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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
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| 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."
FM #1586 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1586 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. All 7 members of the newly elected committee were present.
Quick recap:
Supt Giguere opens the session, solicits nominations for Chair.
One made by Callaghan for Griffith. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0
Nominations asked for Vice Chair. One made, Griffith nominates Callaghan. Vote on the nomination passes 7-0
Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption. Superintendent recommends adoption of the following policies as discussed:
IKF - Graduation Requirements
IKFE - Competency Determinations
Discussion on the adjustments to the grad requirements and competency which fine tuned the language for clarity. Moved to accept as discussed, passes 7-0
Discussion Only Items, informational for new members and for the weather as winter approaches for all
A. Inclement Weather Notice
B. Review of District/Superintendent’s Goals
C. ACCEPT Quarterly Update
Spent time on the rationale and objectives for each of the subcommittees or liaisons for the SchCmte to assist the new members as which ones to select. Chair will make alignment and reveal for next meeting so they can begin scheduling meetings as needed
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| Franklin School Committee (L-R): Hansen, Griffith, Callaghan, O'Sullivan, Mausolf, Charles, Karunakaran |
The audio runs about 2 hours
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1586-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-1825/--------------
Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea9CmNWJI1s
The agenda doc can be found -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/6138802/SCAGENDA11-18-25.pdf
The meeting packet folder with other docs released for this session ->
My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xlF11yc5sLUZBOhYoY_95dGb6zI68i0e/view?usp=drive_link
Pictures captured during the session are in one photo album ->
https://photos.app.goo.gl/TKFnfsbkzprJ5xSj9
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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"
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| Sarah Mabardy and Chaplin Bob pose with the board setting up for the Stroll |
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| Franklin Collaboration: Birchwood Wine Dinner - May 15 |
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| Bi-County Collaborative Launches New Website |
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| ACCEPT Education Collaborative Learning Center Receives $75,000 Skills Capital Grant |
FM #1204 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1204 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip highlights shared with video (the musical soundtrack accompanying the video was removed from broadcast to avoid copyright issues)
8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip approved for next school year
Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation reviewed with a presentation providing some updates to outstanding questions, and the timeline for which other questions would be answered. Committee approved by a 5-2 vote (Griffith, Sompally). Based upon their comments, the 2 no’s were more about the timing of the decision and not the proposal itself
At the end of the discussion when it was clear, there wasn’t going to be public comment, one angry resident shouted and threatens committee and superintendent as he leaves not wanting to wait for citizens comment period at the end of the meeting agenda
Recommendation not to accept Foreign Exchange Student for the 2024-2025 School year as discussed per policy JFABB was approved by 7-0 vote
Appointment of Supt Giguere as the district representative to the BICO & ACCEPT Collaboratives were both approved by 7-0 votes
The Consent Agenda was approved as detailed by a 7-0 vote
Motion to enter into executive session, to return, voted to do so, 7-0
Returned about 5 minutes later to formally adjourn the meeting by a 7-0 vote
The recording runs about 3 hours & 8 minutes, so let’s listen in.
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1204-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-14-24--------------
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/Z_VS764gV7I
Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-14-24.pdf
Presentation document -> https://www.canva.com/design/DAGEwcyeRSE/So6vIujJUIxoF7237YIYRQ/view
My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_9miqWTxMmpUP1B2Lh27BqexDQZG8xb/view?usp=drive_link
Photos of the presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/jkazREcUCkXHJ6gS9
-------------
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"
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| School Committee moves forward with redistricting plan by 5-2 vote (audio) |