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Jazz Café scheduled for Mar 24 at FHS Cafeteria |
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 *
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Jazz Café scheduled for Mar 24 at FHS Cafeteria
Monday, February 27, 2023
Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball
FYBO is seeking energetic umpires FOR PAY to be utilized on FLEXIBLE schedule during the 2023 Season!
Interested in learning more⬇️
https://t.co/Y5m3NoNeqN or http://franklinyouthbaseball.com/umpire
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/Qkk0P3AIXR
Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball |
Saturday, January 21, 2023
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Middle School Musical Show Dates
Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for
"The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical"
Show Dates: March 3rd and 4th
Performances will be held on Friday, March 3rd from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 4th from 2–4:30 PM and March 4th from 7-9:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and students. Tickets are available online at www.bfccps.org. Middle School Musical Show Dates
"As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, 'The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical' is an action-packed mythical adventure "worthy of the gods" (Time Out New York).
The production is under the direction of BFCCPS's Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr. Christopher Heater with a cast comprised of 32 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 23 member backstage student crew.
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS's educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition.
If you'd like to learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school's Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x104.
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)
FM #918 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 918 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 as well as some members who participated remotely.
Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when
The breakout discussion was held at each table
The break is indicated by about 4 seconds of music (replacing about 25 minutes of table discussion) then the group discussion resumes. I had anticipated a readout from each table (similar to what was done in previous meetings. That was not the case tonight.) The group discussion resumed with next steps, an additional meeting announced (some confusion around which date) but confirmation the slides, agenda, etc would be sent to the committee members with the survey form for their feedback.
Quick Recap
4 scenarios were presented based upon the building blocks from prior session. A fifth was acknowledged as not an option, albeit disputed by at least one member of the committee (closing another school)
Additional scenarios were presented as the realizations occurred on what was happening in each of the scenarios. Those raising such scenarios were advised to write it up for the feedback, in the survey to be sent to the Committee
The next session will cover these scenarios with demographic projections and the additional scenarios raised (2 middle schools, moving 5th grade to join 608 grades)
As there was no readout from each of the table discussions it was hard to tell what the sense of the scenarios was. Stay tuned for the next meeting; either Feb 2 or Feb 7 was mentioned, whichever it is will be confirmed
The edited meeting audio recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to whole group discussion position of Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-918-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-01-17-23
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Jan 17, 2023 agenda->
Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->
https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee
My notes in one Twitter threader document
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a37aoQ-Uh9CvpFgXJA7kdkjB5hHt45-F/view?usp=share_link
The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides https://photos.app.goo.gl/dz7Un9eCmvqokEYy6
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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!
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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"
Friday, January 13, 2023
New book club for LGBTQ middle & high school students at Escape into Fiction - Jan 26 at 6 PM
"A new book club is coming to #EscapeIntoFictionBookstore!Thursday 1/26/23 at 6 PMFirst #book will be Heartstopper #1This group is geared for all #lgbtq middle school and high school students, and those who are #lgbtqally"
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New book club for LGBTQ middle & high school students at Escape into Fiction - Jan 26 at 6 PM |
Thursday, December 8, 2022
Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert - Dec 7 - video via YouTube
If you were not able to get to the Horace Mann Auditorium (it was packed, standing room only), you can view the Franklin TV live stream recording of the concert in the comfort of your home or on your device anywhere.
YouTube link -> https://youtu.be/lqzCDH3RBkw
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6th Grade Concert Band |
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7th/8th Grade Symphony Band |
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Franklin Public Schools: Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert - Dec 7 at 6 PM
Happening TONIGHT!
Good luck to all of our talented, hard-working Band, Chorus, and Orchestra members and ensemble directors! https://t.co/ssNzWdtCHj
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Franklin Public Schools: Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert - Dec 7 at 6 PM |
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Adaptive Hockey Games at BFCCPS scheduled for week of Dec 5
Students in Grades six through eight at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School will participate in an adaptive sport called Volt Hockey during the week of December 5th.
