Live reporting: Horace Mann update

b. Horace Mann Update

Colin came up with the idea of a transition video for the 6th graders coming to Horace Mann
should help to reduce anxiousness

lockers create nervousness
locker buddies
switching classes

"pencils are like gold"

The video will be used for the Oak and Thayer students 

"Keep your locker clean"

8th grader got a concussion during 7th grade and had subsequent incidents during this year but the teachers and her classmates helped her out

part of drama club, provided confidence to speak in public

part of student council, raising money for school mascot

screen grab of presentation showing field trip to Chatham to complete the "Finest Hours" reading activities

8th grader is also a soccer player and used to making quick decisions

started stress relief to begin understanding the transition to high school

viewed all of the options for elective classes to take, overwhelming at first

explained honors vs CP classes

select a variety of options to provide a variety of options for career path

taking a deep breadth and calming down, will try hard and while not scared will take next step to high school

"All In"

annual tradition of the 'crazy reading ladies'  just 'greatness'

if you have read the book and complete the work, you can go to the movie

'three-peat'

if they read the book each year, you earned the title 

the students chose the book "The Finest Hours" this year via popular vote

make books accessible, via library, audio book, and other creative ways

after school sessions to discuss as it goes

usually four to eight weeks to read

the power of social media is amazing, they are still getting used to

the author found about the school reading activity via a tweet

the author hosted a writing workshop for students

Mel Guthro sang every word to the Coast Guard song when introduced at the assembly

explained more detail than the book or movie covered

the piece of the boat was gifted the school

trip to Chatham to visit the lighthouse, beach where the event occurred

they saw the actual boat as it has been restored

How can they top that?

Follow the "Crazy Reading Ladies" on Twitter  https://twitter.com/allinreading

Celebrate Horace Mann's birthday at the Historical Museum

The Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate Horace Mann, Franklin’s favorite son, on the occasion of his 220th birthday. Join us on Sunday May 1st for coffee and cake in the museum library. A slide show presentation on the life of Horace Mann and his accomplishments will be running throughout the afternoon. Horace Mann was born in Franklin, May 4th, 1796. With very little primary education, he was mostly self-taught and entered Brown University as a sophomore after testing so well on his entrance exams. He graduated at the top of his class and went on to study law.

Horace Mann

In his life time he was a lawyer, a legislator, president of the Massachusetts Senate and an advocate for the abolition of slavery and the care of the mentally ill. He was named the first Secretary of Education in Massachusetts and this is where is life’s work is most highly noted. He created the Common School and established that all children should attend schools supported and funded by the community. He believed that, in a democratic society, education should be free and universal, nonsectarian, and reliant on well-trained, professional teachers. It’s these basic beliefs that shaped the education system used to this very day. 

Franklin is proud to claim Horace Mann as our own. Later this year the town will honor him with a life size statue erected on the site of the former Horace Mann High School at the corner of Emmons Street and West Central Street. 

At the same time the museum will recognize another favorite Franklin resident who shares her birthday with Horace Mann, but as she notes, he’s just a little older. Stop in and wish Ellie Crothers a Happy Birthday between 1:00PM and 4:00PM!

Franklin Historical Museum

Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

• Saturday, Franklin Historical Museum open 10:00AM - 1:00PM, always Free
• Sunday, Franklin Historical Museum open 1:00PM - 4:00PM, always Free

Tech Help for Seniors - Apr 28

Horace Mann Middle School Community Service Club will be hosting a Tech Help for Seniors session on Thursday April 28th from 2:15-3:15 pm. 

Students and teachers will be offering help with cell phones, IPads, tablets and laptops. 

Please join us at our school (Horace Mann Middle School 224 Oak St.). Park in the lot and go to the front entrance on the right. Students will be there to greet you at the door. 

If you have questions please email Colleen Donahue (donahuec@franklin.k12.ma.us) or Anthony Vizakis(vizakisa@franklin.k12.ma.us)

Horace Mann MIddle School, 224 Oak St

Celebrate Horace Mann's birthday on Sunday, May 1

The Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate Horace Mann, Franklin’s favorite son, on the occasion of his 220th birthday. Join us on Sunday May 1st for coffee and cake in the museum library. A slide show presentation on the life of Horace Mann and his accomplishments will be running throughout the afternoon. Horace Mann was born in Franklin, May 4th, 1796. With very little primary education, he was mostly self-taught and entered Brown University as a sophomore after testing so well on his entrance exams. He graduated at the top of his class and went on to study law.

