Jazz Café scheduled for Mar 24 at FHS Cafeteria

Jazz Café scheduled for March 24 at the FHS Cafeteria. FHS and middle school jazz bands will perform.

Tickets available online -> https://givebutter.com/FranklinJazz

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CpWGOM6O3UH/

Jazz Café scheduled for Mar 24 at FHS Cafeteria

Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball

🚨CALLING MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLERS🚨

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  

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

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of "The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical" to be held in the school's Learning Commons at 500 Financial Park in Franklin. 

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.

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->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_redistricting_advisory_meeting_1-17-23.pdf 

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 

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

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"

Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)

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 PM

First #book will be Heartstopper #1

This group is geared for all #lgbtq middle school and high school students, and those who are #lgbtqally"

shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CnUOX0ZrsCC/

New book club for LGBTQ middle & high school students at Escape into Fiction - Jan 26 at 6 PM

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

Follow along with the program and listing of performers

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15l1iYMDipgjyuSooHWpqPDaRoR-KbkTF/view?usp=share_link

6th Grade Concert Band

7th/8th Grade Symphony Band

Franklin Public Schools: Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert - Dec 7 at 6 PM

Horace Mann MS (@HMMSLightning) tweeted  Wed, Dec 07, 2022:

Happening TONIGHT! 

Good luck to all of our talented, hard-working Band, Chorus, and Orchestra members and ensemble directors! https://t.co/ssNzWdtCHj

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/HMMSLightning/status/1600474450310631424

Franklin Public Schools: Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert - Dec 7 at 6 PM

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

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

Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5 - registration required

We are excited to announce our Annual Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

The Tri-County Open House is an excellent time for middle school students to get hands-on experience in our career programs. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions of current students and work on an interactive project.

Middle School students and their families are invited to tour both academic and vocational classrooms while visiting the campus. Learn about our award-winning academics, sports, extra-curriculars, and what makes Tri-County unique.

We’ll be serving some delicious refreshments, and you’ll have a chance to win cool prizes! 

Registration Required -> https://tri-county.us/openhouse/

Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5

Author Leslie Connor scheduled to visit Franklin's 3 middle schools next week

The three middle school reading specialists would like to invite you to attend one (or more!) of our upcoming author events next week.

We are proud to have kept the visiting author tradition alive over the past two years and are thrilled that Leslie Connor will be presenting at all three middle schools IN PERSON next week. She is also hosting a meet and greet at Escape into Fiction Wednesday evening.

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

Author Leslie Connor scheduled to visit Franklin's 3 middle schools next week

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

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

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

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

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"

Legislator of the Year Award presented by MASC to Senator Becca Rausch

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022

 Franklin School Committee

October 11, 2022 -7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

C. Payroll Ms. Stokes

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. 2021 MASC Legislator of the Year Award

B. 6-12 School Improvement Plans

 

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FPS Middle School Improvement Plans

I recommend approval of the Middle School Improvement Plans as presented.

B. FPS High School Improvement Plan

I Recommend approval of the High School Improvement Plan as presented.

C. Policy - 1st Reading

I recommend moving policy JICH - Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug use by students to a second reading as discussed.

D. MASC Resolutions

I recommend approval of the following resolutions:

1. Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Transgender Students

2. To Increase the Maximum Balance Allowed by the Special Education Reserve Fund

3. Membership of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

4. Preserving Local Governance of Massachusetts Schools

5. Personal Financial Literacy Education

6. Establishment of a Regional School Assessment Reserve Fund

E. Redistricting Sub Committee

I recommend the establishment of a “Redistricting Advisory Committee” to the School Committee as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 27, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $225.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1100.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX Adjournment

Meeting agenda doc with remote connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-11-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022

Author Visits scheduled for Franklin Middle Schools Oct 25-27

Horace Mann MS (@HMMSLightning) tweeted Fri, Sep 30, 2022:

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

Shared from Twitter -> 
https://twitter.com/HMMSLightning/status/1575881728249339910?t=lk2ltmsX3s4kaW7eMbUUyQ&s=03

Author Tour scheduled for Middle Schools Oct 25-27

Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22

Sep 16, 2022

Dear Franklin Families,

I hope this letter finds you well. It has been a busy few weeks as we opened Franklin Public Schools for our 2022-23 academic year. We welcomed back 4,695 students and over 800 faculty and staff members! The preparation and effort put forward by our staff to ensure a successful opening required a dedication that necessitated hard work, stamina, and a commitment to our students that I recognize and value. I wanted to express my deep gratitude to all of our leaders and staff members. Schools are the heartbeat of a community. I am beyond proud to be leading this district.

Instead of sending multiple individual messages, I wanted to share five key updates, which you can find below. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22

Yes, this is a week old and after meeting with Lucas this week, plans are underway to improve communications from the School District on multiple fronts.

Franklin Middle School - Summer Reading Recommendations

Summer Reading

Middle School Summer Reading Recommendations

★ Franklin Middle School students are required to read at least two books this summer.

○ Use this log to record the books you read and return to your ELA teacher in the fall.

★ Students will share one of their summer reading books 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.

★ Acclaimed author Leslie Connor is scheduled to visit us in October!

○ 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

Franklin Middle School - Summer Reading Recommendations