybe there is a spot for you?

Click here for a FULL LIST of openings!

https://employer.schoolspring.com/jobs/?employer=10910

via Franklin Public Schools

"We Are Hiring!

Click here for a FULL LIST of openings!

https://employer.schoolspring.com/jobs/?employer=10910"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1CUa8Hda55/