Volunteer Tutors are needed for the Franklin Public Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program!

If you have the time and interest to help adult learners improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening, we have a volunteer opportunity for you!

To volunteer, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have patience, and be able to speak English clearly. Prior teaching experience is not required. Volunteer Tutors will be trained and all supporting materials will be provided. 

The time commitment is one orientation session, 18 hours of tutor training, and to meet with your student 2 hours per week for one year. 

If interested, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net, or use this form ->  https://forms.gle/CnuoFsu7kgmCf7Z57

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CkRIvCXJ0uT/

Volunteer Tutors are needed for the Franklin Public Library ESL & Adult Literacy Program!

Seal of Biliteracy achieved by 12 FHS students in second year of program

"Congratulations to all of our @FranklinHS  world language scholars who earned the MA Sate Seal of Biliteracy! We are so proud."

Based upon students in photo, at least 11 achieved this biliteracy award. Stay tuned for an update on what the total is. 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/LevansFHS/status/1528808110244220931

Seal of Biliteracy introduced to School Committee in Sep 2019 with a planned implementation for 2020-2021 school year. 5 students were announced in June 2021. Per the photo, 11 students have reached this achievement this year. (Being verified if total is 11 or ??).(Confirmed as 11.) (updated 5/25/22 to 12 as another student was confirmed)

2021 achievement announcement -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/5-fhs-students-receive-massachusetts.html

Program introduction to School Committee in Sep 2019 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/school-committee-recap-sep-10-2019.html

"Nearly 1 in 4 people in Massachusetts speaks a language other than English at home"

"The stakes can be very high when the Department of Children & Families intercedes between a parent and their child. Now imagine if the parent doesn’t speak English.

That’s what happened to Juan Abad, a Dominican immigrant who’s been a Lynn resident for roughly a decade. Abad didn’t know he had fathered twins until one of them died from severe physical abuse inflicted by the mother’s boyfriend. The state’s Office of the Child Advocate reviewed the horrific case and found that DCF failed to protect the three-month-old baby. The mother, who along with her boyfriend was charged in connection with the baby’s death, called Abad to tell him he was the babies’ father and that the surviving twin, Anthony, had been put in foster care.

And so began Abad’s five-year ordeal to get custody of Anthony, in a case that was hampered by DCF’s language-access shortcomings. The case exemplifies the inconsistent and more than often substandard language access practices across state government agencies. Even though it is required by federal law to provide timely and culturally competent oral language services to individuals with limited English proficiency, the law is rarely enforced."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/23/opinion/communications-101-closing-language-barriers-state-agencies/ 

Coincidentally, the biliteracy achievement award issued by the Commonwealth recognized 5 students from FHS last year and 11 for this year. Each student achieved this with at least 2 languages. I recall a School Committee meeting that revealed that there are more than 20 languages spoken in the halls and corridors of FHS.

 

"Nearly 1 in 4 people in Massachusetts speaks a language other than English at home"

Lifestyle & Culture Classes-Winter/Spring 2022

Conversational Spanish for Adults

Buenos dias! Is a trip in your future OR would you simply like to learn a new language? Have you ever wondered what the perfect line to start a Spanish conversation might be? Then, this class is for you!

• 8 weeks beginning January 19 - Cost: $79

Conversational Italian for Adults

Buon giorno! Is a trip to Italy in your future OR would you simply like to learn the language? Then this is the place! Through situational vocabulary framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in Italy even more pleasant.

• 8 Weeks beginning March 29 - Cost: $90

Using Google To Learn About Your Wine

"Hey Google tell me about this wine." This is a sit down educational tasting event held in the Franklin Liquors wine room. We will show you how to find industry secrets about your wine, exploring wine contents, availability, and locations using all Google offers.

• Tuesday, March 22 - Cost: $30

For more information and additional details visit  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Lifestyle & Culture Classes-Winter/Spring 2022

5 FHS students receive Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy

Laura Evans (@LevansFHS) tweeted on Thu, Jun 03, 2021:

🎉Congratulations to the @FranklinHS recipients of the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy! 🎉
@FranklinPSNews https://t.co/PlzJWg0pGb

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/LevansFHS/status/1400507580175327233

🎉Congratulations to the @FranklinHS recipients of the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy! 🎉@FranklinPSNews pic.twitter.com/PlzJWg0pGb

— Laura Evans (@LevansFHS) June 3, 2021

50+ Job Seekers Group - Upcoming Events for April

Two workshops scheduled

1 - LAUNCHING OUR 50+ LATINO JOB SEEKERS BILINGUAL WORKSHOP SERIES!

