Fishing Derby returns successfully thanks to Remington Middle School Civics Project

Our fishing derby was a huge success!

A special thanks to Ms. Ambrose and her Civics class from Remington, Officer Gove and Frankie, Joe Hurley, and our amazing staff—Cam Glasheen, Mason Ruschioni, Carter Moura, and Elijah Field—for making it all possible.

Fishing Derby returns successfully thanks
to Remington Middle School Civics Project

Congrats to our derby winners: Brinley Richard, Charlie Lord, Rosalie Sloan, Ethan Zuromski, and Nick Halterman!

thank you to Bass Pro Shops for sponsoring the prizes and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for loaner rods. #FishingDerby2025 #CommunitySupport #YouthOutdoors

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/18kkycDq32/

Franklin Matters photos -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/f7Jctnc3yYyikqe97

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

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the School Committee meeting Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Franklin School Committee 

May 27, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

 

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Retiree Recognition

B. Civics Presentation by Students

C. DIP/SIP Update / MS Math Update

Agenda for the School Committee

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your May 13, 2025 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B.   Recurring NYC Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take music students to New York City from April 17-18, 2026 to see an opera (La Boheme) and a Broadway play (Hamilton) as detailed.

C. FHS Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $11.91 from Ohiopyle prints for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.

D. Keller Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $369.39 from Vi5ion Inc. for supplemental supplies at Keller as detailed.

E. Oak Street Gift

I recommend the acceptance of $1700.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

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

Legislature overrides 24 of 35 budget vetoes; restoration of civics education - "an example of 'civics in action'”

"MATT WILSON calls it an example of “civics in action.” 

After Gov. Maura Healey vetoed $1 million from the budget appropriation for a fund dedicated to expanding civics education in the state, a coalition of nonprofits, educators, and other groups focused on civics education sprang into action, meeting with legislative leaders and urging lawmakers to restore the funding. 

Last week, the Senate followed the House lead and overrode Healey’s veto. It means the state’s Civics Education Trust Fund, first established in 2018, will see an infusion of $2.5 million this year, a $500,000 bump from last year’s $2 million appropriation. 

“It really confirms for us the longtime support of civics education that legislators have shown over the last five years,” said Wilson, advocacy director for the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/civics-education-gets-boost-from-veto-override-2/ 

"OVER THE COURSE of two weeks, the Legislature overrode the majority of Gov. Maura Healey’s vetoes from her first budget, restoring about $80 million across 24 overrides targeting child care, early education, suicide prevention, and anti-poverty funding. Current revenue levels, plus the recently signed tax cut package, make the package of overrides fiscally sound, lawmakers said.

The budget passed by lawmakers, House Ways and Means chair Aaron Michlewitz told representatives in late September, “was fiscally responsible, while also making sure we protected the programs our most vulnerable populations relied on.”  

Gov. Maura Healey used a light touch with the veto pen in her first budget cycle, but legislators in both chambers made quick work of several vetoes that had caused public consternation.

The governor made 35 vetoes, slicing about $270 million in total spending from the $56 billion budget for fiscal year 2024. Most of the cuts, she said, left programs at necessary levels or removed redundancies. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/legislators-override-two-dozen-healey-vetoes/

 

Legislature overrides 24 of 35 budget vetoes, restoring civics - "an example of 'civics in action'”

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (audio)

FM #1012 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1012 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.

Brief recap:

• Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior

• During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions

• Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator

• Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.

• The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year

• The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting June 13, 2023

 

Timing on the recording when each segment Starts

• Spain trip - approx. 12 minutes

• Girls Outdoor Track - approx. 20 minutes

• Michelle Kingsland Smith - approx. 29 minutes

• Middle School Civics - approx. 42 minutes

• Oak St Update - approx. 73 minutes

• Discussion Action Items (budget) - approx. 1 hour 56 minutes

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1012-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-06-13-23

--------------

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2Uwk3QIX9rejAPGl2offT65fqVLCOYf/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share

--------------

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

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"

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, June 13 for their penultimate session for this school year. The Franklin TV video recording is available for replay.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share

Brief recap:

• Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior
• During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions
• Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator
• Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.
• The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year
• The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

School Committee scheduled for update on middle school Civics Projects & vote on the adjusted FY 2024 school budget - June 13 - 7 PM

The Franklin School Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday night for the next to last time this school year. There are some key items on the agenda for this last session:

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Civics Projects Presentation

B. Oak Street Elementary School Highlights

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   Revised FY24 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the revised FY24 Budget in the amount of   $71,989,431.00 as discussed.

B. Superintendent’s Evaluation

I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2022-2023 school year as discussed.

C.   School Committee Norms & Protocols

The Chair recommends adoption of the amendments in the School Committee Norms & Protocols as discussed.

The full agenda doc and documents released for this session can be found in the meeting packet folder (most of the key documents are released After the meeting).

• Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
• Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

Conversation with Franklin's State Representative Jeff Roy - 11/23/21 (audio)

FM #669 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 669 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with our State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our conversation virtually via the Zoom conference bridge on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

We talked about: 

• Thanksgiving, time for thanks

• Wind power and renewable energy efforts

• Genocide bill, legislative terms (engrossment, enactment)

• Recycling event pilot now going state-wide

• Critical conversations on mental health substance abuse

• Civil and civic conversations for government discussions

Links to the key references are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 59 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jeff Roy.

*** Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e615231a-39f6-4f26-82c0-d37cd261a70c

--------------

Wind power ground breaking event https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1461667359865942017

 

Commonwealth Magazine article: https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/a-first-step-on-offshore-wind-2/

 

Genocide legislation text  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2557

 

Genocide bill articles: Public officials, faith leaders denounce antisemitism at Holocaust memorial menorah lighting, Boston Globe (11/30/21); A bill heading to Governor Charlie Baker’s desk would require Mass. school districts to teach about genocides, Boston Globe (11/27/21); Massachusetts mandates genocide education, Armenian Weekly (11/16/21); Beacon Hill eyeing tradeoffs on offshore wind, Commonwealth Magazine (10/18/21)

 

Green Team webpage https://www.gogreenteamjunk.com/  event listing (not showing future events at this time)  https://www.gogreenteamjunk.com/events

 

Mass Save web page (sign up for energy audits, etc.)  https://www.masssave.com/

 

SAFE Coalition presentation as mentioned in the discussion (Town Council meeting of 9/15/21) ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting.html

SAFE Coalition web page -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/home

Get Help Now! For Help Call the SAFE Support Hotline: 508-488-8105

You can listen to Danielle Allen on an episode of "More Perfect Union" https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5230abc8-a5e5-4ec6-89b3-2f1e1beeaa11

--------------

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

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"

State Representative Jeff Roy