Return to in person school highlights

1 - 

"Thank you @HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters on our first day of school (again)". @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters https://t.co/pMYQ247KD3

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDonahue48/status/1381608000813686791

@HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters

2 - 

"Case High principal welcomes students back to buildings with 'Hamilton' parody" https://t.co/w93YCQS18a

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1381574963635838978

Video link = https://youtu.be/xLTOjQ_r1JA

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) invites the community to join in a day of giving on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, as Franklin celebrates the birthday of public-school advocate, Horace Mann, and the amazing work of our local educators. 

Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of educational grants totaling well over $300,000, to inspire innovative and sustainable programs, and to further support excellence in education within Franklin Public Schools. The educational grants support engaging, diverse and sustainable preK-12 learning opportunities and resources including a Franklin Family Resource Guide, Box City, Family Astronomy Night, Franklin High School Empty Bowls Project which are just a few of the many amazing projects that have benefitted students, families, educators and the community-at-large over the decades.

 However, none of these innovative programs and resources would be possible without the financial support of area businesses, organizations, families and individuals. The Franklin Education Foundation is entirely dependent on the generosity of sponsorships, financial donations, and in-kind donations. We welcome contributions all year long and hope you will consider participation in our day of giving to the Franklin Education Foundation to support innovative programs that truly enhance student learning in Franklin Public Schools. 

Contributions can be made directly to the Franklin Education Foundation website under the donate tab https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/donate, or by mailing a check to Franklin Education Foundation at P.O. Box 531, Franklin, MA 02038. 

You can learn more about the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) on their website at https://www.franklined.org/. For more information about FEF please contact FEF co-chair, Pandora Carlucci at pandora.carlucci@gmail.com. 

The Franklin Education Foundation thanks you for your continued support.

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving

 

FM #446 School Committee Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #445 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 445 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour meeting into two logical segments:

• ** First ** - covers the opening through the Horace Mann Middle School update (approx 1 hour)
• Second - picks up from the FHS Program of Studies update through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 67 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 26, 2021. Audio = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW2G1ZcS

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

Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts are rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7
 
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-26-2021.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-meeting-recap-jan-26.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/ 

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"

 

FM #446 School Committee Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates

Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7 

 

The audio recording of this meeting will be available soon

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0126

https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom0126?src=hashtag_click

• Getting ready for the School Committee meeting at 7. Agenda doc and connection info available https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0126
• Updates from Horace Mann Middle school, on the FHS program of studies, and the homework policy are scheduled. Oh, and then a reopening update on the agenda. Multiple ways to watch and/or listen #schcom0126
• Meeting opens, Chair Dr. Bergen reads standard announcement #schcom0126 all 7 members present
• Approx 58 participating via Zoom at the open, another 7 via live stream, and unknown #s via Comcast/Verizon. #schcom0126
• A new feature is that each meeting after the student led pledge to open the meeting, they add a statement on their individual school experience. Such hope for our future in these students! #schcom0126 "never stop learning because life never stops teaching"

FHS representatives

• Next up FHS representatives; NHS tutoring now available for students 1:1, Franklin Arts Academy applications now open; #schcom0126 virtual music concert coming; prep underway for graduation exploring options, 26 students admitted to Central Districts for music
• New project for theater for seniors to direct, music and podcast club started at FHS "to be honest"; sports underway, basketball hockey swimming gymnastics. MA DECA on Weds evening, over 100 projects submitted; Mock trial season underway #schcom0126

Superintendent's report

• Next: Superintendent report, new secretary to be reporting on meeting notes; pool testing webinars underway, info gathering, more details forthcoming after another session this Friday. 1100 families responded, 50% yes, additional amount expressed interest #schcom0126
• Over 600 faculty and staff responded, 73% yes. More info coming. Letter on Senator Rausch earmark to Sec Ed, amount to be released. Approach to civics education, 2018 curriculum revised actually runs K-12 not just 8th grade, nonpartisan approach #schcom0126
• Habits of engagement in preparation for additional study in high school. 8th just happens to be the first grade getting it this year. #schcom0126 more on this coming later this spring. PD day, Jan 19, a review of what was done around district, elementary, middle and by subject
• Via tele-health support available from You Inc. Talk to building administrator for access #schcom0126

