Franklin Public Schools Students Revive Tradition with Poetry Day at Senior Center

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that sixth-grade students from Team Lightning recently brought smiles, poetry and thoughtful reflection to the Franklin Senior Center, reviving a treasured tradition that began in 2012.

After a pandemic pause, students recently returned to the Senior Center for a Poetry Day. Guided by educators Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster, the students delivered memorized poems and original analyses.

sixth-grade students from Team Lightning

"All of the Team Lightning educators were delighted with the top-shelf performance of the students," said Corey. "It was a joy to return to this tradition and witness the pride and effort our students brought to the experience."

Students dressed sharply for the occasion, a decision many believed added to the impact of the performance.

"It showed everyone that we're the real deal!" said student Eliza Menard.

"Dressing up improved our performance because it set the tone that we're serious, focused, and disciplined," said student Sebi Ciporkin.

Beyond public speaking skills, students embraced the cultural and emotional depth that poetry offers.

"I am glad we celebrated Poetry Day because we heard and learned a lot of different poems representing different cultures and people," said student Gabby Kepple.

Student Jordan Marin reflected on the highlight of the day: "The best part of Poetry Day for me was seeing all the seniors so happy when we shared the poems with them."

Many students expressed pride in what they had accomplished.

"It was a good time and practicing for our poems taught me a life lesson — practice makes perfect," said student Antony Wisa.

Student Biana Laterra commented that she was proud of "remembering the poem and analysis and being brave enough to do it."

Others shared the personal meaning behind the event.

"I am glad because my grandma and her friend were there, and they said it made their day and that it is so nice to see that people are still saying poems," said student Harry Schlieke.

Franklin Public Schools would like to thank Ariel Doggett and the entire Senior Center staff for their warm hospitality and for helping make the event such a success.

"I couldn't be prouder of our students for the poise and creativity they showed during the Poetry Day," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful words and heartfelt delivery were a powerful reminder of the connection between generations, and the impact young voices can have on a community."

State Rep. Jeff Roy Visits Franklin's Horace Mann Middle School to Discuss Recess Legislation with Sixth Graders

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School (HMMS) teacher Joe Corey are pleased to share that students recently welcomed State Rep. Jeff Roy for an engaging conversation about the legislative process and an important bill that directly impacts them.

On a recent visit to the school, Rep. Roy met with the Grade 6 Team Lightning students to discuss pending legislation that would mandate 30 minutes of unstructured recess daily for all students in grades K-8. The visit was the latest in a series of civics-focused learning opportunities for students, who have been studying how bills become laws and advocating for causes for which they care.

State Rep. Jeff Roy recently visited with students at
Horace Mann Middle School to discuss the
legislative process and a pending
recess bill. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Team Lightning educators — Mr. Joseph Corey, Ms. Lauren Goode, Mrs. Erin Bouchard and Mr. David Foster — facilitated the event, during which Rep. Roy shared his support for the recess bill and walked students through the steps of the legislative process. He noted that while the bill enjoys bipartisan support, the state’s legislative calendar runs in two-year cycles, meaning that even well-supported ideas can take time to become law.

"I really enjoyed how he explained the process of making a law," said student Clare Fisk. "It let me understand how our law would get passed. I also really liked when he told us examples of how other laws got passed."

Rep. Roy also expressed his appreciation for the students’ civic engagement, especially after learning they had submitted written testimony to the Joint Committee on Education in response to a May 6 hearing on the bill. Many students watched the hearing live in class and followed up with persuasive letters and poems advocating for recess.

"I have never met an important person of authority before," said student Sebi Ciporkin. "Their presence actually gave me goosebumps."

Students found the experience both inspiring and informative, from understanding the legislative timeline to learning about the differences between emergency bills and standard filings.

"I enjoyed meeting with my elected representative and senator because it is cool to learn more about the law-making process and it is just overall pretty cool to meet with someone who represents our state," said student Desi Camp.

The visit followed a similar conversation with state Sen. Becca Rausch, who met with students earlier this year. Both lawmakers offered students encouragement and advice for strengthening their advocacy efforts.

"They listened to our research, told us that they were on board, and then told us their facts," said student Theo Perry. "They listened to our poems and were surprised, impressed and kind."

Rep. Roy, a Franklin resident and parent of three HMMS alumni, shared memories of his own children enjoying recess and expressed concern that middle schoolers today often go without it due to academic time-on-learning requirements from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

"We’re so proud of our students for engaging so deeply with the democratic process," said Superintendent Giguere. "Their thoughtful questions, persuasive writing and respectful dialogue with elected leaders demonstrate the powerful impact of student voice."

Chalkboard Chat condenses the last School Committee of the school year (audio)

FM #1469 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1469 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 person on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap both the School Committee meeting of June 10, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• Executive session to approve teachers contract

• Vote on revised budget due to failed override, cutting $2M including 12 FTE positions, sports and activity fees remain as high this year

• Superintendent’s review approved

• School ends June 18, redistricting works continues to implement for Sept

• Reading program “Meet me in the Middle”

• Register for bus by June 20, fee set $387/student with a cap; if not registered by 20th no guarantee of a spot on a bus

The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1469-chalkboard-chat-06-11-25/

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

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYQVNOKqqR8 

Chalkboard Chat condenses the last
School Committee of the school year (audio)

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1780 

The meeting packet folder (all the docs released before or after the meeting)

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/june-10%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/814634 

My full set of notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rqv1NSxrFjWZdzwpeo2WJwq3H7FIwujA/view?usp=drive_link 

Pictures of the budget revisions can be viewed here ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/YnKXoUH5NncMo2Wk6 

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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 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"

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.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHqYZWU1G/

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

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.”

Shared from (with additional photos) -> https://41518511.hs-sites.com/franklin-public-schools-horace-mann-middle-school-displays-whos-your-hero-mural?

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)

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

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"