Franklin’s Jefferson Elementary School Named a Massachusetts Blue Ribbon School

Jefferson Elementary School was one of only six schools in Massachusetts chosen by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for a National Blue Ribbon School nomination in the 2025 Schools of Recognition program.

As part of its annual accountability reporting process, DESE identifies a small number of Schools of Recognition. These schools demonstrate progress toward annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on improved achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. The highest annual recognition in the program is the National Blue Ribbon School Nominee designation.

Jefferson Elementary now the Washington K-2 School

Jefferson Elementary School was selected as part of the Exemplary High-Performing School category. This award recognizes schools that continue to demonstrate excellence across all subjects and deliver an overarching education program for all students, including students with disabilities and English language learners.

State officials recognized the consistency of Jefferson’s performance and the teaching practices that support it. The school’s practices are built on a strong curriculum and data-informed instruction. Staff collaborate closely and often involve multiple grades and subjects in their teaching.

Jefferson's inclusive practices were also a factor in the nomination. The school has multiple programs that are designed to link specialized instruction to general education classes, enabling students with disabilities to study grade-level material. This strategy has improved learning outcomes while maintaining students’ connections to the school community.

This collaboration happens throughout the building. General educators, special educators, specialists, and administrators collaborate to plan, assess, and modify curriculum and instruction as needed. The result is a whole-school model that focuses on providing access, consistency, and high expectations for each student, tailored to individual needs.

“This recognition is the result of the thoughtful leadership of Principal Stefani Wasik and Assistant Principal Beth Murray, commitment of our educators, and engagement of students and families at Jefferson Elementary School, which continues today throughout the district following the reorganization,” said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "We are very proud of this achievement and grateful for the state’s recognition.”

Although the National Blue Ribbon Schools program at the federal level ended in August 2025, Massachusetts has chosen to continue this important recognition.

DESE is scheduled to honor Jefferson Elementary School at the 2025 Schools of Recognition Celebration, to be held on Jan. 20, at the Massachusetts State House. The state will recognize the six National Blue Ribbon School nominees, two ESEA Distinguished Schools, and 55 Schools of Recognition.

​For the 2025-26 school year, Franklin Public Schools underwent a district reorganization based on the recommendation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report. The plan created a central unified middle school and four partner elementary schools in two locations.

In the fall, most students from Jefferson entered the Washington Street K-2/3-5 Elementary School, located in the former Remington Middle School/Jefferson Elementary School Complex.

Franklin School Committee: Budget Subcmte got an update on the FY 2027 budget process (audio)

FM #1558= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1558 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 28, 2025. All 3 members participated in person in the 3rd Floor Training Room. Supt Lucas Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, Paula Marano, and Jana Melotti participated. 

Quick recap:

• The meeting provided an overview of the budget process

• Timeline, budget drivers, fixed costs, etc.

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1558-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-mtg-10-28-25/

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Budget Subcmte got an update on
the FY 2027 budget process (audio)

School Committee Budget Subcmte agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1965 

Photos of the slides presented for the discussion (when the slides themselves are available, we’ll update accordingly).

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKsNq1tYdhGC11Jv8

My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file ->   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kTIpIZc47reYuvaaLK2tF8mW-G-WdtW2/view?usp=drive_link 

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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. 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"

10 Franklin High School Students Commended by National Merit Scholarship Corporation; 1 Named Semifinalist for Merit Scholar Award

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Maria Weber are pleased to share that a Franklin High School student was named as a Semifinalist for a National Merit Scholarship by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), while 10 fellow seniors were honored as Commended Students.

Those Franklin High seniors recognized as Commended Students by NMSC as part of its 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program include the following: Arden Meyer, Ridika Gandla, Aodhfionn Downs, Charles Nash, Krithi Rajesh, Emma Anderson, Arsh Tyagi, Jonathan Mabardy, Keshav Kumar and Pranava Ponvinayagan.

