Entering FHS in September 2026? Consider the X-Country Experience on May 27

For the incoming frosh to Franklin High School for the school year starting in September 2026

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ENWr5QXeh/

Your Brain Hallucinates Your Conscious Reality | Anil Seth | TED

Your brain hallucinates your conscious reality (Anil Seth | TED2017)

Video link -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyu7v7nWzfo

Right now, billions of neurons in your brain are working together to generate a conscious experience — and not just any conscious experience, your experience of the world around you and of yourself within it. How does this happen? According to neuroscientist Anil Seth, we're all hallucinating all the time; when we agree about our hallucinations, we call it "reality." Join Seth for a delightfully disorienting talk that may leave you questioning the very nature of your existence.

If you love watching TED videos like this one, become a TED Member to support our mission of spreading ideas: https://ted.com/membership

School Committee catches up on Summer Activities (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Both the Chair and Vice-Chair were away so Ruthann O'Sullivan hosted the session. The remaining members of the committee were present.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RElB5OknJg

Meeting agenda doc ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08122025-1851

Meeting packet folder contains the docs released before and after the meeting ->

https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-12%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/842818

Quick recap:

• Summer Learning Review - Paula Marano & Patty Gay, updates on lifelong learning, as well as extended school - link to album which captured the slides shared found https://photos.app.goo.gl/WwFUYqSSqCrzx6gH8
• Summer Move Update - Colin Boisvert - great detail, well organized, there is a whole lot happening across the redistricting move efforts, getting rooms and building ready, signs completed (shared here earlier), transportation updates due next week via bus routes, bus stops, additional drop off, pick up info also scheduled from principals. Photo album of the slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/JRbK3Ez1K9yxjCAX9 
• 2024 Annual Report Draft Review - discussed verbally, no doc shared, feedback due soon

Summer Move Update 

My notes in one PDF doc ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CsjvTsjM0u3b3Qs_pJUcNlGr8falxQ03/view?usp=drive_link

How do we lead moral lives in the age of bullies?

How do we lead moral lives in an age of bullies? | Robert Reich

"We are living in an age of bullies. Those with power are less constrained today than they have been in my lifetime, since the end of the second world war.

How do we lead moral lives in the age of bullies?

The question is: how do we lead moral lives in this era?

Vladimir Putin launches a horrendous war on Ukraine. After Hamas’s atrocity, Benjamin Netanyahu bombs Gaza to smithereens and is now starving to death its remaining occupants.

Trump abducts thousands of hardworking people within the US and puts them into detention camps – splitting their families, spreading fear. His immigration agents are accused of targeting people with brown skin.

He usurps the powers of Congress, defies the courts, and prosecutes his enemies."

Continue reading the article ->   https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/28/bullies-moral-lives-robert-reich?CMP=share_btn_url 

Still time to register for the High School Experience (@HseFranklin) for class of 2029

Class of 2029 - There's still time to register for HSE! August 5 & 6. 

Register at https://t.co/DqlvmzxqTA

@RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @FranklinHS @FPSLearning @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FPSHealthPE @franklinpolice

Watch the promo video -> https://youtu.be/UOOosJD4sI4?

Shared from -> https://t.co/Ia4nsVW6eQ

Poetry Foundation: Rudyard Kipling "If"

If you can keep your head when all about you   

    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,   

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

    But make allowance for their doubting too;   

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;   

    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;   

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

    And treat those two impostors just the same;   

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

    And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

    To serve your turn long after they are gone,   

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

    Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,   

    Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

Poetry Foundation: Rudyard Kipling "If"

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

    If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,   

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,   

    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Copyright Credit: n/a

Source: A Choice of Kipling's Verse (1943)

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46473/if--- 

High School Experience Franklin register now before price increase June 11

HSE Franklin (@HseFranklin) posted  Thu, May 08, 2025:

HSE is Aug 5 & 6. 

Register before the price increase on June 11. Register at https://t.co/DqlvmzxqTA   (or directly to https://reg.learningstream.com/view/cal4a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=0&sid1=0&sid2=0&as=79&wp=413&tz=0&ms=0&nav=0&cc=0&cat1=0&cat2=0&cat3=0&aid=FPSLLI&rf=&pn=0)

@RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @FranklinHS @FPSLearning @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FPSHealthPE @franklinpolice

 

shared from -> 

https://x.com/HseFranklin/status/1920532315211489527

 Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOOosJD4sI4

Franklin Middle School Experience registration is open. Get your spot now!

Franklin Middle School Experience
registration is open. Get your spot now!

 

Attention incoming Franklin PS middle schoolers: Start the school year more confidently by joining the Franklin Middle School Experience! 

Meet faculty, tour the school, and much more. 

Go to tinyurl.com/5w87cr5t to register.

Registration for the High School Experience for the FHS Class of 2029 is open (video)

Attention FHS Class of 2029: Join us at the HSE August 5 & 6. 

Register at https://t.co/DqlvmzxqTA 

@RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @FranklinHS @FPSLearning @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FPSHealthPE @franklinpolice 

Video link -> https://t.co/Ia4nsVW6eQ

Shared from -> https://x.com/HseFranklin/status/1894798346725810681

Laura shares insights from The Pantry Strategic Plan with us (audio)

FM #1386 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1386 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Laura Doherty, Franklin Food Pantry Associate Director. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

The Pantry Strategic Plan

Laura provides a brief story on her road to The Pantry then we get to talk about The Pantry Strategic Plan. It was funded by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation specifically for use in building capacity. The Pantry developed the strategic plan with involvement of multiple stakeholders groups and is now able to bring the plan to life.

The recent holiday meal distribution is one example of how the strategic plan led to the enhancements that resulted in almost 1,000 meals distributed during Nov & Dec 2024.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I was previously on the Food Pantry Board. I am currently volunteering on a couple of committees to help the Food Pantry mission. 

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Laura

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1386-franklin-food-pantry-strategic-plan-02-06-25/

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

Franklin Food Pantry strategic plan -> 

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Strategic-Plan-2024-to-2027.pdf 

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/ 

Amazon wish lists -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Sign up for a public tour of the Pantry -> https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4baaa622a4f4c43-pantry#/ 

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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 www.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!

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

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

Registration for this year's High School Experience Franklin will open soon (video)

HSE Franklin (@HseFranklin) posted on Tue, Jan 21, 2025:

High School Experience (HSE) for FHS Class of 2029 will be August 5 & 6. Registration will open soon. https://t.co/Ia4nsVWE4o

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOOosJD4sI4

 

@RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @FranklinHS @FPSLearning  @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FPSHealthPE

Shared from -> https://x.com/HseFranklin/status/1881780290735284308

HSE Franklin registration is open for the Class of 2028

HSE Franklin is High School Experience; the introductory program for rising 9th graders enter Franklin High School in September 2024.

"HSE for the Class of 2028 is 3 months away! August 6 & 7. 

Register at https://t.co/DqlvmzxqTA 

@RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @FranklinHS @FPSLearning @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FPSHealthPE @franklinpolice"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/HseFranklin/status/1786051855702745300

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3-Xyacb8RE

High School Experience registration opens for incoming FHS 9th graders (video)

"High School Experience (HSE) registration for FHS Class of 2028 is OPEN! August 6 & 7.  

Register at http://franklinlifelonglearning.com (Chhose "Summer Programs, then High School Experience")"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FPSHealthPE/status/1763587620796325971

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3-Xyacb8RE

Direct link to register -> https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-38403f3586ed4cfb8ce7ec4ee6f4c09a

School Committee hears of summer learning, approves MOU with Cafeteria workers (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The Franklin TV video is available for replay. For their second meeting in a row, they accomplished business (including an Executive Session) in under an hour. 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/iSxi_lTYFe4

You can find the full agenda doc

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_8-8-23.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjbZCZ5vs2CHatsKM6MEUOBGdNiTFRs5/view?usp=drive_link

 

an update on summer learning was shared

Franklin incoming 9th graders - register now for High School Experience - Aug 8 & 9

High School Experience (HSE) is 3 months away - August 8 & 9! Register today at https://t.co/CYZCzxgep8 

Hope to see our Class of 2027 there!!

Franklin incoming 9th graders - register now for High School Experience - Aug 8 & 9

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/HseFranklin/status/1656359216322342918

Follow the High School Experience twitter account for updates ->   https://twitter.com/HseFranklin

Good things take time...

"What dream of yours are you nurturing right now? 🌷

Making quick progress or getting fast results certainly sounds nice, and in our fast-paced world, it can seem like things must be completed in an instant.

But taking things step by step and making progress daily is what generates real results. So if a goal seems too large right now, the thing to do isn’t to speed up.

👉🏽Instead, embrace the power of slow and work towards your finish line with patience and discipline. Let all the good things you’ve been chasing come and catch you, and remember that no matter how small your efforts may feel, things will come together sooner than later."

Via The Good Life Project on Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CdtQTngu10a/

Good things take time...

The Franklin Farmers Market is a place to grow your nonprofit awareness. Apply now for a table this summer!

 Via the Franklin Farmers Market:

"Did you know we have a table available for FREE to any non-profits in the area?

That’s right, our Community Table is the perfect place to spread your mission to the local community and make connections!

Head to the link in our bio to apply for your spot today!"

Link =>  https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/2022-community-table 

Follow the Farmers Market on Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/franklinfarmersmarketma/

Did you that the Franklin Farmers Market is a place to grow your nonprofit awareness?

Incoming FHS 9th graders, register for High School Experience this Aug 9 & 10

Summer is coming! Incoming 9th graders- Join us at the 2022 High School Experience - Aug 9 & 10!  

https://youtu.be/9HU3vRBWWwg  

and sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/FHSHSE2022

Shared from Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/HseFranklin/status/1521191582678065153

Attention Class of 2026 - registration for your High School Experience is open

"Attention Class of 2026!!  

Join us for 2 fun days at the High School Experience in August. We can't wait to show you what FHS is all about!! "

Download copy of the flyer as a reminder ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/16WQw5fdu48ice83tRCUds0Uj5C1QgS-L/view?usp=sharing

Attention Class of 2026 - registration for your High School Experience is open

Shared from Twitter:   https://twitter.com/HseFranklin/status/1508834801402458119

Attn: 8th Graders: Registration opens for High School Experience - Aug 9 & 10

HSE Franklin (@HseFranklin) tweeted  Thu, Mar 10, 2022:

Attention incoming FHS 9th graders!! Join us at the 2022 High School Experience - August 9 & 10! 

Check our program out https://t.co/dvnRrc4AaK 

and sign up at: https://t.co/k5QL402H0Q 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/HseFranklin/status/1501949032050032654