Save the Date: BFCCPS multicultural night - March 26

Save the Date: BFCCPS multicultural
night - March 26

Save the date for Multicultural Night hosted by the ELPAC. 

All members of the BFCCPS community are invited and welcome to come! Tour around the world learning about different cultures.

Join us March 26th from 6-8 PM

Shared from - https://www.bfccps.org/apps/events/event.jsp?eREC_ID=5205369&d=2026-03-26

Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation has a matching gift opportunity through April 20

matching gift opportunity through April 20

A generous BFCCPS family has issued a challenge: they will match every donation that the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation receives between March 9 and April 20, 2026, up to a total of $5,000.

This means your gift of $25 becomes $50, and $100 becomes $200. If we meet this challenge together, we will raise $10,000 to jump start our first major area of focus: revitalizing our sports and recess fields.

You can read more about the matching gift challenge and donate here: https://app.smore.com/n/k1ybh

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, March 7, 2026 ???

Saturday, March 7

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am 2026 Franklin Polar Plunge (Beaver Pond)

10:00am    Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:30am Irish Dance Showcase! (Franklin Public Library) 

2:00pm High School Musical (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

2:00pm ESOL Volunteer Tutor Training (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm High School Musical (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

***  Town Meetings today   ***

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, March 6, 2026 ???

Friday, March 6

• Regular curbside trash/recycle schedule for this week
• Free overflow bags at DPW Admin building, 257 Fisher St
• Hours added at Beaver St Recycling Ctr  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/reminder-regular-curbside-schedule-for.html

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

6:00pm Ken Barney (live music) (Lafayette House)

7:00pm High School Musical (Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter)

7:30pm Garnet Rogers - Special FRIDAY Show (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***  Town Meetings today   ***

Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting

Friday, March 6 Time: 8:15 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03062026-2169

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Charter School to perform High School Musical 3/6 (1 show) & 3/7 (2 shows)

Charter School to perform High School
Musical 3/6 (1 show) & 3/7 (2 shows)

WELCOME TO TECH WEEK and please join us for one of three shows this weekend!

There's still time to order well wishes to the cast and crew, place business ad or order tickets in advance!

Three shows this weekend. We hope you'll join us!

Tickets - https://www.bfccps.org/apps/s/?s=12777

Reflections on the 8th Grade Winter 2026 Capstone Project Presentations

I had the opportunity to witness some of the 8th grade Capstone Project presentations at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School recently. 49 presentations in about 4 hours over 2 sessions. 

Some of the 8th graders were nervous about speaking to the large gathering of parents, teachers, guests, and fellow students. Some spoke rapidly to get it over with. Some proceeded more calmly presenting on their project.

Their project topics ranged across a large variety of topics. Some close to home 

• Picnic tables for the teachers

• Flowers at the school entrances

• Animal crossing signs on a local road

• Air filters for classrooms

 

BFCCPS Capstone Project Presentation Schedule

Some issues with a broader reach

• Food insecurity

• Comfort kits for hospital patients, including children

• Support for the homeless

• Support for animal rescue

And some with an even broader reach

• Light pollution

• Marine animal health

• Genetic disorders

• Teen suicide

This selection can only highlight the breadth of the issues their projects researched.

Unlike the diversity of the projects, the student project experiences were similar. Many faced procrastination issues, and were hindered by a lack of response from key contacts at the subject organizations. Many adjusted their scope to complete the project, many learned better time management, and many built confidence from repeating the explanation of what their project was about.

A common theme I found was that a small effort can have a big impact. Some learned that better messaging could get the attention of the adults in authority at the organizations. Students also learned that while it is unfortunate, some political views do hinder making progress on really human issues.

Given that many of the students faced constraints with lack of resource time (much of it their own), a future consideration might be to enable collaboration among 2 or 3 students. Working together on their similar interests, they could perhaps accomplish more, and learn the keys to successful collaboration. This alone would be a good skill for life beyond 8th grade.

The students were not bashful in thanking all those who helped them along the way, teachers, family members, and friends. It does take a village.

Franklin Town Councilor Stephen Malloy was in one session with me and shared his reflection:

“Congratulations to the BFCCPS eight graders for completing their Capstone projects.  I was able to attend three sessions and was very impressed at the range of organizations that were helped, the resiliency shown by the students during their year plus long efforts, and the quality of the public presentations.  This is a fantastic program.  Great job everyone.”

Town Councilor Max Morrongiello shared his reflection:

"I'm impressed by Benjamin Franklin Charter Schools commitment to educating well rounded citizens. I was also impressed with the amount of students who prioritized self- improvement and self-care, which is critically important in these trying times."