Ten students from Franklin High School were
named Commended Students by
National Merit Scholarship Corporation

They join about 34,000 Commended Students from throughout the country who are now being honored by NMSC for their exceptional academic promise. They were originally identified from a group of 50,000 top finishers in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, also known as the Preliminary SAT, serving as the initial screen of program entrants.

In addition to the Commended Student honorees, Franklin High School senior Gavin Warnakulasooriya was named as a Semifinalist for a National Merit Scholarship after taking the Preliminary SAT.

Franklin High School senior
Gavin Warnakulasooriya
was named as a Semifinalist
for a National Merit Scholarship

NMSC recently named more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, who each have an opportunity to further demonstrate high academic achievement and leadership in an application for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million, along with the title of Merit Scholar. (More than 1.3 million juniors took the Preliminary SAT last year, meaning the nationwide pool of semifinalists represents about 1% of U.S. high school seniors.)

NMSC congratulated all of its Semifinalists and Commended Student honorees.

"These students represent a valuable national resource," according to a statement from NMSC. "Recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Maria Weber congratulated Franklin High School's 10 Commended Students and its National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

"I am thrilled to see our students acknowledged for their dedication, hard work and achievements," Principal Weber said. "Their accomplishments in the classroom are inspiring and demonstrate their outstanding potential. Congratulations to Gavin, Arden, Ridika, Aodhfionn, Charles, Krithi, Emma, Arsh, Jonathan, Keshav and Pranava. I’m excited to see the great things they will do next in their academic careers and beyond.”

"We are immensely proud of our Franklin High School seniors who earned recognition from NMSC as a Commended Student or National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist," said Superintendent Giguere. "These academic achievements are a demonstration of the drive, hard work, and talents of our students. We're grateful that they are all now being celebrated for these accomplishments."

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation

Since its founding, NMSC has recognized over 3.4 million students and provided some 451,000 scholarships worth over $1.8 billion. The honors awarded by NMSC to exceptionally able students are viewed as definitive marks of excellence. Recipients of Merit Scholarship® awards, Achievement Scholarship® awards, and corporate-sponsored Special Scholarships have increased the nation’s respect for intellectual accomplishments and have contributed significantly to its talent pool of future leaders.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/live-feed#10130503

Jamie and Lucas close out FY 2025, look to the summer, and what's next (audio)

FM #1478 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1478 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere in the Municipal Building on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.  

Key topics

• After the FY 2026 budget discussion, what’s next

• Town business

• School’s redistricting

• Survey and engagement

• Music playlists, concerts, & time away

The recording runs about  55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Lucas.  Audio link -> https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin---A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office-e35jgvq/a-ac26nek

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Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 

Franklin Public Schools page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/ 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

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

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. 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"

Jamie and Lucas close out FY 2025, look to the summer, and what's next (audio)

Franklin's Early Childhood Development Center Holds Inaugural Special Olympics Young Athletes Game Day

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Kimberly Taylor are proud to share that the F.X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) hosted its first-ever Special Olympics Unified Young Athletes Game Day on Friday, June 6.

The event celebrated the remarkable efforts and achievements of Franklin’s youngest Unified athletes — preschool students who have been practicing teamwork and motor skill development throughout the spring as part of the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program.

Under the guidance of ECDC Physical Therapist Jodi Klein and a dedicated team of staff coaches, these young students learned important physical and social-emotional skills while embracing the core values of inclusion and support.

"We had a wonderful group of athletes and coaches for our inaugural year of Young Athletes," said Klein. "I think Game Day represented a wide array of the skills we worked on for several months, including balance, jumping, eye-hand coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship. It is a privilege to be able to do this work with our littlest athletes and get them started with healthy habits in a positive, inclusive environment."

Franklin's Unified Young Athletes receive medals at
the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Young
Athletes Game Day on Friday, June 6.
(Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The Game Day event featured a full slate of festivities, beginning with opening ceremonies, a flag salute and a proud recitation of the Special Olympics Athlete Oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Families, classmates and staff cheered on the young athletes as they participated in a series of fun and skill-based activities, showcasing all they have learned and accomplished together.