If you are a job seeker residing in one of our many Latino communities in MA, we invite you to attend our 3-part Bilingual Workshop Series: 

• April 21, 1-3pm: Skills Assessment and New Career Pathways
• May 19, 1-3pm: Turn your Resume into a Marketing Tool
• June 16, 1-3pm: Network your way to a New Career

 

*Advanced Registration Required for these Bilingual Workshops*

Register here =>  https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

2 - Volunteerism-Path to Purpose & Employment

We are excited to have the following panelists:

• Kara Cohen-AARP
• Stacey Sirios-Commonwealth Corp/Mass Service Alliance
• Donna Morelle-Empower Success Corp [ESC]
• David Guydan-Discovery Centers

Learn how volunteering an change your life - and the lives’ of others. Gain an understanding of the value of volunteering as it relates to your job search. 

*Advanced Registration for this Special Event is Required*

Register here = https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUuduqspzktGNTLlJPMXSqZBtwr2-i9oMjX

Download the flyers here =  https://files.constantcontact.com/9d269f68301/71201e52-6b55-4bc2-a16d-6be04d8e3502.pdf

and here = https://files.constantcontact.com/9d269f68301/177dad2f-df5f-4c47-b943-edaa88d87331.pdf

50+ Job Seekers Group - Upcoming Events for April

Franklin HS world language - course offerings

Laura Evans (@LevansFHS) tweeted on Fri, Mar 19, 2021:

"Check out the @FranklinHS world language department's website to learn about course offerings, departmental information, and more!"

https://t.co/SjR7mDAqYq

or https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fps-world-languages/home 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/LevansFHS/status/1372912840663777286

Franklin HS world language - course offerings

Winter/Spring Kids' Corner Classes Start Next Week

February Vacation Painting Class

What a great way to spend an afternoon and have some creative fun! Students will paint and take home their own piece of art.

Thursday, February 20

Kids' Cooking Classes - Grades 1-3 & 6-8

Kids' Corner

Cut, chop, stir, and mix your way to a delicious dish. Students develop their skills: cutting, chopping, stirring, mixing, and teamwork! Each child works in partnership with another student to create a delicious dish. 

6 Wednesdays, starting January 15

Times vary by grade (Grades 4-5 Full) 

Drawing Explorations - Grades 2-5

Students will explore drawing from observation, from memory, and from imagination in order to create unique artwork each week with a variety of drawing materials. 

6 Thursdays, starting January 16

Kids' Beginner French, Spanish—Grades 3-6 

Lively songs and playful games in these one-hour classes will be used to teach useful everyday phrases. 6 weeks starting:

Tuesday, January 14, 4:30 pm—French

Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 pm—Spanish

www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

"qualify for a new “seal of biliteracy”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Legislature on Wednesday approved a bilingual education reform bill designed to give educators more flexibility in teaching English language learners. 

A conference committee report filed Tuesday night by House and Senate negotiators was endorsed by the House 155-1. The Senate approved it unanimously as the branches wrapped up formal sessions for 2017. Informal sessions will continue for the next seven weeks, with formal sessions resuming in January. 

Under the bill, school districts can maintain current the immersion programming or choose an alternative that meets federal and state standards, according to bill sponsors, who said the legislation expands the role of parental advisory councils and allows parents the flexibility to choose programs that best meet their child’s needs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171116/legislature-approves-bilingual-education-reform

The PDF of the legislation can be found here
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4032

House accepts LOOK bill conference committee report. After 10+ years working on this, we have legislation that will guarantee all students learning English will be taught in strong programs tailored to fit their needs. Thank you for your leadership, @RepAlicePeisch #mapoli pic.twitter.com/3eDANkd79U

— Jeffrey Sanchez (@jeffrey_sanchez) November 15, 2017

MassBudget: Report examines strategies for educating English Language Learners` (ELL)

Evidence favors bilingual education over English-only; quality of instruction matters most

