Franklin Police help Middlesex District Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring

The following press release comes from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office regarding a large scale burglary ring involving 25 towns including Franklin:

Three Plead Guilty in Connection with Large Scale Burglary Ring that Executed 43 Breaks Across 25 Towns

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police Geoffrey Noble announced that three defendants, Jovan Lemon, 30, of Providence RI, Paul Lemon, 31, of Warwick RI, and Steven Berdugo, 29, of Providence RI, pleaded guilty last week in Middlesex Superior Court in connection with 43 break-ins across 25 towns in Massachusetts between 2018 and 2024.   

Franklin Police help Middlesex District
Attorney with Large Scale Burglary Ring

An additional defendant, Jovan and Paul Lemon both pleaded guilty to thirty-two counts of unarmed burglary and three counts of breaking and entering a dwelling house in the daytime with intent to commit a felony. Steven Berdugo pleaded guilty to seven counts of unarmed burglary. Judge Patrick Haggan sentenced Jovan Lemon to 10 to 13 years committed in the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Paul Lemon and Steven Berdugo were both scheduled to 9 to 12 years committed in the Massachusetts House of Correction.

“Today these three defendants pled guilty to their role in a sophisticated and calculated scheme that targeted victims based upon their ethnicity and caused fear and pain in our Indian and South Asian communities.  The defendants believed that households of these families were more likely to contain precious metals, jewelry and other valuable heirlooms,” said District Attorney Ryan. “These defendants were disciplined about concealing their identity and used technology, including Wi-Fi jammers, to execute their plans.   Despite these challenges, local law enforcement agencies worked diligently and collaboratively to identify the perpetrators and, in some cases, to recover a significant amount of jewelry and other property,” said District Attorney Ryan.

“The Massachusetts State Police remains committed to disrupting organized crime because of its enormous effect on community safety and residents’ quality of life,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “I commend sworn and professional members assigned to the Commonwealth Fusion Center and our partner agencies who used their training and skill to achieve justice. This case illustrates the ability of Massachusetts law enforcement to work together, share information in complex cases, and take action on behalf of victims.”

The defendants were directly indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on April 18, 2024 for their role in a scheme that targeted homes in the communities of Billerica, Boxborough, Carlisle, Easton, Hopkinton, Lincoln, Weston, Sudbury, Andover, Bellingham, Boxford, Franklin, Hudson, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Wenham, and Westwood between July 21, 2018 and March 30, 2024.

Property reported stolen in the breaks included many pieces of jewelry set with diamonds and other gems, with values of individual pieces up to approximately $75,000 and large quantities of cash.  In several instances, the property had been secured in locked safes, weighing up to 400 pounds, which the perpetrators removed from the residence along with the stolen valuables.

The aggregate reported value of the stolen property exceeds $4 million.

These convictions are the result of a nine-month investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, and the Massachusetts State Police Division of Homeland Security, including the MACrimeNet program operated by the MSP Fusion Center. 

Other partners included the Police Departments from Andover, Billerica, Bellingham, Boxborough, Boxford, Carlisle, Easton, Franklin, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lincoln, Littleton, Medway, Middleton, Millis, North Attleboro, Norwell, Pembroke, Seekonk, Sharon, Southborough, Sudbury, Wenham, Weston and Westwood in Massachusetts; Avon, CT; East Lyme, CT and Connecticut State Police; Barrington, RI, Cranston, RI and Lincoln RI; and Nashua, NH.   Additional assistance was provided by law enforcement in Holliston, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Walpole, Wellesley and Westborough, MA; Cranston, Cumberland, Providence and West Warwick, RI; and the United States Marshals Service/RISP Task Force.

The prosecutors assigned to this case are Middlesex Assistant District Attorneys Michael Klunder and Graham Van Epps. The victim witness advocate is Anne Foley.

Middlesex Press Release ->

https://www.middlesexda.com/press-releases/news/three-plead-guilty-connection-large-scale-burglary-ring-executed-43-breaks

NY Times: "Texas Democrats Leave State to Block G.O.P. From Redrawing Political Map"

"Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives left the state on Sunday in a last-ditch attempt to stop Republicans from adopting an aggressively redrawn congressional map. Their absence is expected to prevent the House from reaching the quorum needed to hold a vote this week.

“We’re leaving Texas to fight for Texans,”
said Gene Wu, a state representative from
Houston and the chair of the
Democratic caucus in the Texas House.Credit...
Jim Vondruska for The New York Times

The walkout was a sharp escalation in the bitter partisan clash over a mid-decade redistricting in Texas that was requested by President Trump. Republicans in the State Legislature were rapidly moving forward, with the map — drawn to flip five Democratic congressional districts to favor Republicans — being passed out of two committees over the weekend.