Horace Mann

In his life time he was a lawyer, a legislator, president of the Massachusetts Senate and an advocate for the abolition of slavery and the care of the mentally ill. He was named the first Secretary of Education in Massachusetts and this is where is life’s work is most highly noted. He created the Common School and established that all children should attend schools supported and funded by the community. He believed that, in a democratic society, education should be free and universal, nonsectarian, and reliant on well-trained, professional teachers. It’s these basic beliefs that shaped the education system used to this very day. 

Franklin is proud to claim Horace Mann as our own. Later this year the town will honor him with a life size statue erected on the site of the former Horace Mann High School at the corner of Emmons Street and West Central Street. 

At the same time the museum will recognize another favorite Franklin resident who shares her birthday with Horace Mann, but as she notes, he’s just a little older. Stop in and wish Ellie Crothers a Happy Birthday between 1:00PM and 4:00PM!

Franklin Historical Museum

Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

• Saturday, Franklin Historical Museum open 10:00AM - 1:00PM, always Free
• Sunday, Franklin Historical Museum open 1:00PM - 4:00PM, always Free

In the News: Pond St sold, finally; d'Entremont recognized as 'digital innovator'

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council approved, by a six to three vote, the $1.56 million sale of a Pond Street property for a condominium development. 

The development would call for the construction of no more than 99 units on the 33-acre, town-owned property. Sixty-nine of those units would be two-bedroom, while the remaining 30 would have three bedrooms. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting spoke about the features of the proposed development. 

"There would be a 150-foot wide buffer (between the development and Pond Street)," he said Wednesday. "There would be 17 acres of open space on the perimeter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/franklin-council-votes-to-sell-pond-street-land

"A Horace Mann Middle School teacher has been named a "digital innovator" by PBS Learning Media for his use of technology in the classroom, the school announced this week. 

The designation allows seventh-grade social studies teacher James d'Entremont access to a year of professional development tools to further advance his ability to enhance student achievement through technology."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/franklin-teacher-recognized-as-digital-innovator

Twitter profile photo for Jim d'Entremont

"It touched me, not because you loved the book, but because you loved reading."

The "All In" reading program at Horace Mann Middle School had a special day on Thursday, Mar 3.

"Heroism was the theme of the day as the Horace Mann Middle School welcomed the best-selling co-author of "The Finest Hours" and one of the Coast Guard members featured in the book. 

Co-author Casey Sherman and Coast Guard engineer Mel Gouthro spoke to students - who had chosen the book as the school's "All In!" reading campaign selection - in an assembly midday Thursday. The book - and the movie based on it - recounts a 1952 ocean rescue mission off Chatham. The movie, starring Chris Pine, opened in January. 

Sherman, a Massachusetts native, said he had learned of Horace Mann's reading drive - in which many students at the school read and discuss the same book - through social media. 

"I didn't know anything about your school until I was on Twitter and stumbled across a moving video (recommending the book as the drive's selection)," he said. "It touched me, not because you loved the book, but because you loved reading."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160304/franklin-students-hear-from-author-of-the-finest-hours


And from the twitterverse other posts about the visit on Thursday:

With the real "Gus" from #TheFinestHours and @allinreading at HHMS. Great day! pic.twitter.com/RGQGMoWgQI

— casey sherman (@caseysherman123) March 3, 2016

Some awesome Finest Hours presentations from #hmms students! #kesslerELA pic.twitter.com/Cm12NllOCw

— Mr Kessler (@MrKessler1) February 24, 2016

Yes, there is a story here. Let us tell you what can happen when kids read a book. #ALLIN16 #TheFinestHours #hmmsma pic.twitter.com/EFaw9InsI5

— Crazy Reading Ladies (@allinreading) March 3, 2016

A piece of CG36500 will live at #hmmsma to remind us what's possible #ALLIN16

A piece of CG36500 will live at #hmmsma to remind us what's possible #ALLIN16 We are speechless @caseysherman123 pic.twitter.com/BmoXp5sgJ9

— Crazy Reading Ladies (@allinreading) March 3, 2016

Franklin DPW: Memorandum of Agreement 2015-2018

Side Letter - Attachment B

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance at the Franklin High and Horace Mann Middle Schools

Not withstanding the settlement of the parties' 2015 to 2018 collective bargaining agreement, the parties shall have continuing discussions about the impacts of the Franklin High School outside grounds, court yard and new athletic playing fields.

