Franklin Public School Spring Art Showcase - March 15 - 4:30 to 6:30 PM

The Franklin Public School Spring Art Showcase is available for viewing at Franklin High School on Wednesday, March 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Student works from across the district will be on display.

Franklin Public School Spring Art Showcase - March 15 - 4:30 to 6:30 PM

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/FNxQGX1M31

Franklin Public Schools seeks public input on proposed options amid redistricting analysis process

The Franklin Public School District invites Franklin residents to provide input on proposed options as part of the redistricting analysis process that was pioneered by the Franklin School Committee during the 2021- 2022 academic year. 

The district will host public forums on 

• March 7 at Franklin High School Media Center from 6 PM - 8 PM  
• March 13 virtually via Zoom from 6 PM - 8 PM

Both forums will present the same information.

Options proposed have been workshopped by district staff, the redistricting analysis consultant Applied Geographics (AppGeo) and the Redistricting Advisory Committee, which is composed of parents/ guardians, educators, district and building based administrators as well as school committee members. All options will be presented by the district and redistricting analysis consultant, a supplementary input survey will be distributed to collect additional comments.

The feedback provided during our upcoming public forums and input survey will inform the district's recommendation to the School Committee for a vote in the Spring of 2023. The decision to implement any recommendations, including potential changes to current boundaries, is a School Committee decision.

The following options will be presented in March.

Option 1 - Proposes that current district attendance boundaries remain the same while a Master Facilities Plan is conducted. ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students.

Option 2 - Proposes a change to district attendance boundaries in an attempt to balance enrollment while also maintaining geographic contiguity and undertaking a Master Facilities Plan, which may result in further redistricting based on the outcome.

Option 3 - While the current district attendance boundaries remain the same as Option 1, there is a consideration for including a "Buffer Zone" for designated areas of the former Davis Thayer attendance boundary, which could allow families to opt-in to Oak Street and/or Parmenter Elementary School for specific zones as a special consideration.

 

ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students. When necessary, small group instruction for Keller students may occur in nearby Sullivan spaces—understanding that the results of a Master Facilities Plan could reassign attendance boundaries for students in future years.

Buffer Zone Considerations in Option 3:

1. The District will not provide transportation, and parents/guardians of students who request to transfer must transport their child to and from school.

2. Requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis based on room availability.

3. Families approved for the voluntary buffer zone opt-in may be subject to a reassignment of their district boundary pending the results of a Master Facilities Plan.

Additional information can be found on the Redistricting Analysis webpage of the Franklin Public Schools website.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

For more information please contact Marketing and Communications Specialist Lily Rivera at riveral@franklinps.net.

About the Franklin Public School District:

The Franklin Public School District strives to nurture a safe, supportive, inclusive and collaborative learning environment in each of our 10 schools. We believe in providing an engaging and rigorous curriculum with exemplary instructional practices that will support and challenge students to reach their full potential through personalized learning opportunities. Our goal is to develop the necessary social-emotional, academic, and career skills for each Franklin student, so that they will be a productive citizen in an ever-changing world.

Franklin Public Schools seeks public input on proposed options amid redistricting analysis process

FPS: Redistricting Analysis Update and Community Forum Letter to Families Feb 27, 2023

February 27, 2023

Dear FPS Families,

This past September, we shared information regarding the redistricting analysis process during the 2022-2023 school year to help us identify the Franklin Public School District's short and long-term needs. The decision to conduct this analysis was driven by the following:

●  The 2021 closure of Davis Thayer initiated an expansion of the Helen Keller Elementary School attendance boundary. While we continue to use space flexibly, we seek to maintain a long-term balance among schools.

●  A facilities assessment conducted by Kaestle Boos in 2020, at the time of the Davis Thayer analysis, recommended multiple scenarios of how to utilize space across the district. This assessment did not account for shifts in space usage required for specialized programs and how we utilize space to adequately support student learning. Thus, requiring additional analysis to inform decision-making through this lens.

●  According to the Franklin Public Schools Population and Enrollment Demographics Study, the total enrollment is forecasted to decline until approximately 2027 and then gradually increase.

These factors influenced the decision of the School Committee to have a formal and comprehensive analysis conducted.

Recognizing that redistricting impacts our families, faculty, and greater community, conducting a thorough analysis before proposing any solutions is necessary to inform future decision-making. To ensure this was a community-informed process, we assembled a Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee composed of parents/guardians, building-based staff representatives, and community members. This committee met monthly with the contracted redistricting consultant Applied Geographics (AppGeo) from November through February to review district data, outline guiding principles, preview communication materials, and provide input/feedback on proposed scenarios. More information and meeting presentations are available on the Redistricting Analysis webpage.

Also, an internal working group composed of FPS staff and a School Committee representative meets regularly with AppGeo to inform and structure the process, which we have outlined below.

FPS - Redistricting Analysis Process

As we enter the public input stage, we are pleased to extend opportunities to learn more about the proposed scenarios and collect feedback from the community. The feedback provided during our upcoming public forums and input survey will inform the district's recommendation to the School Committee for a vote in the spring of 2023. The decision to implement any recommendations, including potential changes to current boundaries, is a School Committee decision.

The community is invited to attend the Redistricting Analysis Public Forums, which will be held on:

● Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Franklin High School Media Center

● Monday, March 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM, virtually via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89705686636?pwd=a3p5N1VCMm9LZ1AzTWdpUktMWU1ldz09  Meeting ID: 897 0568 6636 Passcode: 930061

Please note both forums will present the same information.

The following options will be presented in March.

Option 1 - Proposes that current district attendance boundaries remain the same while a Master Facilities Plan is conducted. ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students.

Option 2 - Proposes a change to district attendance boundaries in an attempt to balance enrollment while also maintaining geographic contiguity and undertaking a Master Facilities Plan, which may result in further redistricting based on the outcome.

Option 3 - While the current district attendance boundaries remain the same as Option 1, there is a consideration for including a "Buffer Zone" for designated areas of the former Davis Thayer attendance boundary, which could allow families to opt-in to Oak Street and/or Parmenter Elementary School for specific zones as a special consideration.

ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students. When necessary, small group instruction for Keller students may occur in nearby Sullivan spaces—understanding that the results of a Master Facilities Plan could reassign attendance boundaries for students in future years.

Buffer Zone Considerations in Option 3:

1. The District will not provide transportation, and parents/guardians of students who request to transfer must transport their child to and from school.

2. Requests are taken on a first-come, first-served basis based on room availability.

3. Families approved for the voluntary buffer zone opt-in may be subject to a reassignment of their district boundary pending the results of a Master Facilities Plan.

The feedback provided during our upcoming public forums and input survey will inform the District's recommendation to the School Committee, which will be presented to the School Committee and later voted on in May 2023.

If you are unable to attend one of our informational sessions and still wish to provide feedback, we encourage you to utilize the story map paired with the input survey that will be launched by March 7th, to understand the proposed options and provide feedback accordingly. The deadline for survey responses is March 15th, 2023.

We have created a Redistricting Analysis webpage that hosts informational resources (such as a Frequently Asked Questions sheet) and outlines our efforts thus far. I encourage individuals to review the redistricting analysis webpage and email redistrictinganalysis@franklinps.net with any questions. All emails are directed to our internal working group for the redistricting analysis.

We look forward to connecting with our community to answer questions and collect feedback on the proposed options on March 7th and March 13th.

Respectfully, 

Lucas Giguere 

Superintendent of Schools

https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

Franklin Schools: 2 HOUR DELAY - Plan to reassess with DPW in the morning - 2/28/23

Dear Franklin Public School Staff and Families,

The current weather predictions call for snow beginning this evening and continuing overnight. The snow is expected to impact our morning commute/arrival time to school. Based on the anticipated weather conditions and the current information, the Franklin Public Schools will have a 2-hour delay on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.   

I have been in ongoing communication with the Department of Public Works and Facilities regarding their ability to treat roads and remove snow around our schools. This additional time will allow our DPW and Facilities Department additional time adequately prepare for safe arrival at school.   

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:

*The ECDC morning session will be canceled. 

*The ECDC full-day and extended sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session. 

All before-school programs are canceled, and Solutions will follow the 2-hour delay schedule. Emergency busing will be in effect, and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

We will continue to follow tomorrow’s weather forecast carefully and reassess the conditions in the morning to ensure that we are prepared for school, to begin with a 2-hour delay. 

If snowfall accumulates beyond capacity to clear for the opening of school, we will switch to a cancellation. We will make that call in the morning and notify staff and families no later than 7:00 AM. If you do not receive a cancellation notification by 7:00 AM, there will be only a 2-hour delay.  

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent

For reference, the general inclement weather information ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/weather_2022_2.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - 2/28/23

FPS Redistricting Advisory Cmte meeting of Feb 7, 2023 (audio)

FM #937 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 937 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 as well as some members who participated remotely.

Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when the breakout discussion was held at each table. The audio for the table breakout is replaced by a brief music interlude.

Quick Recap

• Review of the objectives and timeline

• Presentation on 3 options depicted in a new “storymap”

• Feedback discussed at each table and to be collected via survey form for the committee

• Next steps - public forums scheduled for Mar 7 and Mar 13 with survey form to collect feedback. Both sessions will present same material; one in person, one via remote

• Next advisory meeting Mar 21 to prepare for School Committee presentation scheduled for Apr 25 and School Committee vote scheduled for May 9

The edited meeting audio recording runs about 72 minutes. Let’s listen to whole group discussion position of Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting of Feb 7

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-937-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-02-07-23

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Agenda doc for Feb 7, 2023 meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/redistricting_advisory_subcom_2_7_23.pdf 

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 

My notes in one Twitter threader document   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yLyRq1KAklkXvAIJEUfiSu72zKG_DRZ2/view?usp=share_link 

The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/v5bVgM8RrhD2bejP6 

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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

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!

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

FPS Redistricting Advisory Cmte meeting of Feb 7, 2023 (audio)

Redistricting Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Feb 7, 2023 at 6 PM

Archive of Meeting Slides (Redistricting Advisory Committee)

Redistricting Advisory Committee Kickoff Presentation (November 2022)
Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting Presentation (December 2022)
Redistricting Advisory Committee Presentation (January 2023)

Please note: All scenarios, boundary adjustments and other recommendations are presented in draft stage to the Redistricting Advisory Committee during the analysis process. All recommendations presented are therefore subject to change following feedback from the Redistricting Advisory Committee. Community forums will offer the community an opportunity to provide feedback on scenarios once those scenarios have been refined by the Redistricting Advisory Committee for presentation. Forum dates are scheduled for March 2023. 

Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis

Agenda doc includes remote connection info -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom_2_7_23.pdf

Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting scheduled for Feb 7, 2023 at 6 PM at FHS Media Center (hybrid)

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter for January 2023

Panther Pride Night, Superintendent Entry Update, District highlights, School Committee Updates and more!