Hours after the Democrats departed, Gov. Greg Abbott responded with a further escalation, declaring that their walkout amounted to an “abandonment or forfeiture of an elected state office.”

Continue reading the article via this "gift link"  -> 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/us/texas-democrats-walkout-redistricting-map-gop.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bU8.SxYI.ihmIPj-qLTgk&smid=url-share

New charges filed in driving under the influence case

via Norfolk County District Attorney 

"James N. Blanchard, 21, of Franklin, has been charged with an additional count of motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently under the influence of alcohol related to the fatal collision on Grove Street in Franklin last month, Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said.

via Norfolk County District Attorney 

Blanchard is expected to be arraigned on the new charge Tuesday in Wrentham District Court.

Blanchard is the driver of a pickup truck that collided on May 24 with a car, resulting in the death of a 5-year-old passenger in the car and serious injuries to other occupants.

The new charge is related to the death of Minaben Patel, 38, of Franklin, a passenger in the car who succumbed to her injuries later at an area hospital.

Blanchard was arraigned previously on May 27 on motor vehicle homicide while driving negligently under the influence of alcohol and other charges related to the crash. He was ordered held in jail on $250,000 cash bail."

Shared from -> https://www.nfkda.com/media.html  and  ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/1CBEY2Z4Dh/

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's Helen Keller Elementary School Celebrates LOVE Keller Day, STEM Day

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Keri Busavage are pleased to share that Helen Keller Elementary School students recently participated in two engaging events — LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day — that brought students together to celebrate neurodiversity, build connections across grade levels, and explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

"Helen Keller Elementary School continues to foster a learning environment that values inclusivity, curiosity and innovation," said Superintendent Giguere. "Through events like LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day, students are empowered to build meaningful connections and explore the world around them in exciting and engaging ways."

Fifth-grade teacher Wendy Greenstein takes a selfie with Helen Keller Elementary School students on LOVE Keller Day. Students in Wendy Greenstein's class partnered with Donna Grady's Kindergarten class and added a splash of color to black and white brains. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

LOVE Keller Day

During LOVE Keller Day, students sported tie-dye shirts to recognize Neurodiversity Week, embracing the idea that no two people are alike. Students in partnered classes joined together to share how they learn best, discuss their passions and enjoy reading their favorite stories with their buddies.

LOVE Keller Day events are held throughout the year to create opportunities for students to connect with partner classes across grade levels. The students participate in team-building activities that foster kindness, awareness and acceptance while engaging in meaningful discussions about Keller's Core Values: Caring, Inclusive, Intelligent, Respectful and Unique.

"These celebrations help our students build relationships, develop empathy, and recognize the strengths that make each of us unique," said Principal Busavage. "Seeing our students embrace these values and create a supportive school community is inspiring."

STEM Day

As part of STEM Day, Helen Keller Elementary School welcomed Franklin High School Math and Science National Honor Society members to lead students in a series of hands-on, standards-aligned STEM activities. Across four interactive centers, Kindergarten to fifth-grade students explored key scientific and engineering concepts through engaging, inquiry-based challenges.

Key learning experiences included:

Magnetism: Students investigated how magnets interact, how magnetic fields change with additional magnets, and the real-world applications of magnetism in technology and engineering.

Spaghetti Engineering: Students experimented with structural design and strength using spaghetti and marshmallows, testing how to balance forces and improve stability.

Geometry Bingo: Students identified and classified shapes and explored geometric properties, including perimeter calculations.

Straw Shapes: Students analyzed different angle types to strengthen their problem-solving skills.

"Our students loved working alongside high school mentors and engaging in STEM challenges that sparked curiosity and critical thinking," said Principal Busavage. "These activities reinforced classroom learning and encouraged collaboration, perseverance and creative problem-solving."

Additional photos of STEM activities can be found on the school district page ->

https://41518511.hs-sites.com/franklins-helen-keller-elementary-school-celebrates-love-keller-day-stem-day 

Franklin School Committee spends 85 minutes in Executive session, hears District Improvement Plan and approves (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024.  All seven members participated in the meeting, one remotely (Gallagher).

The meeting had an Executive Session to review a grievance and discuss negotiation strategy. While it was anticipated to be short, the session did extend 85 minutes before the meeting resumed in public session.

