Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Monday, March 10, 2025
Kennedy PCC fund raiser all day Tuesday, March 11 at Maks Roast Beef & Pizza
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Ladybugs to be honored at State House on 50th anniversary of bill signing
![]() |
50th anniversary of bill signing |
![]() |
ladybug became the official state insect in 1974 |
Thursday, June 6, 2024
JF Kennedy School PCC fund raiser at Papa Gino's starting at 4 PM June 6
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
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 |
Monday, January 22, 2024
"A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness"
"I did not know this! How about that ? #LadybugTeacher"
"A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness. A loveliness of ladybugs. This very idea makes the world seem, somehow, a little more gentle"
![]() |
A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness |
Friday, January 27, 2023
The 5 Franklin elementary schools each launch a student voice podcast!
- Oak Street Voices
- Keller Talks
- Kennedy Voices
- Parmenter Voices
- Jefferson Talks
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Safe Coalition Road to Recovery run-walk 5k - Apr 30
THIS JUST IN: NORFOLK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT. K9 unit AND Command Center will be attending the Road to Recovery 5k!
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Kids Heart Challenge at Kennedy School beginning Jan 30, 2022
"All the @jfkladybugs are excited for Kids Heart Challenge to begin next week.
Over the past 5 years we have raised $57,823 for the @AmericanHeartMA ! Our goal this year is $12,000!
Be on the lookout for the envelope next week."
![]() |
https://twitter.com/jfkladybugs |
Friday, February 26, 2021
FM #471 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)
FM #471 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 471 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, and key guests were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the just over two hour and fifty minute meeting into three logical segments:
- *** First segment *** covers the opening through the JF Kennedy presentation (approx. 1 hour 9 minutes)
- Second - Presentation - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Health Director Cathleen Liberty, Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin covering the COVID-19 vaccine status update (approx. 43 mins)
- Third - from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Facilities Director Mike D’Angelo on the UVGI filters installation update through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 58 minutes)
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet posted to the meeting folder)
Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Feb 23, 2021
Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a6a10c1d-f815-4072-aa92-1d28f7867611
--------------
Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-23-2021-school-committee-packet
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/school-committee-meeting-2232021-recap.html
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
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"
![]() |
FM #471 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio) |
Friday, September 25, 2020
John F Kennedy Elementary named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School
Saturday, August 8, 2020
State Rep Jeff Roy: Joe Kennedy is coming to Franklin on Sunday Aug 9
|
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
JF Kennedy School video
"Hi Ladybugs! Check out this awesome video from your teachers and staff members at JFK! We miss you so much! We are proud of the great work you are doing to keep learning alive at Kennedy!"https://drive.google.com/file/d/1icmlmGaqWvw7wEGKDzNK3yTvVe8oIxqO/view
Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/jfkladybugs/status/1255189379699572738?s=09
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Franklin Public Schools: Kennedy School incident of March 6th, 2020
"Police announced Tuesday night that the individual the Franklin Police was interested in identifying earlier in the day had come forward.
The announcement came hours have they issued a press release saying they were trying to identify a young man who entered the John F. Kennedy School on Pond Street last Friday after classes had concluded for the day.
“There was no criminal intent and the matter is resolved,” said in a statement issued Tuesday night."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200310/update-franklin-police-locate-and-id-man-who-entered-kennedy-school-adding-there-was-no-criminal-intent
Kennedy School incident of March 6, 2020
"Franklin, Massachusetts: On Friday March 6, 2020 an unknown male individual made entry to the John F. Kennedy School on Pond Street. This occurred after school hours; however students participating in after school programs were still on site.
After making entry by entering though an open door as another parent left, he proceeded into a common hallway where he was confronted by school staff and questioned as to his reason for being in the school. At no time did he come into contact with any students. His answers to staff questions were inconsistent, and he was escorted from the building immediately.
![]() |
"Franklin Police Department is only seeking to identify the individual in the photos" |
At this time the Franklin Police Department is only seeking to identify the individual in the photos. No criminal charges are pending at this time.
If you have any information on this individual please contact the Franklin Police Detective Division at 508-528-1212 and press option #6."
Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/kennedy-school-incident-march-6th-2020
Friday, January 31, 2020
"accidentally reports every student absent"
"The parents and guardians of students attending John F. Kennedy Memorial School received quite the surprise on Thursday morning - a message reporting their child as being absent.
Just after 10 a.m., an error caused by the district’s automated absentee notification system notified each family affiliated with the Pond Street elementary school that their child was not present, according to Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern.
“We use an automated system to send out messages to parents/guardians when we are not contacted by them to notify us when a student will be absent for the day,” said Ahern. “A mistake was made and the message was sent to all Kennedy Elementary School families at approximately 10:09 a.m.”
