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

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

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

Remington Middle School

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

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

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

symphony band at MICCA

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

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

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

Franklin Music Students Find Success at MICCA Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

FHS Repertory Orchestra (Diane Plouffe, director) Contributed Photo

FHS Treble Choir (Olivia Goliger, director) Contributed Photo

Annie Sullivan Band (Pamela Butz, director) Contributed Photo

Reminder: MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

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

 “It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor's Association (MICCA)to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature.”

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

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

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

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

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

Horace Mann statue - May 7. 2017

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



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

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

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

 “It is the purpose of the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductor's Association (MICCA)to encourage and support high performance standards by high school, middle school, and elementary school musical organizations. MICCA Concert Festivals encourage the improvement of a group's musical standards by providing musical adjudication by highly qualified adjudicators. Attendance at a festival also affords organizations an opportunity to hear performances by other groups and experience the presentation of a wide variety of musical literature.”

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

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

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

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

MICCA Showcase Concerts - Mar 12 and Mar 14

FHS - All Night Party - 2014

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



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

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

Wednesday February 13, 2019

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

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

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

2nd Annual Legislative Forum - Feb 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Live reporting from the Forum in 2018

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

• The audio of the Forum was published previously

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

• Announcement of the Forum

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

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

Venue change for Thursday's (1/17/19) SEPAC presentation

Anxiety in Relation to Learning/ Developmental Disabilities "Anxiety in Relation to Learning/Developmental Disabilities and How to Address in the IEP"  presented by Dr. Erin Gibbons from Neuropsychology &; Education Services for Children & Adolescents (NESCA). Free and open to the public. Where: Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium When: January 17th at 7 PM If you have any suggestions for workshops or social events for the kids, please send us an email at franklinsepac@gmail.com. WWW.FRANKLINSEPAC.ORG

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Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

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Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for “No Strings Attached”

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of “No Strings Attached” to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Performances will be held on Friday, March 1 from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 2 from 2–4:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and children under ten. Tickets will be sold at the door or an order form will be available for download at www.bfccps.org.

“No Strings Attached”

When Carl, a teenager, wants to run away from home, he applies for a job with the mysterious Professor Pinecone and his traveling magical marionette puppet show. He quickly discovers, however, that the position comes with all kinds of strings attached. Once he feels the magical jolt in Professor Pinecone’s handshake, he embarks on the audition of his life. 

In this play-within-a-play, Carl becomes Pinocchio and improvises his way through the story, meeting some familiar characters — including a cricket with an attitude (“I’m Gonna Bug Ya”), the devious fox and cat (“Easy Money”) and the memorable Blues Fairy (“Blues Fairy Mama”) — as well as some new ones. With the help of this eclectic cast, Carl stumbles upon life’s lessons as he’s forced to make important decisions. After a string of poor choices (which makes his nose grow and ultimately leads him to make a donkey of himself), he finally does something good for a change by saving Geppetto from the mouth of a giant shark.

The production is under the direction of BFCCPS’s Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr. Christopher Heater, with a cast comprised of 36 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 11 member backstage student crew.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition.

If you’d like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

Reminder: "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" Nov 9 -10

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Performed by a cast of 50 kids from the 3 middle schools!

November 9 and 10 at 7:00 PM at the Horace Mann Middle School auditorium
Tickets $10 at the door

Franklin Middle School Footlighters present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

In the News: Horace Mann leak damages auditorium; Well #2 offline for e. coli

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

"After last Tuesday’s heavy rain storms, Horace Mann Middle School officials are assessing water damage done to the stage and music department. 

“During those heavy rains and flash flooding, the interior courtyard at Horace Mann became flooded with water due to a clogged drain,” Franklin Superintendent Sara Ahern said during the Tuesday School Committee meeting 

A large amount of water seeped into the school, settling in the pit of the auditorium, she said. The water flooded the stage and seeped into the entrance to the band room, as these were the lowest points. 

“It didn’t extend beyond into the office areas or classroom hallways because of that depression in the floor,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180927/franklin-horace-mann-school-assessing-damage-after-water-leak

The Superintendent's Report can be found on the Town of Franklin Schools page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_25_2018.pdf

The interior courtyard of Horace Mann Middle School lit up for the FHS All Night Party
in 2016 but the source of the blocked drain and water leak

"During a routine check of the 12 public water wells in Franklin this week, one was flagged as containing a low level of the bacteria E. coli. 

