Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
It began as a conversation with Frank Falvey. He said it. I bought it. We did it. We held a casual ‘Winter Warmer’ get-together among our board members, crew and our volunteer program producers. With the holidays in the books and January in full sway, folks aren’t preoccupied buying gifts, putting up decorations and getting ready for anything – except Spring. It’s a more relaxed time; perhaps to reflect, to look back, and perhaps look ahead. It’s a last hurrah and first social step into 2026.
Franklin TV: A Winter Warmer
We told our stories of Christmas past, displaying ornaments that we brought, and conveying why each was unique – and particularly meaningful in our lives. We spoke not of Christmas the day, but Christmas the spirit, embodied in family lore.
We spanned the warm-hearted and the whimsical. Each story brought smiles, quiet nods, and a reflective appreciation of all that the holidays can be. Frank presented ‘Santa, then and now’ as two figurines. One was of Sinterklass, the 4th-century Christian bishop Saint Nicholas and original Santa. The other, our modern jolly old elf popularized by illustrator Thomas Nast. Jeff Roy brought his Boston Strong ornament. Cobi Frongillo brought his paper tree he decorated as a child. Pete Rouce brought a Narragansett Beer ornament. Me? My Christmas cannoli – and of course – cannolis all around.
FM #1630 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1630 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Supt Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.
Quick recap:
Opening discussion on an update to the remote participation policy which dated from pre-COVID. This brings it up to current authorized practice per State law.
Added clarification on a remotely only session where remote for the public goes down. (Note there is also a Backchannel process being put together to enable communication among the meeting conductors and organizers).
Motion to bring as modified to School Committee as a first reading, second, passes 3-0
Discussion on crowd funding to help provide materials, is there a policy?
Yes, there is a policy and process, can review at the building level to ensure coverage
Discussion on the state championship signage, inconsistent in appearance and there is no policy. Complicated by State ownership of the existing sign (and land) and process around it. How do we create something equitable, consistent and sustainable?
Need to determine the equivalence of the title achieved; MIAA, MSAA, METG, DECA, etc.
Consideration for digital, the cost is coming down and it will make it easier to maintain going forward
Additional research to be done to bring together something as a 'strawman' for a policy for further review and discussion
Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0
The recording runs about 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.
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"
FM #1629 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1629 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA School CommitteeCommunity Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, January 12, 2026. The meeting was conducted via remote only.
Al Charles (Chair), and members Stephen Karunakaran and Nadia Mausolf participated. Operations Director Colin Boisvert also participated, representing the Central Office.
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"
FM #1627 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1627 in the series.
This session shares my conversation with School Committee member Reis Hansen. We had our discussion via Zoom on Friday, January 16, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 13, 2026.
Our conversation covered the following topics:
Early insights on role as school committee member
Subcommittee work on Policy & Horace Mann Legacy
Meeting recap
Recognition of cheerleaders
FHS trip to Galapagos for 2027 was approved
FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update
how courses are added, selection by students
Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation
The role of teaching & learning
The use of data to provide support and interventions as needed
MCAS still used just not a requirements for graduation
Franklin Childcare Presentation
The planning underway for initial opening for 9 student with 2 teachers
For school dept personnel first, then Town employees
Further expansion possible for community over time
Can provide revenue to sustain program
We close with a discussion on screen time and use of technology in the classroom
based upon a resident comment
Our conversation runs about 72 minutes. Let’s listen
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"
