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Middle, high school, & college students can sign up to join the Franklin Food Elves this season |
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 *
Friday, September 29, 2023
Middle, high school, & college students can sign up to join the Franklin Food Elves this season
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"
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"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!
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!
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--------------
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"
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!
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Middle School Visual and Performing Arts - registration is open
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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."
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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!
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"
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)
- 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
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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
A. Civics Projects PresentationB. Oak Street Elementary School Highlights
A. Revised FY24 Budget VoteI recommend approval of the revised FY24 Budget in the amount of $71,989,431.00 as discussed.B. Superintendent’s EvaluationI recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2022-2023 school year as discussed.C. School Committee Norms & ProtocolsThe Chair recommends adoption of the amendments in the School Committee Norms & Protocols as discussed.
- 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
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Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023 |
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 |
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)
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screen grab of redistricting recommendation |
Monday, April 24, 2023
What will the Franklin School Committee do about redistricting?
II. Guests/PresentationsA. Remington Middle School HighlightsB. Redistricting Analysis ReportIII. Discussion/Action ItemsA. MS Grand Canyon TripI 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.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-purchase-and-installation-gym-divider
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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)
My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12Dggz5jO854jCpN33uFlNuL29hEOEJuD/view?usp=share_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
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"