"We are so proud of this group of students for being our first Preschool Unified Athletes Team, and can't wait to see how this program expands in the future," said Principal Taylor.

"These students have shown great determination, teamwork and joy, and it was so meaningful to watch them shine during their Game Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "This program represents the best of what we value in Franklin — inclusion, community and support for every learner."

Franklin Elementary School Students Partner with Franklin Food Pantry

Parmenter’s Character Education Council
, a group of fourth and fifth graders

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Gerald M. Parmenter Elementary School Principal Evan Chelman are proud to announce a successful partnership between students and the Franklin Food Pantry.

“What’s truly powerful about this partnership with Parmenter Elementary School is that it brings elementary-aged students into The Pantry to witness firsthand the reality of food insecurity in their community,” said Franklin Food Pantry's Associate Director Laura Doherty.  “Not only does the partnership give students the opportunity to volunteer but allows them to envision themselves shopping at The Pantry and understand that accessing food assistance is nothing to be ashamed of — we’re a welcoming and safe community resource for all.”

Parmenter’s Character Education Council, a group of fourth and fifth graders, recently visited The Pantry. In addition to providing The Pantry with much-needed food donations, the students’ visit offered a meaningful opportunity for them to tour the facility and learn about food insecurity within the Franklin community.

“The experience helped reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity by fostering understanding and empathy,” said Doherty. “Our hope is that students leave knowing it’s okay to ask for help — and that The Pantry is a safe, welcoming place where anyone can access healthy food when needed.”

The Pantry is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations to carry out its mission: to alleviate food insecurity and compassionately empower the Franklin community through resources and collaboration.

“If children in our community are in need of healthy food, we want them to know that we are here with open arms and they should never be embarrassed about it,” said Doherty. “Everyone needs help sometimes.”

There are many meaningful ways to support The Pantry, from donating and volunteering to hosting food drives.

“The kids saw what it would be like to shop here if they were food insecure,” said Doherty. “We focused on how food insecurity is nothing to be ashamed of. The Pantry is like a regular market, except the food is available at no cost. It’s important that we get kids involved at a young age. By involving and informing young people, our hope is that they’ll share our mission with their friends and family, and approach us without hesitation if they need our support."

Principal Chelman drove the students and their donations to The Pantry.

“Thank you, Laura, for the incredible work you do at the Franklin Food Pantry and for warmly welcoming Parmenter’s Character Education Council into the facility this year,” said Principal Chelman. “And thank you to Jessica Ulm of the Parmenter PCC (Parent Communication Council). We relied on Jessica to be a liaison between The Pantry and the school. The experience had such a positive impact on our students — they were not only excited about the donations but also truly moved by what they learned. And I have to admit, I loved getting to drive the van!”

Each student member of Parmenter’s Character Education Council applied to join and was selected by a team of teachers as a role model for Parmenter's core values: caring, inclusion, respect, courage, leadership and effort.

“Students give up their lunch and recess time to meet and discuss projects, create plans and make materials,” said Parmenter fifth-grade teacher and Council Advisor Michaela Geary. “Throughout the year, we have planned different community service projects including Treats for Troops, a candy drive after Halloween for troops serving overseas; World Cancer Day, a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund; the Winter Gear Drive, to benefit Cradles to Crayons; and the recent Food Drive for the Franklin Food Pantry.

“For the food drive, students created posters, organized the donations, loaded the van with donations and then unloaded the van when we arrived at the Food Pantry,” said Geary. “Upon returning from the tour, students were excited to share what they had learned with the school. We will be speaking about our trip at the next whole school meeting.”

Click here to learn how you can get involved with The Pantry.

 

Additional photos can be found on the Schools page -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2191244

 

Franklin Students Find Success at State Music Festival

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Visual & Performing Arts Diane Plouffe are pleased to announce that several Franklin High School music ensembles achieved high honors during their performances at the annual Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival.

Franklin High School Choruses received
a Silver Medal at the MICCA Festival

The Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, directed by Leighanne Rudsit, and the String Orchestra, Repertory Orchestra, Concert Choir and Treble Choir, directed by Plouffe, each performed during the Concert Festival and Choral Festival April 4-6.

