Oak St 5th Grade wins a plow name with "Mac N' Freeze"

Oak St 5th Grade wins a
plow name with "Mac N' Freeze"

"Congratulations to the 5th grade class at Oak Street Elementary School in Franklin, for their winning snow plow name "Mac N' Freeze!" @FranklinPSNews"

Video clip -> https://t.co/DqyRJoMRiN

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassDOT/status/1900269415582638562

Tri-County Carpentry students collaborate on Franklin art project

"Tri-County Carpentry students had a fantastic time teaming up with local artist Amy Adams for an incredible community project with Franklin Elementary School!  

Mrs. Adams reached out to our students to create wooden fish for the elementary students to paint and display at the Franklin Community Sculpture Park. Using their CAD/CAM skills and the CNC router, our students designed and crafted a variety of fish shapes from pine boards. After some meticulous sanding, the school of fish was ready to swim over to Mrs. Adams.  

Tri-County Carpentry students collaborate on Franklin art project

Mrs. Adams, a passionate artist dedicated to her community, has been collaborating with Franklin Elementary students for years. This project was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together and inspire creativity. 

Our Tri-County Carpentry students are so proud to have been a part of this amazing initiative. Well done, Dylan Fairchild, Jackson Kullich, Austin LeBlanc, and Gideon Vazquez! 

#TriCountyCarpentry #CommunityProject #FranklinElementary #WorkHardTodayCounts"

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

Franklin School Committee hears concerns from teachers before vote to approve FY 2026 budget (video)

The Franklin School Committee conducted their meeting Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025 at Council Chambers with all 7 members present.  The major item on the agenda was the vote on the Superintendent's Recommended budget for FY 2026.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfqefUMtloU&t=51

The agenda doc can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_02112025-1571 

Quick recap:

• The Keller Student Council stepped forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting
• During the Superintendent's report, there was recognition of 4 FHS musicans who were selected to the All-State Music Fesitval; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin)
• During the discussion prior to the vote on the budget, a number of teachs from elementary, middle, and high school stepped up to comment
• on the decline of funding over the years
• the impact on the students and their educational development
• affects on college prep with a limit on foreign language options less than optimal
• and not talked off impacts to the new schedule at both elementary & middle levels while individual classes size is maintained within guidelines,the teacher work load increases
• The committee did vote 7-0 on the proposed budget, I assume it is possible to make further adjustments (as hoped for by some of the teachers) given the position we are in for this budget cycle
• The budget as approved does assume a successful  override althoughthat decision remains before the Town Council at a March meeting, after the listening session are completed. Date and amount of override to be determined
• School calendar for the 2025-2026 year was approved. It does start after Labor Day this year to enable the move to be completed. Resumption of pre-Labor Day start is expected for the next school year
• Discussion on a draft of the School Committee meeting calendar covered multiple topics mostly around the local election in November and to prepare for a new committee to be able to transition into their new role more easily than prior
• Motion to enter into Executive session, not to return to public meeting for contract negotiation discussions

My notes in one PDF doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUU7zppEaNgj9xN442EdbZnFvnqI3VSM/view?usp=drive_link

slide from brief update on the FY 2026 school budget

Redistricting Segment from the School Cmte Mtg Dec 10, 2024 (audio)

FM #1337 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1337 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (5 in Chambers, 1 remote, 1 absent).

This episode contains ONLY the Redistricting update of the meeting. The links to the full meeting video & audio are included in the show notes

Quick recap: 

Reorganization Level-Based Presentation - find the photo album of the slides presented ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xR1omYuPvXTHSciP6 

Presentation document -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5103159/12-10_Reorg_Update.pdf 

The recording runs about 1 hours & 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1337-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-redistricting-segment-12-10-24/

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

FULL Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0JNS07rsB4 

FULL Meeting audio link -> 

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1335-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-12-10-24/

The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5082504/SCAGENDA_12-10-24.docx.pdf 

Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/december-10%2C-2024-sc-meeting-packet/730521 

My full set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JnjmLo3gEfEVC1odtP4MnJLox38RYtGA/view?usp=drive_link   

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

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. 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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Redistricting Segment from the School Cmte Mtg Dec 10, 2024 (audio) 

Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

"Franklin Public Schools is excited to share a link to view a story map introducing you to the 2025-26 district configuration.  This map will show the upcoming recommendation for the school boundary line between the North and South Elementary Schools. There is a search-by-address feature located on the top left side of the map where an address can be searched to find the elementary zone associated with that address.  

This story map will also provide a brief introduction to each school in the new district configuration, including the in-district specialized programs at each building, projected enrollment, and full administrative team."

Find the storymap -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ef906f094b35486490d41d43ef2c24dc

The School Committee meeting scheduled for Sep 24 will include a presentation and discussion on the redistricting process. This is the proposal and may get adjusted before voting on the "final: alignment at a future School Committee meeting in October. 

If you missed the audio recap with the 2 Dave's we did discuss this topic and timeline -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/dave-dave-recap-school-committee-and.html

Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

Franklin School District names the principals for the new Elementary and Middle Schools

“Dear FPS Community,

I am writing with three important updates related to the implementation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan for the 2025-26 school year.  As previously shared, we conducted an selection process of internal candidate for the purposes of appointing principals for the 2025-26 school year. These changes do not apply to the 2024-25 school year.  

 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the following principals to their new positions for the 2025-26 school year:

North K-5 Complex- Lincoln Street

• Mrs. Keri Busavage has been appointed as the principal of K-2 North Elementary
• Mr. Brad Hendrixson has been appointed as the principal of 3-5 North Elementary

South K-5 Complex - Washington Street

• Mrs. Stefani Wasik has been appointed as the principal of K-2 South Elementary
• Mr. Evan Chelman has been appointed as the principal of 3-5 South Elementary

Central 6-8 Middle School - Oak Street

• Mr. Craig Williams has been appointed as the principal of 6-8 Central Middle School

Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. We are confident in their abilities to unify our newly established school communities, develop school culture, foster positive learning environments, inspire a vision for academic success, and support the well-being of our students, staff, and families.  Please join us in congratulating our new principals and extending our gratitude to all our leaders for their dedication and hard work. 

Please find more information about the Phase I, June 2024 School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Implementation Status Update. You will find information about completed, ongoing, and pending work here. We will continue to share updates as they become available.

We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to create the best possible educational environment for our students with the resources we have available.

  
Respectfully,
Franklin Public Schools”

 

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

Franklin School District names the principals for the new Elementary and Middle Schools

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

In accordance with MGL c. 149, the Town of Franklin seeks written quotes from a qualified contractor(s) to demolish four modular classrooms, located at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School, and to remove and dispose of debris.  Hauling and disposal of debris must be in line with requirements set forth by the EPA and Massachusetts State Law.  Work on this project will commence on July 1, 2024 and must be completed no later than July 31, 2024.  

Optional site walk for interested contractors on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM.  Meet by the front door at JFK Elementary School, 551 Pond Street, Franklin, MA.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-demolition-modular-classrooms-removal-and-disposal-debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

Amy Saltamacchia talks about adding Middle School Performing Arts to Creative Corner Art Studio programs - 08/02/23 (audio)

FM #1033 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1033 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation at the Creative Corner Art Studio with owner Amy Saltamacchia. We talk about the new classes starting this fall, one to help with middle school performing arts, one to help with elementary art, both are after school programs.

We also heard a tease for some additional programming coordinating with Dean College as well as a possible street art project for students. Both of these we’ll keep an ear out for.

The audio recording runs 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Amy

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1033-creative-corner-adds-middle-school-performing-arts-08-02-23

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

Creative Corner Art Studio web page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/ 

Registration page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/elementaryclasses 

Find Create Corner on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087442720678 

Follow them on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/creativecornerartstudio/ 

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

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"

Amy Saltamacchia talks about adding Middle School Performing Arts to Creative Corner Art Studio programs

Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day - Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Cobi Frongillo writes: 

"Wednesday (5/3) is Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day at all of

@FranklinPSNews

' elementary and middle schools! Here are FIVE good reasons to participate tomorrow (and every day!). Thank you

@lily_9e

for putting this together!"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/CobiFrongillo/status/1653515223842578438 

Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day - Wednesday, May 3, 2023

The 5 Franklin elementary schools each launch a student voice podcast!

• Oak Street Voices

• Keller Talks

• Kennedy Voices

• Parmenter Voices

• Jefferson Talks

Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)

FM #918 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 918 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 as well as some members who participated remotely.   

Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when 

• The breakout discussion was held at each table

The break is indicated by about 4 seconds of music (replacing about 25 minutes of table discussion) then the group discussion resumes. I had anticipated a readout from each table (similar to what was done in previous meetings. That was not the case tonight.) The group discussion resumed with next steps, an additional meeting announced (some confusion around which date) but confirmation the slides, agenda, etc would be sent to the committee members with the survey form for their feedback.

Quick Recap

• 4 scenarios were presented based upon the building blocks from prior session. A fifth was acknowledged as not an option, albeit disputed by at least one member of the committee (closing another school)

• Additional scenarios were presented as the realizations occurred on what was happening in each of the scenarios. Those raising such scenarios were advised to write it up for the feedback, in the survey to be sent to the Committee 

• The next session will cover these scenarios with demographic projections and the additional scenarios raised (2 middle schools, moving 5th grade to join 608 grades)

• As there was no readout from each of the table discussions it was hard to tell what the sense of the scenarios was. Stay tuned for the next meeting; either Feb 2 or Feb 7 was mentioned, whichever it is will be confirmed

The edited meeting audio recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to whole group discussion position of Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-918-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-01-17-23

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

Jan 17, 2023 agenda->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_redistricting_advisory_meeting_1-17-23.pdf 

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 

My notes in one Twitter threader document   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a37aoQ-Uh9CvpFgXJA7kdkjB5hHt45-F/view?usp=share_link 

The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dz7Un9eCmvqokEYy6 

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

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"

Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)