Showing posts with label Horace Mann. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Horace Mann. Show all posts

Friday, June 6, 2025

Horace Mann MS student poetry reading at the Franklin Senior Center, June 6 at 12:15 PM

Horace Mann MS student poetry reading at the Franklin Senior Center, June 6 at 12:15 PM
Horace Mann MS student poetry reading
at the Franklin Senior Center, June 6 at 12:15 PM

Come one come all as the HMMS students present and read their poetry prepared for us to enjoy!


Event starts at 12:15 at the Franklin Senior Center.





Thursday, May 29, 2025

Franklin's Horace Mann Middle School Displays 'Who's Your Hero?' Mural

Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Principal Rebecca Motte and art teacher Robin Katz are pleased to share that an all-school mural featuring the artwork of more than 400 students is on display in the auditorium hallway of Horace Mann Middle School now through Friday, June 6.

The "Who's Your Hero?" mural features eight panels filled with 6-inch square, matted drawings, each depicting a personal hero selected by the student artist who created it.
Horace Mann Middle School Displays 'Who's Your Hero?' Mural
Horace Mann Middle School Displays 'Who's Your Hero?' Mural


The Horace Mann Middle School students first chose personal heroes, then researched them and created miniature posters, each with a photograph and a small description of the individual. Then they created the artwork itself, creating an image of their hero, including the hero's name in decorative font plus information — a quote, characteristics, achievements — showing how that hero is inspirational.

"Students chose athletes, artists, actors, singers, and activists, including heroes from throughout history and from many different cultures," said Horace Mann Middle School art teacher Robin Katz. "Some chose ordinary heroes such as their teachers, coaches and parents. The project and mural have been inspiring many great conversations across our community — student to student, student to teacher, student to parents and siblings."

As a result of the mural project, Katz said one of her sixth-grade students shared that he spoke to his parents, found out that his great grandfather fought during World War II, and then chose him as his personal hero. Another student told Katz that she talked about the project with her parents and ended up choosing a heroine who shares her cultural heritage, a woman who helped fight for Indian independence in 1947.

"I think it's important, now more than ever, that we encourage conversations about kindness, helping others and positive achievement, to inspire our students to help others and achieve," Katz said. "The 'Who's Your Hero?' project certainly provoked those conversations and allowed our students to delve into these themes, reminding us all about the important achievements and qualities of the heroes we admire most."

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Rebecca Motte congratulate all the students involved with the project and thank Ms. Robin Katz for supporting students throughout this project.

"The creativity that our students tapped into for this project is truly impressive," Principal Motte said. "I'd like to thank Ms. Katz for all the work she's done to make this mural project possible, and all of our staff who helped prepare our students to express themselves in this way. It's amazing to see all these heroes from different cultures, countries and eras of history. This is a project that has drawn our school community together for an amazing moment of artistic and cultural expression."

"The 'Who's Your Hero?' mural project is an example of the hard work and dedication our students put into their learning journey through the school year," said Superintendent Giguere. "The entire process, from research to conversation to creation, is a powerful example of student engagement and community connection. I appreciate the way this mural project has helped foster dialogue around kindness, service, and achievement.”


Tuesday, May 27, 2025

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)

FM #1454 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1454 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 13, 2025. 

 

We cover 

  • Theatre group recognition

  • Traffic study and mitigations 

  • Horace Mann campus naming discussion

  • Superintendent evaluation

  • Override discussion, vote on or before June 3; any questions, please reach out to find out


The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1454-chalkboard-chat-05-21-25/



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


Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   


Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110  


The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735 


Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886  


Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/view?usp=drive_link 



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

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 out. 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"


This Chalkboard Chat condenses the May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)
This Chalkboard Chat condenses the May 13 School Cmte Mtg (audio)


Thursday, May 22, 2025

Victory for Humanity: Episode 1 Auditions Announced for June 7 & 8


EP 1 CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

HORACE
Adolescent Horace: 12 years old, skinny, medium-length dark hair
20-year-old Horace: nearly 6 feet tall

LYDIA
10-year-old Lydia, long dark hair, little bit of spunk
18-year-old Lydia, slightly worn-down

REBECCA
21 years old, blond hair, protective of her sister

THOMAS STANLEY
20 years old, red hair, tall and happy-go-lucky

STEPHEN
16 years old, brown hair, playful and rebellious

REBECCA MANN
Mother of the Mann family, thin with dark hair, round face and wire-rimmed glasses, late 40s

THOMAS MANN
Father of the Mann family, tall and thin, early 50s

NATHANAEL EMMONS
Church minister, balding, slightly heavy in his fifties, with long white hair

HORACE’S FRIEND, two ages

STEPHEN’S FRIEND, 16 years old

DISTRICT SCHOOL TEACHER

ASA MESSER
President of Brown University, stocky man in his fifties, short greying hair with a bald patch on the back of his scalp

IRA BARTON, Brown University classmate, tall, academic-looking with medium-length dark hair, kindness in his eyes

SAMUEL GRIDLEY HOWE – Brown student in his late teens

TRISTAM BURGES – teacher at Brown University

CHARLOTTE MESSER – Youngest daughter of Asa Messer, 12 years old, dark hair, playful, slightly smitten with Horace

MARY MESSER – Oldest daughter of Asa Messer, 20 years old

CAROLINE MESSER – Middle daughter of Asa Messer, 15 years old

WELCOME BURGESS – Tapping Reeve Law School classmate

HENRY ROGERS – Tapping Reeve Law School classmate

JUDGE GOULD – Tapping Reeve Law School instructor, tall, imposing with long hair pulled back, thick sideburns

For more information contact Chris Flynn at cflynn@Franklin.tv

Saturday, May 17, 2025

School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (Audio)

FM #1451 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1451 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Gallagher). 