Ensembles were evaluated and awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold medals based on the quality of their performances. Franklin High School’s Concert Band and choruses earned Silver Medals, while both orchestras and the Wind Ensemble received Gold Medals, the highest distinction given at the festival.

Franklin High School Orchestras received
a Gold Medal at the MICCA Festival

"I'm extremely proud of our student musicians," Plouffe said. "They performed at an extremely high level amongst incredible competition throughout the state of Massachusetts."

Due to their outstanding performances, the Franklin High School Wind Ensemble, String Orchestra, and Repertory Orchestra were invited to perform this past weekend at the Gold Medal Showcase at the Groton Hill Music Center on Sunday, April 13. 

“This is a remarkable accomplishment for our student musicians and the dedicated educators who support them," said Superintendent Giguere. “Their hard work, passion and commitment to their craft are truly inspiring."

Franklin Public Schools: FY 2026 Budget Book - “Laying a Foundation for Success” - Executive Summary

Dear Franklin Community,

I am honored to serve the Town of Franklin as Superintendent of Schools. Together with the leadership team, I am responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our district, which serves 4,589 students and employs over 1,200 dedicated professionals, including educators, support staff, and administrators. Our collective mission is to foster academic excellence, social and emotional well-being, and equitable opportunities for all students in safe, healthy, and welcoming environments.

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Superintendent’s Recommended Budget, totaling $80,395,338, represents a 3.78% increase over FY25 and is structured to balance rising costs with strategic resource allocation. This year’s budget cycle is framed by our guiding principle: “Laying a Foundation for Success.” This tagline underscores the critical connection between a well-structured, sustainable budget and the long-term prosperity of our students and community.

Strategic Priorities and Fiscal Responsibility

Our approach to budget development is mission-driven and informed by Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate, which defines the essential skills each student will develop throughout their PreK-12+ experience. We remain steadfast in our commitment to:

❖ Optimizing Resources – Allocating staffing and financial resources to maximize student impact.

❖ Supporting Reorganization – Ensuring a smooth transition for students, staff, and families following significant structural changes.

❖ Stability and Sustainability – Building a future-ready system that meets current and evolving needs.

In FY26, we continue to right-size our operations by aligning staffing and expenditures with student needs. This budget reflects savings from our district reorganization, which includes:

❖ The unification of Franklin Middle School, consolidating all grades 6-8 students into one building at Oak Street.

❖ The restructuring of elementary schools into two K-5 complexes at Washington Street and Lincoln Street.

❖ The expansion of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at Pond Street will increase early childhood capacity and generate additional revenue.

❖ These bold decisions allow us to preserve recommended class sizes, maintain a high-quality educational experience, and create efficiencies without increasing full-time staff. The reorganization achieves economies of scale, ensuring we maximize impact while maintaining financial sustainability.

Budget Drivers and Investments in Student Success

Several key financial drivers shape the FY26 budget:

❖ Staffing Adjustments – Reallocating existing staff to maintain class sizes and meet student needs without increasing overall FTEs.

❖ Student Support – Continued investment in behavioral, mental health, and academic interventions.

❖ Compliance & Costs – Rising expenses in transportation, special education, and health insurance.

While staffing costs account for most of the budget, we have strategically reallocated personnel to support student success. We are also maintaining Franklin’s commitment to academic and co-curricular opportunities, ensuring all students have access to:

❖ Rigorous and engaging curriculum

❖ Special education and intervention services

❖ Extracurricular activities, including clubs, arts, and athletics

❖ Essential student support, including counseling and wellness resources

 

Additionally, our focus on financial stewardship includes:

❖ Classroom-Level Analysis – Ensuring optimal teacher FTEs and class sizes.

❖ Historical Spending Review – Reducing or eliminating non-essential expenditures.

❖ Technology and Equipment Review – Prioritizing essential tools and minimizing inefficiencies.

❖ Special Education Forecasting – Accurately projecting out-of-district tuition and transportation needs.

