Peace Week at HMMS kicks off May 8

On Monday, May 8th at 12:15, Bill Richard from the Martin Richard Foundation will be speaking to the students at the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin, Massachusetts. 

Mr. Richard will be kicking off Peace Week at HMMS by spreading his son, Martin’s message: “No more hurting people. Peace.” As you may remember, Martin was the 8 year old boy killed during the Boston bombings.

Peace Week at HMMS will actually begin at 7:00am on May 8th with a surprise welcome. Students will be greeted by members of the HMMS Community Service Club and the Franklin High School 40% Club. This will be a “Morning of Happiness”.

The remainder of the week will include a Wall of Compliments, a Kindness Raffle and another surprise message on Thursday morning.

Horace Mann MIddle School on a bright and sunny summer day

Horace Mann: birthday, May 4; statue unveiling celebration May 7, 2017

On Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 11 AM, Franklin will be honoring Horace Mann, the father of public education in America, with the unveiling of a statue bearing his likeness at Horace Mann Square. Mann was born in Franklin on May 4, 1796 and was self-educated in the town using books supplied by Benjamin Franklin which formed the nucleus of the nation’s first public library.

Horace Mann birthplace monument in Franklin 

“The unveiling of the statue in his birthplace is a tribute to his work and to those whose great efforts mark the progress of education in the United States and the advancement of Mann’s ideals,” noted Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), a member of the statue committee. 

 “Horace Mann’s contributions to public education are quintessential to the American story, providing opportunities for advancement and the achievement of the American Dream. Sunday’s ceremony will honor these contributions and highlight the intersection of our library and Mann’s own education.”

Tom Mercer, Town Councilor and Statue Committee member offered this quote from Horace Mann which to him highlighted the significance of Sunday’s event: "If ever there was a cause, if ever there can be a cause, worthy to be upheld by all of toil to sacrifice that the human heart can endure, it is the cause of Education."

Horace Mann gravesite, North Burial
Ground in Providence, RI

The memorial was made possible by funding from the Massachusetts General Court and the Austin B. Fletcher Memorial Fund approved by the Town Council of Franklin, Massachusetts. Both bodies unanimously approved the project of honoring the memory of so illustrious a son of Franklin, and took the necessary steps to make it happen. The Square which houses the statue and memorial was generously donated and constructed by Roger Calarese, the developer of Horace Mann.

“The statue also stands as a monument to a fight that has been handed down to us— that we must strive unceasingly for better schools,” said Town Councilor Robert Dellorco, another member of the statue committee. “Well-educated, clear-thinking, creative citizens are essential to democracy and our democratic way of life, and it’s wonderful that we will be celebrating the life of the man that made it possible.”

Lisa Piana, Statue Committee member and Director of the Franklin Downtown Partnership stated: "I could not think of a better location for the Horace Mann statue than the Gateway to downtown Franklin. The Partnership is excited that the community came together to make this happen and we look forward to having a beautiful place to gather and appreciate Franklin's rich history."

Town Councilor and Committee Co-Chair Deb Pellegri noted that she was honored to serve as co-chair with Charlie Oteri and the whole committee. “Having co-chaired the Ben Franklin Statue Committee, I had the pleasure of working with our sculptor, Robert Shure,” she added. “I just knew that the Horace Mann Statue was going to be as fantastic as Ben's statue. The community will be very pleased.”

the new statue is in place and ready to be unveiled on Sunday

“With knowledge comes power, then there are no limits to what humans can achieve,” said Oteri, Co-Chair of the Committee.

In 1837, Mann left the practice of law and withdrew from the presidency of the Massachusetts State Senate to become the first Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education. He traveled among the people urging them to make their schools better—to improve school buildings, to provide better books and equipment, to enrich the course of study, and above all to provide better teachers. 

Year after year, Horace Mann carried on his mission, and today, his name is held in grateful remembrance everywhere the common school opens doors of opportunity. He declared, “Without undervaluing any other human agency, it may be safely affirmed that the Common School...may become the most effective and benignant of all forces of civilization.”


The Statue Committee members include Pellegri and Charles Oteri as Co-Chairs, along with Roy, Dellorco, Piana, and Mercer. 

A detailed program and history of Horace Mann will be distributed on Sunday (see below for the embedded document). 

Limited edition mugs depicting the statue will be available for sale at the event. 

A Facebook event page with information on Horace Mann and his work is posted at https://www.facebook.com/events/1102040296567751/


Here are some links to materials on Mann’s life and legacy:

• Program book from Inauguration of State House statue in 1865
• Program book from memorial dedication in Franklin in 1929
• Program book from Florida dedication in 1949
• Program book from re-dedication of State House statue in 1963

“I cannot think of a better location for the Horace Mann statue than the gateway to downtown Franklin”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

The town will unveil a statue of native son - and father of public education in the United States - Horace Mann this weekend, some 221 years after his May 1796 birth. 

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Emmons and West Central street. Statue committee co-chairwoman Deborah Pellegri said coffee and pastries - sponsored by the school department - will be available beginning at 10 a.m. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin - a member of the statue committee - will be speaking, as will State Sens. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and Richard Ross, R-Wrentham. 

“Javier Cevallos, the president of Framingham State University will be there,” Roy said. “Horace Mann founded Framingham State as one of the first teachers colleges in Massachusetts.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170502/franklin-to-unveil-mann-statue-sunday

looking through the surrounding wall at the statue base in the rain

You are invited to the Horace Mann Statue Unveiling at Horace Mann Square - May 7

"We will be honoring Horace Mann, the father of public education in America, with the unveiling of a statue at Horace Mann Square. Mann was born in Franklin on May 4, 1796, less than 20 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed and while George Washington was still President. 

In 1837, Mann left the practice of law and withdrew from the presidency of the Massachusetts State Senate to become the first Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education. He traveled among the people urging them to make their schools better—to improve school buildings, to provide better books and equipment, to enrich the course of study, and above all to provide better teachers. Year after year, Horace Mann carried on his mission, and today, his name is held in grateful remembrance everywhere the common school opens doors of opportunity. 

He declared, “Without undervaluing any other human agency, it may be safely affirmed that the Common School... may become the most effective and benignant of all forces of civilization.”

The unveiling of the statue in his birthplace is a tribute to his work and to those whose great efforts mark the progress of education in the United States and the advancement of these ideals. The statue also stands as a monument to a fight that has been handed down to us— that we must strive unceasingly for better schools. Well-educated, clear-thinking, creative citizens are essential to democracy and our democratic way of life. 

The memorial was made possible by funding from the Massachusetts General Court and the Austin B. Fletcher Memorial Fund approved by the Town Council of Franklin, Massachusetts. Both bodies unanimously approved the project of honoring the memory of so illustrious a son of Franklin, and took the necessary steps to make it happen. The square which houses the statue and memorial was generously donated and constructed by Roger Calarese, the developer of Horace Mann Square."

Shared from the Facebook event create by Representative Jeff Roy
https://www.facebook.com/events/1102040296567751/

Upi are invited to the Horace Mann Statue Unveiling at Horace Mann Square - May 7

The statue base is ready

The statue base is ready in the rain

Helping Children Cope: Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again

"Franklin SEPAC is sponsoring Jeanine Fitzgerald!

She will be here in Franklin at the HMMS auditorium at 7pm on March 14th!

Parents and teachers alike rave about her every time she is here...so don't miss out!"

Via the ECDC Principal's Page
http://ecdcprincipalpage.blogspot.com/2017/03/a-must-see-jeanine-fitzgerald-will-be.html

http://franklinsepac.org/

"You inspire me to continue writing"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Best-selling author and Carnegie Medal finalist Ruta Sepetys told a rapt group of middle schoolers that the characters in her novels are not just a collection of sentences on a printed page. 

"As I'm writing, I'd feel not only angry, but sad - I'd be sobbing (while writing)," she said. "They really do feel real to me." 

Courtesy of Skype, Sepetys came to Horace Mann Middle School to talk about the writing process, resolving plot questions and plug an upcoming movie based on her New York Times best-seller "Between Shades of Gray." The 2011 novel is about the genocide of Lithuanians and other Baltic people following the Soviet occupation in 1941. 

Sepetys said she decided to write the book to shine light on a little-known chapter of history. She said she had spoken to survivors who told her not to bother with it, as the world has forgotten them."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170217/franklin-students-meet-with-celebrated-author-of-between-shades-of-gray

HMS students for @AllInReading event with the author

Horace Mann Middle School in MA brought me to tears! Students created a Lithuanian flag with their shirts for @allinreading Skype event. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GvoYQaMbQD

— Ruta Sepetys (@RutaSepetys) February 17, 2017

2nd Annual LEAPING into Kindergarten - Feb 27, 2017

Franklin Public Schools announces the 2nd Annual LEAPING into Kindergarten, an event for Franklin families with children eligible for kindergarten. 