She said the error was “caught right away and a clarifying message was sent promptly at approximately 10:14 a.m.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200130/franklin-elementary-school-accidentally-reports-every-student-absent
A message went out to the Kennedy Elementary community regarding student absences. It was sent in error and has caused some alarm in the community. We are working to correct it.— Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) January 30, 2020
![]() |
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews |
Saturday, September 28, 2019
School Committee Meeting Recap: Start times put on 'pause'; elementary school improvement plans approved
The early release of MCAS data shows that the JF Kennedy Elementary School and the Davis Thayer Elementary School were recognized by the State DESE for their results. As the full set of MCAS data is understood, there will be an update to the community later this fall.
The ECDC and elementary school improvement plans for the 2019-2020 school years were presented and approved. Copies of the presentation documents are included here. Links to the individual improvement plans are available.
The school start time update provided the greatest shock (or disappointment) to some but it was a rather practical move. The effort to study changing school starts times has been 'paused.' Given the effort required with the upcoming budget cycle (and a significant budget shortage to be dealt with - likely raising the infamous 'o' word) along with the study to start on the potential closure of Davis Thayer (which would also require a redistricting of the entire school population - a major effort), and the need to actually continue the day to day operation of education the current school population, it was a wise move.
The presentation copy for the school update is shared below.
- The Superintendent's Report
Additional details captured live during the meeting can be found in my notes
- Live reporting: Discussion Only items through to C...
- Live reporting: Discussion/Action items
- Live reporting: School Start Times Update
- Live reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plan...
- Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 24, 2019
![]() |
elementary school principals presenting their School Improvement Plans |
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Public Tour of JF Kennedy School - Oct 2012

Or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157631703646697/
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
2018 Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Awardees Announced
Each year, Kennedy CHC honors individuals and organizations making an impact on the health of the communities its serve, as well as those who support the Health Center in fulfilling its mission. This year Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, III will be the keynote speaker as the honorees are recognized on November 1, 2018 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.
![]() |
Hockomock Area YMCA |
Awardee Profiles
Hockomock Area YMCA, YMCA of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest YMCA are each valuable partners of Kennedy CHC. The YMCA’s commitment to healthy living is apparent through their collaboration with Kennedy CHC on valuable programs such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, Prevention Wellness Trust Fund, and their focus on providing a safe, healthy environment for youth and families.Dr. Matilde Castiel has always held a professional and personal mission to work with the underserved. She has spent her career focused on improving the collective health of the community through her work as a Board certified physician in Internal Medicine in the Worcester community for over 28 years, by founding the Latin American Health Alliance (LAHA), and her dedication to non-profits and community health centers. She has served on the boards of several Worcester nonprofits, including The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, Centro Las Americas, and more currently Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Quinsigamond Community College, United Way, and the Boys and Girls Club.
For more information, visit https://www.kennedychc.org/2018
Congressman Joseph Kennedy III has held the office of U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’ 4th Congregational District since 2013, an area which includes Kennedy CHC’s Milford health care site. Congressman Kennedy has been a champion for health centers, stating that they “fills the gaps of a healthcare system that leaves too many without access to treatment.” Congressman Kennedy is also the grandnephew of the organization’s namesake, Edward M. Kennedy.
The mission of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) is to “help people live healthier lives.” We believe that everyone has a right to accessible, high quality, comprehensive, integrated and compassionate health care. As a community health center, Kennedy CHC has always provided comprehensive care to its patients, who are at disparate risk for chronic disease and poor health outcomes.
Our vision is to be a constantly growing, financially sound, Federally Qualified Community Health Center that:
• efficiently delivers high quality, accessible primary care services.
• becomes the health care home and provider choice of all our patients.
• achieves excellence in outcomes with our patients as partners.
• remains at the forefront of innovative health care practices.
Founded in a Worcester housing project in 1972, today Kennedy CHC has three medical facilities, three dental sites, two optometry practices and six school-based clinics serving residents of Worcester, Framingham, Clinton, Milford, and the surrounding communities of MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. Currently over 26,000 patients of all ages receive care and service through Kennedy CHC’s family practice model of care, a comprehensive approach to the delivery of quality primary and urgent care, medical specialties, nutrition counseling, dental care, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, social services, health education and youth development programs. Kennedy CHC is certified as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a model that supports the flow of information among medical teams, coordinating health care visits, utilizing electronic technologies for tracking and errors prevention, and providing follow-up while, most importantly, engaging patients in their care.
About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.
The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
State Representative Jeffrey Roy will welcome Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III to Franklin on Wednesday afternoon.
These will include the Intermission Cafe, Dean Bank, Rome Restaurant and Keefe Insurance.
Rae Lynn Mercer owner of the Intermission Cafe, worked with Congressman Kennedy's great-uncle, the late Senator Edward Kennedy, to obtain funding for the Franklin Downtown Revitalization efforts.
They will also visit the Franklin Food Pantry. At the Food pantry Representative Roy and Congressman Kennedy will be greeted by Executive Director Erin Lynch who at one point struggled to feed her own family and is now committed to helping others overcome food insecurity.
"It is always a privilege to welcome our Congressman to Franklin and I am looking forward to highlighting the great work that local businesses are doing to create a strong local economy." said Representative Roy.
![]() |
Intermission Cafe one of the downtown Franklin businesses scheduled for a visit |