❖ Transportation Evaluation – Optimizing bus routes to mitigate cost increases.

❖ Franklin in Context: Comparisons and Challenges

Despite fiscal constraints in recent years, Franklin Public Schools has made a series of bold decisions to maintain the success of a high-quality public education.

Looking Ahead

As Superintendent, I remain dedicated to working collaboratively with the Franklin School Committee, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, the Town Council, and municipal leaders to ensure fiscal stability and educational excellence. This budget reflects our shared vision for the future—one that prioritizes student success, supports educators, and strengthens our schools while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

We are grateful for your continued partnership and investment in Franklin’s students and for your unwavering commitment to our schools, families, and community.

Sincerely,

Lucas Giguere                           Janaina Melotti

Superintendent of Schools           Interim School Business Administrator

The full School District "Budget Book" for FY 2026 can be found ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf

Additional Budget documents can be found in their FY 2026 Budget page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget/fy2026-budget/728831

Franklin Public Schools: FY 2026 Budget Book - “Laying a Foundation for Success” - Executive Summary

5 Franklin High School Music Students Perform at Annual All-State Concert

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Visual & Performing Arts Diane Plouffe are pleased to share that five Franklin High School musicians recently performed in the Annual All-State Concert.

Each year, the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) hosts the All-State Concert, featuring performances from some of Massachusetts' best student-musicians in chorus, concert band, jazz band, orchestra, and treble chorus.

Five students in the Franklin High School music program auditioned and were accepted into the All-State Honor Ensembles. The performances took place on March 29 at Symphony Hall in Boston.

Alexander Fioravanti (euphonium) and Sophia Francis Fracassa (French horn) performed in the All-State Band. Chongyu Liu (violin), Abram “Ace” Eagerman (bass), and Emma Anderson (French horn) perform with the All-State Orchestra.

Five Franklin High School students — from left, Emma Anderson, Chongyu Liu, Sophia Francis Fracassa, Abram Eagerman, and Alexander Fioravanti — recently participated in the All-State Concert. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

"I am incredibly proud of our five Franklin High School students who were selected to perform in the All-State Concert," Plouffe said. "This prestigious event brings together the top musicians from across Massachusetts, and it is a true honor for our students to be a part of it."

"Congratulations to our talented Franklin High School student-musicians for this honorable achievement," Superintendent Giguere said. "Performing alongside some of their most talented peers in the state showcases their dedication and artistry and is an experience they can carry with them for years to come."

Franklin's Helen Keller Elementary School Celebrates LOVE Keller Day, STEM Day

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Keri Busavage are pleased to share that Helen Keller Elementary School students recently participated in two engaging events — LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day — that brought students together to celebrate neurodiversity, build connections across grade levels, and explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

"Helen Keller Elementary School continues to foster a learning environment that values inclusivity, curiosity and innovation," said Superintendent Giguere. "Through events like LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day, students are empowered to build meaningful connections and explore the world around them in exciting and engaging ways."

Fifth-grade teacher Wendy Greenstein takes a selfie with Helen Keller Elementary School students on LOVE Keller Day. Students in Wendy Greenstein's class partnered with Donna Grady's Kindergarten class and added a splash of color to black and white brains. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

LOVE Keller Day

During LOVE Keller Day, students sported tie-dye shirts to recognize Neurodiversity Week, embracing the idea that no two people are alike. Students in partnered classes joined together to share how they learn best, discuss their passions and enjoy reading their favorite stories with their buddies.

LOVE Keller Day events are held throughout the year to create opportunities for students to connect with partner classes across grade levels. The students participate in team-building activities that foster kindness, awareness and acceptance while engaging in meaningful discussions about Keller's Core Values: Caring, Inclusive, Intelligent, Respectful and Unique.

"These celebrations help our students build relationships, develop empathy, and recognize the strengths that make each of us unique," said Principal Busavage. "Seeing our students embrace these values and create a supportive school community is inspiring."

