Franklin Matters: middle school

Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts

Friday, June 12, 2026

URGENT: Franklin Middle School Auditorium Restoration

The Franklin Middle School Auditorium document handed to the Town Councilors at Wednesday's meeting is available for your review.


	Left: Damaged first row seating \| Center: Unusable center section \| Right: typical fabric	deterioration

Download a copy here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16xTZqwgnB4EvG4GO4FeOOVjq9_klNgiN/view?usp=sharing

Or review the embedded copy online

Thursday, May 28, 2026

The Crazy Reading Ladies talk with Ruta Sepetys - June 10

Via Barnes & Noble Natick

"Excited to announce @allinreading as the moderators for our stunning event with @rutasepetysauthor!

There are still tickets available, please register to join us!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DYumA9lu_Mz/

Editor's note: If there wasn't a very important Town Council meeting at the same time on June 10, I'd be there. Ruta Sepetys has visited Franklin middle schools as part of the visiting author program. I tout her as one of the better writers today.

Her linktree provides direct links to many of the options to find out about here and her works https://linktr.ee/rutasepetysauthor?

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is thrilled to announce middle school achievements in Science

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is thrilled to announce middle school achievements this month in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering. The mission of BFCCPS, includes a classical education whereby students are grounded in the fundamental subjects of literature, history, mathematics, science, language, music and the arts in order to understand culture and support active participation in it.

The One8 Applied Learning Hub and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) hosted an Applied Learning Student Showcase on May 8th at The TRACK at New Balance in Boston, MA. Three 8th grade teams were selected from BFCCPS following an in school STEAM student showcase.

The students who participated in this statewide expo created a tri-fold board presentation and produced a functioning app on MIT App Inventor. The following students participated this year; Aagam Shah and James Jaeggli with their app about medications for the elderly, Max Greene and Jacob Simmons with their app about Ninja Warrior, and Anagha Balagurumoorthy and Shreya Kirikera with their app about water safety with drinking water.

They were then introduced to many industry experts who asked questions about the creation of their apps along with suggestions for how to improve their apps in the future. It was a wonderful event and the students selected should be so proud of their hard work. Thank you to Jessica Kelleher our STEAM Teacher and Grades 6-8 Librarian, for supporting this initiative and chaperoning the trip to the TRACK at New Balance. BFCCPS has participated in this event since 2021 as part of BFCCPS’s participation in Project Lead the Way.

The next day sixteen BFCCPS students in Grades Seven and Eight participated in the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF). The event was held on May 9, 2026 at Clark

University, Worcester. We are excited to recognize the following students who earned accolades:

● Cabot Grand Award: Aagam Shah and Chittesh Patel “Selective Capture of Harmful Pathogens Using a Mucin-Based Trapping Mechanism”
● Second Place Award: Dishita Noolu: “Does a natural bandage infused with healing and antibacterial ingredients promote faster skin recovery than a regular store-bought bandage”
● Third Place Award: Anagha Balagurumoorthy and Shreya Kirikera “Investigation of Pharmaceutical Waste in Public Water Systems”
● Honorable Mention: Mansha Khatri and Poorvi Rajaboyina “Freezing of Different Water Types”
● Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge Delegates: Aagam Shah and Chittesh Patel

We are incredibly excited to share that Aagam Shah, Chittesh Patel and Dishita Noolu have qualified to participate in a national event which will take place in the Fall of 2026.

Thank you to both Mr. Pontes-Macedo and Mrs. Nestor for their support and encouragement of our scientists.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

2026 MSEF Middle School Science Fair Winners:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jkEluOitTekphrSf1CRxbrVEKkyL9xJh/view

Monday, May 25, 2026

Hold the date for May 28: Middle School Reunion

Members of the Class of 2026 who attended a Franklin middle school are invited to a middle school reunion.

No matter which middle school they attended, the reunion will be held at Franklin Middle School on Thursday, May 28 at 2:00.

Hold the date for May 28: Middle School Reunion

We'll walk down memory lane, celebrate the adults they've become, and wish them well before graduation.

I'm attaching a visual - please post and share to any senior memos, streams, sites, etc.

We are really looking forward to welcoming them back 💙 This is a big deal for us middle school teachers - to see them upright and functioning four years later gives us the motivation to keep at it 😂

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Save the date for the Summer Reading Kickoff June 18

"Save the date for our summer reading kickoff at An Unlikely Story!"

Shared from https://www.facebook.com/share/1CdJNfFAwc/

Friday, May 15, 2026

Hey, middle schoolers! Pen to Picture: Saturday, May 16

Pen to Picture THIS SATURDAY May 16, 2026

We are hosting Franklin's 4th annual graphic novel celebration. This was created four years ago as a collaboration between myself, Pam Allard, and the youth services staff at Franklin Public Library. It has been funded annually by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

This year we welcome Colleen AF Venable, the creative genius behind Kiss Number 8, Katie the Catsitter series, and the Junie B. Jones graphic novel adaptations. You'll hear about her creative process, how she joins words and pictures, and learn about her career as a graphic novelist. This event takes place at the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, May 16 at 1pm.

I worked with Ms. Venable this fall - she's super approachable and is a really fun presenter. If you know kids who are interested in graphic novels, or you are looking for something to do with your family this weekend, consider this your invitation!

Event runs from 1-3pm

Author presentation is 1:00 - 1:45 and followed by Q&A, book signings, photo ops, and breakout art and writing sessions led by FHS student volunteers 🤩

Target audience is middle school students but this is appropriate for all ages, particularly 8+

This event is free and open to all.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Franklin School Committee gets a mid year update on the District & School Improvement Plans (audio)

FM #1732 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1732 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers.

Quick recap:

The complete administrative leadership team across the district was present to provide a midyear update on the District and School Improvement plans
The 'current' District and School plan can be found - https://heyzine.com/flip-book/24ecc9f7e5.html#page/1. The updates as approved last night should be updated to the school page in a day or so.

Let’s listen (approx. 3 hours 7 minutes)

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1732-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-04-14-26/

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Franklin TV video is available for review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF4JTAfLa5E

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142026-2250

The meeting packet folder contains the doc released before the meeting and after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/april-14%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/26737086

My notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vRqOLinf4Pyzl_K-5sm6fjBuhOqbceig/view?usp=drive_link

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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!

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

4th Annual Pen to Picture Graphic Novel Celebration - May 16

The Franklin Public Library, in collaboration with Franklin Middle School, is hosting the fourth annual Pen to Picture graphic novel celebration! This year we are thrilled to welcome Colleen AF Venable

Meet the author, hear about her creative process, and join us for book signings, photo ops, and breakout sessions.

Target audience is age 8-14 but this event is free and open to all!

Join us at the Franklin Public Library May 16 at 1 PM

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/?multi_permalinks=4331504707119522&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

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/

Sunday, April 5, 2026

Franklin Middle School Hosts MCAS Alternative Assessments Portfolio Viewing Party

Franklin Middle School recently brought students, families, and educators together for its MCAS Alternative Assessment (MCAS-Alt) Portfolio Viewing Party, an event designed to celebrate student growth and create a meaningful opportunity for families and school staff to connect.

Franklin Middle School recently hosted its MCAS Alternative Assessments
Portfolio Viewing Party. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Students and their families recently gathered with teachers, service providers, and administrators in the school cafeteria to review student assessment portfolios and reflect on the progress students have made throughout the year.

The MCAS-Alt is one of the assessment options available to Massachusetts public school students and is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Rather than a traditional test, the MCAS-Alt includes evidence of student learning collected over time, such as work samples, data charts, and a skills survey completed during classroom instruction.

As part of the MCAS-Alt process, schools invite families to review their child's portfolio. At Franklin Middle School, that required step was intentionally framed as something more: an opportunity to welcome families into the school community, highlight student learning, and celebrate each child's accomplishments alongside the educators and staff who support them every day.

At the MCAS-Alt Portfolio Viewing Party, families reviewed
their child's assessment and portfolio before signing the
Student Information Identification Form.
(Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

This year, eight Franklin Middle School students completed the MCAS-Alt. During the event, families had the opportunity to view their child's portfolio, talk with teachers and service providers, and recognize the growth reflected in the work students completed throughout the year.

"Franklin Middle School's first official MCAS-Alt Portfolio Viewing Party was a wonderful opportunity to bring families, students, and staff together in celebration of student learning," said Principal Craig Williams. "It was meaningful to see families spending time with educators, reviewing student work, and recognizing the progress each child has made."

The event was organized with the support of Franklin Middle School Team Chairperson Lauren Erdmann and Administrator of Student Services Beckie Motte.

"We are so proud of the students' hard work and achievements that are captured in the portfolio," said Erdmann. "We were excited to provide a platform to honor and celebrate these achievements and to share them with their families, teachers, and school community."

Franklin Public Schools Secures $150K, Innovation Grant to Redesign, Modernize Middle School Library

Franklin Public Schools has secured $150,000 in state earmarked funding and a competitive innovation grant to support the redesign and modernization of the Franklin Middle School library and STEM space.

The funding, secured with the advocacy of state Rep. Jeff Roy, will help transform the current library into a Library and Innovation Commons.

The district also received an Inventionland Education Innovation Grant, which will support efforts to create a learning environment focused on creativity, innovation, makerspace experiences, group collaboration, and project-based learning.

The earmarked funding and grant will allow the district to redesign the space into a modern learning hub for students while also serving as a welcoming space for school and community engagement.

"Through the advocacy of Representative Roy and the support of the Inventionland Education Innovation Grant, we have a meaningful opportunity to reimagine the Franklin Middle School library as a dynamic learning environment for students," said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tina Rogers. "Our goal is to create a flexible space where students can collaborate, explore ideas, and engage in hands-on learning that connects across subject areas."

Over the coming months, students and staff will be invited to share input as the district develops plans for the redesigned space to ensure the new Library and Innovation Commons supports both classroom instruction and student-driven learning.

District administrators credit Elizabeth Morrison, Director of English Language Arts and Social Studies, and Eric Stark, Director of STEM, for their leadership in advancing the project.

"Creating spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, and collaboration is an important part of supporting innovative teaching and learning," Dr. Rogers said. "We are grateful for the support that is helping make this work possible."

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Franklin Middle School Reads "The Bridge Home" in advance of Author Visit

Franklin Middle School Reads "The Bridge Home"
in advance of Author Visit

"The countdown IS ON!! One week from today @venkatraman.padma visits FMS

This photo was taken several weeks ago. The library display is currently decimated because the kids are reading like crazy!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DWjhZVOAE0D/

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Memorial Day Update via Franklin VFW Post 3402

Via the Franklin VFW Post 3402

Memorial Day Parade Route

"We’re less than 9 weeks until Memorial Day!

The parade will be held on Monday and follow the new route that was debuted last year.

It will begin at 11:00 AM at the Franklin Middle School and travel up Oak/Daniel McCahill St to Union St to 140 to Emmons to Main ending back at the Town Common.

I am sorry to share that there will be no Franklin Public School bands in the parade this year due to budget cuts. We do have the Benjamin Franklin Charter School band playing and we’re supposed to have the National Guard Band that performed last year back this year (we’re very lucky)!

We hope many veterans will join us to walk (or ride) in the parade. Those veterans with kids are welcome to have their kids walk with them!

Immediately following the parade’s conclusion will be the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Town Common. There will be additional sound speakers this year to help the audience hear what is being said.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 25th!"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/post3402/posts/pfbid0iwxaUY3ckJqFhjUg3PgZM2Vc62brFyZgZ18zGcpD7L67vHftH3h9SVaTMhY8JocJl

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

All Town Showcase Concerts scheduled for Tues - 3/17 and Thurs - 3/19

via the Franklin Music Boosters

"Please join us for All Town Showcase Concerts on 3/17 and 3/19. These concerts are expected to be very busy with large crowds, so save time by purchasing gate donations, raffle tickets, or merchandise online before the show!

3/17 Chorus/Orchestra (with detail schedule): https://givebutter.com/2026-ATS

3/19 Band (with detail schedule): https://givebutter.com/2026-ATS-B

All Town Showcase Concerts scheduled for Tues - 3/17 and Thurs - 3/19

The All Town Showcase concerts celebrate the upcoming MICCA Festival performance for each ensemble and serve as a "practice run" in a formal setting with an audience. We like to call this the "MCAS" of music. At this festival, each group performs in front of a panel of highly respected judges who assess our performances, providing feedback and a score aligning to a performance rubric. This is always considered one of the highlights of our year. Please join us to celebrate the talented students in our middle school and high school ensembles.

Pardon the broken schedule for this particular evening. We are fortunate to have a large contingent of talented chorus students this year!

4:30 pm - 6th Grade chorus students arrive through the community entrance (normal auditorium/gym doors)

5:00 pm - performance starts

5:30 pm - Grades 7-12 chorus students arrive as follows:

7/8th Grade chorus students should arrive through the main office door (right side) and meet in the media center
FHS chorus students please meet in the chorus room
parents may park and enter through the community entrance (auditorium/gym doors)

6:00 pm - performance starts

6:15 pm - Grade 6-12 orchestra students arrive through the cafeteria doors around the back of the building

7:00 pm - parents may enter for the orchestra performance when the chorus audience has fully exited

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Byhug75XQ/

Thursday, March 12, 2026

BFCCPS shares results of Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF for Middle School

We are thrilled to share the results of the recent Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF for Middle School.

The students listed below will now incorporate feedback from judges in preparation for the Middle School State Fair which takes place May 9th at Clark University:

BFCCPS shares results of Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair - MSEF for Middle School

Romir Iyer "Using Python Code to Diagnose Genetic Disorders" 2nd Place and Citadel securities Innovation Prize
Dishita Noolu "Does a natural bandage infused with healing and antibacterial ingredients promote faster skin recovery than a regular store bought bandage" 2nd Place and Lemelson Early Inventor Prize
Shanvika Kandanuru "The Casein Polymer Project" 2nd Place and Sandra Nasrawi Award
Mansha Khatri and Poorvi Rajaboyina "Freezing of Different Water Types" 2nd Place and Aparna Narvane Memorial Award
Anagha Balagurumoorthy and Shreya Kirikera "Investigation of Pharmaceutical Waste in Public Water Systems" 3rd Place
Aagam Shah and Chittesh Patel "Selective Capture of Harmful Pathogens Using a Mucin Based Trapping Mechanism'' 3rd Place

Many thanks to Mrs Nestor and Mr Pontes-Macedo for supervising students throughout this process.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/186MTBJnxg/

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Middle School 6th Grade Orchestra & Band 02-10-26 (video)

The Franklin Middle School 6th Grade Orchestra & Band performed in concert on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Franklin TV recorded the performance and it is available for replay.

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9Gwctl1bsA

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Project 351: "We are having a Winter Coat Drive"

The winter coat drive is organized by Franklin's Project 351 Ambassadors and Alumni. They are collecting new or gently used coats and jackets to support local children in need with a specific focus on sizes for 3rd through 6th graders.

Donated items can be dropped off at the Franklin Middle School (FMS) Front Office.

They are accepting donations for an extended period of time, despite what the flier says below.

FMS Class of 2032 - 6th Grade

What is Project 351? Find out about it online - https://project351.org/