• The District Improvement Plan was presented and approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Redistricting update - proposed district alignment scheduled to be shared via a "Storymap" before the next meeting and then explained fully during the Sep 28 meeting with a vote to approve the alignment of the new schools scheduled for the first October meeting. Email and multiple methods of communication to share the storymap
• The appointment of Rose Turco to represent the Schools to the Franklin TV Board of Directors was approved (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)
• Hiring update filled 57 positions, 4 teacher vacancies, 8 additional resignations (since the August 27 meeting). Mostly from buildings subs and ESPs. Not usual to have this many early in the school year. Instability of budget is a factor in the leaving and hiring process
• Consent agenda was approved  (by a 7-0 via roll call vote)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k   Note: the SchCmte enters Executive Session at about 17:50 and return to open session at 1:42:00

The agenda doc ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015

The photo album capturing the slides shared can be found ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/FcT4bkT37XE4sqK28

My notes captured in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee hears of and approves the District Improvement Plan & FHS trip to Far East in 2025 (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023. 6 members were present in Council Chambers, one absent (Bernstein).

Brief recap:

• Update from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 students
• Successfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the process
• Migrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is available
• Intros of the new administration around the district
• Next up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we go https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxQbpaU4Ft8qPFS86 
• Committee members asked and received clarifications on points made during the DIP presentation, in the action items, the DIP was approved as presented by 6-0-1 (6 for, none against, 1 absent)
•  Presentation on a proposed trip to Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand for spring of 2025. Presentation copy can be found   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_vietnam-cambodia-thailand_trip.pdf  
• motion to approve trip as presented was seconded and passed by 6-0-1
• Consent agenda was recommended for approval and it passed by 6-0-1
• A round of updates from the various subcommittees on meetings held and or scheduled (details in the video and in my notes)
• Meeting adjourned

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/G-8ECoHrh8M?si=r9hZow6Jim8WXGxS&t=59

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc & remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and then in a single PDF for easy reading 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QdkJB2fxemPuN_nCWV6Dmq9tdc_QQsIh/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - May 30, 2023

Graduation, Bus Registration, District Highlights, School Committee Updates and more!

Franklin Public Schools District Newsletter May 30, 2023 Food Services District Calendar School Committee Transportation Lifelong Learning 22-23 School Calendar June 9 - Early Release June 19 - Juneteenth (No School)  Access the 23-24 School Calendar Bus Registration Deadline Approaches Bus Registration for the 23-24 School Year is open! Families must register each student individually and submit an initial payment before June 12th to guarantee their seat. Our online registration via Aspen makes it easy. Access details on how to register via our transportation page. Graduation The road to graduation for our Seniors is nearing its bittersweet end. Graduation will be held on Friday, June 2nd at 6:30pm. Guests will be admitted entry at 5:30pm and graduates will report to the Gym by 5:00pm. The ceremony will be hosted on the FHS Pisini Football Field if weather permits. Graduation will be live streamed by FranklinTV. Visit the Graduation page for updates as the big day nears! Need to Know News! Congratulations to the district's School Business Administrator for receiving a Friends of MASBO Award. Learn more about Miriam and her 15 years of service to FPS here. Introducing the Franklin Public Schools Art Blog! This blog will document, celebrate and inform the community about the great things we are doing within the district. Check out our most recent post, which highlights J.F.K's Night of the Arts! Access the blog here. The District Calendar for the 2023-2024 school year is available online now. Access a printable version of the calendar here. Franklin Public Schools has once again earned the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy. 10 Franklin High School students have earned the Seal of Biliteracy. Learn more about the program here. Food Services Honored by YMCA Red Triangle Awarded to... Congratulations to our Franklin Public Schools Food Services team on receiving the YMCA's Bernon Family Red Triangle Award. Earlier this month, our food services team was recognized for their efforts to make and deliver meals within our community through the district's partnership with the YMCA. Our Food Services team takes pride in providing nutritious and delicious meals within our district and to our greater community. Congratulations Greg Debaggis, Food Service Courier; Kristine Desmarais, Franklin High Kitchen Manager; Colin Boisvert, Director of Food Service; Franklin High Lead; Deb Defilippo; Maura Crowley, Assistant Director of Food Service! Final Redistricting Analysis Update On May 9th, 2023, the School Committee voted 6-1 to approve Option 1, which proposes that "current district attendance boundaries remain the same while a School Facilities Master Plan is conducted. ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students." You can read Superintendent Giguere's full letter to the community here. You may access the Redistricting Analysis Recommendation Report presented to the School Committee here. New Student Application for ECDC The new student application is available for the 2023-2024 academic year at the Early Childhood Education Center Access the application here. Learn more about ECDC in this welcome presentation.  All other grades can register via Aspen at any time. From the School Committee Annie Sullivan Middle School Highlights! On May 23rd, 2023 the Franklin Public Schools delivered a presentation on some of the recent highlights at Annie Sullivan Middle School to the School Committee You can access the slideshow presentation here. We hope you are able to join us for our next School Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 at 7pm. Happy Spring to our FPS Families, Faculty Staff and Franklin Community!   Franklin Public Schools www.franklinps.net

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