Horace Mann update

• Horace Mann update - looked to control the things they could control #schcom0126
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf link provides copy of the presentation doc talked to for this update #schcom0126 photos from pre-COVID times
• #schcom0126 more slides of presentation
• #schcom0126 used landing pages to gather the students at the beginning of the day as well share info
• Starting to live stream the morning announcement #schcom0126
• #schcom0126 sample learning stations
• #schcom0126 thanks to SchComm and to Community for supporting them in this time and environment
• #schcom0126 digital learning does allow for almost immediate feedback for teachers to see questions well answered or those not, and adjust accordingly. Teaching has changed forever
• #schcom0126 more slides from presentation deck
• #schcom0126 all kinds of opportunity to check in on students and determine SEL status. Year book club last year and this, students are finding ways to capture input for the product. Clubs are virtual with one coordinator and students in club from all 3 middle schools
• #schcom0126 important info as well as honest feedback via survey
• #schcom0126
• #schcom0126 last slides
• #schcom0126 issue with the perpetual unknown, used to have a bag of tricks to pull from, hard to do so now; collaboration high and needed more so now than ever before. BTW participation up to 87 via zoom, SchComm all remote and no 1 seems to be in Chambers tonight

FHS 

• Next up FHS, Mr Hanna #schcom0126 presentation doc linked to here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fhs_program_of_studies_2021_-_2022_presentation.pdf
• #schcom0126 2nd doc to be used tonight for FHS portion of meeting https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22 idea of 'owned' learning
• #schcom0126 slides from presentation
• #schcom0126 reselected from 2 yrs of world history to produce a single year hopefully with better effect.
• #schcom0126 schools have changed dramatically, look through the course offerings to see the variety.

Homework

• Next up an update on homework, via Dr Edwards #schcom0126 changed tone and tenor of the policy, the practice and guidelines were also worked to implement. Doc referenced can be found here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee-homework_1_26_21.pdf
• Homework has changed this year with the blending and blurring of the lines between school work when much of it is done at home. #schcom0126 wanted to avoid a survey, planning for sessions next year with students in person
• Reminder for Feb and spring vacation for homework free vacation with exception for AP level classes. #schcom0126 moving more into the grading reform efforts to get consistency across district
• #schcom0126 next up, school calendar for approval in 2 phases, first up beginning, ending etc half days and further refinements coming later; motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 7-0 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_21-22_school_calendar.pdf

Reopening status

• #schcom0126 next up reopening https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221 update coverage remains an issue with teacher exposure or quarantine via family or school situation, do we have enough to safely open a school. Decide case by case, by school
• #schcom0126 clarification on tech support, who to seek for what support? Digital learning integration or others. Phase 2 of vaccination and development of teachers moved down in the priority level, stay tuned for updates; more info on pool testing coming, likely post Feb break
• FPS hasn't formally applied at this time. #schcom0126 DPH is confident with test and results from it, reiterate out of state travel requirements, testing required. Internet problems today was a Verizon issue, separately line upgrade to 10GB is complete
• Still working on K-1 area, focusing on supporting families. Did identify some high needs students for 4 days, case counts increasing, not seeming 2 be likely a practical thing 2 do, lots of concerns about staffing the building, would likely be more unstable with more in building
• SchComm member comment on educators bumped down while push continues to get students in school with numbers rising. Is there something we can do as a district? #schcom0126 what is the extent that teachers are feeling unsafe, what, where, is there something #s
• Can the district do something to help the teachers with the stress if scheduling for the vaccines. #schcom0126 it is shared across the Commonwealth, could do a letter, urging a prioritization, happy to draft on behalf of FPS and SchComm
• #schcom0126 consideration for virtual learning academy in the fall for immuno compromised or for other medical reasons; with uncertainty of vaccine for youth still open, yes, part of thought process. Suggestion for SchComm to do separate letter

Information matters

• Moving along to information matters; subcommittee meetings scheduled, DTFA now meeting weekly, Stokes reads prepared summary of status. Working on recommendation or multiple, two meetings before next update, may have recommendations #schcom0126
• FEF fund raising date May 4, Project Envoy starts Feb 1 to help restaurants and to help food challenged neighbors. Flyer out today on free classes from Y #schcom0126 New business, pool testing update next time
• Consent agenda, motion for items as proposed, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0126 Motion to enter executive session not to return to the open meeting, second, passes via roll call 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you all next time!

 

Key items on the School Committee agenda 

II. Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

Meeting packet folder containing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

 

School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates

Reminder: School Committee meeting - Jan 26, 2021 - 7 PM

Among the choices for Tuesday evening, the Governor's State of the Commonwealth address or the Franklin School Committee meeting.

