Voices of Franklin: Dear Franklin Town Council & School Committee, "Please, vote to put the override on the ballot in June"

Dear Franklin Town Council & School Committee, Mr. Helen and Superintendent Giguere, 

I am writing to you this evening to urge you all to vote to put the override on the ballot this June.  Anyone who claims this has been a rushed process has simply not been paying attention.  I take particular umbrage at the residents who have lived here far longer than I have who are claiming this override process has been rushed.  As someone who only moved here in late 2021, and, again, has a toddler and an infant at home, I should be the resident who has no idea of the financial straits Franklin is in.  And yet I am aware.  The idea that this override process has been rushed is simply absurd.  A simple Google search will pull up the former Superintendent of Schools comments from 2008 - 16 years ago - about the financial crunch facing the Franklin Schools.  

Former Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote, "taxes are the price we pay to live in a civilized society."  That's the ballgame - taxes are the price we pay to enjoy all the benefits of civilization.  At the local level, that means our water and sewer systems work, our roads are paved, we have police and fire departments, we have good schools, and all of those services must be funded adequately.

I believe reasonable people can disagree.  I also believe that reasonable people, when looking at the financial data provided, will happily shell out more money in property taxes in order to continue to fund our local government properly, because the alternative is horrifying.  

Let me be clear - I want to live in a town where our local services are properly funded.  If that means I pay more in property taxes to do so, then I will do so happily.  I want the Franklin Police Department to be fully funded (and I want them to get the new police station they need when the time comes for that).  I want the Fire Department to be fully funded.  I want the DPW to be fully funded. I want the Library to be fully funded.  I want the Facilities Department to be fully funded, and yes, I want to make damn sure the schools are fully funded as well.  And I know that nothing in life comes free, so I (and many more people in town) are willing to pay that cost, to ensure that our local services remain the best they can be.  

I know Franklin does have people on fixed incomes, and this will be difficult for them.  This includes my own aunt and uncle living here as well.  I have all the sympathy in the world for people on fixed incomes during these times of crazy inflation. I can only hope that they understand this override is absolutely necessary and their sense of civic duty and pride in the town of Franklin motivates them to vote in favor of it, despite the additional hardship such an override will represent.

However, I believe a lot of the opposition to the override comes from people who are currently in the workforce, people who have seen the property values of their homes skyrocket in recent years, and simply buy into the narrative that government is the problem and that taxes are a form of theft.  Please, ignore those people, as they do not represent the majority of voters here in Franklin.  Please, vote to put the override on the ballot in June.  Thank you all for your service - I know that you all get a lot of flak in your positions as government leaders.  Keep your heads up, ignore the negativity, and please do the right thing and put the override to the ballot in June.  I look forward to seeing the joint Town Council/School Committee meeting this Wednesday at FHS.

Respectfully,

Ben Liberto

23 Southgate Rd.  

Voices of Franklin: Dear Franklin Town Council & School Committee, "Please, vote to put the override on the ballot in June"

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Next Newcomers & Friends meeting features Hellen & Giguere - April 3 - Not just for Newcomers . . .

Join us at our next bi-monthly gathering on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

Please join us as we host Franklin’s Town Administrator Jamie Helen, and Franklin’s School District Superintendent Lucas Giguere. They’ll be updating us on what’s going on in our town and in our schools. Take advantage of this great opportunity to get answers firsthand … bring your questions!

We’re meeting a week earlier than usual to accommodate our speakers. This is one of our favorite events of the year … join us to learn new things, meet new friends and have fun in our community.

We meet at Escape Into Fiction from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The bookstore is in downtown Franklin, 12 Main Street. Arrive early to take advantage of their wonderful selection of books, puzzles, games and gifts for all ages. Light refreshments will be served.

Next Newcomers & Friends meeting features Hellen & Giguere - April 3  - Not just for Newcomers . . .

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

Look for us on social media for more information: https://www.meetup.com/franklin-newcomers-friends/ https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub

Franklin High School Mock Trial Team Competes in Elite 8

Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Principal Joshua Hanna and Assistant Principal Michael Walsh are excited to share that Franklin High School's Mock Trial Team competed in the state's Elite 8 trial at the Moakley Courthouse in Boston. 

The team of about 30 students is led by team captains Anton Sackley, Jacob Bowser, Carolina Rawan, Ahan Shetty and Liana Warnakulasooriya.

Street Law and AP Government teacher Johnna MacLean serves as the club's faculty advisor with help from Franklin native Andrew Kepple, who is the Assistant Clerk Magistrate at the Southeast Housing Court.

The team secured a spot at the Regional Trials after winning three trials in a row. Then, the team advanced to the Fab14 and secured eighth place, advancing the team to the Elite 8 trial on Tuesday, March 12*.

Franklin High School competed in this trial against Dover-Sherborn High School, Newton South High School, The Winsor School, Gann Academy, Malden Catholic High School, St. John's Preparatory High School, and Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School. 

"The team's work ethic and professionalism were remarkable," Superintendent Lucas Giguere said. "They've arrived to competitions with victory in mind," he said. 

This year's case is Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Maiyer Wahl, which is a criminal trial, and the team had to prepare both prosecution and defense roles. Their side of the case was only revealed on the day of the trial. The team performed outstandingly but lost by one point to Pioneer Valley, with a score of 101-100.

In addition to their successes this season, the Franklin Hill School Mock Trial team has had a history of impressive wins. Franklin High School has been to the Final Four round three times in the team's history and to the State Finals in 2019. 

"The students have thoroughly prepared for their trials, and their hard work has paid off," MacLean said. "We made it to the top eight out of 111 teams this season and I'm incredibly proud!"

* Updated via Principal Josh Hanna, the team lost by 1 point on Tuesday, March 12.

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.

Almost half of the FHS DECA competitors qualified for the State Competition in March

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and High School Principal Joshua Hanna are pleased to share that Franklin High School DECA members have qualified for the State Career Development Conference.

Approximately 200 Franklin High DECA members competed at the Massachusetts DECA District Two Conference, which was held on Jan. 4-5 at the Mansfield Envision Hotel. A total of 91 students are now moving on to compete at the State Career Development Conference in Boston this March. 91 students are now moving on to compete at the State Career Development Conference

Students competing at the district conference had to place in the top five in their respective categories in order to qualify for the state conference. Students were recognized for their hard work and efforts in the areas of marketing, community service, finance, hospitality and tourism.

FHS DECA students that were recognized at the district conference include:

** First Place Winners: Tanya Kumar, Jaret Schmidt, Sabrina Tierney, Adithya Balagrumoorthy, Weylan O'Connell, Ajay Gulati, Dheeraaj Prasanna, Jacob St. Amand, Brayden Trask, Shravan Dev

** Second Place Winners: Jordan Gaspar, Tyler Murphy, Seth O'Donnell, Aanya Goel, Victoria Oliveria, Georgia Pellegri, Neha Shah, Tuhina Pal, Siddharth Chandra, Jay Gorgas, Aayush Srinivas, Leena Alshawabkeh, Liana Warnakulasooriya, Ashmita Boopathy, Isabella Trull, Nathan Schlieman, Ritika Gandla, Colin O'Leary, Garrett Scagliarini, Nathan Marinelli, Benjamin Ryan, Ahmad Alkhalaf

** Third Place Winners: Brendan Collins, Braeden Loomis, Jack Yeulinkski, Madhav Menon, Brad Morin, Ahan Shetty, Keaton Cooper, Gavin Warnakulasooriya, Hannah Auerr, Samuel Shoneman, Steven Li, Jake Lorenzo, Ciaran Walshe, Meghan Archung, Abi Cheng, Jake Olmstead, Gianni Pazvakavambwa, Josie Drucker, Emma Pruitt, Connor Houghton

** Fourth Place Winners: Ava Davies, Jenna Simone, Vikram Chakrabhavi, Srinath Dadireddy, Manuel Romero, Owen Munichiello, Aodhfionn Downs, Pranava Ponvinayagan, Rex Cinelli, Ryan Wilson, Zeina Alshawabkeh, Kavya Dave, Haasini Sabbella

** Fifth Place Winners: Maya Abiramia, Samantha Eagerman, Abigail Robillard, Callie Verhaegen, Colton Flaherty, Luke Trinanes, Grace Tucceri, Grace Lacerda, Taylor Lacerda, Ella Mahoney, Richie Popovic, Joe Risi, Liam Lewandowski, Finn Mitchell, Elizabeth Mulvey, Zachary Winer, Katie Dowley, Nina Iannuzzi, Lily Depoto

"I am incredibly proud of all FHS students who have excelled in DECA, earning several awards," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their dedication and achievements reflect the high standards of our school. We wish them the best as they move onto SCDC in March." Find the photos of FHS DECA state qualifiers in this PDF file https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r3p6dpcqMJB_JZc4Jtj7lcgDpB-aEu4G/view?usp=drive_link

First 2024 meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

FM #1126 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1126 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room. 

Participating in the room: D Callaghan, A Charles, Supt. Giguere, Dr. Dutch, Dr. Rogers, Mike D’Angelo. Participating remotely: E Gallagher

Quick recap:

• District did issue an RFP with pricing separately, once qualifications were confirmed, Fran Locker & Assoc selected for visioning and planning aspects to work with Kaestle Boos report as baseline

• D’Angelo provides info on building work around the Town, all the schools built; Across the three complexes, Remington Jefferson roof needs to be placed; fire alarm system, heating/cooling systems all need to be replaced (except interior air handlers); Similar story for the other two complexes, eventually

• Built out a ten year projection for the facilities across the district with details on the items for replacement, etc. McKibben demographics updated with 2020 census info, presentation coming to School Committee. Educational visioning exercise (Locker & Assoc), tour of buildings scheduled to view educational spaces and utilizations. Kaestle Boos (KBA) report then gets updated with the additional pieces, (visioning), and facilities costing

• Timeline still good to get the report/analysis done before end of this school year

The meeting runs about 45 minutes so let’s listen to the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1126-fps-comprehensive-school-facility-planning-mtg-01-03-24

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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-1_3_24.pdf 

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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"

First meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)

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

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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)