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MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Report examines strategies for educating English Language Learners Evidence favors bilingual education over English-only; quality of instruction matters most High-quality public education in Massachusetts has played an important role in expanding opportunity and creating a strong, high-wage state economy. In its newest paper, Excellence for All: Supporting English Language Learners in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) explores strategies for improving the education of English Language Learners (ELL). Excellence for All examines the data on what has been happening in our schools with respect to ELL students and the evidence on best practices nationally. Massachusetts policy since 2002 has emphasized English immersion as the primary approach to ELL education. A balanced review of the research reveals, however, that there is generally more evidence supporting bilingual programs. The evidence also suggests that the most important factor for helping ELL students to succeed is the quality of the programs offered. While Massachusetts schools generally lead the nation in academic achievement, we have not reached our standard of success for ELL students. Among ELL students, Massachusetts ranks 19th in 8th-grade reading and 10th in math. Although we have been making progress in raising ELL achievement levels, including a 12 percent increase in ELL graduation rates between 2008 and 2015, too many ELL students are falling behind. Well-designed programs, including bilingual approaches that support learning in English along with other languages, have been shown to benefit ELL students. Rigorous research has found that effective programs include a number of strategies, such as: Increasing the professional development of educators - not only English or English as a Second Language teachers, but also training for other content teachers (e.g. science, math) - on how to effectively support ELL students Employing research-backed approaches to improving reading and literacy Providing tutoring for struggling students Implementing family outreach and student support programs, under the direction of ELL coordinators dedicated to these initiatives A number of schools in Massachusetts and nationally have shown strong results implementing these types of strategies. With adequate funding, technical assistance, and the flexibility to create programs that best fit the needs of local students, more schools could make meaningful progress in helping all of our ELL students thrive. To read the full report, click here. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. Through the Roadmap to Expanding Opportunity project, MassBudget has examined proven education strategies for helping all kids learn effectively and be successful over the long term. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Rep Roy, World Languages, and district improvement plan updates part of School Committee meeting Jan 10

Catching up to the recap of the School Committee meeting of January 10, 2017. I had been head's down on the Residential VII series and forgot to include this summary.

Representative Jeff Roy visited the Committee to provide an update on several of his legislative initiatives as well as on the budget process at the State House. Legislation to be filed or in some cases refiled that he mentioned covered teen sexting, improvements to driver's education, curriculum frameworks for civics and genocide. He is also working with the manufacturing caucus on how to train and prepare folks for the skilled manufacturing jobs that are available.

There was good discussion on the foundation budget and the equity issues with State funding and the impact to the Franklin budget. 

Rep Roy at the School Committee meeting

Laura Evans, the Word Language Director lead a group of language teachers in an overview of the language programs offered in the school district. 

L to R: Jennifer Jones, Laura Evans, Stephanie Ahern, Emily Day, and Shannon Martin

The update on the District and School Improvement Plans was a coordinated effort. Asst Superintendent Peter Light, Asst Superintendent Joyce Edwards and Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski took turns presenting on different sections of the update.

Update on DIP and SIP at the School Committee meeting tonight #schcom0110 pic.twitter.com/x6LMtDcj2R

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 11, 2017

• The video replay of the meeting is available on demand

http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=424

• My notes reported live during the meeting provide additional details

• Live reporting: Action items through to closing
• Live Reporting: District and School Improvement Pl...
• Live reporting: Foreign Language Overview
• Live Reporting: School Committee - Jan 10, 2017

The posted agenda for the School Committee meeting Jan 10, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

"In classical languages, we focus a lot on reading"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"More Franklin students are continuing on with foreign language studies after they've met their requirements, according to district officials. 

Foreign language teachers gave a presentation on their efforts at a School Committee meeting this month, saying that there had been a positive trend among upper-level students. 

Department head Laura Evans said colleges typically require two or three years of foreign language study at the high school level, but more students had elected to continue beyond that point. 

"With the sophomores of the class of 2015, 55 percent chose to move on (to the next language level) for their junior year," she said. "This year, 78 percent chose to move on."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170116/franklin-foreign-language-numbers-rising

For more from the School Committee meeting last week
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/live-reporting-foreign-language-overview.html

the end slide from the presentation on foreign language education in the Franklin schools

Live reporting: Foreign Language Overview

b. Foreign Language Overview – Laura Evans



creating "can do" statements for curriculum
focus on proficiency skills and will be built on from year to year

Shannon Martin - French Teacher

proficiency, and working vertically to achieve this
diverse resources used
one to one device at the high school, esp for technical tools

voice recorders, students record their voice, can review and play back to practice, or also submit to teacher for review

interactive games esp online are good for confirming learning as well as practice

enrichment via Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube used to hep continue learning outside of the classroom

use of authentic materials (rather than the text book)

more students are electing to continue beyond the college requirement

Stephanie Ahern, Emily Day
middle school Spanish Club

Pulsera project sold over 450 bracelets to raise over 2400 for artists in Nicaragua

Loreen and Briana - students at FHS
academic honor society

raised money with recycling bottles and cans, over $1000 raised
planning a Fiesta Friday for the whole school
Spanish themed food and events

Latin National Honor Society
while they don't speak in Latin at the meeting, there are cultural discussions and presentations, sharing interests
a new club (last year)
Saturnalia party held recently
tutoring project
working on a Heifer Project 

national convention held in Boston
whole department was enabled to go

Twitter chats around specific topics help to keep current

would love to see languages start as early as kindergarten
would love to see languages expand beyond Spanish French and Latin

Bilello - something I had not known much about but know that I have a child in the program, there is so much going on. How does starting earlier impact proficiency scores?

Bergen - we did have this program and it was lost over the years. To add more languages, it would require budget money

Jewell - is there any chance where we can have kids go oversees where kids can get immersed in the language?

World Challenge - previously held in the high school self funded by the students (not parents), organized and planned by students, some went to Ecuador, was a life changing experience for those who did it per Peter Light

O'Malley - it is most impressive to me that we don't just teach them and wait for them to come back again. The extension program is wonderfully interactive

In the News: legislature struggles with language bill, some farms get aid for drought

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Dueling language in House and Senate bills updating the state's English language learning law - passed by voters more than a decade ago - has left key backers with mixed opinions about whether it can advance to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk in the remaining four months of the legislative session. 

"We're at a point now where we are so far apart on details that we care about, so I'm not sure if we can do something. I'm hopeful that we can come together," said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the original Senate sponsor, who said he plans to discuss differences between the bills with House sponsor Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez. 

House and Senate lawmakers plan to meet in informal sessions for the remainder of the year where it's unlikely that controversial legislation will be advanced without a compromise on the measure between both branches.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/english-language-learner-bill-still-in-play-on-beacon-hill

"Massachusetts farmers are finally getting the help they need after a long, dry summer and drought has devastated some local crops. 

Thanks to the summer-long drought, four counties in Massachusetts are now eligible for Emergency Loan assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as of Aug. 31. 

The counties of Worcester, Middlesex, Franklin and Essex are now eligible for the assistance. 

To receive the designation, a county has to be designated as being in a severe drought - according to the U.S. Drought Monitor – for eight consecutive weeks and/or have a higher drought intensity value for any amount of time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/mass-farmers-get-federal-state-aid

Tri-County to offer Spanish program via Bristol Community College

Dear Parent/Guardian; We are very excited to be in the final stages of negotiations with Bristol Community College to offer a Spanish 101 course for Tri‐County students. This college course offering will take place after school this fall. Students will need to meet specific prerequisites and agree to the time commitment. This course will be taught at a college level and pace, and with a passing grade will result in 3 transferable college credits. Course Name: Elementary Spanish 101 Location: Tri‐County RVTHS (Room: TBD) Time Commitment: Approximately 45 class hours (not including take‐home assignments and studying) Duration: September to December (Make‐up dates due to weather TBD) Meeting Time: 2:15pm to 3:50pm two days/week (Tuesdays and Thursdays have been requested) If the number of students interested exceeds the number of seats available, a lottery will be conducted. Students will not be able to take this course and participate in Cooperative Education simultaneously, unless the employer agrees. If interested, please fill out the accompanying forms and return them to me by mail or e‐mail (obrien@tri‐county.us) by August 12th 2016: - Tri‐County Student– Bristol Community College Contract - Underage Permission Form - BCC Registration Form CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE FORMS Please contact me if you have any questions. We will contact you at the end of August to let you know if placement in this course has been granted. Scott O'Brien (508) 528‐5400 x127 obrien@tri‐county.us  Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Visit our website  Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District · 147 Pond Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

Foreign Language Classes Start Soon

February  - Foreign Language -  Preview Franklin Public Schools - Lifelong Learning Institute   The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning February 2016 Monthly Spotlight Foreign Language Classes Begin Your Foreign Language Adventure Now  Don't miss out  Classes Begin on February 23 Register Today French for Travelers (French I)    Pamela Ringrose, Instructor  Bonjour! Are you planning a trip to France? Through situational vocabulary framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in France even more pleasant. So buy your ticket and prepare to learn about greeting, sightseeing, ordering food and shopping - in the style of France!  Italian for Travelers (Italian I)  Pamela Ringrose, Instructor Buongiorno! Are you planning a trip to Italy? Through situational vocabulary framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in Italy even more pleasant. So buy your ticket and prepare to learn about greeting, sightseeing, ordering food and shopping - Italian style!  Intermediate Conversational Italian  (Italian II) Pamela Ringrose, Instructor Did you enjoy your intro to the Italian language in Italian I so much that you want to continue delving further into this beautiful language? Whether you are traveling to Italy, or just practicing here at home, this class offers you the opportunity to increase your vocabulary, knowledge of grammar and to practice your pronunciation with an experienced instructor. The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning   508-613-1480  adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us  | www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com Proud to be part of the Franklin Public Schools Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

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