3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third at the Franklin Public Library, May 10

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third

Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. On May 10, Franklin's 3rd annual Pen to Picture Festival will welcome Raúl the Third to the Franklin Public Library. This town-wide event is free and open to all families. 

Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available.

Pen to Picture originated three years ago, the result of a collaborative effort among Ms. Bree Comeau (Franklin Public Library Asst. Youth Services Librarian) and Franklin middle school reading specialists Pam Allard and Erin O’Leary. The three literary leaders recognized their students’ growing appetite for the graphic novel format and sought funding from their schools’ parent organizations to create a town-wide festival. Pen to Picture’s mission is to expose Franklin families to contemporary titles and creators and foster the creative relationship between art and the written word. 

In its first year, the program welcomed Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares, and Maris Wicks; built on its overwhelming success, Pen to Picture welcomed Jarrett J. Krosoczka the following year.  

Graphic novels (a literary format) have exploded in popularity and both librarians and reading specialists are excited to welcome local authors and illustrators to engage students in an appreciation of the genre, learn about the process and time required to develop a graphic novel, and champion the relationship between visual arts and storytelling. We invite the community to join us at the library on Saturday, May 10. 

This year, Pen to Picture is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 

Caleigh, Erin & I had a blast talking about BLAST (audio)

FM #1434 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1434 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation about the origin story of BLAST - Bringing Libraries and Schools Together. We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caleigh Keating, the collaborators who start with “Yes” and then figure it out. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, April 17, 2025. 

• Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian

• Erin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle School

We cover the following in our conversation

• The origin story

• A ‘free’ service but dependent upon the override passing

• Middle school and elementary school coordination

• How redistricting will simplify the operations

• Summer reading kickoffs being planned for

The recording runs about 32 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1434-blast-fun-04-17-25/

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Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 

Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklinps.net 

Caleigh Keating email address -> ckeating@minlib.net 

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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!

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

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

 

BLAST is referenced in the Strategic Plan

Franklin Middle School Summer Reading Kickoff Book Fair - June 11

summer reading kick-off book fair

via Erin P. O'Leary:

An Unlikely Story is hosting our summer reading kick-off book fair on June 11 from 2 to 8 PM.  

 

All current and potential FMS families are encouraged to attend! 

 

We're promoting it as a great way to buy books for summer, put names to faces, meet new people, support a small business, and fundraise for future literacy events. 

 

Online ordering will be available for those who can not attend in-person. 

Franklin Public Schools Receive $5,000 Grant to Continue Visiting Author Program

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary are proud to share that Franklin Public Schools have been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Franklin Cultural Council to continue the visiting author program.

"I want to thank the Franklin Cultural Council for such a generous donation that will allow us to continue the visiting author program," O'Leary said. "With their help, we can continue promoting engaging and hands-on reading curriculum that unites the three middle schools in a unique and exciting way."

Author Steve Sheinkin presents to the Remington Middle School student body. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

The three Franklin middle schools have a long-standing tradition of welcoming highly engaging young adult authors. The program was originally a schoolwide initiative at Horace Mann Middle School but spread to all three middle schools in 2019.

The visiting author program is built around contemporary authors whose books are popular, engaging, and speak to the middle school experience. Reading specialists collaborate with publishers, school and district administrators, the Franklin Public Library, and Plainville bookstore An Unlikely Story to select an author whose work aligns with Franklin's core values and curriculum. Previous authors include Aisha Saeed, Jordan Sonnenblick and Steve Sheinkin.

In recent years, the middle school visiting author experience has been a three-day residency. The author spends a full day at each middle school presenting to the student body, signing books, answering questions, and hosting small group writing and reading sessions. There is also an evening event for community members, allowing families to meet the author and share a common experience with their students.

The visiting author's work is woven into the curriculum leading up to the visit. Their books are used for summer reading, purchased for classroom libraries, and chosen for read-alouds. Teachers utilize the author's books to teach lessons regarding figurative language, dialogue, paragraph structure, and other skills.

Given the scope of this endeavor, the schools seek multiple funding sources to sustain the program. O'Leary has been awarded a grant to finance part of the experience for the last several years. And thanks to the Franklin Cultural Council's grant, the visiting author program will continue in the 2025-26 school year.

"The visiting author program has become an integral part of the middle school curriculum," Superintendent Giguere said. "It promotes literacy development and connections within our school community and across the district and town. We are very grateful to the Franklin Cultural Council and thank them for their donation. Thanks to them, we can continue our tradition of encouraging a love of reading through dynamic programs such as this one."

Have you heard about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event at the Library May 10 featuring Raul the 3rd? (audio)

FM #1424 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1424 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event scheduled for the Franklin Public Library May 10, 2025. We talk with Bree Comeau, Erin O’Leary and Pam Allard about this event with graphic novelist and illustrator Raul the Third. We recorded this conversation virtually on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. 

• Bree Comeau, Assistant Youth Services Librarian

• Erin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle School

• Pam Allard, Reading Specialist at Remington Middle School

We cover the following in our conversation

• Details of the event May 10

• Graphic novels an entry point for some readers

• Collaboration between Library and the schools

• Event is funded via grant from Mass Cultural Council

The recording runs about 29 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1424-3rd-annual-pen-2-picture-03-26-25/

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Pen 2 Picture info -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/pen-to-picture/ 

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xhxb-vsN1yyqijCm34Rjwyvd_Tq67YIj/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"

Have you heard about the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture event at the Library May 10 featuring Raul the 3rd? (audio)

Franklin Public Schools Celebrates Successful Unified Basketball Season

Superintendent Lucas Giguere congratulates the Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball program on a successful winter season, drawing more than 50 student athletes from all three of the district's middle schools.

Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball players are divided into two teams, the Blue Team and the White Team, including students from Annie Sullivan Middle School, Remington Middle School, and Horace Mann Middle School. The program was established at the middle school level in Franklin three years ago.

Players and program partners faithfully attended practices after school and developed basketball skills throughout the season, such as passing, dribbling and shooting. The student athletes embraced teamwork, while cheering each other on and learning together about the fundamentals of the game of basketball.

 

middle school Blue Team and the White Team

Both the Blue Team and the White Team won some games and lost others, enjoying well-earned victories and showing good sportsmanship when they lost. The Franklin teams played against middle school Unified Basketball teams from North Attleboro, Holliston, West Bridgewater and Foxboro.

One of the highlights of this year's season was that a pair of siblings, Kat Conway and her brother Tristan Conway, got to play on opposite teams and were able to support one another while doing so.

“My favorite thing is the unity it brings between neurotypical and neurodivergent kids," Kat said. "Everybody gets to play.”

Mason Donovan, a sixth grader at Annie Sullivan Middle School, is one of the all-stars of the Franklin Unified Basketball middle school program. Mason said his favorite part of Unified Basketball was simply “being on a team so we could help each other win the games.”

Lizzie Morrison, principal of Annie Sullivan Middle School, congratulated all of the Franklin students on a great season.

"It is such a wonderful opportunity for students to shine in the spotlight during a healthy, competitive season,' Principal Morrison said. "Unified Basketball at the middle level has been very popular since it was established three years ago. The program provides opportunities for students with and without disabilities to bond over their strengths and form friendships."

Superintendent Lucas Giguere congratulated the Unified Basketball teams and thanked everyone who helped make this season possible, including the coaches, REACH Counselor Leslee Differ, special education teacher Brian Bujold, Franklin Police Officer Amanda Ayer, special education teacher Susan Egan, and special education adjustment counselor Lisa Burger, who is also a board-certified behavior analyst for the district.

"The Unified Basketball program at the middle school level has been an incredible addition to our community," said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "Congratulations to all the student athletes on an incredible season. And thank you to all of our coaches, parents and volunteers. This amazing program would not be possible without the coaches and the parents and supporters who attended the games and cheered on our teams."

Additional photos can be found on the FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2132179

Did you know that the 3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third ???

3rd Annual Pen to Picture Festival features Raúl the Third

Since 2023, Franklin Public Library and the Franklin middle schools have joined forces to host world-renowned graphic novelists and celebrate the art of storytelling. On May 10, Franklin's 3rd annual Pen to Picture Festival will welcome Raúl the Third to the Franklin Public Library. This town-wide event is free and open to all families. 

Raúl the Third will share his process, art, and latest titles. He is the author and illustrator of many elementary and middle grade books, including The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day, Stuntboy: In the Meantime, Stuntboy: In-Between Time, The Lowriders series, and multiple picture books. Breakout sessions, photo ops and book signing will also be available.

Pen to Picture originated three years ago, the result of a collaborative effort among Ms. Bree Comeau (Franklin Public Library Asst. Youth Services Librarian) and Franklin middle school reading specialists Pam Allard and Erin O’Leary. The three literary leaders recognized their students’ growing appetite for the graphic novel format and sought funding from their schools’ parent organizations to create a town-wide festival. Pen to Picture’s mission is to expose Franklin families to contemporary titles and creators and foster the creative relationship between art and the written word. 

In its first year, the program welcomed Scott Magoon, Matt Tavares, and Maris Wicks; built on its overwhelming success, Pen to Picture welcomed Jarrett J. Krosoczka the following year.  

Graphic novels (a literary format) have exploded in popularity and both librarians and reading specialists are excited to welcome local authors and illustrators to engage students in an appreciation of the genre, learn about the process and time required to develop a graphic novel, and champion the relationship between visual arts and storytelling. We invite the community to join us at the library on Saturday, May 10. 

This year, Pen to Picture is made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. 

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting 03/25/25 - audio in 3 parts for easy access

FM #1420-1421-1422 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1420-1421-1422 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher). 

The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listening

Part 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)

 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1420-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-03-25-25/

 

Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1421-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-25-25/

 

 

Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour 28 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1422-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-03-25-25/

 

 

Quick recap:

• During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing so

• One team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.org

• France, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via roll call by 7-0 vote

• Franklin High School Update - Dr. Weber, H McVay - an update on the course selection process and student choices within that, discussion also around budget and range of offerings as well as the trend of choices seems to be changing

• Middle School Reorganization Update - Mr. Williams; Evolution of the master schedule, mention of the must haves, can haves and nice to haves... 

• A unique year to do a middle school experience for all three grades, but thereafter would be for the incoming new 6th grade as they get welcomed from the future 2 elementary sending schools

• Policy - 1st Read & Elimination - I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading: ACA - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Elimination: ACA-R - Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex Under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment; Motion to move to second, passes via roll call 7-0

• Motion to enter Executive Session not to return to public session, passes 7-0 via roll call

 

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Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RwZ6HFEvzx8?&t=95 

The meeting agenda can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651  

Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-25%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/776268 

My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEGYx0qPwSu93ymlY0Xn7y57Rd0_s-kY/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. 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"

 

FHS boys basketball State D1 Champs pose with School Committee

FHS cheerleaders multiple times National Champs pose with School Committee