Franklin Public Schools District Newsletter January 2023 Food Services District Calendar School Committee Transportation 22-23 School Calendar Feb. 1 - Early Release Day Feb. 20 - 24 - February Break (No School) Access the 22-23 School Calendar  This newsletter has been revised to reflect Panther Pride Night event details. Panther Pride Night will be held on Thursday, February 2nd  from 6 PM - 7:30 PM Crazy for Composting! Keller Hawks and Sullivan Huskies Big impact can start with a small change. At the Helen Keller/ Annie Sullivan complex, students have adopted a composting program! A change in their lunch time routine encourages students to sort their discarded food scraps and containers into designated bins to be composted. This collaboration with the Town of Franklin Department of Public Works aims to reduce the amount of waste, while creating opportunities for connected learning and community building. Following such a successful pilot, we aim to expand the program to more schools in the district! The program was highlighted on NBC10 Boston's Climate 2022 Report, be sure to check out the segment if you missed it! Mr. Walsh's AP Government class had the opportunity to chat over zoom with White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Franklin High School Alumni Jennifer O'Malley Dillon! Students heard first hand about the many responsibilities for the Deputy Chief of Staff and how O'Mally Dillon's career path brought her to this role. The Franklin High School Pantherbook news club covered the story. Read all about it as told from an FHS student here. Panther Pride Night Calling all 8th grade students and families! Looking to learn more about what it means to be a Franklin High School Panther? You're in luck! Franklin High School will host its annual Panther Pride Night on Thursday, February 2nd from 6PM-7:30 PM! We invite you to come visit the school to learn about all of the fantastic extracurricular, athletic, and academic opportunities available to our prospective students. Learn more via our event page. Superintendent Entry Plan Update Building Based Listen & Learn As part of the Superintendent Entry Plan, Mr. Giguere has been holding listening sessions throughout the district to connect directly with various faculty, staff and advisory group. These building based meetings allow Mr. Giguere the ability to engage with each group to learn more about their experiences and provide greater insight into the district's strengths and opportunities for growth. Mr. Giguere continues to learn and grow in his new role through this process along with attending The New Superintendent Induction Program (NSIP). "My goal is to understand further the strengths/positives and the challenges/areas of improvement so that I can make recommendations and share my findings with the community at a later date." - Mr. Giguere Redistricting Analysis Update The Redistricting Advisory Committee has continued meeting to preview, refine and prepare draft scenarios to be presented to the Franklin Public School Community in March. Keep an eye out for community forums dates and other opportunities to provide feedback on the draft scenarios produced from the redistricting analysis process. Once the School Committee votes on a scenario, boundary adjustment or other recommendation, next steps will be outlined with the community. The Redistricting Advisory Committee has established guiding principles to outline the considerations during the redistricting analysis process. You may review the guiding principles here. To better outline the redistricting analysis process, we have created a webpage to update the community on our efforts. Learn more via our Redistricting Analysis page. New Student Application for ECDC The new student application is available for the 2023-2024 academic year at the Early Childhood Education Center Access the application here. Learn more about ECDC in this welcome presentation.  All other grades can register via Aspen at any time. MCAS Testing Dates High School MCAS Dates English Language Arts Grade 10: March 28 & 29 Math Grade 10: May 16 & 17 STE Grade 9: June 6 & 7 Middle MCAS Dates English Language Arts Grade 6: April 4 & 5 Grade 7/8: March 29 & 30 Math Grade 6: May 9 & 10 Grade 7/8: May 2 & 3 Science Grade 8: May 9 & 10 Elementary MCAS Dates English Language Arts Grade 3: April 25 & 26 Grade 4: April 11 & 12 Grade 5: April 4 & 5 Math Grade 3: May 10 & 11 Grade 4: May 17 & 18 Grade 5: May 15 & 16 Science Grade 5: May 8 & 9 High School MCAS Retest Dates | English Language Arts: November 9 & 10, March 8 & 9 Math: November 15 & 16, March 14 & 15 | Science: February 1 & 2 From the School Committee Supporting Students with Specialized Instruction On January 10th, 2023 the Franklin Public Schools delivered a presentation on Special Education to the School Committee You can access the slideshow presentation here.   Please join us for our next School Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 at 7pm. Happy New Year to our FPS Families, Faculty Staff and Franklin Community!   Franklin Public Schools www.franklinps.net

Franklin Public Schools | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 www.franklinps.net Sent by communications@franklinps.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!