State Representative Jeff Roy shared his reflection:

"It was a profound honor to witness the dignity and professionalism displayed by the 8th graders at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School during their superb Capstone presentations," said Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin). "From tackling the complexities of cancer research and suicide awareness to advocating for animal protection, food insecurity and so much more, these students addressed our world’s most pressing challenges with remarkable maturity. The depth of research and the poise with which these students presented their findings reflect the high standards of the BFCCPS community and left no doubt that they are not just future leaders, but powerful voices for change today."

Additional info on the Capstone projects was shared earlier

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html

Josh Shearer and I had a conversation about his project in November 2025. You can listen to it here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/11/joshua-talks-about-his-capstone-project.html

While we are at it, another project is conducting a circus show on Sunday Feb 22. More info from Nora Clement can be found here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/bfccps-capstone-project-conducts-circus.html

Integrated Monitoring Review of Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School during the week of March 9, 2026. 

Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards.  

DESE

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School will be undergoing a Group A monitoring review that focuses on special education student identification and special education eligibility timelines; Individualized Education Program (IEP) development; programming and support services; procedural requirements for suspensions and equal opportunity. For additional information please also see Integrated Monitoring Parent and Family Orientation.

The process includes interviews with district staff and administrators, a review of student records, policies and procedures, and school building visits. The process may also include parent/caregiver, student and teacher focus group meetings to gather additional information. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.

The Department will also send a parent survey, in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents /guardians of special education students to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures.

Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may call Charles Agong, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at (781) 338-3753 or Charles.O.Agong@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If anyone requires an accommodation, such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.

Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the charter school with a report that includes information on further actions that may be required. The public can access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/default.html.

BFCCPS Information Session on Saturday, Feb 7 now virtual due to weather

Due to weather predictions for tomorrow, Saturday February 7th please note that the previously planned Information Session is moving to a virtual format.  

BFCCPS Information Session on
Saturday, Feb 7 now virtual due to weather

**There is no in-person event at our school campus tomorrow.**

We apologize for any inconvenience, but wanted to communicate this change in plans as soon as possible for the safety of our student tour guides and you all of our prospective community members.

Families who have RSVP'd and families who have applied for enrollment have received meeting details via email.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/17CuGctB3U/

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School: Winter 2026 Capstone Projects Highlight reel (video)

On behalf of everyone at BFCCPS, I wanted to thank you all for making the time to visit recently for our Capstone Projects. We truly appreciate you making time in your busy schedule to hear directly from our students and we know that they and their families are so grateful for your support. 

At BFCCPS, we often refer to Capstone as the embodiment of the four pillars of our school's mission (Parents as Primary Educator, Character Education, Community Service and Classical Education) as this project requires all four elements to be successful. 

I've prepared what I hoped would be a brief highlight reel, but in the end it runs about 41 minutes.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zPm-R2TyJM

Congressman Jake Auchincloss poses with Stella Juncker.
Stella had reached out to the Congressman as part of her HEPA filter project

A photo gallery from the four days can also be found here. 

Thank you once again,

Joanne Basile

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Communications Coordinator

jbasile@bfccps.org 

Note: I did have the opportunity to witness in 2 of the 4 days of presentations. I am putting my write up summary together to share soon.

BFCCPS - cancels school for Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026

Dear BFCCPS Community,

BFCCPS - cancels school for Tuesday, Jan 27, 2026

We apologize for the late notice, but BFCCPS has made the decision to cancel school for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27th. This decision follows a significant worsening of weather conditions over the past few hours, during which several districts in our region also announced closures.

Because our students, faculty, and staff travel from multiple communities, closures in neighboring districts indicate that roads in some areas may not be cleared. For safety reasons, we must take these regional conditions into account.

Please note that Capstone Presentations originally scheduled for tomorrow will now take place on Tuesday, February 3rd at 12:00 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. Please stay safe, BFCCPS, and we look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday.

Heather Zolnowski

BFCCPS Executive Director

Charter school schedules performances of High School Musical Mach 6- & March 7, 2026

Charter school schedules performances of High
School Musical Mach 6- & March 7, 2026

Save the date, purchase well wishes to the cast and crew, reserve your tickets for one of three performances, or place a business advertisement! 

We are so excited for the upcoming production of our Spring Musical! 

 

Shared from ->   https://www.bfccps.org/apps/s/?s=12777

BFCCPS enrollment lottery scheduled for Feb 25, 2026 at 1 PM

BFCCPS enrollment lottery
scheduled for Feb 25, 2026 at 1 PM

Save the Date!

The enrollment lottery for the 2026-2027 school year takes place on February 25th at 1pm.