Click here for the flyer





Kelty Kelley, M.Ed., 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

"There is no hand so small that it cannot leave an imprint on the world!" Klub Kidz

Horace Mann MIddle School on a bright and sunny summer day

In the News: Snow removal for schools; Horace Mann book choice; Tri-County's Gerry's Place

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"During a review of snow removal procedures between the schools and the Department of Public Works, a district busing policy was singled out for praise. 

DPW Superintendent Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi, speaking at the School Committee meeting Tuesday night, praised a school policy in which buses - if sidewalks have not yet been plowed following a storm - pick up every student they pass by, even those who do not typically take the bus. 

"It's a great, great thing - I've told other communities about it," he said. "It's worked out really well."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161214/franklin-schools-dpw-prep-for-snow-season

one slide from the snow removal presentation highlights the parents responsibility

"Students at the Horace Mann Middle School were on tenterhooks Tuesday, awaiting the climactic reveal of this year's "All In!" book. 

A full assembly watched as Horace Mann alum Katie O'Neill opened a package to reveal the 2017-2018 selection: "Between Shades of Gray," a novel that documents the plight of Lithuanians during the Stalinist regime. 

The program - administered by the "Crazy Reading Ladies" team of Assistant Principal Mary Cotillo and teacher Erin O'Leary - is an effort to encourage literacy by having the entire school read through one book. 

"It's entirely voluntary - we don't want to force students to do it, but we do want to make it as irresistible as possible," said O'Leary, adding that "All In!" is now in its sixth year. "Last year, we had 302 students participate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161213/school-reveals-all-in-book-selection

"Gerry's Place, the student-run restaurant at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, will host an annual International Holiday Buffet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the high school, 147 Pond St. 

Menu offerings will include spanakopita, French onion soup, seafood espagnole, stuffed turkey, sweet and sour pork, Israeli chicken, latke, saffron rice, sweet potato casserole, and green beans with cumin and garlic. The dessert table will feature assorted sweet treats from around the globe, including koeksisters from South Africa. 

The buffet costs $12.95 per person. No reservations will be taken."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161213/gerrys-place-to-offer-buffet

In the News: Horace Mann honors vets; Plain St residence ribbon cutting

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Song, speeches, video and words of gratitude filled the Horace Mann Middle School's auditorium during an assembly Thursday morning. 

At the receiving end were local veterans, who were treated to refreshments before being invited to attend a speaking program - featuring the school band and chorus. 

Students played a number of patriotic songs - including the anthems of each armed service - and there were segments on the history of Veterans Day and biographies of lesser-known heroes. 

Speaker Kenzie Atwood asked her fellow students to remember waking up and eating breakfast in their homes that morning, and to think about the veterans who sacrificed such luxuries."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161110/franklin-middle-school-honors-vets

Oak St and Horace Mann in the morning sunshine

"Almost exactly one year after breaking ground on the project, state and local officials returned to Plain Street to cut the ribbon on a house for those with intellectual disabilities. 

People gathered at the eight-unit facility - called the Murphy-Rosa House - Thursday morning to hear speeches and see the inside of the building, intended to accommodate clients of the state's Department of Developmental Services. 

Lisa Audette, the town's Housing Authority agent, said the project, in the works since 2004, would at last provide disabled people with a level of independence that all humans deserve. 

"It's been a long time coming," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161110/franklin-officials-cut-ribbon-on-new-housing

In the News: early voting begins Oct 24, STEM classes get questions rolling

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"All registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day for the first time ever in Massachusetts. 

Early voting will begin on Oct. 24 and continue through Nov. 4. Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or have a disability or religious belief preventing them from going to the polls, will be legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot. 

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is permitted for every registered voter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161001/early-voting-to-begin-oct-24

"Questions filled Jim Schliefke’s seventh grade science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classroom at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin Wednesday afternoon. 

Students asked Schliefke about a team activity to design a remote-controlled cargo carrier that could carry balls and plastic cubes around the room. 

“Some of them are realizing right now that they can’t do what they thought,” Schliefke noted as he walked around. 

Although it’s not a new addition to Schliefke’s course this year, the project is a prime example of the trial-and-error teaching style more schools around MetroWest and the Milford region are trying to use."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161001/schools-teachers-see-growth-and-changes-in-stem-classes

Horace Mann Middle School shares the building with Oak St Elementary School

"I've learned Horace Mann began his education using the books that Benjamin Franklin provided to the town library - it's astounding."

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town will unveil a new statue of Horace Mann next spring. 

The statue of the town native known as the father of public education in America will be placed in a green space at 150 Emmons St. The town sold that land, once the site of a municipal building, to local developer Roger Calarese, but required an easement for a park honoring Mann. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, who has been active in supporting the effort, said the statue will be unveiled on May 7, 2017. 

"(The sculptor) could have it available in November or December, but the weather then is unpredictable," he said. "We also wanted to get it as close to Horace Mann's birthday (of May 4) as possible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160911/franklin-mann-statue-being-readied-for-2017

a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from Emmons St

a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from West Central St

Horace Mann is buried in Providence, RI
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/happy-birthday-horace-mann.html

In the News: Holocaust survivor speaks, Tri-County graduation, pipeline talk at Milford Library

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Horace Mann School eighth-graders have been reading the names of Holocaust victims as part of the school's "Days of Remembrance" week. 

When Janet Applefield appeared in front of them Wednesday morning, she told them she nearly became one of them. 

"You could've been reading my name," the Holocaust survivor said at the school while recounting her experiences during World War II."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160608/franklin-holocaust-survivor-speaks-at-horace-mann

"Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School handed out 218 diplomas to the Class of 2016 during the school’s 37th graduation ceremony, held June 5. 

Joining Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray at the stage were school committee Chair Steven Trask; school committee Vice Chair Donna Cabibbo; Principal Michael Procaccini; Vocational Director Jean George; Director of Guidance Scott O’Brien; class valedictorian Jennifer Bowness, of North Attleborough; class salutatorian Thomas Vagnini, of Medfield; and class president Stephanie Brousseau, of North Attleborough."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160608/tri-county-holds-graduation-ceremony

"A local group opposed to Spectra Energy’s proposed pipeline is holding an informational meeting at the Milford Town Library Thursday night. 

Carolyn and Rand Barthel from 350 Massachusetts, a network of volunteer activists from around the state, will give a fact-based PowerPoint presentation about the pipeline, which is proposed to run through Milford and several other Milford-area towns. 

The presentation is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. at the library, 80 Spruce St."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160608/pipeline-presentation-at-library-thursday

From hydroponics to "Crazy Reading Ladies" all in one School Committee meeting

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday May 24 heard presentations from Parmenter and Horace Mann, reviewed three policy changes and received some updates from the Superintendent. The highlights and details follow.

• Parmenter School provided an update on their hydroponic gardens and how that is being used to foster education and collaboration.

• Horace Mann provided an update on the student efforts to help make transition to middle school better as well as the "All In" reading program. The reading program achieved major notoriety this year when the author heard of their efforts via Twitter, arranged to visit, and the brought along one of the surviving Coast Guard men who were part of real life "The Finest Hours." 

Co-author Casey Sherman and Coast Guard engineer Mel Gouthro with one of the "Crazy Reading Ladies"

• The School Committee started the review of three policy changes and moved them to a second reading. Most of the material change is bringing the language current with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Dianne Plouffe was announced as the new District Music Director replacing Nancy Schoen who is retiring after this year.

My notes captured live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting: Discussion items to Closing
• Live reporting: Horace Mann update
• Live reporting: School Committee - May 24, 2016

From the archives:

•   The post recounting the visit of Casey Sherman and Mel Guthro

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/it-touched-me-not-because-you-loved.html

In the News: firefighters graduate, HMMS update to School Committee

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Chief Gary McCarraher is pleased to announce that three Franklin firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy recently. 

Nicholas Garland, 34, of Franklin; Christian Mills, 30, of Taunton; and Keith Schnabel, age 40, of Wrentham were three out of 24 graduates from the 243th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 45-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. A ceremony was held at the Department of Fire Services in Stow on May 20. 

All three firefighters have been with the Franklin Fire Department since March 7. They completed a two-week orientation at the department before their class began at the academy on March 21."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160525/franklin-firefighters-graduate

Franklin Fire Dept

"Educators from Horace Mann Middle School spoke at this week's School Committee meeting about preparing their students for change and grooming them to be leaders. 

Principal Rebecca Motte, Assistant Principal Mary Cotillo, reading specialist Erin O'Leary and a number of Horace Mann students gave a presentation to the committee about their efforts over the past school year. 

The talk included a video - intended to prepare fifth-grade students for their transition to middle school - in which a student asked his peers about common sources of anxiety the shift engenders. The hope, the presenters said, is to create a welcoming environment for new students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160526/franklin-school-committee-hears-horace-mann-highlights

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