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| Town Council Communications Subcmte Meeting - Monday, April 27 at noon |
FM #1691 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1691 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The meeting agenda had placed the session in the 3rd floor conf room so I was there. Subcommittee Chair Al Charles, member Nadia Mausolf and Operations Director Colin Boisvert were remote. Member Stephen Karunakaran was caught in another meeting and didn’t make it. Future meetings are intended to be virtual unless otherwise noted.
The agenda topics:
● Website Usage Metrics
● Quarterly Community Engagement Update
● Senior Center Visit / Monthly Q&A Session
● Strawberry Stroll Planning
● Newsletter Planning
The recording runs about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of March 16, 2026.
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School Committee Subcommittee assignments
https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons
Subcommittee agenda
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162026-2181
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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 www.franklin.news or Franklinmatters.org/
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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| In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie & I welcome Liz, get updates, and dive into MMA (audio) |
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."
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| Library & Senior Center events |
Franklin Housing Authority Meeting
Monday, February 9 Time: 4:30 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2126
Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting
Monday, February 9 Time: 6:30 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2123
Planning Board Meeting
Monday, February 9 Time: 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2124
Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio introduced a brand new schedule early in 2025 for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves.
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| Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday |
1 - Franklin Public School Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting
Monday, January 12 Time: 6:30 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2082
Agenda:
● Establish Mission Statement / 2026 Goals
● 2026 Engagement & Activity Brainstorming
● Newsletter Planning
2 - Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, January 13 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2087
Agenda:
II. Review of Minutes
III. Overview of Policies & Procedures
IV. Approved Policies
A. none
V. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration
VI. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. BL: Remote Participation
B. GBEBD - Online Fundraising and Solicitations- Crowdfunding
C. Signage on State Property (State Champions)
D. AEB - Recognition of Accomplishments
E. Facility Rental Policies (KF, KF-E1, KF-E2, KF-E3, KF-E4, KF-E5)
3 - Franklin School Committee
Tuesday, January 13 Time: 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086
Agenda:
II. Guests/Presentations
A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip
B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber
C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers
D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay
III. Discussion/Action Items
A. FHS Galapagos Islands Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Jason Chetlan to take FHS Students to the Galapagos Islands from 2/13 - 21/2027 as discussed.
B. 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies
I recommend approval of the 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies as discussed.
C. Policy - First Reading
I recommend moving Policy IHAIA - Middle School Pathway Exploration to a second reading as discussed.
D. ECDC 2026-27 Tuition Rate
I recommend approval of the ECDC 2026-27 tuition rate as discussed
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| Franklin School Committee opens the new year with 3 meetings |