The Department of Public Works emphasized that the well has been shut off to the public supply and that it is actively working to fix the issue. Water well No. 2 was taken offline and water to the affected areas has been diverted to other mains for now. 

Human or animal wastes can cause E. coli contamination of water supplies. Microbes in the fecal matter can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 

In a statement, the town said there is no emergency and no need to boil water before cooking or drinking."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180927/franklin-well-no-2-contaminated-with-e-coli

This is a formal notification per regulatory requirements. 
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/drinking-water-notice-department-public-works

The full text of the Drinking Water Notice can be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CnUTeDjLeaHZ7q1fUQfQFykAuoHISIPI/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Residents: Drinking Water Notice from The Department of Public Works

27 Franklin Middle School Music Students perform with the Massachusetts Jr. Central District Honor Band, Chorus and Orchestra

Twenty seven members of the Franklin Middle Schools music program auditioned and were accepted into the 2018 Massachusetts Jr. Central District Honor Ensembles. Franklin students represented Annie Sullivan Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School and Remington Middle School. The performances took place in April at Blackstone Millville High School.

Participating in the Jr. Central District Band were Samantha Bilello, Christopher Botchis, Amirees Estarkhouse, Nipun Goel, Luke Jackson, Aidan Karlowicz, Joel Keller, William Olbrys, Nathan Palmer, Charlene Peng, Tyler Powderly, Kathryn Rudolph, Jacob Tennant, Derek Terwilliger and Rachael Yuan.

Performing with the Jr. CD Jazz Band was Ian Richardson.

Selected to perform with the Jr. CD Orchestra was Aadit Bhatia, Christopher Broyles, Shreya Choudhury, Chai Harsha, Colin Manocchio, Grace Newton Madison Pavao and Sarayu Vijayanagaram.

Singing in the Jr. CD Chorus was Adriana Jordan, Meghan Linkkila and Jack Pokorny.

27 Franklin Middle School Music Students perform with the
Massachusetts Jr. Central District Honor Band, Chorus and Orchestra

"Finishing and understanding a book was such an accomplishment for him. That one win is the start to rebuilding his confidence"

From the Franklin radar for regular readers, the exploits of the "Crazy Reading Ladies" at Horace Mann may be familiar. This article provides a nice recap of their insights in getting middle school students to read.

"The expectations of middle school are daunting enough without the added challenges for students with learning disabilities. Students who have difficulty with reading skills and comprehension find themselves at a disadvantage that has repercussions academically and socially. 

Fortunately, Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin, Massachusetts, has Erin O’Leary and Mary Cotillo, affectionately known by their students as “The Crazy Reading Ladies.” Erin is a reading specialist who provides intensive reading instruction while Mary is the assistant principal and a former 8th grade English Language Arts teacher who cultivates a schoolwide community of readers and literacy. 

In a recently published Bookshare blog series, Erin and Mary share their wildly successful techniques and philosophy on removing barriers and getting reluctant readers to succeed."

Continue reading the article online   https://benetech.org/teach-reading-skills/

Erin O’Leary and Mary Cotillo, affectionately known by their students as “The Crazy Reading Ladies"

Voices of Franklin: Simon - "Today was about being positive and hopeful"

Today (Wednesday) was a proud day at work! 

I work at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin MA. The students at our three middle schools and high school were able to show support for families whose lives were affected by school shootings and we able to voice their opinion through a walkout. This was organized by the students at the schools. We have a wonderful program here called A World of Difference and those students helped to organize this. This was all student led with guidance from staff and administration. They presented their ideas to administration and staff and worked with them as well as local law enforcement to make it work and to be safe. We all wanted to give all students a voice, to let them own this and let them know we are listening.

It was very powerful. It gave many of us chills as we watched them handle this with such maturity and grace. You should be proud! I know I am and remembering all of those who cannot do this, who don't have a voice anymore.

The peer leaders also came up with a solution for those students who did not want to participate which was wonderful because they too have that right. It was so wonderful and powerful because it shows that they took time to think of others and respect them.

This is a time to show our children that we support them, show them love, compassion and understanding. Again, so proud.

Remember, we come to work and students come to school with the possibility that something tragic could happen at our school. This has become our new reality. It is sad.

Le't show respect to all. Let's come together to come up with solutions, let's talk face-to-face and let these students how we can help them make changes. Let's get this generation to vote and become an ever greater voice! 

If you saw what happened today, you would know they CAN do it and WILL do it. They conducted themselves in a mature, brave, thoughtful and very reflective manner. Today was about being positive and hopeful, nothing else.

It made me hopeful and with tears in my eyes.

Love to all

Beth Simon


Note: Beth had shared this to a Facebook group and gladly granted permission to share more broadly here.

Voices of Franklin: Simon - "Today was about being positive and hopeful"

Jazz Cafe - Feb 2

Franklin Music Program is pleased to present our annual Jazz Cafe concert! 

The Jazz Bands from Franklin High School, Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, and Annie Sullivan Middle School will be performing in a jazz club-themed evening. 

Enjoy a comfortable, casual setting where Franklin's jazz students will set the mood. Family is encouraged to attend and refreshments will be served! 

Please join us Friday February 2, 7:00 PM at the Franklin High School Cafeteria. 

Tickets are sold only at the event, $10 person, $25 family. We hope to see you there!

Jazz Cafe - Feb 2

From the social media radar

From the social media radar, items of interest for Franklin

Watch Sara Ahern @saraeahern being interviewed by John O'Sullivan @The_app_guide https://t.co/NpHFP1nnu3 #edtech #MAedtech pic.twitter.com/b3znwYKT4s

— MassCUE (@masscue) December 9, 2017

The Boston Globe ran a story about a singer who composed a song including every one of the 351 MA communities

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2017/12/05/cities-and-towns-notes-one-ukulele-love-song-state-massachusetts/fKWdbaojRZ3Z8pSnzJ4XUL/story.html






Colleen Donahue posted these photos on Friday from the visit that happened that day. She gave permission via email to share these.

"Today wood carvers from the Franklin Senior Center visited students at the Horace Mann Middle School. The talent is amazing !
The conversation between the generations was priceless.Take a look at some of the photos-you will be amazed"

“We keep our eye on these matters all the time”

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

"A recent investigation into potential mold at the Horace Mann Middle School came up negative for any mold spore. 

AcuHealth Inc. conducted the inspection and testing on Nov. 9. They conducted visual, air, and wall cavity tests all of which indicated there was no mold in the building. 

The report, released earlier this week, also says there’s no water damage, visible mold growth, or discernable odor. Air quality numbers were normal, and no action was recommended from AcuHealth. 

The concerns arose from members of the Horace Mann Middle School community that became suspicious of mold development. The suspicions partially stem from a period of time where the structure was openly exposed to the elements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171130/inspection-negative-for-mold-at-horace-mann-middle-school

Horace Mann-Oak St Complex entrance

"They’re so smart, these kids”

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

"A line of senior citizens filed into a spare room at the senior center on Friday afternoon, gripping their dysfunctional phones and tablets with one hand and greeting a Horace Mann middle school student with the other. 

As part of a bi-weekly club organized by the Horace Mann School, students come to the senior center to spread their tech knowledge to some of the less-savvy, older generation of iPhone and Android users. 

The advantages of the program, according to teacher and coordinator Colleen Donahue, comes from both ends. Though fixing their devices is the main purpose, it’s the relationships that are built that create the most impact. 

“The kids get to have conversations with adults that they wouldn’t normally see, and the adults get to come hang out with kids,” Donahue said. “One time last year we had a woman who had no grandchildren, and this was, like, the highlight of her week.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171022/horace-mann-middle-schoolers-teach-tech

Horace Mann Middle School and Oak St Elementary share
the complex on Oak St with ECDC (behind these buildings)

Franklin Almanac - Episode 6 (video)

Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 6 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

1. Opening/intro- 00:00-00:43
2. Empty Bowls Dinner- 00:43-6:48
3. "Hate has no home here" campaign-6:48-11:05
4. Safe Coalition 5k- 11:06-17:28
5. Horace Mann Statue- 17:29- 26:34
6. Final Thoughts- 26.35- 28:53

Local source for Hate has No Home signs
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/people-are-really-looking-for-way-to.html

More about the Safe Coalition can be found http://safecoalitionma.com/

The audio recording of the Horace Mann Statue Unveiling ceremony is available here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/fm-130-audio-recording-of-horace-mann.html

the Horace Mann statue stands to welcome folks to downtown Franklin