Key items on the School Committee agenda 

II. Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

Meeting packet folder containing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

Reminder: School Committee meeting - Jan 26, 2021 - 7 PM

Franklin Public Schools: Haunted Clocks Full Virtual Performance

"Amazing performance!  Great job to ALL involved!"

Performance by Annie Sullivan, Horace Mann, and Remington Middle Schools in Franklin Massachusetts

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1324116511758364674?s=03

Video link =>   https://youtu.be/WxetbNjvm2M 

 

Dyuthi Papineni dedicates song recording to Ms. Hersee

"@HMMSLightning Dyuthi Papineni recorded a song and wants to dedicate it to Ms. Hersee. She will miss her and wishes that the Franklin middle school chorus program continues next year. Good luck and see you next year!"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kkU_cYF3x63a5yknAaSQoDC2U-T12vyK/view?usp=sharing



shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/selenacousin1/status/1272982050509918208?s=09

FHS: Awards Night, Senior Parade, Commencement Broadcast Schedule

Dear Class of 2020, families, and friends-

Thank you to all students and families who participated in today's Day 1 diploma distribution.  The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, families and students were excellent at adhering to all safety guidelines, and we are looking forward to even more smiles, cheers, and celebrations in the coming week!

We are excited to share additional details for this week's upcoming events. 

Thursday, June 4th - Awards Night: 5:30 PM

Our annual Awards Ceremony is scheduled to broadcast at 5:30 on Thursday night on both Access and Educational channels.

If you have Comcast, then the Access channel is Channel 8, and the Educational Channel is 96. For Verizon, the Access Channel is 26, and Educational is 28.  It will also be live-streamed on Franklin Panther TV's YouTube channel.

Please tune in to see over $150,000 in scholarships awarded to some incredibly deserving graduates!

Friday, June 5th - Graduation Parade:

On Friday afternoon, graduates are invited to participate in the 1st ever, townwide graduation parade! Under police escort, graduates will parade through town from each of their respective middle schools, and drive towards FHS.  At FHS, graduates will be greeted by Franklin Public Schools' faculty and staff. Franklin Police ask that graduates have a family member drive so they can fully enjoy the parade.

Each graduate will report to their middle school between 1:30 and 2:10 PM on Friday, June 5th.  FPS staff will assist in lining up vehicles at the middle schools.  The parades will depart each school on a staggered schedule to keep events moving on time:

• Depart from HMMS - 2:00 PM  (1:30 arrival at HMMS)
• Depart from ASMS - 2:20 PM  (1:50 arrival at ASMS)
• Depart from RMS - 2:40 PM (2:10 arrival at RMS)

BFCCS*  students are welcome to parade with RMS if there is a meet up at the new charter school, OR, they can parade from any of the three middle schools.  Students who did not attend an FPS middle school are welcome to join a parade of their choosing. 

Each parade route is different; however, all three routes will circle the Town Common and then head down Oak Street towards FHS. (See below). We anticipate the parade taking approximately 90 minutes, with the three parades eventually forming into one parade as they approach FHS. 

We hope to see the entire town out along the parade routes supporting this amazing group of Seniors! The Town Common and Senior center will be ideal for viewing locations. 

Graduates are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and wear their caps and gowns.  Maps of each route are attached below.  Please follow all town parking regulations and please follow all social distancing guidelines during this event.  

Any graduate who has concerns about securing a vehicle for this special event should complete this google form no later Tuesday, 6/2.

Friday, June 5th - Commencement Broadcast 6 PM

The student procession will be airing at 6 PM Friday on both our Access and Educational channels.  FranklinTV will be broadcasting the car parade live on Franklin Radio, which you can find at 102.9 FM.  It will also be streamed on the High School's YouTube page at the same time on Friday!

If you have Comcast, then the Access channel is Channel 8 and the Educational Channel is 96. For Verizon, the Access Channel is 26 and Educational is 28.

We look forward to seeing you on Friday afternoon!

Thank you.

FHS Graduation Committee

Horace Mann Parade Route:

Horace Mann Parade Route:

Annie Sullivan Parade Route:

Annie Sullivan Parade Route:

Remington Middle School Parade Route

Remington Middle School Parade Route

FPS: Community Information Night about Enrollment Forecast - March 5

February 25, 2020

Good afternoon,

We are writing to make you aware that Jerry McKibben of McKibben Associates will be presenting a district-wide enrollment forecast to the School Committee at tonight's meeting. This enrollment forecast uses the town's demographic data to predict school-age enrollment for the next ten years.