STEM Day

As part of STEM Day, Helen Keller Elementary School welcomed Franklin High School Math and Science National Honor Society members to lead students in a series of hands-on, standards-aligned STEM activities. Across four interactive centers, Kindergarten to fifth-grade students explored key scientific and engineering concepts through engaging, inquiry-based challenges.

Key learning experiences included:

Magnetism: Students investigated how magnets interact, how magnetic fields change with additional magnets, and the real-world applications of magnetism in technology and engineering.

Spaghetti Engineering: Students experimented with structural design and strength using spaghetti and marshmallows, testing how to balance forces and improve stability.

Geometry Bingo: Students identified and classified shapes and explored geometric properties, including perimeter calculations.

Straw Shapes: Students analyzed different angle types to strengthen their problem-solving skills.

"Our students loved working alongside high school mentors and engaging in STEM challenges that sparked curiosity and critical thinking," said Principal Busavage. "These activities reinforced classroom learning and encouraged collaboration, perseverance and creative problem-solving."

Additional photos of STEM activities can be found on the school district page ->

https://41518511.hs-sites.com/franklins-helen-keller-elementary-school-celebrates-love-keller-day-stem-day 

Franklin Public Schools Receives Grant to Further STEM Career Learning

Superintendent Lucas Giguere, High School Principal Dr. Maria Weber, and Franklin Middle School Principal Craig Williams are excited to announce Franklin Public Schools will expand its Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs to provide hands-on, applied learning and in-depth teacher professional development.

Franklin Public Schools have received additional grant funds from the One8 Foundation to offer new applied learning curricular programming from PLTW that will better prepare students for school and career success. PLTW is a nonprofit organization providing a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through computer science, engineering, and biomedical science coursework. With the PLTW curriculum, students apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Students worked their way through the design
process and created toys and games
for other students.
(Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

“Expanding the Project Lead The Way curriculum resources and instructional materials available to our teachers will strengthen our students’ STEM futures,” said Eric Stark, Franklin Public Schools Director of Curriculum STEM. “I am proud of the real-world connections students are making and the challenges they are tackling.”

Franklin joins more than 12,000 schools across the country offering PLTW programs to millions of students.

“We are thrilled to bring more high-quality applied learning opportunities to our students and look forward to the impact this expansion will have on our school community,” said Principal Williams.

Since 2017, the One8 Foundation, the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council, the Workforce Skill Cabinet, and the Massachusetts Life Science Center have supported expanding PLTW programming for students across the Commonwealth to better prepare them for a rapidly changing, data-rich world. PLTW coursework in biomedical science, engineering, and computer science provides students the skills to access opportunities in sectors that power the state economy.

“Students are hungry for experiences that allow them to apply what they are learning to solve real-world, meaningful problems,” said Joanna Jacobson, President of the One8 Foundation.  “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.”

Franklin Middle School will use grant funds to expand its PLTW Gateway program. Specifically, students will experience Computer Science for Innovators and Makers, Design and Modeling, and Medical Detectives units.

In one class this year, students worked their way through the design process and created a toy or game for other students.

“To ensure these toys were not just another STEM project but truly functional for occupational therapy, I collaborated with the occupational therapists (OTs) from Annie Sullivan Middle School and Helen Keller Elementary School for feedback and guidance,” said STEM Teacher Emily Carens. “I had the privilege of delivering the completed projects to the Occupational Therapy (OT) room, and the OTs were beyond grateful and impressed by the creativity, effort, and thoughtfulness students put into their work. Students demonstrated empathy and problem-solving skills, creating toys that will make a real difference in their school community. PLTW helped make this possible by creating the curriculum to show students that they can make an impact on their community.”

Franklin High School will use grant funds to start its PLTW Biomedical Science program. Students may take Principles of Biomedical Science and Human Body Systems as part of its developing Innovation Career Pathway. Funds from the grant will support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment for PLTW courses.

In addition, as a school with PLTW programming in Massachusetts, Franklin Middle and High 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.

Shared from -> https://41518511.hs-sites.com/franklin-receives-grant-to-further-stem-career-learning