Sourdough Starter Workshop - Thursday, October 15

Register Now!

Ready to start your sourdough journey? Join us for our Sourdough Workshop and learn how to turn simple ingredients into a delicious homemade loaf! No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm, a jar, and a tiny spatula! Click the link to register and learn more Lifelong Community Learning

Lifelong Community Learning - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Space still available for Lifelong Learning "Little Solutions" toddler child care

"Limited spaces available! 

Email us to schedule a tour of our spacious and bright classooms and learn about our low 1:3 teacher to child ratio."

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NJ1veka3W/ 

The String School of Franklin begins September 23

"It’s time to pick up your bow and make some music!

String School is a great opportunity for young musicians to build their skills and grow their confidence. Whether your student is just getting started or looking to strengthen their string skills, there’s a place for them at String School!

To register or learn more follow the link https://bit.ly/3T28FUw"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DdSQ-gBjqZC/

This Chalkboard Chat summarizes 3 School Committee meetings for you (audio)

FM #1821 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1821 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, September 10, 2026. 

Our conversation covered the following topics from the School Committee meetings of August 11, August 25, and September 8, 2026.

Across the 3 meetings we covered the following topics:

• Lifeline learning activities for summer

• Hiring status

• Transportation update

• Handbook and policies updated

• District Improvement Plan reviewed, feedback provided

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-11821-chalkboard-chat-09-10-26/

Video link - https://youtu.be/l46DPWd-lGs

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August 11 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-gets-multiple-updates_0343394204.html 

August 25 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/school-committee-welcomes-new_01995812623.html 

September 8 meeting recap & links

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/school-committee-gets-insights-on.html 

School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

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

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 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 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"

School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting 08/11/26 (audio)

FM #1804 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1804 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM. 6 members of the Committee participated, 6 in person, 1 remote. 

Quick recap

• The Superintendent Report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/ 

• Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7 

• Annual report submission approved, minor formatting remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication

• The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior

• Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0

Let’s listen (approx. 39 minutes)

audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1804-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-11-26/

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

Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27 

The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/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 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 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"

School Committee gets multiple updates on summer learning, transportation, etc. in 1 hour meeting (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 11 in Council Chambers. All members participated, one (O'Sullivan) remotely.

Franklin TV video is available - https://www.youtube.com/live/VMpYB91A8Fw?&t=27

The Agenda document - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112026-2448 

Quick recap

• Superintendent report provides updates on multiple items; planning for Sept, transportation, hiring status (positions open, a better view to be provided next time), work on facilities progressing. Ms Melotti out on maternity leave, Dr Bob Dutch back to fill in while she is out, important school start dates on webpage - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars/
• Joint presentation and updates on summer learning from Student Services and Lifelong Learning. Slides shown were captured in one photo album https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BGZeLN2QWEezqFw7
• 
  Annual report submission approved, minor formating remains to be done by the Town as the annual report book is prepared for publication
• The 2nd reading on the restraint policy was approved as amended by the Policy Subcmte meeting prior
• Consent agenda was also approved. All votes, by the way, were via roll call and passed 7-0
  

My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvmIVrFX0EwMzsGCAbVXWcNqeu2T-DO8/view?usp=drive_link

Registration for Lifelong Community Learning's fall offerings open the week of August 10, 2026

Registration for Lifelong Community Learning's fall offerings will open the week of August 10th.

We hope to see you there! www.franklinlifelonglearning.com

Summer music program registration is open for you today !!!

"Don't miss your chance to register for our popular Summer Music Program! 

Go to bit.ly/3T28FUw for complete details."

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14XCZ1LkSUj/

Early Bird Discounts fly away on May 1 for Lifelong Learning Summer Programs

Early Bird Discounts fly away on May 1
for Lifelong Learning Summer Programs

"Don't miss the early bird discount.

Sign up for Lifelong Learning's summer program by May 1st!

Go to bit.ly/3OhFVUS for details."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DXsEiioidjV/

Sourdough Starter Workshop scheduled for Thursday, April 30

April 30th, 6 pm, FHS

Attend this class led by a full-time sourdough recipe food developer and home baker!  For information and to register, visit: Workshops & Special Events

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Lifelong Music Academy Summer registration is open

"The Lifelong Music Academy's summer music program is a great way for students to keep playing during summer break.

Sign up now at bit.ly/3T28FUw."

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/17uNYVQEmv/

Attention middle school parents: Free Internet & social media class

Attention middle school parents: Free Internet & social media class

Parents of students in grades 6-8, check out this free Internet and Social Media Safety class taught by Franklin Police!

Registration is required.

Go to bit.ly/3HypMXe for details and to register.

Shared from - 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CsnW2CTFs/

Lifelong learning summer programs - registration available now

Lifelong learning summer programs - registration available now

"Book your child's spot in the Solutions Summer Adventure!

Five weeks of fun activities, games, art, and science.

Go to bit.ly/4bzI9sR for more info."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DW6sS7TiVZD/

School Committee gets update on Lifelong Learning at March 24 session (audio)

FM #1712 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1712 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meeting

• Superintendent's report

• substitute nurses being looked for

• Winter sports round up

• earmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)

• Innovation labs grant also awarded

• FHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pm

• Lifelong learning update

• For Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13

• Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being worked

• Over 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.

• Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within the program

• Discussion/Action Items

• A.   Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote

• B. Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan

• both passed by 7-0 votes

• Subcommittee updates

• Citizen comment - I stepped up to say thanks for the participation at the Q&A and to provide 2 future dates for their calendars

• April 18, Favorite Poem Reading at the Library 

• On May 2, the 3rd annual Jane Jacobs walk, meet at the TV studio walk about 1 mile or so, return to the studio. Discussions of housing, zoning, which are all budget related. It is a generally good discussion with insights shared

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1712-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-24-26/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87 

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28 

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

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 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 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"