In order to provide the community with additional opportunities to hear the information and ask questions, the Facilities Analysis Subcommittee of the School Committee is holding a follow-up community information session on Thursday, March 5 from 7-8:30 PM in the Horace Mann Middle School Cafeteria. Childcare will be available.

Please use this form to RSVP, which will help our planning: https://forms.gle/MkuQfb2Q1ryWyaLNA

Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

Jazz Cafe - FHS cafeteria - Feb 7

Jazz Cafe

Annie Sullivan, Horace Mann and Remington Middle Schools

and

Franklin High School Jazz Bands

Franklin High School Cafeteria
Friday, February 7, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

Adults $10.00, Children/Students and Seniors $5.00
(Family of up to 5 guests - $25.00, all additional guests - $5.00)

Light refreshments will be served

Come join us for an evening of great music!

Jazz Cafe - FHS cafeteria - Feb 7

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present THE WIZARD OF OZ

When: Friday, November 22 & Saturday, November 23 beginning at 7:00 PM

Where:  HMMS auditorium

Tickets $10 at the door

Over 50 Franklin middle school students in the cast, 25+ helping with set art and on crew, FHS kids playing in the orchestra

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present "THE WIZARD OF OZ"

Shared from Twitter  https://twitter.com/MelloHistory/status/1192137509209333760

Author to visit the three Franklin Middle Schools in November

#VisitingAuthor has been announced! We are thrilled to welcome @LeslieConnor29 to ALL THREE Franklin middle schools in November! @HMMSLightning look for info flyer coming home with your student today @FranklinEdOrg @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/ZLiedLpZdo

— Crazy Reading Ladies (@allinreading) October 8, 2019

Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AiJPm1t1wZyOB-U07wxc3RZnsLR03Bfg/view?usp=sharing

Author to visit ALL THREE Franklin middle schools in November

27 Franklin Middle School Music Students to perform with Massachusetts Jr.Central District Honor Ensembles - FHS to host event

Twenty seven members of the Franklin Middle Schools music program auditioned and were accepted into the 2019 Massachusetts Jr. Central District Honor Ensembles. Franklin students represented Annie Sullivan Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School and Remington Middle School. The performances will take place this Saturday, April 27 at Franklin High School beginning at 2:00 PM.

Participating in the Jr. Central District Band are Sophie Fioravanti, Sydney Lincourt, Derek Terwilliger, Joel Keller, Adithya Balagurumoortjy, Maria Zaki and Katie Zercie.

Remington Middle School

Jazz Band is Marcus Altieri, Colin Manocchio and Christopher Botchis.

Selected to perform with the Jr. Central District Orchestra are Nicholas Bauer, Sibi Charan Dinakaran, Vivienne Loukota and Pritam Sompally, Lola Richardson, Vignan Kamarthi, Leo Yang, Patrick O’Brien, Kyle Formato, Josalyn Mascio and Weylan O’Connell.

Singing in the Jr. Central District Chorus is Adriana Jordan, Gianni Pazvakavambwa, Kayla Durkin, Katie Hanifin and Mia Quinn

symphony band at MICCA

For the first time, Franklin High School will be hosting this exciting event. Top musicians and educators from throughout Central Massachusetts will join together on April 27 to perform the music that has been prepared over a three rehearsal period. 

The Franklin Music Boosters and the Franklin Music Staff, lead by FMB president Deborah Ryan and Director of Music, Diane Plouffe are prepared to welcome over 1000 student musicians and their families for a day of music. The day will begin with rehearsals, followed by two concerts. The Honors Chorus and Jazz Band concert will be held at 2:00 PM, while the Orchestra and Concert Band concert will be at 4:00 PM. Both performances will take place in the Franklin High School auditorium.

Following the performances guests are invited to attend the Franklin Cultural Council “Taste of ArtWeek” Festival held on our town common from 4-8 PM. This event will include a craft fair, live performances, a beer and wine garden and food trucks.

Franklin Music Students Find Success at MICCA Festival

Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Annie Sullivan Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Remington Middle School and Franklin High School all performed this past weekend at the annual Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival. “MICCA is dedicated to the study of music through performance. Creating opportunities for evaluation and expert opinion and feedback to all our participants in a non-competitive setting is our main focus.”

Ensembles are evaluated and awarded a medal of Bronze, Silver or Gold according to the score they receive. Receiving a Bronze medal was the Remington Middle School Band and the Franklin High School Concert Band. 

Receiving Silver medals were the Horace Mann Middle School Band, the combined middle schools Orchestra and Chorus, the Franklin High School Chorus, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

Three Franklin Ensembles brought home Gold medals this year from the regional three-day festival; the Annie Sullivan Band (Pamela Butz, director), the Franklin High School Repertory Orchestra (Diane Plouffe, director) and Treble Choir (Olivia Goliger, director).

The Franklin Repertory Orchestra is an audition-based group comprised of 22 students from grades 9 to 12. The Repertory Orchestra is part of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Music Academy directed by Sheila Darcey.

Ensembles receiving a Gold medal are invited to perform in the state’s “Gold Medal Showcase” at either Mechanics Hall in Worcester or at Symphony Hall in Boston. The Annie Sullivan Band will be performing at Mechanics Hall on Sunday, April 14 at 9:40 AM and the Franklin High School Treble Choir will be performing at Symphony Hall on Saturday, May 4 at 8:40 AM. These performances are free and open to the public.

FHS Repertory Orchestra (Diane Plouffe, director) Contributed Photo

FHS Treble Choir (Olivia Goliger, director) Contributed Photo

Annie Sullivan Band (Pamela Butz, director) Contributed Photo

Reminder: MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

Each year, the Franklin Public School performance ensembles participate in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association music festival. 

 “It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor's Association (MICCA)to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. 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.”

The Franklin Music Department is pleased to invite you to come celebrate over 500 student musicians as they perform this years MICCA programs for the public. 

Two nights of performances will include Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School and Franklin High School.

Tuesday, March 12 will feature the orchestras and choruses and Thursday, March 14 will feature our Bands. Both concerts will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held at Franklin High School.

A $5 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments will be sold.

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

Horace Mann statue - May 7. 2017

The unveiling of the Horace Mann statue in Franklin, MA on May 7. 2017



or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157683435652096/

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

Each year, the Franklin Public School performance ensembles participate in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association music festival. 

 “It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor's Association (MICCA)to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. 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.”

The Franklin Music Department is pleased to invite you to come celebrate over 500 student musicians as they perform this years MICCA programs for the public. 

Two nights of performances will include Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School and Franklin High School.

Tuesday, March 12 will feature the orchestras and choruses and Thursday, March 14 will feature our Bands. Both concerts will begin at 6:00 PM and will be held at Franklin High School.

A $5 donation is requested at the door. Refreshments will be sold.

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

FHS - All Night Party - 2014

Photos from the preparation for the All Night Party for the graduates of 2014.The last party to be held in the 'old' FHS building. The party next year will be in the new school. (Actually, the All Night Party has been held at Horace Mann each year as the hallways in the new FHS are too narrow for the fire code to permit the kind of decorations set up).



or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645098126833/

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

Wednesday February 13, 2019

We want to make the community aware that there is a snapped pole on Oak Street that is impacting traffic in both directions in front of FHS and ECDC/Oak/HMMS. Franklin Police Department officers are on detail and will be assisting with traffic.

Franklin Public Schools will still open on time. We will be lenient with tardies this morning if this impacts arrival for your child or children. We also encourage drivers to use Panther Way as an alternative route.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

2nd Annual Legislative Forum - Feb 5

"The Franklin School Committee will hold its 2nd Annual Legislative Forum on Education on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 7-8:30 PM, in the auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School (note this is a location change!). 

The event, hosted by the Public Schools Advocacy Sub-Committee of the Franklin School Committee, will feature Senate President Karen Spilka, and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy. 

Join these elected officials for a discussion as they provide updates and insights on legislative initiatives directly impacting public schools in general and Franklin in particular. 

For this year’s forum, the organizers have expanded the focus to include issues beyond funding, including:

• Developmentally appropriate practices (such as recess and start times);
• addressing the physical, emotional and social needs of students;
• college, career and civic readiness;
• impacts of the current funding formula on the FY 2020 budget and beyond, and 
• special education and associated costs."

Continue reading the article online 
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190122/franklin-school-board-to-host-legislative-forum

• Live reporting from the Forum in 2018

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-legislative-forum-feb-13.html

• The audio of the Forum was published previously

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/fm-139-legislative-forum-on-school.html

• Announcement of the Forum

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/franklin-school-committee-legislative.html

Jennifer Knight of SAFE Coalition tying some comments and points
together at the end of the 2018 Legislative Forum