Voices of Franklin: Dear Franklin Town Council & School Committee, "Please, vote to put the override on the ballot in June" |
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Voices of Franklin: Dear Franklin Town Council & School Committee, "Please, vote to put the override on the ballot in June" |
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.
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 Public Schools Announce Upcoming Musical Performances, Highlights Music Program
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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. |
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. |
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 |
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) |
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 ->
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"