The expected impacts and costs to maintain these new areas with current staffing levels of DPW personal are unknown. ·

Specifically, the costs associated with the man power, equipment and materials needed to maintain the school grounds can only be estimated. It is anticipated with the burden of maintaining these new areas at the High School, man power and resources will be drained from other areas of the DPW. The current overall "high maintenance level" at the Town and School departments will suffer not only at the High School, but at other Town and School facilities.

From July 1, 2015 through November 2018 the Town will have the right to outsource the following work to determine the cost of labor and resources at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School:

• Mowing and trimming of all "passive grass areas" i.e.: lawns around school buildings, lawns around parking areas, islands in parking areas, MS4·green spaces, and any area that is not used for athletics.
• Providing and installing Mulch to all planting beds.
• The picking up of litter in all passive grass areas mulched planting beds.
• Spring and Fall clean-ups, which may include mowing, weeding, leaf pick-ups for all "passive grass areas" outlined above and planting beds.

Due to the skill set of present DPW personnel and equipment already owned by DPW, DPW will continue to maintain all "active grass areas" i.e. sports fields at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School, which will include mowing and trimming of grass areas, litter pick up, and emptying of all trash containers. It also may include limited fertilization and line painting as determined by Director.

The Town has the right to outsource such work, subject to three conditions:

1. No member of the bargaining unit will be laid off solely as a result of such outsourcing.
2. The Town will bargain with the union about any demonstrable impacts on conditions of employment.
3. The Town will provide a copy of the bid documents for the out sourcing of said work, all costs associated with said work for future discussions.

This was part of the set of documents released for the Town Council agenda 2/24/16 (page 43 of 45)

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/02242016.pdf

Or a copy of the single page here:

one of the new ball fields at Franklin High School

LEAPING into Kindergarten - Feb 29

LEAPING into Kindergarten: An informational program for Franklin Public School families with children eligible to attend kindergarten in the fall of 2016 (5 years old by August 31st):

Date: Monday, February 29th Time: 6:30-7:30pm; Q andA session from 7:30-8:00pm
Location: Horace Mann Auditorium (224 Oak Street)

Members of the Franklin school community, including kindergarten teachers, principals, a school nurse, and the Director of Student Services, will provide helpful information to families on:

• Kindergarten Registration: the timeline and the process
• Health Information: immunizations, allergies, medical accommodations
• Safety: efforts the Franklin public schools is taking to ensure safety in our schools
• Teaching and Learning: the kindergarten day and our approach to learning
• Kindergarten Screening: what it is and what it is not
• Kindergarten Orientation: helping you and your child feel welcome
• Transportation: the big yellow school bus

entrance to Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium

For more information, please contact Kelty Kelley, ECDC Principal



Kelty Kelley, Principal

F. X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center
224 Oak Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-541-8166
Fax: 508-541-8254
kelleyk@franklin.k12.ma.us

In the News: Motte named principal, Senior Center renovations funded

The Franklin School District on Thursday named Rebecca Motte as the next principal of Horace Mann Middle School. 

Motte is currently the assistant principal at Annie Sullivan Middle School.In an announcement to the school's students, parents and faculty, Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski shared positive feedback from the stakeholder groups that interviewed Motte for the position. Members of the groups said she was, among other things, well-organized, friendly, thoughtful and hard-working. 

Motte will replace the school's current principal, Shawn Fortin, who has accepted a position in the western part of the state and will be moving there with his family.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150924/NEWS/150927281/1994/NEWS

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the project is estimated at $1.5 million in total, and noted the town had previously set aside approximately $1 million toward the renovation effort. The work, he said, would focus on the building's second floor. 

"The senior center was built about seven years ago, and the second floor remained unfinished," he said, noting that the town had anticipated completing the floor as the demand for programs increased. 

Nutting said the renovation would also encompass the addition of an elevator and electronically operated doors in the building's bathrooms.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150924/NEWS/150927279/1994/NEWS

"a final interview of the candidate"

As reported during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, the School District is apparently close to selected their new principal for Horace Mann.

The school district is in the midst of finding a new principal for Horace Mann Middle School, and will soon begin the same process for Oak Street Elementary School. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski told the School Committee at its meeting this week that one candidate had gone through a round of interviews for the Horace Mann principal position. 