"Volt Hockey, played in power wheelchairs in Europe and Canada, came for the first time to the United States with chairs to Boston on November 8, 2021. There are very few sports that allow individuals with disabilities with both upper and lower body mobility impairments to compete. Volt Hockey, being brought by the nonprofit Boston Self Help Center, is expected to excite and encourage individuals with disabilities to play this indoor, 4 on 4, street hockey like game. Expectations are high that this will then spread across New England and the United States as did a similar sport that the nonprofit sponsors, power wheelchair soccer." (source: https://bostonselfhelpcenter.org/adaptive-sports)
The opportunity has been coordinated by Helena and Helge Liedtke, parents of two BFCCPS students and founders of SPace2Thrive,as well as Christopher Heater the Director of Co-Curricular Education and the Physical Education Coaches Patrick Anderson, Julie Bradley and Marjorie Burke. Equipment has been donated for the event courtesy of the Boston Self Help Center and Boston Whiplash team. You can learn more about this adaptive sports program on this flyer
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Volt Hockey wheelchair |
This activity has been arranged to help all students feel included, most especially BFCCPS' own Vivienne Liedkte, a member of the BFCCPS Grade 8 class who shares. "I love Volt Hockey because I am free to be myself and I feel like I can actually do something good as an equal team member."
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is an inclusive, vibrant learning community where integrity, knowledge and resourcefulness define our students and empower them to serve the greater community with confidence. As part of our school's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) and in line with our school's pillar of character education, we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our students as a demonstration of the virtues of both justice and fortitude.
You can learn more about SPace2Thrive and their mission to create spaces where children with and without disabilities and their families can connect and engage in a way that creates an environment of compassion and equality for everyone to thrive, learn from each other and grow beyond limitations. (source: http://www.space2thrive.org/mission)
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. www.bfccps.org
Friday, November 4, 2022
Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5 - registration required
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Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5 |
Friday, October 21, 2022
Author Leslie Connor scheduled to visit Franklin's 3 middle schools next week
Thank you for your ongoing support of this initiative; Franklin has a reputation as a town that grows readers and it's events like this that keep the spirit alive.
- Pamela Allard
- Daniel Moriarty
- Erin O'Leary
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Author Leslie Connor scheduled to visit Franklin's 3 middle schools next week |
Friday, October 14, 2022
Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting Oct 11, 2022 (audio recording)
FM #862 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 862 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 11, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with one member remote so a roll call vote was recorded every time where needed.
School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM.
Key items on the agenda
Legislator of the Year Award presented by MASC to Senator Becca Rausch
Improvement plan presentations and discussion for
Middle schools (Horace Mann, Remington, & Annie Sullivan)
Franklin High School
MASC resolutions reviewed & voted on as amended
Creation of a Redistricting Advisory Council approved
The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting.
The recording runs about three hours, thirty minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Oct 11, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-862-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-11-22
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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
Meeting agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-11-22.pdf
Meeting packet folder
My notes captured via Twitter and compiled into one PDF doc ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DF-bRWLpEwNeNeWGFvngIjQYWtSnn8Ov/view?usp=sharing
Photos from the meeting (mostly screen shots of the presentations not yet posted to the packet folder) https://photos.app.goo.gl/SMsQcCJmzJFKzqwNA
YouTube video replay for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/Aj7BugMBAQg
--------------
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"
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Legislator of the Year Award presented by MASC to Senator Becca Rausch |
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Author Visits scheduled for Franklin Middle Schools Oct 25-27
Exciting news! We'll welcome @LeslieConnor29 to HMMS in October - this will be her second tour of the middle schools and our first IN PERSON author in two years!
Be sure to read before her visit @EscapeIntoFictn @FrkPublicLib https://t.co/kl8A7N2HWK
https://twitter.com/HMMSLightning/status/1575881728249339910?t=lk2ltmsX3s4kaW7eMbUUyQ&s=03
Author Tour scheduled for Middle Schools Oct 25-27 |
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Franklin Middle School - Summer Reading Recommendations
Summer Reading
○ Use this log to record the books you read and return to your ELA teacher in the fall.
○ This is a great way to connect with new teachers and peers.○ We recommend that students take brief notes on their favorite title to keep their memory fresh.
○ Students should read or listen to one of her books this summer.
Continue reading the 2 pager -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/middle_school_summer_reading_2022.pdf
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Franklin Middle School - Summer Reading Recommendations |