The audio for the meeting leaves out the approx 30 minute executive session that the committee spent on negotiation strategy. A brief sound bit highlights the gavel to go into and then the gavel is heard again as they return.  


Quick recap:

Recognition of the FHS student Theater group


Presentation update on the traffic study and mitigation efforts underway

  • Link to presentation in the notes section below 

  • NO projects to address the traffic flow will be completed before the Sep 2025-2026 school year.

  • Currently the traffic queues will more than double in September

  • Alternatives are being reviewed before making decisions on which projects would be beneficial for traffic as well as at minimal expense

  • Additional updates will be sent to families during the summer by the respective school principals

  • “It is not going to be perfect on day 1”


BICO Board Appointment 2025-26

ACCEPT Board Appointment 2025-26

Both positions were approved to be fulfilled by Supt Gigeure in a 7-0 vote via roll call


Discussion Only Item

Horace Mann

  • Question/option to ask "How do we as a district choose to honor Horace Mann?"; Campus is one way, are there others? We also need the community to embrace Horace Mann not just the schools

  • Seeming to get consensus on campus and collaboration with others but recognize the need to give them a clear direction and objectives to return with a plan to implement


Superintendent’s Evaluation - Presentation of Evidence

  • In a new flip book format

  • Subcommittee to coordinate feedback from full committee for a future discussion item


FY26 Budget Executive Summary - Structural Deficit

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5629656/FY26_Budget_Narrative_Overview.pdf 


Audio link -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1451-school-cmte-mtg-05-13-25/


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


Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110 


The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735 


Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886 


Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/view?usp=drive_link 


FPS override summary (2 pages)

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5629656/FY26_Budget_Narrative_Overview.pdf 


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


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 out. 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"


Thursday, May 15, 2025

School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. All 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remotely (Gallagher).

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110 



Quick recap:

  • Recognition of the FHS student Theater group
  • Presentation update on the traffic study and mitigation efforts underway
    • Link to presentation in the notes section below
    • NO projects to address the traffic flow will be completed before the Sep 2025-2026 school year. 
    • Currently the traffic queues will more than double in September
    • Alternatives are being reviewed before making decisions on which projects would be beneficial for traffic as well as at minimal expense
    • Additional updates will be sent to families during the summer by the respective school principals
    • “It is not going to be perfect on day 1”
  • Appointments
    • BICO Board Appointment 2025-26
    • ACCEPT Board Appointment 2025-26 
    • Both positions were approved to be fulfilled by Supt Giguere in a 7-0 vote via roll call 
  • Discussion Only Item
    • Horace Mann
    • Question/option to ask "How do we as a district choose to honor Horace Mann?"; Campus is one way, are there others? We also need the community to embrace Horace Mann not just the schools 
    • Seeming to get consensus on campus and collaboration with others but recognize the need to give them a clear direction and objectives to return with a plan to implement 
  • Superintendent’s Evaluation - Presentation of Evidence
    • In a new flip book format
    • Subcommittee to coordinate feedback from full committee for a future discussion item
  • FY26 Budget Executive Summary - Structural Deficit

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-13%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/799886 


Traffic presentation -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5645253/Traffic.pptx.pdf 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ffAYwvHayzSws0D2bV8xmM0Fsn6c71za/view?usp=drive_link 


School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (video)
School Committee gets update on traffic study (consider the bus a good alternative) (video)



Monday, May 5, 2025

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Committee meeting of April 29, 2025 (audio)

FM #1440 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1440 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Studio on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of April 29, 2025. 

 

We cover 

  • Transportation, busing sign up now active, due by June 20

  • Elementary Report Cards 

  • Letter of Support 

  • Campus Naming Discussion

  • Override discussion, vote on or before June 3; any questions, please reach out to find out


The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1440-chalkboard-chat-04-30-25/



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


Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   


Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ZUcSpIZK3Ms?&t=175


Meeting agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568671/SCAGENDA_4-29-25.pdf 


Elementary Report Cards = https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568674/Discussion_Action_A_-_Elem._Report_Cards.pdf 


Letter of Support = 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5568677/Discussion_Action_B_-_Letter_of_Support.pdf 


Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/april-29%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/792078 


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

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 out. 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"

 

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Committee meeting of April 29, 2025 (audio)
This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Committee meeting of April 29, 2025 (audio)