There's still time to apply for enrollment, but be sure to do so before February 11th at 4pm when applications will close!

Learn more and apply online at www.bfccps.org

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/1DMH8U1Qkj/

Citizen Comment re: "inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting"

My name is Heather Zolnowski, I live at 51 Anthony Road in Franklin.  I am a 17-year resident and taxpayer of the Town of Franklin, the parent of a current Franklin High School student, an FHS alumna, and a 7th grader at BFCCPS. I have worked for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for 18 years and have served as its school leader for the past 12.

Heather Zolnowski

I am here this evening to follow up on inaccurate information presented to the Town Council regarding BFCCPS at the December 3 meeting.

BFCCPS has been a public school option for Franklin families for 31 years. During my time at BFCCPS, we have worked collaboratively with three superintendents and two Town Administrators to support public education in Franklin. Given this long history of partnership, it was disappointing that inaccurate information was shared.

A town council member asked if there was a cap on the number of students from Franklin that could attend charter schools.  The answer provided was no, there is no cap.  Charter school enrollment is capped in state law and regulation. In districts not in the lowest performing 10% statewide, no more than 9% of net school spending may go to Commonwealth charter schools. While it was stated on December 3 that there are no enrollment caps on charter schools, there are clear limits. Charter schools cannot enroll an unlimited number of Franklin students. According to DESE’s Fiscal Year 2026 projections, Franklin is at 5.7% Net School Spending—well below the 9% cap.

Expansion has not negatively impacted the Franklin Public Schools:  BFCCPS received approval in 2014 to regionalize and serve 14 towns in addition to Franklin. Since then, Franklin enrollment has declined. Prior to regionalization, 422 Franklin students attended BFCCPS. In 2019, when we moved to 500 Financial Park and we began the expansion part of our amendment,, 375 Franklin students were enrolled in BFCCPS. Today, although the school is fully expanded at 900 students, only 312 are from Franklin—110 fewer than before regionalization and expansion. 

Charter School Reimbursement: District schools are reimbursed for students attending charter schools at the rate of 100% in year 1 of attendance, 60% in year 2 of attendance and 40% in year three.  As a member of the board of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, BFCCPS continues to strongly advocate at the state level for full reimbursement to districts as intended in statute.

While there were more inconsistencies in the answers provided to the Town Council on December 3, I felt like it was most important to correct these three. If the Town Council or Finance Committee would like a more detailed presentation on charter funding or enrollment, I would be happy to provide it. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.

Heather Zolnowski 

email = hzolnowski@bfccps.org

BFCCPS Capstone Project Presentation Schedule

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School opened our doors 31 years ago as one of the original charter public schools in Massachusetts. This year we now serve just under 900 students (899 to be exact) in Grades Kindergarten through Grade Eight.

BFCCPS Capstone Project Presentation Schedule

As part of our school's commitment to Character Education and Community Service, all of our 8th grade students complete and present a service learning project we call Capstone. The term capstone references an architectural term for the final piece that is inserted to complete an archway. In that way the Capstone project symbolizes the final piece of a student’s education at BFCCPS. It requires the student to incorporate aspects of all four pillars of our school’s mission, in order to complete the project successfully.

Beginning in the fall of their 7th grade year, students begin to brainstorm their ideas for a service learning project. Students follow a multistep process to develop an action plan for their project and work towards approval to implement in the summer and fall of their 8th grade year. We are incredibly proud of the variety and quality of the projects our students produce. Through capstone, our students illustrate that young people can make an impact on their school, community and world.

Presentations are scheduled for the end of January:

• Tuesday, January 27th: Students in Ms. Trahan’s (12:00-1:15) & Miss White's Advising Groups (1:15-2:30)
• Wednesday, January 28th: Students in Madame Patole (12:00-1:15) & Coach Anderson's Advising Groups (1:15-2:30)
• Thursday, January 29th: Students in Mr. Nerbonne (12:00-1:15) & Mrs. Vasady Kovacs' Advising Groups (1:15-2:30)
• Friday: January 30th: Students in Madame McNamara’s Advising Group (10:00 - 11:30)

Click the link below to visit the Capstone Corner Website where you can read more about the Capstone, watch video archives and find the dress code for the event on the Capstone Microsite.

https://sites.google.com/bfccps.org/class-of-2023-capstone/home

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, January 8, 2026 ???

Thursday, January 8

• Christmas trees scheduled for curbside pickup on your normal trash/recycling day

6:00pm Candlelight vigil (Franklin Town Common)

7:30pm Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 2:00 PM 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2081

Franklin Commission on Disability Meeting

Thursday, January 8 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2070 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (updated 1/05/26)

Thursday, January 8 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-2078

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar