Boston Globe: "Here’s how Massachusetts proposes to measure graduation readiness for students, post MCAS"

Massachusetts education officials are proposing interim graduation standards that would require students, beginning with the class of 2026, to pass specific classes after voters last fall dropped the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement.

graduation readiness for students

The proposed new requirements would remain in place while a new graduation council explores long-term options

“This is a change the voters have put in place, and it’s a step until we get something that is more robust,” acting Commissioner Russell Johnston said Tuesday during a state education board meeting.

Shared from -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/25/metro/mcas-massachusetts-graduation-requirements-competency-determination/

You can access the full article at the Boston Globe with your Franklin Library card    ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/how-to-access-online-resources-with.html

Franklin High School Announces Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to announce that Anna David is the valedictorian of the Franklin High School Class of 2024, while Jennifer Soohoo is the salutatorian.

Anna David (left) is the valedictorian and Jennifer Soohoo (right) is the salutatorian of the Franklin High School Class of 2024. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Anna David

"Anna David embodies excellence in every sense of the word," said Franklin High School Guidance Secretary Julie Bellan. "Throughout her time here at Franklin High School, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service to her community. Her enterprising spirit has allowed her to take risks and face challenges head-on throughout her time at Franklin High School, where she has consistently pushed the boundaries of her intellect and curiosity."

After completing all math and computer science courses offered at FHS, David took multiple advanced college courses during her time as a high school student. David has held leadership positions as president of the Robotics Club, president of the Math Team, member of the National Honor Society and robotics group leader of the Science National Honor Society. She has also worked to initiate a school-sponsored science fair and a local chapter of the International Robotics Honor Society.

Additionally, Anna leads multiple community-based robotics teams; the International Robotics Honor Society, 4-H ALARM Robotics and Sense and Sound Robotics.

Anna has sought out opportunities to further her skills, including a paid internship at the University of New Hampshire and its InterOperability Laboratory. The internship involved research and the completion of a project relating to advanced engineering, computer science and robotics. The previous summer, she participated in the Beaver Works Summer Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and had the opportunity to take a class on autonomous drones.

Jennifer Soohoo

"Jennifer Soohoo's academic career at FHS has been nothing short of impressive," said Superintendent Giguere. "She has continuously put forth her best effort, as evident through the various Advanced Placement courses she has challenged herself with, and her ability to think critically has allowed for her to not only excel within the classroom but outside of it. She is a strong self-advocate who is not afraid to ask questions, and a student who truly leads by example."

Soohoo demonstrated a willingness to serve as a role model and leader by being an active member of the Franklin community, participating in Best Buddies, Empty Bowls, Math National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Unified Music Club, Unified Track and Varsity Volleyball.

In her senior year, Soohoo took on additional leadership roles as the social media coordinator for Best Buddies and the treasurer for Empty Bowls.

Soohoo is greatly interested in the medical field. She has loved the sciences since she was young and wants to positively impact the lives of those around her. Her excellence in academics, passion for helping others and hard work has earned her acceptance into the Honors Program at the University of Connecticut, where she plans to study biology.

She hopes to continue to be an active member of her college's campus community in order to learn new skills, meet new people, and further her interests.

 

Franklin TV: FHS Graduation

Go, Panthers!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/02/2024

Franklin TV: FHS Graduation

 

Graduation 2024. This year the weather gods smiled upon us, and the evening was perfect. All in, the ceremony began at 6:30pm and clipped along briskly; wrapping up with graduation caps aloft shortly after 8:00pm.

Hats off – to our 2024 Panthers.

And thanks to our Franklin.TV crew: Chris Flynn, Chris Leverone, John Milot, Marc Berman, Taylor Tremblay, and Panther TV’s Matt Geisinger. Heather Moreau.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

 

If you missed the Graduation ceremony at Franklin High School for the Class of 2024, you can catch up to the YouTube video recorded by Franklin TV -> 

 https://www.youtube.com/live/ynK9K_GMTjM?si=ADwEu25nzalnONC9&t=632

FHS Graduation for Class of 2024 (video)

If you missed the Graduation ceremony at Franklin High School for the Class of 2024, you can catch up to the YouTube video recorded by Franklin TV -> 

 https://www.youtube.com/live/ynK9K_GMTjM?si=ADwEu25nzalnONC9&t=632

 

 

FHS Graduation for the Class of 2024 - Live streamed at 6:30 PM

The Live Stream of the Class of 2024 graduation for Franklin High School is scheduled for Friday night at 6:30 PM.  

 

Franklin's Comcast 8, Verizon 28 subscribers can watch on their respective channels. All others can turn to YouTube and the Franklin TV Education Channel ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/ynK9K_GMTjM

 

Other Class of 2024 graduation info can be found on the FHS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/franklin-high-school/students-families/pages/graduation-commencement 

 

 

FHS Graduation for the Class of 2024 - Live streamed at 6:30 PM

Congratulations to Montagano, Ferris, Colecchi for graduation from Crisis Response & Behavioral Health certificate course

(L-R) Colecchi, Ferris, Montagano

Congratulations to Clinician Kallie Montagano, Clinician Caroline Ferris, and Sgt Michael Colecchi. Earlier today (May 20, 2024) all three graduated from the William James College Graduate Certificate Course in Crisis Response & Behavioral Health.

The Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health at William James College provides training and education to mental health professionals and law enforcement on effective response methods for encounters with individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric, substance-related, or mental health crisis.

The program addresses an important need for expanding roles and opportunities in public safety and seeks to create effective partnerships between mental health and law enforcement.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C7NN7ZMxQti/

Dean College: "Center Stage with Michael J. Bobbitt"

On Saturday, May 18th, 2024, Michael J. Bobbitt delivered the keynote address at Dean College’s 158th Commencement Ceremony, where he told the new graduates that “the world is waiting for your creativity, your passion and your leadership. What you are given today—what you have worked hard for—is something only a few people have access to. Do great things with it.”

President Kenneth Elmore also presented Bobbitt with an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts at the ceremony in recognition of his distinguished career and activism.

Bobbitt currently serves as the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, and in this capacity is the highest-ranking public official in Massachusetts state government focused on arts and culture. Governor Maura Healey recently appointed Bobbitt to serve on both the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment and the newly established Massachusetts Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council.

Continue reading the interview with Michael Bobbitt ->  https://www.dean.edu/news-events/dean-college-blog/story/center-stage-with-michael-j-bobbitt/

Dean College: "Center Stage with Michael J. Bobbitt" (Dean photo)

Franklin High School - Class of 2024 Graduation info

Check out the Class of 2024 graduation info page for all the info you need. Check back from time to time for updates.

Graduation page -> https://www.franklinps.net/franklin-high-school/students-families/pages/graduation-commencement

Franklin High School - Class of 2024 Graduation info

3 New police graduates from academy join Franklin Police

"Yesterday (09/15/23) was an exciting day as we welcomed 3 new officers to the Franklin Police Department. The 3 officers graduated from the Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy.  

This is a 5-year program through FSU. Recruits attend a traditional 4-year university and then another year of classes and the police academy. Upon graduation, recruits graduate with a master's degree in criminal justice and their full-time police academy certificate.

The 3 new FPD Officers are Officer Parker Luther, Officer Martin Zimei, and Officer Jonathan Butler. All 3 will begin a full 12-week field training program where they’ll be paired with veteran officers to learn the job.  

Welcome to Franklin!"

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064353536794/posts/pfbid02DJ9HYyopbPhkSLU1opASdXiDizULUyAAfhCp2pf8516hbuTrQ2GQwMMtLRAR1uHyl/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Officer Parker Luther, Officer Martin Zimei, and Officer Jonathan Butler

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks, sets new date for FHS graduation as May 31, 2024 (audio)

FM #1045 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1045 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Whitmore).

Quick recap

• Several updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas Giguere

• In the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.

• FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policy

• Principal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they looked at the calendar and how the weeks and other school events (MCAS among them) fell, it made sense to change it. The Committee approved

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 22. 

The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1045-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-22-23

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

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-22-23.pdf

The packet folder can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-22-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet  (Note some docs are scheduled to be updated after the meeting)

YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/OKz4ioRKmxM

My notes can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFNh0WlWJbVT4gRJwod5ULotPRs-nhbV/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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit 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!

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

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

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks, sets new date for FHS graduation as May 31, 2024 (video)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023. 6 of the 7 members were present (Whitmore absent).

Quick recap

• Several updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas Giguere
• In the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.
• FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policy
• Principal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they looked at the calendar and how the weeks and other school events (MCAS among them) fell, it made sense to change it. The Committee approved

The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-22-23.pdf

The packet folder can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-22-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet  (Note some docs are scheduled to be updated after the meeting)

YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/OKz4ioRKmxM

My notes can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFNh0WlWJbVT4gRJwod5ULotPRs-nhbV/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks

First edition of FHS Graduation Class of 2023 (video)

The FHS Graduation 2023 video replay from Franklin TV is available.

Video link -> https://youtu.be/hKXep8k6flA

Panther TV: FHS 2023 Graduation recap (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Wed, Jun 07, 2023:

"Here's our Graduation Recap! Special thanks to the dedicated staff of FHS and Franklin TV for making this year's ceremony a success despite torrential rain, power outages and an internet blackout! 

@FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews 

https://t.co/wieEP6muUx via @YouTube"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1666505117107888130

Franklin.TV tells the story behind the FHS graduation broadcast issues

Good v Bad Days, Part 2

…and we srsly hate it when that happens

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/03/2023

It’s 6am, Saturday, 6/3. Yesterday’s graduation ceremony is history. So is the torrential weather that plagued it. I’m still stunned and dismayed by events that prevented us from covering FHS graduation live. Last week I wrote:

“These days (good or bad) there is much digital complexity in what we do. So, we maintain backup systems wherever we can.”

That reflection became a prophetic understatement: Yesterday was a bad day. We do all we can to prepare for the worst, but even the best preparations and plans go only so far. Here is the simplest telling of events:

First – We lost power at the high school and longer still at the field.

Backup plan: emergency power – we had that, but – Parts of the school did not.

The school’s PA system on the field was not working.

Facilities brought in their electrician to troubleshoot the issue.

Second – Fiber communication lines went dark.

We had no direct connection to the school, our studio, and the internet. 

Backup plan: Verizon cellular internet service to our studio.

Third – Verizon cell service was also disrupted – for the duration. 

We no longer had power or a digital connection of any kind. 

Backup backup plan – Record the event and rebroadcast later.

We were on the field with torrential storm, thunder and lightning all around. We had to pull and keep all our gear – cameras, microphones off the field, shut down and cover the school’s PA systems while the storm rolled through. Setting and testing it all in place takes an afternoon. What could we do in about 20 minutes?

We scrambled to get PA systems working for one podium mic and hustled two of our 5 cameras back onto the field. We are reassembling our recording of the event for rebroadcast and video on demand as soon as possible.

They say, “Man plans, God laughs.” I fail to see the humor.

The storm was indeed biblical. We had no power, no communication, no joy. 

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm.

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

rain? Yup, some rain!!!

and the show does get recorded...

Watch the FHS Class of 2023 Graduation via Livestream at 6:30 PM

Watch the FHS Class of 2023 Graduation via Livestream from Franklin TV  on YouTube: click HERE  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/urgent-alerts/watch-graduation-livestream-630pm

Watch the FHS Class of 2023 Graduation via Livestream at 6:30 PM

Franklin Police Officer Gulla celebrates graduation from Boylston Police Academy

"Congratulations to Officer Christopher Gulla who graduated from the Boylston Police Academy today. Graduation was held at the Franklin High School. Officer Gulla will begin his 12-week FTO and then join the patrol division. Welcome to the FPD!

Pictured left to right: Academy Drill Instructor Detective Leanne Baker, Officer Andressa Rosa, Academy Drill Instructor Deputy Chief James West, Officer Christopher Gulla, Chief Thomas Lynch, Lieutenant Jason Reilly, Lieutenant Eric Zimmerman"

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

Pictured left to right: Academy Drill Instructor Detective Leanne Baker, Officer Andressa Rosa, Academy Drill Instructor Deputy Chief James West, Officer Christopher Gulla, Chief Thomas Lynch, Lieutenant Jason Reilly, Lieutenant Eric Zimmerman

FHS Class Of 2022 Graduation (video highlights by Varun Desai)

Editor VAR (otherwise know as Varun Deasi) edited the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony to produce these highlights  https://youtu.be/trHvelXdvts

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/editorvar/status/1533804952631517185

Franklin TV: Grads ‘22! They are the ones who just might change the world

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 06/05/2022

Graduation – the way I see it. As the proceeding unfolds I sit before 5 cameras, doing my best as director to guide, frame and divine the best view for everyone else.

It’s a lot to take in, and I’m literally calling the shots.

Graduation – the way I see it.

Graduation – the way the students of 2022 see it, is a very unique commencement.

As sophomores their world unraveled as COVID took hold, disrupting everything about their schooling, their lives, the lives of family and friends. Proms and other social events, gone, but that was just the small stuff. Broad fears and uncertainties rolled on through their junior year as they and teachers soldiered on remotely. Now they meet a world with even more economic and political uncertainty. They have had to rally, to grow up faster, become more aware, seek wisdom sooner. This became evident in student speeches that spoke not to these devastations, but to what personal inner strengths and compassions they will need going forward.

The way they see it, the world needs changing in many ways. That’s why they will. It’s a lot to take in. But, now they’re calling the shots.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching. 

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

FHS Class of 2022 Graduation (video)

FHS Class of 2022 Graduation, June 3, 2022
View the video online at YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/Of4NzEJWZj0

FHS Class of 2022 Graduation (video)

Franklin's Event Outlook: June 3, 2022 to June 9, 2022

The Class of 2022 graduates today, celebrates with their All Night Party and begins their post high school life tomorrow. Graduation will be broadcast via Franklin TV to cable and to YouTube (https://tinyurl.com/FranklinMATV) at 7 PM.

The Farmers Market opens their season today on the Town Common. A full list of vendors some rotate through, some make a regular appearance. Stay tuned to the calendar for Concerts on the Common and Movie Nights in conjunction with some of the Farmers Markets.

The Lions Club hosts the Dog Project on the Town Common on Saturday. And a hint of the big weekend coming June 10-11-12 is seen with Thursday's ArtWALK event at Expressions Enrichment. 

Friday, June 3
2:00pm - Farmers Market
7:00pm - FHS Graduation
10:00pm - All Night Party

Saturday, June 4
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
12:00pm - The Dog Project

Sunday, June 5
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Thursday, June 9
7:00pm - ArtWALK: Adult Paint Night 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar