Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label middle school. Show all posts

Saturday, September 23, 2023

"Student podcasters share the dark realities of middle school in America"

"School shootings, social media, beauty standards. 
13-year-olds Erika Young and Norah Weiner delve into what middle school looks like today in their award-winning podcast. 
@sequoiastweets @NPR https://t.co/hVyBB74v7G"
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED/status/1705054313498734628

"Student podcasters share the dark realities of middle school in America"
"Student podcasters share the dark realities of middle school in America"

Monday, August 21, 2023

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 22. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Monday, August 14, 2023

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 15. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Monday, August 7, 2023

Amy Saltamacchia talks about adding Middle School Performing Arts to Creative Corner Art Studio programs - 08/02/23 (audio)

FM #1033 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1033 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation at the Creative Corner Art Studio with owner Amy Saltamacchia. We talk about the new classes starting this fall, one to help with middle school performing arts, one to help with elementary art, both are after school programs.


We also heard a tease for some additional programming coordinating with Dean College as well as a possible street art project for students. Both of these we’ll keep an ear out for.


The audio recording runs 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Amy

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1033-creative-corner-adds-middle-school-performing-arts-08-02-23


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Creative Corner Art Studio web page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/ 


Registration page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/elementaryclasses 


Find Create Corner on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087442720678 


Follow them on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/creativecornerartstudio/ 



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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


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"


Middle School Visual and Performing Arts
Amy Saltamacchia talks about adding Middle School Performing Arts to Creative Corner Art Studio programs

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 8th. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Middle School Visual and Performing Arts - registration is open

Middle School Visual and Performing Arts
Middle School Visual and Performing Arts
"Runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3-5:30pm. Choose how many days a week when you sign up! Only taking 35 students a day. Pick up options/group carpool from Annie Sullivan. Horace Man students can take the five minute walk from school to the studio located downtown. On early release days parents have the option to pay $30 extra for lunch.

Drama Club is designed for students interested in learning more about the aspects of theater. This includes learning stage terminology, working on acting skills, set building, and costumes/makeup design. The Visual Arts will include working in different mediums over the system incorporated with the performing arts final presentation.

A drama club gives students an outlet for interests that go beyond acting and leads to friendships across grades. With recent cuts in the art and limited options for middle school extracurriculars, Creative Corner Art Studio gives students that venue in a safe and nurturing creative environment to explore those hidden talents."
Continue reading the class information and register online -> 


Middle School Visual and Performing Arts - registration is open
Middle School Visual and Performing Arts - registration is open

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 8th. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Thursday, June 15, 2023

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (audio)

FM #1012 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1012 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.


Brief recap:

  • Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior

  • During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions

  • Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator

  • Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.

  • The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year

  • The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting June 13, 2023

 

Timing on the recording when each segment Starts

  • Spain trip - approx. 12 minutes

  • Girls Outdoor Track - approx. 20 minutes

  • Michelle Kingsland Smith - approx. 29 minutes

  • Middle School Civics - approx. 42 minutes

  • Oak St Update - approx. 73 minutes

  • Discussion Action Items (budget) - approx. 1 hour 56 minutes


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1012-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-06-13-23


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Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet


Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf


My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2Uwk3QIX9rejAPGl2offT65fqVLCOYf/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share


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


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 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"


Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, June 13 for their penultimate session for this school year. The Franklin TV video recording is available for replay.


Brief recap:
  • Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior
  • During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions
  • Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator
  • Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.
  • The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year
  • The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to



Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

School Committee scheduled for update on middle school Civics Projects & vote on the adjusted FY 2024 school budget - June 13 - 7 PM

The Franklin School Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday night for the next to last time this school year. There are some key items on the agenda for this last session:

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Civics Projects Presentation
B. Oak Street Elementary School Highlights
III. Discussion/Action Items
A.   Revised FY24 Budget Vote
I recommend approval of the revised FY24 Budget in the amount of   $71,989,431.00 as discussed.
B. Superintendent’s Evaluation
I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2022-2023 school year as discussed.
C.   School Committee Norms & Protocols
The Chair recommends adoption of the amendments in the School Committee Norms & Protocols as discussed.
The full agenda doc and documents released for this session can be found in the meeting packet folder (most of the key documents are released After the meeting).

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Class of 2023 Horace Mann Middle School reunion has been RESCHEDULED for Tuesday, May 30

 
Please be advised that the Class of 2023 Horace Mann Middle School reunion has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 30 from 2-3 PM.

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/HMMSLightning/status/1661008369535311881 

Class of 2023 Horace Mann Middle School reunion has been RESCHEDULED for Tuesday, May 30
Class of 2023 Horace Mann Middle School reunion has been RESCHEDULED for Tuesday, May 30

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Event Reminder: Pen to Picture is Saturday, May 13 at 12 noon

Join us as we welcome three popular graphic novelists to Franklin! 
Meet/Hear from Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares and Maris Wicks and participate in interactive, creative breakout sessions, photo ops and book signings!

Shared from the Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/pen-picture-graphic-novelist-panel-saturday-may-13th-1200pm 


Wednesday, April 26, 2023

School Committee spends a lot of time on redistricting report (video)

The School Committee met on Tuesday and needed to vote to extend their meeting past 10 PM to continue the agenda items for their session before entering Executive Session (for negotiations from which they did not return to open meeting).

They heard an update from the Remington Middle School, approved the proposed middle school Grand Canyon trip for 2024 and spent most of the evening discussing the redistricting proposal they were privy to. As we go to press this Wednesday morning, it is still not posted to the Schools page although likely will be later today or tomorrow. Available when checked after 4 PM on Weds, 4/26/23


In the meantime 

1 - the video is available for replay on Franklin TV's Town Hall YouTube channel. Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/GpL9DsQgjMc?feature=share

2 - Photo albums capture what was shared on the overheard screen for Remington https://photos.app.goo.gl/3ULdjXviehRsVn9K8 and the redistricting discussion  https://photos.app.goo.gl/y5D4LEVkxBRSXqGDA

The audio and my full set of notes will be ready in a day or so

screen grab of redistricting recommendation
screen grab of redistricting recommendation


Monday, April 24, 2023

What will the Franklin School Committee do about redistricting?

What will the School Committee do about redistricting? 

No clues were revealed in the agenda packet released for Tuesday's meeting. We will all need to watch and/or participate in the session to find out. The session will reveal and discuss the plan; the vote on the plan is scheduled for the May 9th meeting.


II. Guests/Presentations
A. Remington Middle School Highlights
B. Redistricting Analysis Report

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. MS Grand Canyon Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Greg Rakovik and Nick Goldman to take 8th graders to the Grand Canyon from 4/15-20/2024 as presented at the last meeting.

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

The Town of Franklin seeks written quotes for the purchase, demolition, and removal of existing partition system, and the installation of one 15' x 80' fold-up  Gym Divider curtain system, per the specifications listed in the written request for written quotes.  

Pre-quote meeting will be held at Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 020387 at 3:00 PM on April 25, 2023.

Additional Information:  Request for Written Quotes, Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider  Curtain System

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-purchase-and-installation-gym-divider


Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider
Request for Written Quotes ~ Purchase and Installation of Gym Divider

Friday, April 14, 2023

School Committee votes to increase the Superintendent's Recommended budget, to "ask for what they need" (audio)

FM #971 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 971 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.


Quick recap:

  • Recognized swimmers from the FHS girls swim team

  • Heard from an update Jefferson on their "Wellness Wednesday's"

  • Heard a proposal for a middle school trip during Spring break 2024 to National Parks (Grand Canyon, Bryce, & Zion). Coming back for a discussion and vote at the next meeting

  • Voted to add to the Superintendent's budget proposal the $480K originally marked as 'left out'. The amendment to add this passed by 6-1 after a lengthy discussion. The overall budget passed 7-0. Next step will be the Finance Committee budget hearings on May 10. Followed by the Town Council budget hearing May 24

  • During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points

  • Entered executive session to hear an MOU for the FEA to which they returned to open meeting and approved by 7-0 before closing the meeting after 10 PM without extending their session per their recently changed protocol


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.


Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting April 11, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-971-fps-school-committee-mtg-04-11-23



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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-11-23.pdf


Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (some will be posted AFTER the meeting - per School Committee policy)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-11-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet


Middle School Trip proposal slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Uii2XTG7rrrHJmmi7

District Improvement Plan update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z2mHSCxxgU4Zut1q9

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Dggz5jO854jCpN33uFlNuL29hEOEJuD/view?usp=share_link 


Note the reference to the listing of reductions over the years as compiled by the District for a School Committee budget workshop. I converted the PDF to text to share with red text highlights. 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/what-programs-positions-were-cut-school.html

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


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 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"


During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points
During the budget discussion a creative use of Legos made a few points