"(The candidate) met with parents and students," she said. "The candidate and myself walked through classrooms at the school."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150924/NEWS/150927991/1994/NEWS

Live reporting: Horace Mann Middle School

Horace Mann Middle School
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczelJlX2I2Z0NNbUU/view?usp=sharing

Shawn Fortin, Katelyn Demers

making community engagement a priority
involving students in the decision making process with the families

Jewell - question on meeting standards

rigor is not just giving more homework
achievement is important, even when standards are being met


Jewell - how are you going to educate the parents on how they can help

it can't be just putting out information, needs to be two-way
taking the core values, turning them into expectations
taking the opportunity to teach without being explicit

In the News: man to be charged, Horace Mann statue funded

The local man whose alleged threats to set fire to or blow up his house that led to a neighborhood evacuation Tuesday will be facing charges for the incident, police said. 

The 43-year-old man, whom police declined to identify Wednesday afternoon because he was still receiving health services, will likely be facing charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, making a false bomb threat and possessing an infernal machine, said Deputy Chief Thomas Lynch. 

The incident took place at around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a police release, after the department received a report that the School Street resident had been threatening to harm himself and others.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150909/NEWS/150906534/1994/NEWS

The Town Council has voted to allocate $46,000 to a project to build a statue of Horace Mann, securing the final piece of funding needed to honor the man known as the father of public education. 

The council at its meeting Wednesday night opted to transfer $28,000 from the Adelbert Thayer Trust and $18,000 from the Austin Fletcher Trust to the effort, which would place the statue at 150 Emmons St. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting noted that State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, had secured $50,000 in state funding for the $96,000 project. He said the $46,000 transferred Wednesday would come from trust funds established to assist the town. 

"It wouldn't be taxpayers' money, and it would come from interest earned on the trust funds," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150909/NEWS/150906487/1994/NEWS

Live reporting: Team Horace Mann Middle School

c. Horace Mann Update – Shawn Fortin, Kaitlyn Demers

HMMS STEM Presentation 6/09/15 from Franklin Matters

(note the slide set needs to be updated as it doesn't include all the photos from the trips)

STEM is not putting students in front of computers

we do love technology, but we do not loose the 'forest for the trees'

challenged the Science Dept to create three small field trips

actually did 5 with a couple of more coming before the year end

several small field trip - single class

secret is to get students excited about science

nurture STEM, provide opportunities that could not be achieved in the classroom

Museum of Science brought a program on heat to the classroom

MIT, actually at Mass General Hospital - beefed up the background on genetics before the trip, looking for signs of life

Mystic Aquarium - biology focused

Harvard Museum of Natural History

Signal Rock Farm - sheep farm, further into genetics

trips were made based upon the interests of the children

kids made the choice

used a simplified application process

the students took turns explaining what they learned from each of the trips

one of the activities was to dissect a squid at Mystic

O'Malley - 

outstanding student presenters, not easy to sit and present to the School Committee

a science trip is important, we live in a culturally diverse area and it is easy to do and well worth it, connecting the schools and community. I also believe in bringing the experts into the school house

Jewell - 

applaud the kids for the presentation, it was great

my father had raised sheep and breed one of his own

DNA is on file for each soldier to help with their identification

it is exciting for you to see that

• heard about Dr Carr via the network and worked to make the connection
• Mystic Aquarium is a convenient and good location with manageable traffic
• Museum of Science, if they could do what they do at the museum, here, it would be worthwhile; did provide some pre-planning to ensure a good fit and interaction
• a lot of it was trial, if it works, we'll do it again

ECDC and HMMS Presentation Documents for School Committee meeting June 9

Both the ECDC and HMMS have presentations scheduled for the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM.

The documents scheduled for the meeting can be viewed here:


ECDC

ECDC Strengthening Community Improving Quality 2015 from Franklin Matters

ECDC entrance

HMMS

HMMS STEM Presentation 6/09/15 from Franklin Matters

The full agenda for the meeting can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

FHS 2015 - All Night Party - Video Walk

I shared photos Saturday of the All Night Party and on Facebook here. 

Harry Potter's room recreated for the All Night Party

I can share a video of the walk through the hallways to capture the look and feel of the transformation. Roberta Trahan, Vice Chair of the School Committee, says it well:

I was absolutely amazed at what was accomplished at HMMS, the quality of the decorations, the unique way they incorporated the outdoor area, the spaciousness of the site. When I think back to the early discussions when the ANP team was told that the new FHS would not be used for at least this year I honestly wasn’t sure how ANP 2015 would play out. 

I have to give kudos to the ANP decorators/organizers and all who worked to make this one of the best I have seen; for their ability to see this new space, work with it and embrace the change that was brought to them. 

Also, to the staff at OAK/Mann complex, especially Sean Fortin and Corrine Minkle as I am told they were welcoming, cooperative and bent over backwards to help. 26 years and going strong!

Enjoy the video walk through!



Note: yes, I do slip at the end of the video and call this the Horace Man High School, it is the Horace Mann Middle School set up for the Franklin High School All Night Party. I also call Hagrid 'Hagar', I have no idea where that came from. I know he is Hagrid.

“The Father of American Education"

The Town Council has named seven residents to serve on a committee to oversee the building of a sculpture and small park on the corner of Emmons Street. 

Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri, Charles Oteri, state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Historical Commission member Mary Olsson, Lisa Piana, council member Robert Dellorco and council member Tom Mercer will together draft the plans for a sculpture depicting Horace Mann, an education reformer born on a small farm in Franklin in 1796. 

The statue and humble park surrounding it were decided on during the negotiations last year to sell the town-owned property at 150 Emmons St. When Franklin developer Roger Calarese purchased the property in January, he agreed to grant the town a roughly 1,000 square-foot easement at the front of the parcel.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150525/NEWS/150527764/1994/NEWS

The space for the proposed statue would be at the corner of Emmons and West Central St.

proposed location of Horace Mann statue

Franklin has a completed P&S agreement with a closing date in November to sell the property to developer Roger Calarese. Approx 1,000 sq. ft. will be reserved in an easement as greenspace for the statue.

The complete set of notes from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday May 20th can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/new-videos-touting-franklin-previewed.html

Fundraiser for the Horace Mann Middle School today from 3:00 - 9:00 PM

Pizza or ice cream?

If either is desired tonight, then you can help a good cause!

Spruce Pond Creamery/Franklin Flatbreads are doing a fundraiser for the Horace Mann Middle School today from 3:00 - 9:00 PM.

Print out the flyer (JPG) shown here and show when you pay for your purchase today.

"several alternative designs and some cost information"

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy hopes to secure $50,000 for the town to use toward building a sculpture and small gathering place dedicated to Horace Mann, the state’s first secretary of education and an influential reformer who laid the groundwork for the country’s public schools system. 

Roy, D-Franklin, pushed through an amendment to the state’s $38 billion budget - passed by the House last month - providing the funding for a “Horace Mann Park” on the corner of Emmons Street. Now the Senate must debate and pass the budget. 

Born on a small farm in Franklin in 1796, Horace Mann is often referred to as “The Father of American Education." In 1837, Mann was elected secretary of the state’s Board of Education, according to the Massachusetts Historical Society; he would later help establish the first normal public schools in the United States, in Bridgewater and Lexington.

Continue reading the article online here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150511/NEWS/150519681/1994/NEWS

Horace Mann Day - May 3

The Franklin Historical Commission will celebrate 'Horace Mann Day' on Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a special presentation, HORACE MANN AND HIS WORLD, featuring writer and commentator Peter Golden.


Franklin's most famous son, Mann was a lawyer, politician, abolitionist,  the first Secretary of Education and is most often referred to as the 'Father of Education'.  The museum will unveil the Horace Mann exhibit, which will become
a permanent exhibit.


Invitations are going out to History and Social Study teachers in town.  The public is invited to attend the lecture and enjoy refreshments, including birthday cake in celebration of Mann's Birthday, which falls on Monday, May 4th.

Peter Golden

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin, and is open 

• Sunday 1:00PM-4:00PM, 
• Thursday 5:00PM-8:00PM 
• Saturdays 10:00AM-1:00PM  

The museum is handicap accessible.

Horace Mann Day - May 3

The Franklin Historical Commission will celebrate 'Horace Mann Day' on Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a special presentation, HORACE MANN AND HIS WORLD, featuring writer and commentator Peter Golden.


Franklin's most famous son, Mann was a lawyer, politician, abolitionist,  the first Secretary of Education and is most often referred to as the 'Father of Education'.  The museum will unveil the Horace Mann exhibit, which will become
a permanent exhibit.


Invitations are going out to History and Social Study teachers in town.  The public is invited to attend the lecture and enjoy refreshments, including birthday cake in celebration of Mann's Birthday, which falls on Monday, May 4th.

Peter Golden

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin, and is open 

• Sunday 1:00PM-4:00PM, 
• Thursday 5:00PM-8:00PM 
• Saturdays 10:00AM-1:00PM  

The museum is handicap accessible.