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

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

Thursday, March 9, 2023

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


Jazz Café scheduled for Mar 24 at FHS Cafeteria
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


🚨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 franklinyouthbaseball.com/umpire

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/Qkk0P3AIXR

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


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
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->

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

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 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
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

Follow along with the program and listing of performers

6th Grade Concert Band
6th Grade Concert Band


7th/8th Grade Symphony Band
7th/8th Grade Symphony Band



Wednesday, December 7, 2022

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
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


Volt Hockey wheelchair
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