School Committee recognizes musicians, biliteracy students, and retirees May 27, 2025 (audio)

FM #1460 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1460 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. 6 members participated all in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Gallagher). 

Quick recap:

• In the Superintendent's Report, Supt Giguere used some time to recognize the FHS students who won MICCA awards

• The students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates were recognized. 13 were present

• In the Guests/Presentations segment, the school district personnel retiring this year were recognized

• Civics Presentation by Students featured Mrs Ambrose from Remington MS and Kayla who share her project on autism awareness (photos of the presentation below)

• The District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan Update featured a portion on MS Math which was provided earlier this year

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1460-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-27-25/

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FHS music students who won MICCA awards

students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 

The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-27%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/806450 

Retiree recognition -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLJf4boDFr6S9MvE7 

Civics Project presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAh2AdNrLoE1Exu89 

DIP/SIP presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ipuwvmfph7khgNF8 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMp9pP040uUMF-aEHLahg3-LSN3ErBDV/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the School Cmte Mtg of May 27 (audio)

FM #1459 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1459 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, May 28, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 27, 2025. 

 

We cover 

• MICCA award recognitions

• Biliteracy certificate recognitions

• School personnel retiree recognitions

• District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan updates

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

The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1459-chalkboard-chat-05-28-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 

The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-27%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/806450 

Retiree recognition -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLJf4boDFr6S9MvE7 

Civics Project presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAh2AdNrLoE1Exu89 

DIP/SIP presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ipuwvmfph7khgNF8 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMp9pP040uUMF-aEHLahg3-LSN3ErBDV/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 School Cmte Mtg of May 27 (audio)

School Committee recognizes musicians, biliteracy students, and retirees on Tuesday (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, May 27 at 7 PM in Council Chambers. 6 of the 7 members participated, 1 absent (Gallagher).

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761

The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/may-27%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/806450

Quick recap:

• In the Superintendent's Report, Supt Giguere used some time to recognize the FHS students who won MICCA awards
• The students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates were recognized. 13 were present
• In the Guests/Presentations segment, the school district personnel retiring this year were recognized
• Civics Presentation by Students featured Mrs Ambrose from Remington MS and Kayla who share her project on autism awareness (photos of the presentation below)
• The District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan Update featured a portion on MS Math which was provided earlier this year
• No discussion action or discussion only items tonight
• Subcommittee updates
• Supt evaluation June 3 to prepare the draft review for discussion then
• Budget no meeting, pending result of June 3 may need to meet
• Policy awaiting override results to review fees
• Community relations preparing for Strawberry Stroll June 13; Meeting on 5/29 to prep
• Joint PCC met on the 20th, Facebook group set up, spirit activities
• May have PCC info for Strawberry Stroll distribution
• High school start time, a 5 minute shift to handle transportation
• Mental health prepare for Stroll
• Reorg no updates recently, will need clarity from the vote June 3
• Consent agenda: Motion to approve as detailed, second, passes 6-0-1 (6 for, 1 absent)

Retiree recognition -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/fLJf4boDFr6S9MvE7

Civics Project presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/oAh2AdNrLoE1Exu89

DIP/SIP presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/6ipuwvmfph7khgNF8

FHS music students who won MICCA awards

students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates

My full set of notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMp9pP040uUMF-aEHLahg3-LSN3ErBDV/view?usp=drive_link

MICCA showcase recordings - WOW!!! (video)

via Ruthann O'Sullivan:

Good morning! 

I wanted to congratulate our FHS musicians on their performance at the 2025 Gold Medal MICCA Showcase concert.  Performing were the FHS Wind Ensemble, Repertory Orchestra and String Orchestra.  See YouTube link below. This performance was held at the Groton Hill Music Center on Sunday.  It was not only a beautiful venue in which to perform, but it was also an opportunity for the top music programs in the state to hear each other perform and support each other.  It is always a proud moment to be invited to such an elite event.  

It is my hope that we can use this as a reminder of the special music program we have in Franklin.  I've said it before, but this program is not a luxury to have in our schools, it is a necessity. While looking at the program linked above, it is interesting to take note of the schools who earned gold medals.  For the most part, these schools are also some of the highest achieving schools academically.  This is not a coincidence. 

Please continue to fight to protect what we have.  These performances are a result of a supported program K-12.  We have an enormous responsibility to maintain this gem for future generations.  

Our Director, Diane Plouff, received this email from an attendee from Ashland following the performance.

Ms. Plouffe,

 

I attended the MICCA Gold Medal Showcase this afternoon. I heard the FHS Orchestra's performance and was stunned! The emotion and precision with which the students performed moved me, particularly the first piece they performed. I would appreciate it if you would send me the names of the pieces performed today.

 

Please pass along my congratulations! Your students performed remarkably!

 

Diane Umholtz

Vice President

Ashland Music Association

The playlist of performances ->  https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9Bs1M9EbM8ggqeQTlauFyOPSRosxzmdE&si=UN96TWL7eVwJaH2R

BFCCPS Chorus & Band take home Bronze awards from first participation in MICCA

via Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

"Our Band and Chorus groups participated in the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) competitions this past weekend. 

 

This is the first time our school has participated in this festival, and we're so proud of them for earning Bronze Medals! 

 

BFCCPS Chorus

 

Thank you Mr. Heater, Ms. Fizgerald, Mr. Perry and Mrs. Socha for all the work you have done with our Performing Arts Students this year."

 Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1WQ7mcu733/

catching up to MICCA Awards for FHS Treble Choir & FHS Concert Choir

FHS Treble choir

Congratulations to the FHS Treble choir and FHS Concert Choir for their silver medals at MICCA!

FHS Concert Choir

Shared from -> https://x.com/MusicBoostersFr/status/1908917981201019146

FHS Musicians bring back MICCA awards

Congratulations to FHS Repertory and Symphony orchestras! Both received gold medals at MICCA!

 

FHS Symphony orchestra

 

FHS Repertory Orchestra

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15ijT4eADL/

 

Congratulations to the FHS Wind Ensemble and Concert band for their Gold and Silver medals at MICCA today!

 

FHS Wind Ensemble

FHS Concert band

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EAX2kTAu3/

Franklin All Town MICCA Showcase Concerts scheduled for 3/25 & 3/26

FRANKLIN MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRESENTS… 

Franklin All Town MICCA Showcase Concerts!  

Featuring performances from the Band,  Chorus, and Orchestra of the Annie Sullivan,  Horace Mann, Remington, and High School  performing groups.  

Franklin All Town MICCA Showcase Concerts

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - 6 PM

• All Town Chorus and Orchestra

Wednesday, March 26, 2025  - 6 PM 

• All Town Bands

$5 Donations accepted at the door

All Town Band, Chorus, & Orchestra Showcase Concerts -> March 12, 13, & 21

All Town MICCA* Showcase Concerts

All Town MICCA Showcase Concerts -> March 12, 13 & 21

• March 12th - All Town Chorus and Orchestra 6PM @ FHS
• March 13th - All Town Bands 6PM @ FHS
• March 21st - All Town 6th Grade Band, Chorus & Orchestra 6PM @ HMMS

MICCA is the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association  https://miccamusic.org/

Partnering with the…

Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin High School Tri M Honor Society will be collecting food donations for the  Franklin Food Pantry at all of the March concerts. 

Donation boxes will be found in the lobby before the concerts. 

Download a copy of the flyer/poster to share or as a reminder of the next concerts

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15NKbOVR95Mqlq16CdkXNzj6LkeiF52kK/view?usp=drive_link